2006 Chevrolet Impala

maku337 · February 2006

Looks like Edmunds filters out E-mail addresses. I'll find out how to contact those with the concern.

maku337 · February 2006

Okay, registered members will now be able to see my E-mail address by clicking on my name. That will take you to my profile and it should show there. Please send me your particulars.

bh0001 · February 2006

I've just got to say how amazing I think it is that you're watching this board. To have THE GUY that's responsible for squeaks and rattles at the assembly plant level showing this level of interest and commitment is fantastic.

Do you know if there are still public tours offered of the Impala assembly plant? I would love to visit sometime to see exactly what went into building my car. It never ceases to amaze me how something with so many complex parts and systems gets put together so well.
B

maku337 · February 2006

Sorry to say, public tours are no longer available through the Car Plant. We always look for areas for feedback on our products. The best one we use is the JD Power Ownership surveys, but not every new owner receives one nor do all reply. So, I am interested in other ways to get customer's feedback.

evandro · February 2006

When I was in Frankfurt and had a free afternoon when I arrived, I went to GM's subsidiary Opel's plant where the Vectra (same underpinnings as the G6 and the Malibu) is made: I was thrilled at the whole assembly process, from stamping to seeing the car being driven away.

Engines, doors, fenders, etc, would get from other plants or suppliers in the same order as the cars in the assembly line, right out of the unloading bay. It's just awesome how such a complex process was so well tuned.

jz68 · February 2006

maku337

Did you receive my email?

maku337 · February 2006

I did get your message and have sent you a reply. I apologize for the delay, I thought I had sent you that reply yesterday. Thanks for the reminder.

white6 · February 2006

I'm curious to see if any changes will be made for 2007 model year Impala. Things like enlarging the side mirrors and possibly adding climate control. And after failing the braking part of the police car test, possibly upgrading the brakes. I feel the SS should have the Grand Prix GXP brakes at least as an option.
It's unfortunate that you can't get the car "optioned" as you like any more. I would like a dark silver metallic SS with ebony leather and brushed-metallic interior applique'. But dark silver metallic and the brushed-metallic applique aren't available on SS model. Would it be so hard to offer all 3 interior trim options on the SS? As it is, I guess I would have to purchase the trim parts after the fact and swap them out myself.
Perhaps they will offer a few new colors for 2007.
Question for current owners: where are the HomeLink Universal Remote buttons located? On the rear-view mirror?

poncho167 · February 2006

Too bad about the tours. I tried to get on the list for the Oshawa plant making the Grand Prix's when I was in the area in 2004, and the tour was closed during the summer.

zjim · February 2006

I have a dark silver 3LT with the brushed silver dash, ebony interior and I love that combination. I passed on the SS for several reasons. Most importantly, too much torque steer, poor gas mileage when compared to the sticker claims, and the fact that I just don't like the handling of front drive "performance" cars.

The Universal remote is located between the windshield and the sunroof, in the sunroof control swithch area. It has 3 buttons for 3 separate door/gate controls. It's a nice convenience.

I agree that the outside mirrors are too small and it's too bad the the self-dimming mirrors aren't offered in all models. I feel that it's a safety feature that should be made available to all. The climate control is another great feature. I love it on my Buick Regal. If they truly want to compete with Honda at this price level, these items should be standard equipment!

axle52 · February 2006

Hi

I agree that the outside mirrors are somewhat too small. I think there could be more improvement on the wind noise. Thank goodness I have the Bose sound system to drown out some of that wind while cruising the highway.

pluto5 · February 2006

I doubt it, but here's my vent: :mad:

Larger side mirrors
Better brakes
More rear head room and foot room
7 airbags like 07 Camry
Lock cylinder in trunk
New and lighter colors

Anyone want to add?

ivanadrivealot · February 2006

Ditto on zjim's comments -- you're right on the money. I also have a dark silver 3LT with ebony interior and brushed silver appliques, on which I've received some very nice comments on how sharp/luxurious it looks. No complaints there, although sometimes I wish I had the option for the SS's silver Techno trim (but understand the need to distinguish between models).

Same comments on the side mirrors -- while it's nice to have reduced wind noise, I'd like a little more visibility without sacrificing too much in noise reduction. I was and continue to be *VERY* disappointed that the auto-dimming and heated mirror package was not offered on the 3LT!!!!!!!! The 3LT is fairly upscale (just a hair under the LTZ, IMHO), so it should have been offered as a standalone package. Being in the Midwest in winter, I would have paid extra for it (but not so much as upgrading fully to an LTZ, that wasn't worth it to me just to get the upscale mirrors).

After test driving the LaCrosse, I was surprised to see that the Impala, the flagship Chevy sedan, did not offer climate control as an option (which should have been standard for 3LT and up). It's an annoyance and distraction to have to keep adjusting the temp knobs to regulate it manually. Chevy, think of it as another safety feature -- one less distraction. Set it and forget it! Kudos on the dual climate controls, though -- my spouse and I absolutely love that!

