2005 and Earlier Chevrolet Impala

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Comments

  • teoteo Member Posts: 2,508
    "A 5-speed automatic transmission and front side airbags are 2000 additions to this American-built sedan from Honda's upscale division. Acura's best-selling model, the TL shares its platform with Honda's Accord and the redesigned Acura CL coupe."

    "Exterior styling could be jazzier. The styling looks a bit too much like an Accord, which is not surprising as the TL is based on their Global Product Platform and shares 70% of the parts. This worried me at first, but a closer inspection makes it clear that the TL is a far superior product. The fit and finish, the glossy paint and the performance driving are all superior in the TL"

    Oh, Impala-lala-lala-lala and more la-lalala
  • Ah. OK. So platform means the same car. I gotcha. Uh huh. And I thought the engine, transmission, suspension, body, and interior were different. They sure pulled the wool over my eyes.

    Are you sure you're not confusing the way GM defines platform, where the majority of parts, including the engine, transmission, suspension, steering and brakes are the same? In the case of the GrandAmlero, even some body panels appear to be the same.

    BTW, they meant additions to the 2000 TL compared to the 1999 TL, not additions to an Accord.
  • teoteo Member Posts: 2,508
    Sure, in GM's case is same platform, same powertrains (Except Intrigue), different body shells and interiors.

    GM is guilty as charged as so every other player in the industry that practices platform sharing...
  • In Honda/Acura's case, they aren't sharing powertrains, and most other mechanical systems.

    In Ford/Jaguar's case, it's also far less than some people assume.

    However, I do agree with you on the dilution of brand image. I also don't like the Taurus-like rear end on the S-type, an otherwise unique and classy looking vehicle.
  • vcjumpervcjumper Member Posts: 1,110
    One thing I can't stand about the 03 TL-S and CL-S is the extremely cheap interior plastic "fake brushed metal". Ruins the rest of the interior IMO.

    GM still doesn't come close to other companies as far as differentiating cars on the same platform. Still too many shared parts, W-bodies are a lot more alike and share a lot more parts than say a TL and Accord or a Camry and RX300. Then there are the trucks/SUVs.. How many friggin badge engineered versions of the Trailblazer do we need?
  • teoteo Member Posts: 2,508
    http://autozine.kyul.net/html/Honda3.htm#Accord:%20related%20models


    Any questions?


    BTW, take a look at the overseas Honda Accord Type-R.....why American Honda insists on bestow upon the American public this 4 banger plastic wheeled Accord LX??? How about that sweet looking Avancier wagon with a 5-speed manual mated to the V6??

  • hvan3hvan3 Member Posts: 630
    <<18.9K is probably high for a 2000 LS. Might be a good place to start on a 2001.>>

    Well, my 2000 Impala LS was bought in February 2001. Technically, it's a 2001 model. :) Or, can I classify it as 2000 1/2? LOL

    Anyway, I wasn't serious about selling my Impala. Just wanted to see if anyone would bite on the offer. If I can get rid of it for $18K even, I'll definitely sell it. With the cash, I'll settle for the Chevy Cavalier with the $2002 GM rebate and $2K on my GM Card rebate. Drive the Cavalier for 6-7 months until the new G35 coupe comes out. By the time I'm ready for the G35 coupe, hopefully, my stock portfolio will recover by year end. Yikes!
  • patpat Member Posts: 10,421
    I'm thinking the topic of this discussion is s'posed to be the Impala? :-)
  • hunter39hunter39 Member Posts: 375
    we were going merrily along discussing all manner of topics on this board without the mention of Impala, then somebody went and rousted out Pat, now fellas are getting taken out to the woodshed!

    Someone asked about the rotors? Yes I was told it was a wear item as well, and they graciously offered to turn mine as well with no charge. The pads are still good and shouldn't need a full on brake job for another 10k miles maybe. I have now 36001 miles on my Impala...
  • patpat Member Posts: 10,421
    No, no, no -- no woodshed at all! I just gotsta to do what they pay me for, ya know?

    Going back to sleep now....

    :-)
  • teoteo Member Posts: 2,508
    Pat, feeling silly? haven't seen you in that mood lately....
  • patpat Member Posts: 10,421
    Hey, I can be silly with the best of you!

    But I had to change my post a bit, I figured out something I said belonged somewhere else.

