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Comments
Ken
All Do the wipers on the Impalas stay in the line of sight while they are one? I don't mean halfway up the windshield, but a few inches. Does this aggravate you any? I saw a Navy LS this morning in my rearview and it was drizzling. The wipers were on INT and looked like they rested on the windshield a bit high.
Thanks!
RR</font
One thing consider is 20 years ago, balancing was done by hand, today the computer tells the technician exactly where to put the weight and how much to use. Maybe the computer can compensate for not having the outer weight and keep it within an acceptable tolerance.
Tire manufacturing has come a long way also. The raw ingredients and manufacturing methods are strictly controlled, driven by cost and quality control. This should result in a more uniform tire.
Something must have changed, because the tire weights are much smaller and the number needed have been reduced. I remember having huge weights attached in different locations on the rim on my cars. Now I have only one or two.
On the flip side, cars are built to a tighter tolerance these days. I was concerned about what the added vibration could do to the suspension, ABS sensors, steering, tires, etc. Personal choice
Got my car back. Wheel liners were added on and of course the hesitation could not be duplicated. Service department checked (supposedly) everything out and no problems were detected, so, we're going to wait and see. All has been documented and we'll see what happens. Another problem cropped up yesterday. I filled up my tank and discovered that the fuel gas gauge is not working, so, I'll have to take the car back to the dealer and they told me they will rent me a car while it's in the shop (what a bummer). I really miss that car when I'm not in it. My last rental was a Honda Civic and what a drag. It's no comparison at all to the Impala. Had to use the key to lock the driver side door all the time. Matter of fact, had to always go around to the driver side to unlock all the doors (at once). Anyway, I was glad to get rid of it. (My choice was it or a F150 truck!). I should have taken the truck.
Anyway, the question was asked if I'd buy an Impala again, even with the problems I'm currently having, I'd still say yes! I really like this car and with all the safety features, I feel more secure driving it than some of the other cars I've driven. And, if, in the future I have to get rid of my current car, I'd still go for an Impala!
I think the biggest issue here aside from the safety factor (Engine hesitation/shutdowns) is the fact that the longer you wait the more diminished your legal recourse will be. State lemon law statue of limitations often gives the consumer x amount of months or mileage whichever occurs first. Remember that the more miles you put in the vehicle if you have to 'lemon' the car the manufacturer is legally allowed to charge you back for mileage use in the neighbohood of $.20 to $.30 per mile.
If you love the car so much why don't you make GM buy it back and put you behind the wheel of a new '01 LS?
Help me understand your point of view ;-)
I gather that you like your car so much that you are willing to put up with a dangerous safety problem
Thanks,
RR
Any insight into when 2002 models will be built?
The system prevents you from attempting to start the car after it is already running. Sounds kinda silly, until you experience how quietly the engine runs. Very few blind spots and large rear view mirrors. Some complain that the rear spoiler hampers vision, but I don't find it to be so.
No radio antenna! Radio reception is not an issue in Hawaii, so the lack of an aerial in a bonus in my case. Other's will lament the omission. I wish they could have done that with the OnStar antenna, but I wouldn't remove OnStar and am seriously considering renewing the subscription. Ability to track the car if it is stolen and air bag deployment notification and follow-up. Cool!
Easy to change the filter/oil. I don't have to jack up the car to do either. Long life radiator fluid/spark plugs. Steel timing chain vice timing belt and iron heads vice aluminum (at least in the 3.8L).
Areas of improvement: door sill could be a bit lower and the door panel, especially the speaker grille could be moved into the door a bit. I tend to kick the grille and hit the sill with my shoe as I get out of the car. A light in the door what comes on when you open it would be nice. Saturn LS's have these and you can see what you are about to step into when you get out of your car at night. The trunk lip could be a bit lower and the weather stripping should be better protected. I can forsee tearing the rubber as I load/unload the trunk, dragging something across it. I would have pursued having a CD changer installed by the dealer with more vigor. Factory dual exhaust and a V-8 would have been great, but the 3.8L is still a kick in the pants to drive. BETTER PAINT! I've never seen paint this soft. Better styling of the rear, most notibly the rear brake lights and reverse lights. Drop the reverse lights into the bumper. Remotely unlocking the trunk at night activates the reverse lights and they can be blinding. Eliminate the round reflectors in the trunk lid and reduce the size of the brake lights. The red plastic lens material running the length of the trunk lid is a bit tacky and the brake lights look like targets.
I love my car!