Lastly, I wouldn't mind a bit more oomph in the gearing ratios. The 3.9L packs a very impressive 240 HP, but the base Grand Prix produces a lot more enjoyment with its lesser 3.8L due to the faster response and oomph factor. Of course, I suspect the Impala provides a little more surefootedness in wet weather as a result (less explosive and more refined acceleration, perhaps less drive wheel spin even with TC that can't compensate fully?).

Anyway, just my two bucks worth. Overall, I'm pretty satisfied, but those are the "niggles" in my book that keep me from being completely satisfied, and feeling a little gypped in those features.

charts2 · February 2006

The exterior mirrors on the 00-05 Impalas are just right. These low cut mirrors on the 06 I believe were designed for less wind resistance and more of a sleeker look, however I don't like them. Too small. I doubt they can do much with the rear foot/leg room. That would be a major interior change. Some of these changes might occur on the 08 model, maybe a basic nav system, improved larger exterior mirrors and a couple more exterior colors, and more side support on the SS front buckets. The 07 will probably just be a carry over.
Edmunds reports today Feb 15 that GM designers and engineers are planning for the next generation Impala for 2010. Inside Line/Edmunds states that the Impala will be RWD with the 3.9 engine being the base engine and the 5.3 V8 available in all models. There would probably be a 6.0 litre V8 avaialble for the SS (just my opinion on that) Also stated that the next Impala will be inspired by the 1965-67 Impala. Chevrolet sold more Impalas in 1965 then any other year. Just over a million including SS models. So between now and 2009 few changes will probably be made to the current platform other then safety issues and a few minor goodies to keep this model fresh.

nosirrahg · February 2006

FYI - I just picked up the March 2006 issue of Consumer Reports; in this issue they test five family sedans:
Chevrolet Impala
Dodge Charger
Ford Fusion
Hyundai Sonata
Volkswagen Passat

Of the five, they only recommend one - the Impala!!

Granted, they find plenty of things to complain about, but they also praise the car on several points. Still, a CR recommendation can't hurt - both in attracting people to the car in the first place, and in increased trade-in value down the road.

66novss · February 2006

Having the same noise/problem with our '06 Impala SS as well. Although it seems the noise is not isolated to one area. Sometimes it sounds as if its from behind the instrument cluster,other times as if its coming from the center of the dash. Its definitely temperature related. Did not do this when the weather was warmer. Sounds as if maybe some of the plastic in the dash is expanding & contracting. It may not cause any problems, but is is annoying.

imidazol97 · February 2006

That's hard to believe because it's a GM car that they recommend it. But it sounds like their usual method, they damn it with faint praise and list all the negatives. I will have to read the article.

charts2 · February 2006

Consumers Report gives conflicting information.

There were 4 catagories that the 2006 cars were rated in:

OVERALL:

EXCELLENT: Volkswagen Passat #1
Toyota Camry #4
Honda Accord #5

VERY GOOD: Honda Accord Hybrid #1
Ford Fusion #2
Hyundai Sonata #6
Chevrolet Malibu #13
Chevrolet Impala #16 (last in this segment)

GOOD Chrysler 300 #1
Dodge Charger #2
Buick Lacrosse #4
Pontiac G6 #9

FAIR Pontiac Grand Prix GT #1
Dodge Stratus #2

In the Very Good segment there were many Nissans, Toyotas, Hyundais, Hondas rated in the top 10. I am not knocking the Impala but I don't know how they can rate the Impala the only recommended car when it finished last in the VERY GOOD catagory, 22nd overall of the cars tested.

Interesting! In one part of the article Consumers states that the Impala has better rear seating then previous model, then later it says the rear seat is unimpressive for such a large car. Doesn't make sense. Head and Leg room are barely adequate also stated.

The Charger and Impala are both 200 inches long. The Impala is rated as a midsize car and the Charger in the large car catagory.

Not very consistant information from Consumers Report

deminin · February 2006

We have our 2006 LTZ for about 5 months now, and it has been flawless. I saw these discussions about speed limiters, and yesterday I got an opportunity to check it out. We were way out in the country, and I hit about a 5 miles stretch of good 4 lane with no cars in sight. I turned the LTZ loose, and it climbed quickly to 113MPH, then it was as if someone had switched off the ignition. The DIC said "speed limited to 113MPH. WHAT A BUMMER!!! The way this thing was climbing, it felt as if it was ready to bury the speedometer in another few seconds. The LTZ felt rock solid at high speed, and there was no indication of any handling quirks, etc. I feel cheated!

bh0001 · February 2006

Thanks for saving me the risk of having to try the same experiment with my LTZ! My '01 LS was limited to close to the same speed. It's a very strange feeling when you hit the limiter!