    Impala? Um, yes IMPALA!

    heh heh

    Pat
    Host
    Sedans Message Board
  • If a car's pads are still good, but the rotors are warped, there's a problem with the rotors. They should be replaced at no charge, under warranty.
    Many folks here have had that done. I would never settle gor a resurface.
  • I just washed the IMPALA, and also cleaned the IMPALA's leather seats, and vacuumed the IMPALA's carpets. I shampooed a couple of spots on the IMPALA's floor mats, as well.

    It's a pretty sharp looking car, this IMPALA. Smells nice, too!
  • jci1jci1 Member Posts: 34
    my impala has 21k miles, chevy customer support said it was under warranty, the dlr svc mgr says no. They both talked and chevy cust support says the dealer has the final say. I have never had this issue with a new car before. I have PLENTY of pad left, dealer acknowledges same. So the question is: are the rotors covered under the 36/36 warranty?

    If not, will turning the rotors eliminate the problem without a reoccourance as well as new rotors might? This seems to be debatable as well.
  • Turning warped rotors will create uneven thickness in the disc, making them even more susceptible to warping in the future.
    Imagine a warped LP record, and shaving the A and B sides in order to create a smooth, unwarped surface.

    You will end up with alternating thin and thick sections.
  • yurakmyurakm Member Posts: 1,345
    1. According to GM TSB, the most probable reason for rotor warping is unproper lug tightening. When rotating tires, etc. Warping is often developing 6,000-8,000 mile after the service.

    2. Brake rotors are considered wear items and are not covered by warranty.

    3. GM recommends its dealers replacing them under warranty nevertheless, if the wheels were serviced by GM dealers only. Because the dealer most probably caused the problem, see (1).

    4. The (3) is just a recommendation, not a law. The dealer have the last word.

    You can try another dealer, however.

    5. If you rotated tires even once out of GM dealership network, i.e. at home or at independent shop, you are out of lack.

    6. Turning warping rotors would not cure the problem. Once the warping develops, the rotors will warp again and again.

    However, the turned rotors will be good for several thousand miles. Better than nothing, if it is for free.

    7. You can replace the GM rotors by aftermarket ones. They are considerably less expensive and of better quality. Often have warranty for life, or while you still own the car.

    8. Most probably, it will be less expensive to do the job in an independent shop. Additionally, why give your business to the dealer who failed you?

    9. Given you know in advance that you will need the service, you can shop around for better quality and/or prices. Look for sales and coupons from Firestone, Menike, etc. If you see a good deal, do not wait till the rotors warp again.
  • lleroilleroi Member Posts: 112
    2000 Impala 3.4.Coolant level light stays on.Does anyone know where the coolant level sensor is located?
  • teoteo Member Posts: 2,508
    Have you checked the Coolant bottle level under the hood?

    You could have a manifold coolant leak, too.
  • moff3206moff3206 Member Posts: 13
    Are pissing me off! Just had new pads on all 4 replaced and the left rotor replaced for about 525.00. They were making funny noises and I took it back and the right rotor was questionable, and was replaced for 208.00 out of my pocket.
    The dealer did comp me an lof for my troubles. Now I am concerned about when I have my tires rotated. I guess most places will hand tighten the lugs if asked.
    Also does anyone know how to fix a rattling glove box?
  • hunter39hunter39 Member Posts: 375
    lleroi, my light did that too, it's probably not a light problem but a coolant level problem. You might have a weak radiator cap (mine failed at about 18k) There is also a TSB for a leak around the neck of the coolant overflow that involves taking off the cap and sanding down some of the excess plastic around where the cap attaches. Make sure when you fill it back up that you use Dex-Cool and not standard coolant or anti-freeze.
    Then again it might be a bad light...

    Moff3206, The glove box fix was detailed awhile back by Teo on his 2000LS and I followed his directions and did the repair also. It works. The key is to raise the level of the latch so that the clasp engages earlier. It tightens it up. Just remove the bar latch and add a couple of small washers or use rubber grommets if you can find some small ones. I used some small plastic washers I had left over from putting up a tin shed, they were small enough and the plastic helped to deaden the sound. While doing that fix I noticed that the plastic covers that are under the dashboard and glove box were also loose (just clipped in place and not very well either)so I checked behind them to make sure there was nothing vital and I drilled some small pilot holes and put sheet metal screws in them to hold them up and keep them from rattling too. These screws have hexagonal heads which makes them easy to remove should you need to access the area behind the panels.

