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The 3800 V6 in the Bonnie churns out 205HP since it rides on the slightly heavier 'H'(Cadillac Seville) platform. The Bonneville is 2 inches longer than the Impala (200 In vs 202 in overall length). Really nice car, but $2K over sticker when compared to a fully loaded Impala LS. I was impressed by the ride quality and handling of the Bonnie (Has the Magnasteer II steering system)and I think it rides a bit better than the Impala LS.
If you want Cadillac style ride at a Pontiac price, the Bonneville is it....very underrated and overlooked car. I was offered $22,500 for the new car (Only 12 miles on the odo) (About $1,000 under invoice) but I am sure I could push a bit more ;-) (Still I have my Impala, so I can't jump on anything new now).
I still think the Impala is a HECK of a value...true bang for the buck. But the Bonneville has one main advantage over the Impala....No front end problems!. The current Bonnie has a steel cradle and the only thing made of aluminum in the car is the hood.
Ken, again congrats, you got yourself a heck of a nice highway cruiser!
Don't get me wrong friends, I stil believe the Impala is a great sedan, but the steering and engine cradle problems are not acceptable quality control and safety issues in these cars.
We must rattle GM's cage if we want permanent resolutions to these problems.
Our Goodyear tires have about 5/32 tire left (at 30k miles) on them. I hope to go to 40k miles with them. I plan on Michelin X-1 tires for replacements....
Why are the regal and grand prix not having this problem.
Also replacement on my 2/99 Intrigue did not solve the problem.
But lubing the strangely designed jounce bumpers cured the popping sound when turning right.....temporarily.
Just checking in. 22k on the Impala LS and no problems. This is a GREAT car! Also loving the Perfect Fit bra. Took some pics today. I'll post them sometime this week.
Blessings,
Frank
Frank
When you try to accelerate the car feels like it is going to stall, for 3-5 seconds, all of a sudden it kicks in and you take off. Recently my girl friend was almost hit by a truck when crossing a busy intersection in the car. I am making payments on a lemon and safety is coming into concern which is making me consider legal advice. I also contacted Chevy and they told me that there was nothing they could do besides take it to a dealer that can duplicate the problem. The real problem is though, the dealers are telling me that it is too expensive to put a mechanic in the car every day and give me a loaner!
http://home.hawaii.rr.com/impala/
Does anyone have any ideas on this problem?
Thanks in advance.
According to the latest diagnostic (Car is still sitting at the dealer waiting for the parts to arrive)it appears to be that the INTERMEDIATE STEERING SHAFT is the culprit behind the clunks felt on the steering wheel column as well as the brake pedal at low speeds.
Like I said, my car's steering shaft has not yet been replaced, so I don't know with certainty that the part replacement will cure the problem yet.
However, this is a SAFETY problem and even if the steering feedback feels fine otherwise, do not delay or hesitate to take the car back to the dealer. Also, the dealer very likely tell you that GM doesn't have a TSB or Recall campaign for this problem. Bring with you a printout of the entries were the problem is described in detail and show it to the service writer/manager.
It looks like the intermediate steering shaft failure could be affecting a certain range of build dates, but we need to determine that first.
We would appreciate if you can post on Night_owl's problem database, your vehicle's model, Build date, the LAST six digits of the VIN number and the mileage when the problem was first reported.
This problem has also plagued the Impala's sibling, the 1998 and 1999 Oldsmobile Intrigues.
(This is a response I received from GM)
"Thank you for visiting the GM Goodwrench Service Plus website. The same steering shaft is not used on the Impala and the Intrigue.
Impala p/n 26079240
Intrigue p/n 26078302"
At this point, I don't know if these parts are the same or not. This could also be a case where a bad batch of shafts were installed on certain build date ranges...still I don't know.
The Impala doesn't have the Magnasteer steering system....does the Intrigue has Magnasteer??
You car's last six digits from the VIN number
Build date
and....
At what mileage did the problem was reported...
Thanks!
I would rather wait until the problem is consistent so as not to get the BS about them not being able to reproduce the problem. Exactly what posts have details on this issue?
I'm not sure about the suspension settings compared to Impala LS - my suspicion is that Bonn SE has a 'std' suspension so that the upgraded SLE and SSEi can boast the additional handling capabilities. Still, the car handles like a rock and is soooooooo smooth!
