2005 and Earlier Chevrolet Impala

b4z

Surprised that the bangers can afford the Impala SS. Decent examples are still costing 18K. Thats only 6K depreciation in 5 years, or about 25%!!!
My intrigue depreciated about 30% its first year!
I hope this car doesn't become the province of gang members and low riders, but it probably will due to its body on frame construction and its ability to be modified.

joed56

Dear Teo: Since the ECM was replaced on my 01 Impala, I have had no problems. I am keeping a careful watch on the car. I took your advice and am documenting everything and am keeping a log in the event the problem arises again. Again, thank you for your guidance. I wanted to ask your opinion on the Chevrolet Trailblazer. My wife may be in the market for one. What do you think of them? Have you heard any pros or cons? Let me know what you think? Thank You. Joe

teo

I couldn't agree more. The Impala is a tremendous value when compared against other sedans in its immediate price point. I really like the Passat specially the Station Wagon model. One thing that bothers me in most current European cars (Well German as it is mostly what we get here)is that Performance and Style take priority over room and practicality. Nothing wrong with this approach as performance and style are two critical factors on any car, but if VW wants me to pay close to $24K for a four cylinder (1.8 Turbo) vehicle with an alarming lack of rear leag and shoulder room they better be kidding...

The Passat is a beautiful car and would pick it anyday over the Honda and Toyota offerings. Handling, braking, steering and engine performance are superb...you soon forget that you are driving a family wagon. cargo space (Around 39 Cubic Feet of cargo)is very good for a midsize wagon and the front seats are comfortable but in the firm side. My beef with the Passat Wagon is the lousy rear seat. Whomever happens to seat in the middle row must have a butt made of steel...harder than a park bench. The outlap passengers are cramped with minimal leg room. Try to put 2 child car seats back there and you'll understand what I am talking about.

The Volvo V70 wagon has the same problem. I guess their approach at designing wagons is to increase cargo space at the expense of rear seat room and comfort instead of increasing the wheelbase length a couple of inches.

I still contend that the Impala is one incredible value even in Base trim. Under $20K you can get a nicely equipped, roomy, safe and powerful 6 seater full size sedan. Japan or Germany can't touch that.

joed56

Dear Teo : I posted this message earlier but I don't know if you got it. Have had no problem with my Impala since the ECM was replaced. Am keeping a close eye on the car and have taken your advice re: keeping a diary and a log on the car. My wife may be in the market for a Trailblazer. What do you think of them? Have you heard any pros or cons about them? Thank You. Joe.

teo

Good question regarding the Trailblazer. I spent all day saturday with my sister and brother in law looking for new cars. They basically are open to any vehicle that can give them room for the kids and cargo, safety, performance and value for the dollar.

We went to my Chevy dealer (Among 5 or 6 different places) I we went to check out the Impala Base (They do agree that the Impala is a heck of a value when it comes to sedans), Tahoe full size SUV and the 2002 Trailblazer.

The Trailblazer is one awesome machine. The best part of the new GM midsize SUV Triplets (Trailblazer, Envoy, Bravada) is the 4.2L DOHC 'Vortec' 6 cylinder in line engine. This powerplant churns out close to 270HP and it feels more powerful than most V8's offered in other similar SUVs. The engine is a gem. Inside the vehicle is very comfortable, nicely designed dashboard with easy to reach controls and good instrumentation read outs, the stereo is fantastic (Delco/Bose on the test model) and it also has dual temperature zone electronic HVAC (Air conditioning) controls, which GM should also offer in the Impala. Front and back seats are very comfortable and roomy. The rear cargo area is excellent as well given the relatively compact size of the vehicle. Another plus is the handling and safety this vehicle has. Standard ABS brakes, traction control and four front airbags. I liked the fact that the Traiblazer rides much closer to the ground in comparison to the old Blazer suv (They still sell them...stay away from these relics)and the larger Tahoe/Suburban utes. This translates into better handling and emergency manuvers dynamics. Very smooth vehicle all round and GM really has come a long way since the days of the old Blazer trucks.