    I don't recall if Nathan had a do it yourself for the glove box fix but you could try his site...
    Hope that helps.
  • hunter39hunter39 Member Posts: 375
    I made the exact reference to the pads being mis-shapen when they turned my rotors. I also mentioned the fact that the rotors would probably warp again even after they had been turned. I hand torque my own wheels so I know mine wasn't a problem of over tightening or under. The dealer wouldn't budge on it. When I told him I didn't think I wanted to buy the same rotors from GM that had warped once already at 24k, his response to me was "You didn't hear this from me, but I'd go down to the local AutoZone and get the cheapest rotors around and put those on, they are better than GM's". I quoted him, but didn't reveal his name so no harm. I'm not ready for a full on brake job but when I am, there won't be genuine GM parts going on.
  • teoteo Member Posts: 2,508
    How about crossdrilled rotors?
  • You can get good vented rotors for less than $40 each. Cross drilled cost at least 50% more, from what I've seen, but are supposed to provide better heat disapation. Standard vented deals are good enough for me, though.
  • lleroilleroi Member Posts: 112
    but there is no coolant leak.i just cannot seem to locate the sensor.i'll check the cap tho.
  • johnclineiijohnclineii Member Posts: 2,287
    My service manager ALSO advised me to go to a parts store and buy rotors and pads. "Since you are going to be keeping the car a long time, I would buy aftermarket rotors and pads if I were you."

    And so I did.
  • teoteo Member Posts: 2,508
    Which kind/brand you bought?
  • johnclineiijohnclineii Member Posts: 2,287
    I got the better grade (intermediate) from NAPA, rotors and pads.
  • teoteo Member Posts: 2,508
    Installed them yourself?
  • notdeadyetnotdeadyet Member Posts: 14
    I've been away for a while since raising this issue in early January and I've scrolled through as many posts as I can ( You guys talk alot )to see if there was any resolution , but couldn't find one. I'm getting about 20%-25% error on the fuel used ( more at the pump than on the DIC ).
    I've been told that that kind of error is within spec from the customer service people. The dealer replaced the fuel tank sensor and there was no difference. Funny thing is they can't tell me
    what signals feed the computer. I figure it is somehow related to speed because the error is much greater around town than on the highway.
    I've kept track since I got the 2001 Impala LS
    last July and it has only come close (10%error) once when my average speed was around 60-70 mph.
    Is there a fix or can GM get away with an option that isn't accurate?
  • charts2charts2 Member Posts: 618
    Late last year a friend of mine and I noticed our Driver information Centre was not reading properly. I live in the Hamilton/Burlington area of southern ontario. Spoke to the service mangager where we purchased the cars both 2001 LS models. He blew us off. We contacted GM at 1-800-GMdrive, they said they are not to be used to calculate but as an estimate only. I can estimate better then mine works. We contacted the area GM supervisor met him at the dealership and indicated we wanted these things fixed. Dave Wingate area rep checked with the tech people at GM and indicated they are out an average of 16%. Not acceptable we told him. We worked out an agreement with him. Free oil and filter changes for 3 years or 36000, plus if we decide at any point to purchase the extended warranty after 36000 we could purchase it for GM cost, and if there was a fix for the DIC we would be notified. Sounds fair to me! I posted this back in the fall on this board. If you live in southern Ontario let me know. If you spend $30K on a new car EVERYTHING should work properly when you drive off the lot. If it doesn't it should be repaired or replaced (or compensated as such) END OF STORY!!
  • hunter39hunter39 Member Posts: 375
    you sound meaner than I was when I bitched about my amp sounding like crap! I just got the new amp and didn't bother them anymore but I like your idea better of getting free oil changes... dang, a little late now I guess. I need to learn how to be more insistant.
  • notdeadyetnotdeadyet Member Posts: 14
    Charts2 I live in eastern Ontario , Ottawa to be specific, I imagine the GM rep is the same for all the dealers in town. My next step will be to set up a meeting with him and see if I can get a deal like yours. You are right, when you buy a full load everything should work and my Impala has a full load. I don't think they could get away with a radio that didn't work properly or an ISS that clunks ( OK they are trying to with that one). I have a case opened with GM's TAC and the answer from them was that the calculations were done in American gallons, but I couldn't get them to understand that a liter is a liter and that answer was crap. They even suggested that the error could be due to the fuel sloshing around in the tank causing an error that was cumulative around town. Driving on the highway was better because the fuel didn't slosh around as much.
    What is strange is that this is a GM product and the same technology is used on all product lines yet they don't recognize that there is a problem worth fixing.
  • teoteo Member Posts: 2,508
    DIC, here we go again.

