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My navy blue '01 LS Impala's name is Hooloo, short for Hooloovoo - a "superintelligent shade of the colour blue". Some of you will know this from the Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy by Douglas Adams.
Hooloo is a "she", and I absolutely LOVE her!
Brad
much patience and care-- JUST KIDDING!!!! Love my car!
I have almost 18,000 miles on my 2000 LS Impala, I haven't had any rattles, clicks, ticks or clunks. I hope it stays that way for along time to come. I still enjoy the car very much.
My list would include:
Body color mouldings
DOHC motor
17" wheel option
Impala SS model
Are you listening GM.... I mean Santa?
This is in pdf format.
Impala production has been combined with luimna production from last year, so ignore the 240,000 figure.
Looks like they built over 20,000 impalas last month, which is more than they have been building.
Keep in mind these are production figures not sales figures.
It was an automatic and he was quicker off the line and even quicker once he got going.
The new engine has really given those cars more low end torque.
Anyway, I went to Nathan's website on "How-To". To my dismay, he didn't have a "How-To" on replacing the rear speakers. Luckily for me, I saved post # 120. It took me exactly 1 hour to replace the rear speakers. With my instruction, you can do it in less than 45 minutes. Here's how:
Tools: 10mm socket, T15 torx screwdriver, and flat screwdriver.
1) Remove bottom seat cushion by lifting from the front (use upward force).
2) Lower 2 back seat cushions.
3) After lowering the 2 back seat cushions, it will expose 4 bolts on the upper back seat frame. Remove those bolts.
3) At the bottom of the back back seat frame, remove 2 bolts.
4) Remove the entire back seat assembly from the vehicle.
5) Remove rear carpeted dashboard from the edge with force. Carefully using force will dislodge the black plastic push pins.
6) Remove the carpeted dashboard half way until the speakers are exposed, lift from the middle. DO NOT REMOVE THE ENTIRE REAR DASHBOARD FROM THE VECHICLE.
7) Use flat screwdriver to pry the black plastic speaker assembly from the sheetmetal. (Black glue). There are 2 tabs on the black plastic assembly to press in order to disengage the speaker assembly.
8) Once the speaker assembly is removed, use torx screwdriver to remove the screws. Once the screws are removed, use flat screwdriver to dislodge the speaker from the black plastic
assembly (black glue).
That's it!
Good luck!
Actually we really liked the 2k Impala LS we had, just not the on going engine cradle troubles/noises.
We still miss the Impala, but will not even consider another one till there is "steel" holding up the suspension on the front of the Impalas.
I've named it. appropriately, "my car". For instance, "let's take my car tonight". Or, more often, "let's not take my car tonight. Let's take yours, instead, because the seat wobbles in my car."
Inspite of it's minor problems I still very much like this car, and while driving the wife's 2002 Altima this afternoon, when driving up to the house I saw "him" gleaming in the sunlight and I had to remark..."What a fine looking car"... and he is...
* Electronic dual zone HVAC controls
* 4-spoke steering wheel (From the Montecarlo)
* Padded door armrests
* Steering wheel mounted HVAC Fan and temperature control buttons
* Rear window shade
* Oil pressure and Volt gauges, standard
* Make the 3800 V6 standard on the base Impala
* Add either a DOHC motor or Supercharged 3800 V6 on the LS and LS-S models
* Bring back the SS with the LS1 motor (5.7L V8)
* Make an In-dash CD changer available
* 17' wheels...no problemo
* Make ABS and traction control standard across the board
* Add side seat mounted airbag for right front passenger (Long overdue, GM)
* Add curtain side airbags
* Add rear seat A/C vent extensions
* Bring back monochromatic color schemes (Black, Burgundy, Green, Silver)
* Integrate the DIC in the instrument cluster and free up the overhead console for sunglasses storage.
* Make factory dual exhaust standard
* Add memory seats (hey, why not?)
* Make an Impala station wagon (One can dream...)
* Add a roof mounted "Euro" radio antenna mast.
