2005 and Earlier Chevrolet Impala

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Comments

  • Would you prefer one with the faulty ignition coil, non-latching seatbelts, or exploding gas tank?
  • teoteo Member Posts: 2,508
    Those sound like MUST have options on my Focuz or Foci. I'll take those plus a new set of Firestone Wilderness tires, please.
  • 00impala00impala Member Posts: 474
    I stopped by the Chevrolet Dealer this afternoon to check and see if they had come up with someting.. Well it needs a ISS, Intermediate Steering Shaft, they did not have one in stock and could not find one around town, it has to come from GM, so they gave me the keys and I can take it back early next week to have it replaced, I am off Fri/Sat so I will take it back next Friday and let them fix that, check the Fan motor,(I do have all of the Vents Open)(I did discover the Whistle when they are closed) and I may mention the wiggly seat track, since I moved my seat (from the all the way back position) for the shorter Front end Guy, I noticed on the way home it really moves around while accelerating/ slowing now that I moved it and put it back. Don
  • That power seat track seems like a model-wide problem. I think that it may not being reported on a huge basis because some people may not notice because they either drive very gingerly, or assume that American car seats do that.
    Chevy also changed the seat track design in early 2001, so it seems to only affect the tracks before a that point.
  • colnelj1colnelj1 Member Posts: 6
    Build date Dec 2000. Had brake rattle - dealer fixed by spraying dampening compound on back of front brake pads. Other than that - nothing. Great car!!
  • garnesgarnes Member Posts: 950
    I just wanted to echo the sentiments of other posts. These "comparisons" are always a joke. When you see Accord or Camry - they always seem impressed with the trunk at a little over 16 c.f. maybe. The Impala at 18.6 blows them out (and this extra room really comes in handy) but you just don't seem to see the same degree of positive comments about it.

    The comments on interior trim baffle me. I've put a lot of miles on both the Accord and an Impala. Both seem equally good to me. The truth is that the Accord and Camry are just Malibu sized cars with the Impala price (or way more really), but that's one big fact that these reviews ignore like the emporer's new cloths.

    I laugh when I see a comment in the "negative" column about a domestic car's stats on something and then you look to see what the import has and it is no better or less - but it somehow is not a negative for the import.

    We love our Impala - I wish JD powers or whoever would contact me.
  • macgyver24macgyver24 Member Posts: 36
    The domestic v. import debate is one that we certainly don't need to reiterate here, but I will say this. I'm 6'6", and I don't fit in a Honda. Nuff said.
  • b4zb4z Member Posts: 3,372
    just saw the C&D article on sedans. At 6'8" the accord is not an option for me either.
  • teoteo Member Posts: 2,508
    6'8"?? Wow! you are a giant man! I am 5'10" or more like an elf by your side...
  • hvan3hvan3 Member Posts: 630
    I never really compared Impala against CamCord.

    The appropriate comparison in sedan should be Impala vs Avalon (not Camry). Both are true V6 with similar size and shape.
  • The Impala loses that one too. The Impala is FAR less ugly from every angle.
  • garnesgarnes Member Posts: 950
    6'6" and 6'8". Wow. I'm 6'3" and yeah you guys are in a different league. I envy how my 5' 4" wife's legs are totally supported by the seat - right up to the back of the knee almost. I wonder what it must feel like to drive with that much support. The crown-vic seats are almost like that for me, but I like a little more fun than that.