Downsides: Price for once. The tester vehicle had a MSRP of $33K with no finance or rebate incentives, yet. The car had leather interior, Bose stereo, electronic HVAC controls, the works. I don't recall if it was a AWD model. I think it was a 2WD model.
Another problem is that the Trailblazer is a first year vehicle after a major redesign. Engine, suspension, etc, etc are brand new components so first year bugs are expected to crawl up. Based on responses in the SUVs forum for the 'GM Triplets' owners are generally satisfied with their purchases but they have had their share of little nagging problems. I would highly recommend for you to ask questions directly to the owners of these trucks and see what they have to say.

Very nice truck otherwise, I would just wait for the dealer price gouging to go away and for the finance/rebates to kick in some time in the future. Also I would wait around for the second year production models as I am wary of buying the 1.0 version of all new models, but it is up to you, of course.

Take it for a spin..it is one impressive truck. Also check out the GMC sibling, the Envoy and the Olds counterpart, the Bravada for a better comparison.

The Tahoe/Suburban SUvs are impressive monsters but they are very expensive and gas comsumption almost forces you to get a second job!

teo

In just 12 months from now, the 2003 Impala will be released to the market. The '03 model will have some important enhancements in terms of exterior looks and interior cosmetics. perhaps a redesign dashboard, interior could be in the works. Some exterior touches will be modified as well. Also expect some mechanical enhancements as well in terms of engine choices and suspensions.

The 2002 Impala is the 3rd model year production of this lineup. The very first 2000 Impalas were manufactured beginning in April of 1999.

The Impala is scheduled for a full redesign for the 2005 or 2006 model years. It will move out of the current W body platform into the new GM large car platform codenamed "Mid-Lux". Also the 3800 Series II V6 will no longer be offered after 2005. Expect the 2005/06 all new Impala to boast RWD, DOHC or V8 engines and classic styling cues by Brian Nesbitt (PT Cruiser), the new lead designer for Chevrolet.

Before going crazy over some of the changes to take place during the 2003 model year, I think it is worthwhile to wait for the all new '05 or '06 models.

In the mean time, enjoy your current Impalas for another 3 to 4 years!

tpken

for the redesigned Impala that Nesbitt produces! Think I'll open up a new credit union account and start filling it up. A trade of the Bonneville in 2005 or 2006 for a Nesbitt Impala V-8 RWD could be an exciting event!

Teo - we've finally got a relief from that HHH weather you've been pushing up here! Triple digits are a bit overpowering for us northerners. You watch - we'll have it overly cool now and be pining for heat again!

Can't wait to see that 2002 LS Sport in person - will have to stop by a dealer this week and pick up the new catalogue.

Best wishes to Impala Land

Ken

[Deleted User]

The nice thing about the LS Sport release is that the body color tailpiece should be available as a replacement part for those that never cared for the red plastic tailpiece of their 00-01's.

Are there any photos of this Sport butt? I'd really like to see it.

joed56

Dear Teo: Thank you for your thoughts on the trailblazer. I will pass them on to my wife. We'll probably go to three dealers here in New Jersey. Hopefully, we'll wind up at Royal Chevrolet where I bought my Impala. I really hate dealing with those hookers. That is basically what they are. The guy who sold me my Impala was'nt too bad however. But I had some real terrible experiences with three other dealers in the Northern New Jersey Area. Again, thank you for your advice and I will keep you posted. Joe.

teo

Pick up a copy of the 2002 Impala sales brochure. Go to page #32 for a full 3 quarters rear view of the Impala LS Sport with the body colored rear panel. What I like about the painted trim piece is that the round headlights are enhanced much more but it also looks kind of 'Rice Boy' to me.

Again I haven't seen it in person, but it could be the coolest or ugliest looking treatment depending on your taste.

The car featured in the picture on page 32 is a 2002 Impala LS Sport in Galaxy silver Metallic.

You may like it.

I was also think.....would that panel get easily scratched?? The tendency to grab the trunlid by the edge would make that possible...any toughts???