The production for the 2002 Impala should be scheduled to begin on 6/01 or 7/01. It is a good idea in a way (Just to be on the safe side) to avoid cars built during the first 2 or 3 months of production of that model year. The 2001 Impala had some air bag issues (Related to the controlling module firmware) on cars made from 7/00 to 8/00.
I am not aware of any cosmetic/performance/color changes scheduled to appear for the 2002 Impala. I do know that we will see a cosmetic 'uplift' for the 2003 Impala but who knows it might come a year sooner.
The Impala is selling very well (Among top ten family sedans in the nation)and most buyers have 'warmed' to its looks specially the often criticized rear end design (Which I love).
If you want to get an Impala, buy a 2001 with plenty of confidence.
Today at 5PM FINALLY, we are picking up our brand new '01 LS...What a long and ridiculous wait! But finally is here! ;-)
The above address will tell the tale.
I'm at webshots.com - its free.
The fobs are the alarm remotes. You can lock/unlock the doors, activate the panic button (honks the horn) and unlock the trunk. Nice feature when it is raining.
It is not like the whole car is shaking, or the steering wheel is vibrating out of control, but enough that it become annoying!
I had a '87 Mercury sable which had a lot of miles on it, and never once did I feel vibrations from the steering wheel.
Maybe it is all in my head, or is it normal to have some vibration being felt on the steering wheel??
The point I want to tell you (and to make a long story short) is that I only paid for milege up to the FIRST occurance of the problem they could not fix. In other words, putting more miles on the car now should not matter at all. You have on record with them the first time you brought it in for hesitation problems. If you do the buyback process, do not let them charge you for even 1 mile after you first brought it in for that problem. I'm not suggesting that you shouldn't care about driving the car, as this does seem like a safety issue. Just don't be concerned about additional milege at this point...
Anyway, after 22 months usage, about 23,000 miles, and I only paid $1100...
Thanks,
RR
Call (905) 644-5777 to make reservations.
Maybe some of us can link up at the plant in Oshawa, Ontario.
You folks ordering around that time will have to add that 2 wks to the time till delivery
Nick
I thought "freight on board" includes only price of merchandise and charges for loading it on transport (originally ship, later railway car, etc.), but not transportation proper nor unloading etc.
My biggest problem was when I looked over my left shoulder to check for traffic in order to change lanes, I couldn't really see. I drove a car with power seats and didn't know about the height adjustment (never had a car with power seats). It could be I just need to adjust the height.
I didn't get a chance to test the brakes adequately since I was in traffic but when I test drive this car again, I'll go where there's not much traffic so as to test better. With what I could see about the brakes, it may be questionable. Will wait til the next test drive to make sure.
Anyway, that's the news on the test drive.
Is there any means of tracking the status of an ordered vehicle? Does GM offer this on a web site?
It's only been one week since I ordered the Black LS.... one L O N G week. It's only gonna get worse, I know.
platour Thanks for clearing the FOB thing up for me.
Thanks,
RR
As for the wipers, I did notice that the detent position for the intermittent settings is fairly high. Never really bothered me though, but since I'm 6 foot tall I easily see over them.
As for rattles, I just fixed a 'rattle' in the pillar between the front and rear passenger side doors. It presented itself more as a dampened buzz that was excited often by small bumps or cracks in the road. If the bump was big enough to make the suspension make a dull thud noise, it was too big to cause the buzz. I could actually cause the buzz by opening the door and pounding with my fist on the metal rocker panel. My fist doesn't cause much trauma to the body/frame! It turned out to be the mechanism that rolls up the seat belt. It's very solidly attached to the frame but is on a metal strap that can be caused to ring like a heavily damped guitar string. I stuffed a piece of folded cardboard between it and the frame to damp out the vibration completely and I've heard nothing since. Could that be your problem too?
Sorry for the long post. I had been pretty good at keeping them short lately...
The dealer said it would be built around May 28th, and usually takes 10 days or so to get to the dealership (PA), which takes us to June 8th according to the dealer, at the earlist! Found it strange that the order was placed this week, but the car will not be built until 5/28. Was wondering anyone ever heard of a system in place to monitor the build.
Also, the car I looked at in the showroom had a nice pinstripe down the side. The dealer said that this is done at the dealership. Anyone have pros or cons regarding quality, at having pinstriping done at the dealer vs. a specialty shop?