What is this MAGNASTEER? Is it a particular type of rack and pinion?
Teo - my "Spruce Green" car has the 1SB package, CD and 5 spoke alum wheels - no other options that I can see. I'll probably add the spoiler later and perhaps a paint stripe - we'll see. It lacks the driver/passenger climate controls and the leather steering wheel as well as a sunroof that I had looked forward to having in an Impala LS. The next option package would have added much more content.
Anyone hoarse from whooping it up for Prez W?
Have a great day, everyone. It's pretty here today with a fresh blanket of snow everywhere. It'll be brown on the road sides by tomorrow.
Ken
http://www.wheelskins.com/covers.htm
Thanks again
Ken
My wife didn't like the lights at first either, but after she drove the car and loved it, she said "It's okay, I'll be driving, so I don't have to look at them" To each his (or her) own.
My guess is that when the styling is freshened it will have 6 lights and a less 'in your face' look to the lens panel - perhaps wrapping a bit more to lessen the boxy look of the back - and increasing the horizontal sight line.
Still, the present edition is unique and that is good IMO - I'm tired of not being able to tell one car from another (and I consider myself fairly knowledgable there).
Interesting to speculate. Chevy ought to do like Mustang a few years ago - ask the public to send in designs and pick a winner. I'd draw one up - hey maybe the grand prize could be a new Impala SS!!
Best to all
Ken
The problem page has been updated with the first report. I didn't check here before I did the update, so dmullins' issue has not been posted. I'll get on that later tonight and do another upload.
http://home.hawaii.rr.com/impala/
Day 9 of the saga and the car is still sitting at the dealer waiting for the "part" to come in. I am getting used to drive the Metro already....
All the more reason to redesign - make it look more like the tail of a Corvette perhaps and then incorporate the 3 lights on each side - I can see it in my mind.
Ken
Has anyone looked under the front end of a new 2001 to see if the engine cradle looks different in any way and to verify if the welds look better than the 2000's cars???
I still think the current Impala is a great car, but GM has been PAINFULLY slow to acknowledge and fix some of the serious front end problems these cars have. Sometimes GM makes corrections to the design and manufacturing of vehicles for the new model year, but often leave behind the 'guinea pigs' that bought the first year models to deal with their problems. I love this car and everyone knows it here very well. But I must admit that these problems whether are design or craftmanship are unacceptable on a car of this caliber. For the past 9 days my car has been at the dealer waiting for this shaft to arrive (Like if it was made in Japan or Germany, sheesh)and while still making payments on it, I am forced to drive a Golf cart with just 3 cylinders in it.....insane.
May be 12 years of owning Japanese cars spoiled me to the point that I have Zero tolerance towards cars that need major repairs during the first year of ownership. Don't get me wrong, my Hondas and Acuras also had their own problems but often after 3 years, not steering or A/C problems during the first 12 months of use.
I still believe the Impala is one of the best full size sedan values in the market, but GM needs to pay more attention to small details, becuase those details DO COUNT in the end. Sometimes I would pass up on the interior Gizmos for a better bolted interior and better plastics. I would pass on the Tire Pressure Monitor gizmo if they would make sure that the steering gear and front end meets minimum tolerances. GM can get a nice package at a great price, but quality still needs to be improved. A Car is a complete package, not some reliable parts and not others. GM has great engines and transmissions, but they still need work on suspensions and interior build quality. Just a taught.
Understand, I'm not ALL THE WAY bitter, just half way. I own two of these vehicles, purchasing the second knowing of the problems with my first, however, that is no excuse for GM being so lax on this cradle issue. I only use the "creeker" for small local trips, and that is not fair as I'd like to feel "safe" on the interstate etc.
platour@home.com
Here's the post:
#153 of 154 Rear Wheel Liners by darkhalf Jan 23, 2001 (10:07 am)
For everybody concerned about this issue, I work at a dealership and have had the same problem with my 00' SS. I got a hold of the published bulletin itself and scanned it in and made pictures of it. They are posted at http://clubs.yahoo.com/clubs/y2kmontecarloclub
Join its free and its great.
For Impala owners this published bulletin applies to you to. So let the rest of the owners know about it.