[Deleted User]

The red plastic tail on my Impala seems to scratch more easily than the steel body panels or painted plastic bumper covers. It shows a multitude of swirls and scratches, while the painted parts are still perfectly smooth and shiny. (A better paint job than my CL, by the way. ;-) )

That being said, I would think that the painted tailpiece would not only look better off the bat, but stay that way throughout the life of the car.

Is there an online brochure? The Chevy web site only has the 2001, as far as I can figure out. I don't think I can wait until after work to go to the dealer! I want it now! (Time to switch to decaf.)

teo

The 2002 Impala web page (And Acrobat PDF Format brochure) will be available on line on August 31st.

I am sure you can order a free 2002 Brochure in the mail by calling the 1-800-Chevy number...

[Deleted User]

I will remain poised at the PC until then.

mcdill

I bought some Bluemagic plastic - fiberglass cleaner and fine scratch remover , and I have used it on the red tail light peice to remove those swirly scratches , and it works great ! , its kindof like using wax , you rub it on and the polish it off , you should be able to find it at an auto parts store . thanks--------mattmcdill

jeffreyw1

I glad to see you back here posting informative messages. I have missed your posts. So, how's school and work going? Are you having anymore trouble with your teachers?

wyoimp

I kind of worry about that too, along with the headlamps and fog lights. My cure has been to religiously apply Meguire's Plastic Polish (Blue Squeeze Bottle) after each wash. It's looking excellant! Works good on the Instrument panel and Radio Console also. Little bit goes a long way. The key here is wash / clean before applying the polish, otherwise you'll grind the dirt and dust in. Plastic is relatively soft.

hunter39

Planning a trip to your neck of the woods Oct 6-13 (family on Cape Cod but we'll be all over new england) Unfortunately we won't be taking the Impala and will be renting a mini van so we can do some leaf peeping and barnstorming! I'll have to get updates from you on how the leaves are turning before we get there. Since my trip to Indy, I haven't had anything to look forward to, until now!

tpken

Superb timing, Dan. That is peak foliage time here and you should really enjoy the trip. Temps are typically 60s and clear with 40s at night during that time of year. Send me an email (see my profile) and I will be delighted to answer any questions and offer suggestions. Shoulda been a travel agent!

Shame you won't be driving that gorgeous blue impala. It's a looker!

Ken

00impala

Just announced $1500.00 rebate and an additional $300.00 for an in stock unit, added to the $249 refund from the Paint protection on my wifes 99 Z24 puts an Impala Base w/ Anti-lock brakes on the consider list, this dealer sells for $49 over invoice or in this case $251.00 under invoice plus the $1500 and the x-tra $249 May get rid of the Z24 within a week! Don

teo

Is your region offering a $1,500 rebate on the Impala?

Here in South Florida the rebate is $1,000 until 10/01/01.

b4z

Is there dealer cash back being offered that is not advertised?
The first dealer i went to didn't tell me about it. The second one had it on the windshield!!
With my olds loyalty bonus i got $4500 off.

roderacer

Sorry for the delayed reply re: the TSB. Actually, No, I haven't found any other info re: the Popping HVAC/Dash thing. I'd love to see some info.

Forgive me if this has already been posted I have some catching up to do on the board.

Take care!
RR

teo

hunter39

Too bad we couldn't take you up on the offer of a dip in your lake, might be a bit too chilly then!
We are still triple digits here with heavy humidity too(It's that time of year, our Thunderstorms are awesome at night! 80% of rain that falls here is between 8pm and 8am) and we will still be in the 90's by Oct. so I will have to bring a jacket and put on long pants for the first time this year I'll drop you an email

hunter39

I just filled up the Impala and paid 1.229, prices have been dropping like a stone here in AZ