Frank
1) With the more powerful 24V engine, fuel mileage is rated at 20/27 (vs. 20/30 for the 3.8 liter 2001 Impala). The salesman told her she'd be lucky to get 20 in town, which I think is interesting since I routinely get 21-22 in my commute back and forth to work in my 3.8l Impala.
2) The oil fill cap on the Taurus said to use "5W-20" motor oil, which I'd never heard of. I was in K-mart later that day, and happened through the motor oil aisle - there was one case of Pennzoil 5W-20 on the shelf, and it had a label saying it was recommended in many 2001 Ford and Honda products. Anybody know anything about why there's suddenly a "new" weight of oil out there? I didn't get a chance to look at her owner's manual, but I'd think a 20-weight oil wouldn't be ideal for hotter climates (like Arkansas in the summertime).
Thanks.
Love this forum. Really interesting stuff you guys bring up in discussion. The police department here in Gwinnett Co. Georgia (NE suburbs of Atlanta) rely pretty heavily on the Impala. Great Car!
We are having a blast with the new car! My biggest surprise yesterday was the first time I turned on the radio (I have the Radio/CD only)...it has LOTS AND LOTS of BASS! Amazing! Couldn't believe how much improved the sound quality of the stereo was over the one I had on the 2000 LS. Actually I was prepared today to climb back there in the trunk to do the bypass (yes I have the amp)...no need for that anymore! When I checked the manual settings for the audio controls, the bass setting was not even half a notch off from the center position! The *highs* deliver crisp sounds as well. Very, very happy to see that finally GM fixed the problem with the poor performing sound system. You have to listen to it to believe it...the CD's sound even better!. What's more, the radio reception is much improved but the system still uses the rear glass mounted antenna (I think unless the OnStar antenna is helping there a bit). The speakers deliver, rich, robust and crisp sound.
I haven't had time to check the serial numbers or model reference number on the amplifier that I have on my trunk. I will do so a bit later in the day and I will post the reference numbers here. I am 100% positive that this Amplifier is a new revised version of the useless old one. If this is the case, for those of you how are still unhappy with the sound quality of your Impalas, maybe you can ask GM to replace the old amplifier with the new one similar to the one in my car. Now the radio sounds like it should have always been!
Another observation....the steering wheel on my new ride is actually thinner than the one in the 2000. Actually I always prefer smaller, thinner steering wheels as oppossed to bigger, thicker wheels. Ilove the way it better fits my hands. Very interesting observation.
Handling wise, the 2001 LS takes corners more nimbly than before (New Suspension tunning?) and the ride quality doesn't seem as *hard* as before but the suspension damping seems improved as well over the 2000 LS's.
The OnStar is fantastic and our salesperson helped us setup our new basic account for one year.
This car was definetely worth the long wait. The 2000 was great, but I am enjoying this 2001 a lot better.
The superb radio and improved handling dynamics are perhaps the best set of news for this new car.
We got excellent financing at 6.69% for 36 months and on top of everything they threw in the free "Smartcare" program good for 3 years or 45,000 miles and that includes free oil changes, filters, tire rotations, etc.
We couldn't be happier! GM really did the right thing for us and they for sure have earned our business for many years to come.
Dadeland Chevrolet was also terrific and many thanks to my Service Manager that helped made all this possible.
The car has a built date of 4/01.
Happy Motoring
LRCobra
JSMITH@09.ASAG.COM
DSWITALSKI@09.ASAG.NET
Did replacing the brake pads fixed the front end rattle?
I made the switch to synthetic oil (Mobil-1) a couple of oil changes ago, and have committed to relying upon the "change engine oil" light to signal when to change it. The last time the light came on right at 6,000 miles, which I felt comfortable with using synthetic (I would NOT have gone that long on regular oil, though). At this point I've just crossed over the 6,000 mile mark by a couple of hundred miles, and still no light. Granted, it has been cooler here, and there was a road trip to Florida on this change, so that might make a difference. If the light hasn't come on by 7,000 I think I'll go ahead and change it anyway, just to be safe.
BTW they come in blue, pewter(gray) and tan (neutral) they may have adjusted these colors for the new model years too.
Also congrats on the "Smartcare" deal. Was that perhaps thrown in as an apology for your buyback hassles, or is there some magic word I might be able to use with my dealer to get that for free too?!
The Gray wire on pin 10 is Class 2 data, so you don't want to touch that (of course), but you could check to see if pin 5 (orange) battery positive and pin 7 (black) is ground if you had a multimeter handy.
Re: floor mats. I was thinking about doing that myself (and spash/mud flaps). What do they look like?
Dave