* Improve the quality of the leather upholstery
* Offer PCS electronic stability control
* Add a 50-foot rear wing, underbody xenon lights, rear trunk mounted Bazooka speakers, 20" wheels, dropped suspension and a hydraulics option to make your car dance on ocassion when stuck in traffic......Kidding!
If I run them till they have 5/32 on them (about as far down as I'll go), with wear at this rate, I'm going to be in the 70K-80K mile range before I can get my X-one's. Outrageous.
Rear wheel drive (Let's start THAT discussion again)
Cup holders that will hold something bigger than a 12 oz can of soda
Lower trunk lip to make it easier to load/unload the trunk
Change the taillight design to 6 small lights, remove the reflector around the reverse lights, or at the least get rid of the full width red plastic panel.
Full size spare
The ability to turn off the DRL (stealth mode)
Full complement of gauges
A "LUDICROUS SPEED" warning light
An inside person that could give us the REAL scoop on Impala news.
What I want, limited to cost effective Impala type stuff:
*rear wheel drive
*V-8 with at least 300 horsepower, but more importantly 300 pounds of torque (to compete with Marauder)
*Monsoon audio with CHOICE of XM or Sirius {hey Porsche does it!}
*much better interior quality, even if optional
*fully automatic climate control
*the old Impala three on a side tail lights back!
*a front end that doesn't scream Honda Accord
*every dealer as good as mine is (but sadly, the owner, a very good man, passed away Friday, the funeral is Monday....Paul Higgins, Ironton, Ohio. May he rest in peace and may his family find comfort and solace at this difficult time)
I think i will add some more and also ditto some of yours.
*How about moveable side view mirrors instead of the fixed ones. My intrigue had it.
*PCS would be great.
*Full gauges are a necessity. Oil pressure especially.
*How about climate control?
*DOHC is a much better than pushrods. More parts, yes, but quieter, more refined and a absolute blast on a high speed kickdown.
Better brake feel.
UPGRADED INTERIOR LEATHER AND CLOTH
NEW 17" AGGRESSIVE WHEEL STYLE (NOT MONTE CARLO)
FRONT GRILL FASCIA SIMILAR TO THE EXPERIMENTAL BLACK IMPALA SS THAT WE SAW LAST YEAR ON THE NET.
CAR COLOR DOOR MOULDINGS.
IMPALA SS BADGES REPLACING THE IMPALA BADGES.
ACROSS THE STEERING WHEEL IT SHOULD SAY "SUPER SPORT" SPORTY STEERING WHEEL.
A NEW V8 SMALLER THEN THE CORVETTE LS1.(I UNDERSTAND THERE IS ONE COMING) AROUND 285 HP.
I said to myself, "this is very interesting" is it a lowrider commercial or a Chevy commercial.
Next thing i know a picture of the Impala Sport flashes by showing the wheels. You never really get a clear picture of the car.
It is a great legacy ad showing the heritage of Chevrolet.
Let me know if you guys see it.
I think i was watching Speedvision?
My 1990 $10,000 honda civic with 180,000 miles never went to the dealer but my 2000 49,000 mile impala has gone over 10 times!!!!!!!! a few of those times I was sent home with nothing, just like this last time.........
So please people if you have problems list them out, without this board most of us would be running around with bad ISS and cradles. Somebody complained and we checked our's out and fixed them if broken........that's what this board is about.
When I had problems with my first car, I was widely criticized by some because they were getting annoyed with my posts on my frustration dealings with the car. I see others complaining, yet no one is telling them to take a hike (And I am not implying that they should do so). Now that my second car has been much better and in line with my expectations for quality and reliability I too get hammered for that. I think the best way to be in is be "Somwhere in the middle"...if you are too negative you are annoying, if you are too happy, you are equally annoying as well.
No car is perfect and the Impala is not a perfect car either. Considering that GM sells close to 200K copies a year, sure some will experience problems, other issues will be more widespread and others will enjoy virtually troublefree cars as stated by some high mileage owners in this forum.