00impala

I saw the ad in the Paper yesterday, They figured a sample Impala price on the same one my wife and I drove a month ago, MSRP of $21,001 and the Invoice of $19,464 then less the $1500 and the $300 for in stock units (They have 21 Impala's) Price you pay reads $17,664. I got my LS in 11/99 and I got $249 off for in stock back then ,these prices they say are good until 8/31. A month ago we drove the Base Blue and there was a $750 and no incentive for instock units. Glad we waited, now if they honor the Trade estimate for the Z24 we will be in business. Want to unload that cramped clunky car. Has only 17K but we hate it! We got it 3/99 and took the 1.9% interest for 4 years. We want a different caliber of car, and can carry 6 folks when family comes to visit. That invoice price included about $300 worth of Advertising fees that they do not negotiate, but the In Stock rebate seems to cover that, all of this along with the trade equity in the Z24 makes more sense to trade now than keep a car we rarely use. Anyone need a Loaded 99 Z24 Cavalier? ha Don

roderacer

Good to see that you have jumped on the bandwagon so to say. I like the Zaino products quite a bit. Especially the Gloss Enhancer and the Leather in a Bottle (I forget the Z-# offhand).

I did apply the system in direct sunlight as I couldn't start as early in the morning as I wanted. I say I had to wait about 3 hours until the wax(I think Z-5) set in. Even then I couldv'e waited a bit more but I wanted to actually drive the thing that weekend!

I found the instructions printed on the bottles to be useless and printed out the entire Zaino site almost since the info there was an extremely helpful tool during the process.

I have yet to wax the car again, but use the Gloss Enhancer after every wash. I will plan on putting another couple of coats on before Fall arrives. Here in Chicago - that could be any munite, now!! HA!

Take care!
RR

joed56

Dear Teoe: I read with great interest your message of the 05 or 06 Impala along with the changes. I really wanted to wait until that time to get a new car but I was driving a 92' LTZ Caprice Classic with 145,000 miles on it and my trans went. I really did'nt want to sink the $1,800.00 for a new one. If, however, I had known at the time the changes for 05 or 06 I may have sunk the money in it and waited for the changes. Oh well, such is life. Except for the problem with the ECM, I have had no problems with the car. But those changes you wrote about sure make it enticing to trade in my 01 for one of the future models. Joe

teo

We are still 4 years away before we see the changes to take place on the next generation Impala. Most of it is speculative at this point, so don't regret getting your 2001 at all. I think the current Impala is a fantastic automobile and a future redesign would make it even better.

I am keeping mine for 5 to 6 years, so there is plenty of miles to be juiced out of the 3800 V6..

night_owl1

So after you applied the Z5, did you wait 24 hours before applying Z2? The site says to always finish with Z2 but I can't see how you can follow this regimen on a car that is a daily driver.

roderacer

Actually, I didn't get the Z-5 or was it the Z-2? Anyway, I opted not to get the one that was for scratches and swirl marks... Since it is recommended to always finish with Z-2, I probably didn't get the Z-5. I don't see how the Zaino recommendations could be feasible as you say.

RR

discgolfer

I just returned from a week long trip to Omaha, Nebraska and Lake Okoboji, Iowa. Did a lot of "Fishing", but not much "Catching". Didn't have the LS, since we flew to NE. I was driving my uncles Lexes ES300. I saw quite a number of impalas, mostly driven by older people (they tend to live long out there). They probably don't use the internet, so we won't hear from them, regarding the age survey. (for the record, I'm 41). I was on Hwy 71 in IA when I noticed the officer coming at me. I immediatly looked down. I was going 81 mph. Sure enough, he turned around, flicked on the lights and pulled me over. When he informed me that "All 2 lane highways in the state of IA are 55 max.", and since he wasn't being very nice, I thought I might be going to jail, since I remembered that in the great state of California where I live, anything more than 20 mph over the limit "CAN" be considered "Reckless Driving", officer's descresion. Got a ticket, 26 mph over the limit, $84.00. Pretty cheap compared to California!!!. I learned the "20 mph over the limit = reckless driving" rule about 20 years ago, doing 95 in a 55. I didn't go to jail then either. Officer was really cool. Wrote the ticket "95+" and let me go. That one cost me over $200. and that was 20 years ago...

[Deleted User]

Has anyone used the Zymol product? It has a great rep, but the proof is in the pudding.

RR: What is Zaino's web site URL?

teo

teo

My in laws just came back from Hawaii last night. They loved it! They also said that the people were super nice all long. A big MAHALO to the people of Hawaii, the American paradise.

I was thinking that an article regarding the removal and replacement of the stereo speakers in the Impala would be an excellent addition to the 'How To' section in your web page.

