Edmunds dealer partner, Bayway Leasing, is now offering transparent lease deals via these forums. Click here to see the latest vehicles!
Popular New Cars
Popular Used Sedans
Popular Used SUVs
Popular Used Pickup Trucks
Popular Used Hatchbacks
Popular Used Minivans
Popular Used Coupes
Popular Used Wagons
Comments
many problems that plagued the 00-05 models. cracked, body mounts, intake manifold leaks, warped rotors, Intermediate steering shaft problems, cheap interiors, etc etc
inasmuch as my 03 Imp hasn't had any of these problems (I don't consider the interior a problem as it is well assembled, doesn't rattle, and doesn't distract me while I'm driving.)
The early model years probably had most of these problems but not likely in 03-05. Likewise I would wait at least a year to buy a new Imp.
One of the reasons I bought they 2000 Impala was for the "bullet-proof" 3800 engine...which due to the plastic intake manifold ended up being one of the biggest problems encountered with the car. I don't know much about the current line of engines available, but if they've been used in other GM products I'd suggest checking those threads to see if any consistent problems have arisen.
Despite that I'm very happy with my 2000 Impala, and I'd have no qualms in a couple of years when I'm ready to replace it with buying one of the new versions. It was the best combination of size, power, fuel economy, safety and value 6 years ago, and it's looking that way again!
I admittedly haven't followed the introduction of the 2006 Impala as closely, but does anyone know if either/both of these details of the 2000-2005 model are applicable to the new version? Even if not promoted as such, it would be nice to know if the same (or better) level of structural integrity was built into the new car.
2014 Malibu 2LT, 2015 Cruze 2LT,
1. They build a car that tests good, and looks good on paper, then spend the next 5 years trying to work out the bugs.
2. They build a quality car with very few troubles the first year, then spend the next 5 years trying to build it cheaper, and start cutting corners on quality.
Personally, I have had better luck buying cars that are newly designed. The manufacturer is taking a gamble that the new styling, etc., will capture more sales. They have to go to extra measures to make sure that the new model does not get an early reputation as being a lemon. So far, our '06 LTZ is following that pattern...over 3 months, and ZERO defects. I ran into a guy at the casino parking garage a few days ago with an '06 LT, and he said the same thing about his....no problems.
BTW - the Laser Blue is a nice color too!
John
The 2000 and 2001 Impalas made the first 9 months of 2001 had the problem with the aluminum engine cradle. The welds would crack and the car would creak. It was a big problem and several posters here back then had the issue. Several fixes were tried including using shims and rewelding, but finally better aluminum welding and much better joint aluminum materials were used to strengthen the cradle. According the Chevrolet the 2006 Impalas use a much stronger different design engine cradle then the previous 00-05 models.
It's not a "recall" per se, but is being called a "voluntary customer satisfaction program" that affects certain 2006 Impalas equipped with ABS and 17" or 18" wheels (which I believe should be the 3LT, LTZ, and SS). Although the return address was from their "Recall Processing Center".
Explanation: "A revised brake module calibration is available that can enhance your vehicle's antilock brake performance slightly by reducing minimum stopping distance on dry pavement. The braking performance of your vehicle meets the applicable federal safety standard and all of GM's rigorous internal requirements, but we have identified a performance improvement that we want to make available to you."
Per the letter, Chevy will reprogram the electronic brake control module at no charge until Dec. 31, 2006. Courtesy transportation may be provided if it's within the new vehicle limited warranty.
I'm actually glad to hear this for several reasons:
First, I was disappointed and a little concerned to read/watch Motorweek's review of the brakes: "Braking was disappointing, however. The Impala's four-wheel-discs with optional ABS leisurely stopped in 148 feet from 60. We consider 130 feet a good result." After all, it's the always last few feet that make all the difference when you're trying to avoid a collision, not the first ones.
Second, Chevy is taking ownership of the problem and offering it proactively. Yes, they may be taking a hit now to limit any future liability, but it's a win-win for everyone.
Remember, Chevy also made a production change in Aug. to fix the early horrible lumbar support, which is now very good indeed.
So, say what you want about Chevy, but they seem to be doing some of the right things. Believe me, after reading the recent Ford recalls (including the one that involved weak gas tank supports!!), this is most welcome in comparison -- assuming of course that Chevy is being forthright about the real reason for the reprogramming. :confuse:
It's nice to hear that Chevrolet has worked on correcting the cause of this criticism of the car's performance. Braking is, and should be, one of the most important "performance" characteristics. The question I have to ask is, why wasn't this "enhancement" incorporated in the original design? GM has to make sure that critical performance characteristic are optimized before production starts.
I'd be curious to see the fading resistance... :confuse:
What kind of mpg are you getting?
Mind you, I bought a close to bumper-to-bumper 2-year warranty "extension" with a deductible of $100 from GM on my then new '02 Bonneville for about $500. Regardless of whether you're purchasing that "warranty" or not, you're being ripped off at $4 grand for 3 years.