    Man, life is good when we only have to complaint about clunking ISS and mathematically incorrect DICs...LOL.

    I think some of you should take a look at the problem tread forums here in Edmunds.....by comparison we all look Golden!
  • charts2charts2 Member Posts: 618
    I don't believe I am meaner, but I have been down this road TOO MANY times with items that I have purchased and they don't perform they way they were intended to. We all work hard for our money. I read the posts from individuals who have had constant problems with warped rotors and pads. Many indicate that they sincerly believe it wasn't there fault. When there service manager tries to put blame back on them most put there heads in the sand and walk away and say " well I guess I better buy from somewhere else, get these after market ones" don't want to piss off the service manager ! Again if you sincerely believe you are correct take the additional steps to speak to the right person above the service manager and indicate you want the problem fixed, and if they can't fix it ask to be compensated.(you deserve that)

    I hear the lame excuse from too many people that say "oh well its only $200" I don't want to upset anyone! I will just go and get it done at my expense. "that service manager he scares me, don't want him yelling at me!!

    If you bought a watch that didn't keep proper time, and you spoke to the store manager and he said thats the way it is, would you just throw it in the drawer or take it up a notch and connect with the right person to fix it or get your $$ back?

    If I end up having Cradle or ISS problems with this car, and the service manager says "suck it up" I will guarantee that my Cradle or ISS issue will be dealt with properly or some form of equal compensation will be given. These two issues have been going on WAY too long. In a couple years thousands of unsuspecting 2nd and 3rd Impala owners of these cars will be paying big bucks for these repairs that GM should have taken care of 2 years ago!! Come on everyone! when you have a problem with your car and you sincerly believe you didn't abuse it or cause the problem, take the time and necessary steps to let GM know your dissatisfaction, and you want it FIXED, REPAIRED, OR COMPENSATED. We all deserve that, we bought their product with the intentions of it performing the way that we expect it to be......
  • teoteo Member Posts: 2,508
    Charts, do you know what I do when a have a defective product?

    I return it, ask for either replacement or refund.

    If neither is granted, then I cut my losses and sell it.

    Then I move on with life. Not worth losing sleep or getting high blood pressure over a car.

    Been there, done that.
  • teoteo Member Posts: 2,508
    BTW, the cradle issue was solved back in the 2001 model year. Haven't you noticed? The frequency of cradle related complaints went way, way down from 2000 to 2001 until now.
  • b4zb4z Member Posts: 3,372
    Is getting farther and farther off the mark since i have owned it. Around town it can be 5 mpg off.
    On a 250 mile trip i recorded 27.75 mpg and the DIC said 27.8 mpg. I guess it rounds up.
    of course, i never shut the car off during the trip.
  • teoteo Member Posts: 2,508
    Hmm, I am getting 2 extra free years worth of oil changes and tire rotations! So that adds up to 5 full paid by GM years of basic maintenance. My Smartcare contract is for 3 years/45,000 miles.

    Nice perk, oh and I didn't have to [non-permissible content removed] and moan about my $150 DIC to get it..LOL.

    Imagine if I did...I would get a brand new car for free!
  • charts2charts2 Member Posts: 618
    Dave Westgate is the niagra peninsula gm representative. He is probably not your rep but email him and tell him your problem and indicate that you would like your concerns addressed, or have him email you with the rep in your area.

    david.westgate@gm.com

    Let me know how you make out.