The problem with the internet is that there are lots of unverified, uncorroborated information flying around and people typically like to take extremes in discussions. However, the internet also provide the opportunity to share valuable info, opinions and points of view like never before. Even until a decade ago, people would not know of potential problems with their vehicles until years later or until the governent was brought in to force a massive recall. Today we can keep a heads up about problems and be on the look out and also be able to obtain troubleshooting and repair data as well.
The mission here is to share experiences and add perspectives in terms of ownership. Happy and unhappy owners are welcomed to give their views as often as their wish. However, some perspective is needed too when taking about problems. First of all we all need to understand that we are a "Drop in the bucket" statistically. If 1 person or 10 people have very good cars, it doesn't mean that 200K cars will be perfect. Likewise, if 1 person with a 2001 Impala is having engine cradle problems, it doesn't mean that all 200K cars will have the same issue. Sure problems are indicative of later reliability trends but it doesn't mean every person will experience the same problems at the same time. In my 2000 Impala, the A/C compressor went at 7K miles...how many here with 2000 Impalas have had their A/C to fail? Maybe one other person? That's the point.
If anyone wants a more accurate statistical sample of the reliability of the Impala, then I suggest getting a copy of Consumer Reports...they have an inmense and much wider pool of owner responses that make our forum pale in comparison. Everyone knows that CR is very anti-American car by nature, but keep in mind that the Impala is the ONLY GM midsize sedan and the only Chevy vehicle (car or truck) endorsed and recommended by Consumer Reports and Consumers Union...so are most problems discussed here that widespread? Doesn't seem at first based on that repair/problem data presented in CR. It appears to be that Impala owners are mostly a happy bunch which is unsual for most cars made by domestic manufacturers. Compare that data against cars such as the Ford Focus, Olds Intrigue, Buick Regal, Pontiac GP or Ford taurus.
Anyway, what this forum needs is another "Harlamc" (This was a GM/Olds insider that participated for some time in the Olds Intrigue forum)or GM/Chevy insider that can provide real, straight answers about problems and the product in general.
My service director claims that he hasn't seen a new 2001 Impala with cradle problems in his shop in almost one year...who to believe?
With this said, I prefer the simplicity, exceptional fuel economy, rock solid reliability, low end grunt and instant, smooth power from standstill provided by the 3800 Series II V6 engine (And steady torque RPM band, too). The 3800 has to be the more smooth, reliable, and efficient passenger car V6 pushrod engine in the world. having driven the 3400 V6 in my sister's Impala I can attest that the 3800 feels much more smoother as is a lot quieter under full throttle by comparison. The 3400 is a pretty noisy motor when you step on the gas pedal, not so with the 3800. Also don't forget that while more SOHC and DOHC passenger car V6 engines in the market are only LEV certified, the "Ancient" 3800 V6 is already ULEV since the 2000 model year...quite a milestone from a 4 decade old design. The 3800 has computers and other electronics that help this engine be efficient and smooth as possible same as cammed engines...however, most people paint a picture of the 3800 like a dinosaur age engine that still uses carburators and the like.
For my specific driving needs, which account mostly for city short distances and stop and go traffic, I much prefer the the neck snapping acceleration and low end torque of my 3800 over the "lag" feeling of a comparable DOHC motor.
Cammed engines are more enjoyable in the highway where they seem to run up in the RPM for ever...if that's your driving situation then the "Rocket Thrust" of a DOHC engine is more in line with your driving needs and tastes.
With the demise of the Oldsmobile Intrigue, GM has a golden opportunity to make the upcoming 3.7L DOHC V6 engine available in the Impala as well as the Pontiac GP and Buick Regal. Without a doubt, a cammed motor will make the Impala much more appealing in the market slot it represents.
For those of us who prefer the simplicity and obsecene low end power, GM should continue offer a V6 and V8 pushrod engine and a DOHC engine on a middle trim level.