As far as 2001's are concerned if they do not have them, you can mention it to the dealership, but the bulletin states that it is for only 2000 models Monte Carlo/Impala.
Good Luck to all!
http://albums.photopoint.com/j/AlbumIndex?u=223638&a=10790790
Last, bring these posts to the dealer. Also if you need to leave the car overnight, the dealer should provide either a free loaner or rental up to $30 a day. This benefit its part of the limited warranty. See your booklet for more warranty benefits. Can you provide us with the last 6 digits of your VIN number, build date and mileage when the problem was first noted? Thanks!
Hener: The Impala is a great car, but unfortunately the engine cradle situation appears to be more a design flaw than a manufacturing problem...but it could also be a combination of both. Owners of new 2001 doesn't seem to complain about engine cradle related problems. As far as the intermediate steering shaft, this could be attributed also to a defective part or a part manufacturing problem. The 1998 and 1999 Oldsmobile Intrigue (Pricier Impala sibling) its notable on steering shaft problems as well.
By the way what year/model Volkswagen do you currently drive?
I seriously don't think GM will make any engine recalls on the '00 impalas. So far..no one has been injured or had an accident due to these engine cradles. And GM won't spend countless amount of dollars overhauling the "x" amount of existing impalas out there.
I bet that GM took all of our complaints and feedback and improved the '01 impala.
I think GM will deny and delay our engine cradle problems till the warranty runs out!
It's a pity how such a great car is hindered one major issue.
My other hypothesis is perhaps the engine cradle problem has not been fixed. And sooner or later the '01 owners will complain as well.
The thing I fear the most is that there is a major design flaw in the impala, and that it would be too costly to redesign the component/components!!
Mine was built on March 14, 2000; VIN 310600 - currently has @14,500 miles. I think one of the earlier posts mentioned a build date of Sept. 1999, so I don't think we're talking a limited problem. Back when the brochures first came out for the 2001 models, I mentioned my creaking noise to my sales guy when I dropped by to pick up my box of brochures, and he asked then if I could feel anything in the steering wheel or the brakes; even went out and sat in it and turned the wheel to see if he could feel anything. At that time he said they'd had a couple come in with this problem, and they'd ended up replacing the intermediate steering shaft.
Mine is to the point that it is easily noticeable, so I don't think I'll have a problem with them reproducing the problem. My biggest problem is finding the time to take it in. Knowing they'll keep it for awhile, I also hate the idea of getting stuck with a Metro for the interim as well. I've also been looking for an old pickup to knock around in; I'm hoping I'll find something soon so I'll have the truck to drive while the Impala is in the shop.
Everyone, I am considering making another page where owners who have had no problems can stand up and be counted. Take a look at the "What's New" section and let me know what you think and if you have any suggestions.
Like you, I also have been impressed with the ride, looks and features of Impala LS but am picking up my Bonneville tonight. The interior is very similar and the engine/tranny the same. Styling is nice IMO on the SE model whereas the upgraded SLE and SSEi (far more expensive) are overdone.
Pricing may be a couple grand more. Mine is a 2000 preowned and will be a fraction of the new cost.
Check it out - it's a very good alternative. Both of these cars are a real pleasure to drive.
Good luck in your search.
Ken
tpken: good luck with your Bonne. My wife is definitely leaning toward one when she replaces her car this spring. FYI - a friend of mine bought an SLE about 6 months ago. 8000+ miles, no reported problems.
My Impala, built Sept 99, but purchased Jan 00 hasn't had one single problem...
No ticks, No pops, no nothing. So here it is...
Of course, I leased my car. So if it starts doing dumb things close to the end of the warranty.. I won't have to keep it. I said a long time ago. I've been burned on first editions of cars before. I had a first year model Stratus and it was TERRIBLE. Teo's problems are mellow compared to what I went through with that car, before and AFTER the warranty. (I had it 4+ years). So, the lease. I figured,,, it's more like dating, rather than getting "married" to the vehicle.
I'd say to Hener and anyone else. If you really like what you see, hear and feel in an Impala. Lease one. If it has nasty problems... it's gone! If you love it (which so far I do) you can buy it at the end of the lease, or get the newer model...
Every make and model has problems. When they make the perfect car, please e-mail me and I'll start saving my pennies.