    garypen - thanks for the Friday laugh. That's great - and so true.
  • jpstaxjpstax Member Posts: 250
    I know from past posts that you & I have been following developments regarding GM developing a completely new V-8, so here goes. The December issue of "Motor Trend" (page 28) has an article about GM's new high-tech V-8. GM has named it the XV8. It's 4.3 liters, and makes 300 hp and 295 ft-lbs of torque. The compression ratio is 10.75:1. It reportedly runs on regular gas. It has the width of a V-6 and length of an inline-four. I'd be willing to bet it winds up in a new Impala SS and the present Monte Carlo SS in 2003.
  • driveme2drinkndriveme2drinkn Member Posts: 15
    Friday, November 9, on page W16, in an article about the automotive's record breaking sales month in October, refer to the Impala (sales up 117%)as "The Wonder Bread of family sedans". Wonder Bread? Sounds stale to me. I do like what they said about the Bonneville, "Like big biceps with a beer belly". Chevy sold 27,661 Impalas, Ford sold 102,424 F-series trucks in October. I find it amazing that trucks are that popular. I just don't get it.
  • b4zb4z Member Posts: 3,372
    Less ugly and less expensive too.
  • b4zb4z Member Posts: 3,372
    I can beleive impala sales are up. My dealer has zero new impalas on the lot. Zero as in none, nada, zippo.
    I guy in my office was looking for a used 2001 LS and couldn't find any. Even at the auctions. He got a nice silver 2001 LeSabre instead.
  • crosley4crosley4 Member Posts: 295
    Very few new Impalas on lots here (east Phx,AZ) too.

    An article in AZ's largest fish wrap is about the high number of used autos on dealers lots caused by low finance numbers on new vehicles.

    We took at hit on our 2k Impala as a trade in for the truck we bought. We knew it, but wanted out of the cradle issue with our car.

    And I did find that our new truck does have the speed controlled volume feature on the stereo. When in doubt get out the owners manual and read it! LOL

    I would look at a V8 powered Impala if that ever happens with the new smaller engine.

    GM has new mid sized trucks coming out I hear.

    Tony
  • impalaboy2001impalaboy2001 Member Posts: 117
    I dont think I said anything about having a PS2 in my car, but I got the option to. My New Eclipse Radio/CD Headunit came with 3 RCA inputs for (Audio/Video) to display on the 6" TFT screen. The only other thing I'll need is a tranformer to up the voltage from the cigarette lighter 12V to 120V, and you're ready to play some Grand Turismo 3. If anyone is interested on how to set this up or change out their Factory H.U. you can email me at chrbut@home.com or visit my Website http://members.home.net/chrbut/Interior.htm

    Chris
  • Your co-worker wasn't looking hard enough. I've had my almost-new LS listed for weeks on various web sites. ;-)
  • matteo2matteo2 Member Posts: 18
    2001 build date 12/00
    17,500 in 11 months, no problems other than warped rotors
    had delaer replace with new, Also just changed air filter what a pain
    but it sure needed it.
    bye
  • fathertyriciusfathertyricius Member Posts: 116
    Well I have my 01 LS with the same build date of 12/00, Galaxy Silver.. fully loaded including sun roof too with 11000 miles in nine months. The only problem that I had was the rear window radio antenna where the window had to be replaced due to the antenna receiving a micro surge(exact words from Mr Goodwrench). I love this car very much, and its a lot of fun to drive.
  • tpkentpken Member Posts: 1,108
    At the New England Auto Show yesterday in Boston. It was a Galaxy Silver beauty and I liked the look a lot. Those interior door panels witht he Impala logo were a very nice touch. The car did not have any ID regarding "Sport" on it anywhere. The rear light display was the sure sign though.

    There was a video presentation of the concept Nomad and I'd have loved to see that in person. This take off on the 50's 2 door wagon as a new sports wagon with retractable roof over cargo area is great looking and versatile. Looking like a 2 door, there are electrically sliding rear doors as well. Very Classy. Would be a nice stable mate to an Impala LS Sport if not an SS.

    If anyone is interested, I've posted other reactions over in our Bonneville Forum. Just look for us guys with the Big Biceps and Beer Bellies!!!