Some food for taught.

b4z

Don't like zymol. Still using mother's products.

discgolfer

In NE and IA, Regular Unleaded, Super Unleaded AND Diesel were all 1.39. I've NEVER seen them all priced the same... I was also suprised how much cheaper it was than Southern Cal.

teo

Have dropped considerably here in FL too. 1.29 for regular 87 unleaded, 1.39 for 89 and 1.45 for Premium..

roderacer

http://www.zainobros.com

[Deleted User]

For those of you who are unfamiliar with the following site:


http://www.gaspricewatch.com


I highly recommend you check it out.

wldock

I find the SPORT appearance offering very interesting. The interior trim and the taillight panel are a couple of the many things that I thought about changing if I were to purchase a 2001. I wanted to cover the fake wood with a brushed aluminum kit and color match the rear tailight plastic panel just like the 2002. Chevy read my mind?

Also, I was thinking of a dual exhaust, a billet front grill, a lowered suspention, 18" wheels, a body kit, etc, etc......

mcdill

Hey , thanks for asking about me , i just started back to school last week , I am a senior this year , I am also still working in the same place , Every thing is pretty much the same as it was , I just had a very busy summer , and was'nt on the computer like I used to be , but now I have more time , and its good to be back . thanks-------------mattmcdill

fathertyricius

I just went into the dealer to get a brochure on the new 2002 LS. A few minor trim changes along with a different green and red, but its the same car. The LS Sport Trim I wasnt so impressed. I didnt like the change of the rear tail light panel being the color of the car. It might take some time to like this change, but who knows, I wont loose any sleep over it. I love my 2001 LS the way it is and wouldnt change a thing.

night_owl1

I have been considering it. Then I got sidetracked by the dash article, CD changer issue, Zaino, someone asked about sticking on the door Impala logos...

I'll work it within the next few weeks. Now that I have more web space, I can post more photos.

hvan3

You may want to reconsider getting a billet grill. I bought mine for $162 with freight. After having it installed, it wasn't what I expected. I returned it and was charged $30 restocking fee. I think the original Impala grill that comes with the car looks lot better.

Here are the 2 pics to the front view. Because of the glare, the front view pictures didn't come out right.

http://albums.photopoint.com/j/ViewPhoto?u=1757607&a=13549298&p=52184121

My next project is to dual chrome tips. Maybe I'll check out the 2002 Impala Sports and see what the chrome tip looks like.

humahuma

I have a 200 LS and the turn signals noise has been buging me for over a year. Is any one else annoyed by the loud click each time the turn signal flashes. Does anyone know what causes the clicking sound?

teo

It is the turn signal relay. It is just the way they are in these cars. They don't bother me at all but some people comment on them being loud. To me the driver's seat is a place to be alert and connected to the road and down to the business of driving. I prefer loud bells and whistles and lights or messages to keep up with the happenings in the car. I am 29 and don't have hearing issues yet, so spare your AARP comments...:)

I don't know if GM has a different, quiter turn signal relay or if you can fit an aftermarket one.

If you are hearing other noises than the customary 'Click-Clack' sound then you might have a problem.

night_owl1

Just uploaded a new update. I fixed the roof trim on my car and posted the measurements for the "Impala" door emblems (if you were looking to add some to your base Impala).

http://home.hawaii.rr.com/impala/

I think I saw an electronic replacement for the blinker relay at Checkers auto parts. Instead of the bimetallic metal strip it uses a solid state circuit. I don't know if it is a direct plug in replacement though.

xterracop

http://www.angelfire.com/il3/pwh/page16.html

Thought you guys might enjoy these. I have to say I love the car so far. I had 200 miles on it when I got it and have over 1,000 now. The car is rock solid and very smooth. Much better then my old Crown Vic but hey its a Ford. LOL

bh0001

Thanks for the instructions. I REALLY wish I had tried this myself first. The dealer made a complete mess of the one side (they have ordered a replacement, but that's a pain since they have to paint it etc.).

I can't decide whether to push for them to replace the other side, or if I'll try fixing it myself.
Brad