    John
  • charts2charts2 Member Posts: 618
    Teo, Are you sure your DIC is ok!, I mean on your Impala. I am still waiting for the new car, I am sure its coming.......
  • hunter39hunter39 Member Posts: 375
    The comments were merely tounge in cheek. I have had many more problems with my LS than you have with yours and not once have I considered giving it back. I was the first person to get their amp replaced under warranty by my dealer simply by telling him I thought the orginal was bad and for him to listen and compare. It worked and I advised others to try the same thing. Many of you on this board got yours replaced by asking, some didn't or had to go to another dealer and then got it replaced. there are still others on this site who think their amp is doing a fine job and feel there is no need to replace it. Fine with them, it's their perogitive. I felt the bass was no good and wanted it remedied, I got satisfaction. You feel the DIC stinks and got your satisfaction. I, on the other hand see it as GM does, as a guide, not telemetry to determine how many more miles I can go before I run out of gas, when it hits "E" I fill it up. If I want to know what my mileage is I'll figure it out. My DIC seems to be functioning normally and is a good guide for when you're on the highway and want to figure distance. My LS is out of warranty now so anything that happens I have to pay for myself. If the car ends up being a real dog to pay for down the road, well that's my bad for buying it and trusting GM, I'll learn from that...

    I wasn't trying to paint you as a mean person, just that sometimes you can get the same results by explaining your disatisfaction with the product calmly than by "amping" it up, pun intended.

    Please accept my sincere apology if I offended you.
  • yurakmyurakm Member Posts: 1,345
    There are several Edmunds boards, where car owners are as happy with their cars, as Impala. Most of W-body owners are happy: Regal, Century, GP. Do not discuss the cars as much as Impala owners, though.

    Intrigue is a love / hate affair: owners have problems with alternators, hate the unexpainable front noises, but are absolutely delighted by the road handling and passing power.
  • charts2charts2 Member Posts: 618
    No apologies needed. I am happy with my Impala, thats my friend Teo that keeps saying get rid of it. I don't want a Suburban too big. Maybe a Z06 vette. That Teo he's a fun guy eh! The DIC issue is solved with me,(hear that Teo) just addressing the concerns that "notdeadyet" brought forth with his DIC just trying to help.

    I just wish more people would learn to solve problems then walk away from them.
  • yurakmyurakm Member Posts: 1,345
    sounds good in theory. However, beware.

    My Buick dealership provides free oil change for life to the original buyers of new cars. So long, so good. However, you need to make appointment for the service, the dealership is open in business time only, and changing oil takes about 2 hours. I'd rather pay.
  • notdeadyetnotdeadyet Member Posts: 14
    So we are supposed to accept a 25% error in an instrument that GM sells as an option. If they gave it away free and told me it was only a toy and that I should rely on the fuel gauge that comes standard on every car I could agree with you. As it is I'll try to get it fixed just like you did with the amp. BTW did you know that there is a TSB out that fixes complaints about too much bass with the new amp.
  • yurakmyurakm Member Posts: 1,345
    Let us compare apples with apples.

    Maintenance boards are, well, maintenance boards. People post here when they have problems, not small problems usually. Would anybody go to the board to tell how comfortable he was driving 1000 miles to visit his parents, or that a teenager neighbor stared on his car...
  • teoteo Member Posts: 2,508
    Chin, chin a bell is ringing...

    Remember Charts, Just one year ago I was in the process of getting my 2000 LS repurchased by GM. Part of my success in this endeavor was by expressing my dissatisfaction with the product and requesting either a replacement or full refund. I was lucky because I was able to get this accomplished through my own Service Manager which took care of everything from beginning to end and handled himself like a true gentleman. He did enough to earn my business and trust for years to come. I did not buy that 2000 LS from his dealership, but he took full responsability as if he had personally sold the car to me.

    Part of that success can also be attributed to the fact that I was polite, reasonable and firm in my requests and in what I was expecting from the dealer and GM. They finally stood behind their product and came thorugh.

    When you go ballistic thinking that you will get things done your way just for the asking, forget it. Even if al evidence leans in your favor, you still can't come ahead. Politeness is key in business and anything else in life.
  • teoteo Member Posts: 2,508
    True. Internet boards do not conform a statistically valid basis to determine vehicle quality or reliability. Still they are a powerful medium to talk about issues, exchange data and monitor progress.

    I personally prefer to read about owner's experiences than to stare at red or black dots that don't tell me the whole story from flipping the pages of Consumer Reports.
  • charts2charts2 Member Posts: 618
    I agree 100%. Thats not the issue. This issue if you have a problem with your Impala and you are not satisfied with the outcome, then politely move to the next level, hopefully you can tip the scales in your favor to stay a happy satisfied customer, I believe you were very fortunate to be able to buy another Impala at a reduced cost. Again I like my Impala.
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