It appears to be that the 3800 V6 will continue with use for at least another 5 years. GM is reportedly working on a more revised "Series III" version of the 3800. I think GM is wise to not abandon the pushrod engine. They have the capacity to cater to both consumer groups and offer the best of the two worlds.
2. Better interior materials, leather, plastic, mats, etc.
3. Correct stupid design/manufacturing flaws, such as ISS, cradle, rotors, power seat adjusters, rear glass antenna.
4. Better sound system w/in-dash changer. Doesn't matter if it's Bose, Monsoon, Infinity, Harmon Kardon, etc. Just make it better and put tweeters in the upper door area.
5. Auto climate control.
6. Better tires
7. Larger wheels
8. Ditch the huge red plastic applique in the back, a la LS Sport.
9. Dual triple tailight cluster and have them all work. Why don't the inner ones work now? It looks stupid having them there, if they don't work.
The DOHC in my other car is a little bit quieter than the 3800 when punched. It's much much quieter at idle, though.
I am quite often amazed at the pickup on the big Impala. It's especially good whan accelerating for passing, even better than off the line, I've found.
And, you're right! A clean car does run better. Don't you run better when you feel good about the way you look? ;-)
I agree, make the glove box more usable or simply take it out. Also make the glove box latch mechanism of better quality.
The front cup holders (On both center console and front bench seat equipped cars) can easily swallow a 24oz water bottle. I specially like the rubber lining that can be taken out for easy cleaning. To me the front cup holders are very good as they are. However, the rear seat cup holders found on the fold down center arm rest (if so equipped) are a joke. They can barely hold a 12oz Coke can, those for sure need to be made deeper as the front seat ones.
Oh and also place the rearview mirror higher in the windshield and off the right/center field of view.
Don parkinson, are you taking notes??????
That rear view is also quite low. I forgot about that too. Remember when that was a discussion here?
The front cupholder do need to be bigger, though. Mine won't hold certain brands' 20 oz. water bottles. That liner also comes out too easily. Many times when lifting a bottle to my mouth, I find the liner stuck to the bottle! (That would be an interior materials quality thing, I guess.)
As for the front cupholder rubber lining, I am going to put some velcro tape in there, so when I lift my favorite beverage, the lining does come off with it!
There is also a rubber lining in the bottom of the center console as well.
Another nit-picking detail....the coin holder on the front bench seat cars can hold double the coins (Quaters, dimes and nickels) than the coin holder provided with the center console front bucket seat cars. Also the front bench console has slots to organize the CD's plus carpeted console interior and lid surface, those two items are missing on the center console/front bucket seat cars.
I am going to see if I can swap my coin holder with one from a base Impala...
I agree, changing the radio head unit and the 103 amp, seems overkill when the system really needs is better speakers.
Oooh. I beter detail it first. It's like having company come over!
Sorry to hear that, but you got to do what you got to do...
There was frost on my windshield this morning! Holy cow! I didn't move to California for this!
1) Some Impala emblems inside the car, maybe on the steering wheel or make a speaker grill with a emblem in it on the upper part of the back seat, like the sixties models , BTW the steering wheel could be improved, looks generic, at least make a sportier one for the Sport or SS model.
2)Use the Monte Carlo platform to bring back the Biscayne or Bel Air as a no frills performance model. Maybe a 5spd tranny? Convertible? Use some 9C1 parts and some performance parts from the Grand Prix parts bin.
Chris
I think the dealer needs to perform a full wheel aligment after replacing the ISS.
Your 2001 LS with a build date 7/00 was among the very first cars built under the 2001 model year. the new production model year for the Impala begins in July and ends in June of the following year. So a new Impala with a build date of 7/01 is already a 2002 model year vehicle and an Impala built during 6/01 is technically a 2001 vehicle.
Thanks Chris
Different overall size of tire may affect the optimum caster/camber angles, but not by much. Toe-in should be the same in either case.
If they restore the alignment to factory settings, even with the different wheels, they're not going to be far off.