    Best to all

    Ken
  • gweilogweilo Member Posts: 118
    I have a lead on an '02 black Impala LS with leather seats but, surprisingly, no comfort pac(heat for driver & pass, pass power seat).
    I've never had leather seats in a car so I'm wondering if heat is necessary..or at least highly desirable. The dealer could add heaters(no power seat) to the tune of $500! The package from GM is $445 but I have a discount. Other than that, the car is pretty much what I want since I can't imagine the option 2 package is worth $700+. So..does leather heat up without help fast enough without electric help or would lack of heaters be setting my bum up for a cold winter?
  • shrubsshrubs Member Posts: 22
    I live in Minot North Dakota. So far the winter has been mild. But with temps in the 20's at night, the heated seats on my 01 are FANTASTIC!
  • driveme2drinkndriveme2drinkn Member Posts: 15
    Heated seats are good anytime you have a lower back ache.
  • It's only goes down to about 50 so far here in San Jose. But, even that is a little chilly on the bun cakes when climbing in each morning. A bun warmer would have been nice.
    I thought I was getting the Comfort Seat Pkg. I didn't realize that I didn't until all the paperwork was signed, and I was driving home! :-(
  • bdimebdime Member Posts: 130
    if you get the remote start installed! The entire car is then toasty warm in winter
    and cool to touch in summer! Might be agood feature for those with a back
    problem though.
  • gweilogweilo Member Posts: 118
    If not, does the pontiac equivalent(Bonneville or Grand Prix?) have less or more problems?
  • teoteo Member Posts: 2,508
    Heated seats in South Florida are an Oxymoron...
  • teoteo Member Posts: 2,508
    Pick up a copy of the latest edition of "Consumer Reports" for new cars. Both, the 2001 Impala and Bonneville have exhibited "Better than Average Reliability" while the Grand Prix's rating has fluctuated between "Average" to "Better than Average" reliability. For first year models (2000) I have read about less complaints for the Bonneville than in comparison with the Impala; however, keep in mind that the Bonneville is a much lower sales volume car so they amount of responses will certainly reflect that number of owners. So far Bonneville owners seem to be a very happy bunch (Just Ask Tpken or Jeffbog :)and justly so. The Bonneville is a very nice larger sedan and the NA 3800 V6 has an extra 5HP over the Impala LS', because of the additional weight of the H-body platform on which the Buick LeSabre and Pontiac Bonneville are based on. If you go the Bonneville direction you'll be happy as well.

    The Impala LS is around $1500 to $2000 cheaper than the base Bonneville SE model and it boasts a better assortment of standard equipment. In the Impala LS you can get leather, Trip Computer, Automatic self dimming mirror, steering wheel audio controls, Dual Temperature HVAC controls,OnStar, etc for much less money than a Bonneville SE sedans which doesn't offer most of these items not even as option in the accesory work sheet.

    To me the main problem of the Bonneville is that it costs much more than a better equipped Impala LS and the differences in powertrain (200 vs 205HP) and vehicle size/passenger and cargo room are almost none to justify the extra premium on the Bonneville.

    But in the end both cars should be plaenty satisfying.

    The Grand Prix is more sporty and the GT and GTP (Supercharged) versions of this car offer the Magnasteer electronic power steering system. The GTP sedan is very fast (Again undercuts the basic Bonneville SE in price and performance)but requires the use of Premium fuel. The Grand Prix is very nice looking car (Looks better in sedan than in coupe form)but the quality of the interior materials was not of my liking (If you think the Impala has cheap plastic trim in the interior, just climb inside a Grand Prix to see how a truly cheap GM interior is done...the Impala feels like a Honda Accord interiorwise compared to the Grand Prix)and the car is due to be redesigned next year as well.

    Last, the Bonneville will be discontinued after the 2005 model year, so decide if this will affect the resale value of those cars, which is not the greatest as it is.

    Try them all before you sign on the dotted line. have fun!
  • teoteo Member Posts: 2,508
    Your presence is requested at the "Return of GM's might" topic...