HTH
2014 Malibu 2LT, 2015 Cruze 2LT,
Yes, it is unfortunate that they "assume" you want to continue your XM subscription beyond the trial period (and if you think about it, it's a great marketing tactic, because in most cases XM far exceeds terrestrial radio in programming quality/content, IMHO, and YMMV of course).
Having said that, while it is presumptuous to just bill you, as opposed to "offering" you the option to continue, it really is just a simple phone call to have XM discontinue your service/subscription. They just have to pull up your radio ID, which pulls up your account, and cancel it...no harm, no foul to your credit rating.
"Should" this be how it works (i.e., should you have to be the one who has to make the call)? I agree with you...no. And it would be nice if this reality were disclosed to you somehow. But even so, in my opinion it's a small price to pay to have the option of XM Radio even included with your new car.
On my '06 Grand Prix, XM was activated when I picked up the vehicle. About 30 days before the end of the 3 month trial, I received a statement telling me my options as far as continuing, cancelling, etc. I never got a bill from them. It is good to get the early notification, if you let your subscription run out, they can charge an activation fee.
To each his own, but I think there is a story being blown way out of proportion here. I don't have the statement sent to me, but I seem to remember if no action was taken, the service would be discontinued at 3 months.
Mike
Personally I am only in my car 20 minutes a day so it's not worth it for me but for people who have long commutes or live in remote areas I can totally see it being awesome.
I would really consider buying one of these for my next car. I would probably go for the LT3, because I really like the fact that you can get leather with a front bench seat rather than buckets. The buckets have adjustable lumbar support, and the console gives extra storage space, but in most cars with bucket seats and a center console, my long legs don't fit so well, and my right knee is always bumping up against the center console. Also with a bench you can fit one extra passenger on rare occasions. I would like to sit in one with front buckets and see for myself how roomy it is. Maybe there is enough leg room after all, in which case I would really like an LTZ with the more sporty styling.
Overall, I was highly impressed with the Impala. This car is definitely as nice as any import I have been in recently. A couple of months ago, we had a new Pontiac G6 as a rental car, and I was also very impressed with that one. Good looks, nice interior, powerful engine. I would say GM is definitely back in the game with their latest new vehicles.
I personally like the Impala much more than the Accord or Camry. It's a little bigger, and has a very fuel efficient (by all reports) V-6 engine family. What I like better than Accord and Camry are:
1. Onstar, which is standard, since I go to out of the way areas to hike, and worry what would happen if I had a breakdown or accideent;
2. The pseudo-"bench" seat, which is pretty nifty in an emergency (squeeze in one more person, hopefully a small person);
3. The LARGE trunk (only the Five Hundred beats it);
4. The flip up rear seat cushion (underseat storage, or put backpacks in there and keep them off the upholstery);
5. XM radio availability;
6. Standard side curtain airbags (not a competitive advantage, since they are available on Honda and Camry too, but certainly a "must" for any new car I'd like to get);
7. Did I mention it's bigger, standard with a V6, and cheaper than a comparable Camry or Accord?
The competitors, for me, are the Five Hundred (positives are the "opera" seating for the back seat, and "rollover sensing" side air bag deployment; negatives are the anemic 3.0 liter motor); and the Dodge Charger (positives are the "balanced handling" of rear wheel drive, standard stability control and ABS, and available side air bags; the main negative is the lower gas mileage on the admittedly stronger, higher tech, and costlier to build V6 DOHC engine).
I'd like to see GM make ABS standard on ALL Impalas (didn't they do that in past years) and make stability control an option, at least. Also, the side curtain airbags should be supplemented by side TORSO air bags, like on the Malibu....
Chrysler's V6 looks good only on paper when coupled with its automatic transmissions. It seems that they are quite inefficient. But as the Charger shares components with Mercedes cars, I wonder if it uses a better automatic...
I think they are using the 5 speed Automatic from Mercedes. This is older M-B design while new M-B vehicles now are using 6 or 7 speed Auto. In addition, Chrysler is also using M-B other RWD hardwares. That is why they can offer relative inexpensive RWD vehicles without investing billions in tooling.
jt
My only complaint is that the rear seat legroom and foot room are just terrible compared to import competition...especially the foot room. For some silly reason they designed the bottoms of the backs of the front seats (i.e., your rear seat footroom) with these bolsters or some sort of extra material, and if you're anything bigger than below-average sized, it's next to impossible to easily get your feet in and out from the rear.
This has not diminished my enjoyment of my LTZ as I seldom carry rear-seat passengers, but you definitely need to re-visit that rear seat, and if this is an issue for you it's an important consideration.
With the dashboard being 7" narrower on the new Impala then the previous models I thought foot/leg room would increase, but has actually got a little smaller and with these footwell obstacles that weren't there before, makes it more difficult to enter/exit with your legs/feet. The Impala a much larger car, is over a foot longer then the Camry/Accord but rear foot/leg room is almost the same. The Camry/Accord do not have these obtrusions in the rear footwell area. Check it out.