    See ya there!
  • impalaboy2001impalaboy2001 Member Posts: 117
    Finally ASE makes a performance chip for base and LS Impalas. HP from 200 to 218, Torque 225 to 244, shift points increased by 500 rpms.... here is their website. http://www.asechips.com The Chip sells for around $300, Before I purchase one, I would like to hear other peoples comments that have actually installed one and tested it.

    Chris
  • jeffreyw1jeffreyw1 Member Posts: 145
    Actually I would play NCAA Football 2002 on the PS2 if I had in my Impala while someone else was driving.
  • teoteo Member Posts: 2,508
    Interesting stuff, but is it difficult to install? It looks like it is a matter of swapping the stock chip with the new one?

    Night_owl, what do you think?
  • If my shift points were increased by 500, the engine would spin out of its cradle before shifting into 2nd.
  • I'll see you there, if I can find it with a DVD Nav system ;-)
  • jons01jons01 Member Posts: 59
    I have had my 2001 LS (sandrift, build date 10/00) thirteen months and have just now reached 6600 miles. Except for getting the amp replaced, there has not been a single thing wrong with the car. The mpg is not quite as good as others are reporting, but very acceptable at about 25 mpg overall mixed driving.

    I am retired and my wife is still working, so she drives it the most and loves everything about the car except the way it rolls back when stopped on a hill and the foot is taken off the brake.

    We consider the decision to buy the Impala a wise one and would definitely recommend this car to anyone who wants a big, powerful, great riding and looking vehicle at a reasonable price.
  • impalaboy2001impalaboy2001 Member Posts: 117
    http://www.asechips.com/applications/CHEVROLET/CARS%20AND%20TRUCKS/CARS/CARS.html I'm really curious to find out what the top speed on an LS would be.
  • teoteo Member Posts: 2,508
    Perhaps between 120 and 130MPH?
  • I guess I won't be selling my LS anytime soon, then. I figured once those kooky new car incentives ended people might have started looking at used cars again, especially almost new 5800 mile used cars.
    Oh well.
  • teoteo Member Posts: 2,508
    gary, good post by the way.
  • Thank ya. Thank ya very much.
  • gweilogweilo Member Posts: 118
  • hvan3hvan3 Member Posts: 630
    COOL! This store is located only 30 minutes from where I am.

    I called ASE. I told him that I heard about his chip through the internet message board.

    He told me the dyno chart on the webpage is a "stimulated dyno test" done by a computer, not an actual test on the Impala LS.

    Anyway, I volunteered to be the guinea pig since I live nearby. I asked him if I chip it, would it void my car warranty. He said "technically, it shouldn't. You can fight it in court".

    He has my name and number. He will be calling me to set up an appointment to chip it and do the dyno test. I asked him if they would offer me extra discount for using my car for the dyno test. He's offering me 50% off. COOL!

    I told him if the test is done successfully, there will be "many interested people" calling him. Free publicity.

    The only disadvantage of chipping it is that it requires premium fuel. :(
  • I'm not bailing. I just want something a little smaller, a little sportier, a little more luxurious. I wouldn't mind losing the monthly payment either.

    There are a number of used semi-classic sport coupes and convertibles, available at very nice prices, that interest me.

    The Impala is a solid, powerful, and good lokking car. It certainly won't be the end of the world if I don't sell it right away. It's not like the gas tank is exploding, or the seat belts unlatching, or the ignition coil failing, or the tires unraveling, or the car rolling over.

    So I got that going for me...which is nice.
  • teoteo Member Posts: 2,508
    Gary, a Focus ZX3 should address your immediate wants!
  • Actually, I wanted a car without all those "Quality is job 1" problems. Plus, I wanted less plastic, not more. ;-)
  • impalafreakimpalafreak Member Posts: 14
    I checked out the ASE website..looks like you have to send in your ECU to have the Chip Installed...also I would like to see the results from an actual dyno run to see how much of HP/Torque gain you get at the wheels...already wasted my time and money on a useless power module.
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