I wonder what kind of code the computer spits out when you hit the limiter? Maybe the next time a tech hooks up the TECH II tool it screams at them that the car has been driven too fast :-o

BTW, one of my neighbours is an OPP accident reconstruction specialist. Did you know that GM has given the cops the tools they need to download the last 3 seconds of speed info from before a crash? Good to know to keep from perjuring yourself if it ever happens!

charts2 · February 2006

The 2006 Police Impala (smooth top) with the same 3.9 242 hp engine has no speed limiter. Top speed is 142 mph. Probably in the low 130s with roof lights and push bars. My 2001 Impala LS 3800 engine top end is 107 mph, I was there a couple times. I believe its possible that a limiter is used because of the speed rating of the tires installed when manufactured.

rayainsw · February 2006

Some time ago (oh, back in early 1997, I guess) I ran my 1997 Grand Prix GTP at Maxton-Laurinburg (North Carolina) in an ECTA sanctioned top speed event. If you live anywhere near this venue and are serious about a safe and legal opportunity to test how fast your Impala (or any other car) will go, I highly recommend this as the best possibility East of the Mississippi. (More information / link below.)

Point here is that with my S/C 3.8 GTP and only a 3.5 pulley, I was right at the speed limiter at the 1 mile mark (from a standing start) where the timing is done. My best speed was 126.761 mph  an E / prod record at the time - ** coasting ** through the end of the speed trap, with the motor disabled by the limiter. Odd, indeed. . .

If you have never done anything like this, it is a unique experience. Many of the participants (and their vehicles) are very interesting - and many will be helpful to anyone there for the first time.

I found it very interesting, at the time, in that I had previously run 95+ mph in the quarter, and it took nearly another three quarters to hit 126 and the limiter in my 97. It took a lot longer to build the second 60 mph than it did the first 60! Running on the highway at 80 or so and then punching it, can certainly bring up 100 pretty quickly in many sedans, but only the most powerful cars keep accelerating at a really brisk pace beyond 120 or so. And IMHO the public roads in the US are not the place to try this . . .

I have had no opportunity to take my current ride (same drivetrain as the Impala SS) to Maxton. But I would be very interested in seeing results from anyone with an SS and with access to such a venue as the unused runway ECTA uses . . .

- Ray
Addicted to Torque  and speed!

FYI:

http://www.ecta-lsr.com/faq.htm#q09

rayainsw · February 2006

Black (Silver) Boxes in cars:

http://www.theautochannel.com/news/2003/05/18/161529.html

. . have been around for quite some while.

deminin · February 2006

Yeah, this isn't the kind of thing I do every day, but I do like to know what my car is capable of doing. I talked to the dealership, and they claim these speed limiters are government mandated...another case of Big Brother trying to protect us from ourselves. I have a note in to Chevy to get their response, but it will probably be the same.
I remember a few years ago, when I had a '90 Camaro Z28, and happened across a Corvette and Mustang that were really rolling on I-70 just west of Hays, Kansas. They passed me like I was stuck in low gear....and that was wrong. Once I joined up to them, we began a serious run for about 100 miles to Colby. There, we all had to pull off for gas, and the average speed was around 136 for that stretch. What a hoot...probably jail time if we had been caught!

bh0001 · February 2006

Couldn't agree more. It's very very rare for me to push that high. But I also agree that it is a blast to link up with a few others and just giver! That's how I found the top speed on my '01LS. I lost the BMW and Mercedes that I was trying to keep with.

I would love to take my LTZ to a track and see what it really feels like to just turn her loose. Maybe Shannonville or Mosport have this?

rayainsw · February 2006

I talked to the dealership, and they claim these speed limiters are government mandated...another case of Big Brother trying to protect us from ourselves.

Most dealership personnel are notoriously bad sources of information.

The US Government has not (yet) mandated that such a top speed limiter be installed on cars sold in the US. The link below shows that US bound BMW330i Sedans currently have 2 limiters. One (for 330i without the Sport Pkg) at 130, and the other at 149 with the Sport Pkg. Their Sport Pkg includes higher performance, and almost certainly higher speed rated tires. (Among other items.)

4 German automakers (BMW, Audi, M-B, Porsche?) long had a gentlemans agreement to limit top speeds to 155. My recollection is that this was to avert the German governments threatened imposition of such a limit. And I think there are now exceptions.

The Impala was likely equipped with S rated tires = OK up to 112 MPH \ 180 KPH.
The BMW likely comes with H (non-Sport: 130 \ 210) or V (Sport: 149 \ 240) depending. And the limiter is programmed according to the OEM tire ratings fitted.

There are also W and Y rated tires  168 & 186 MPH respectively. For those cars capable of such speeds. And Z rated tires as well  for cars such as:

Specifically GM \ Chevy sells the Z06 Corvette with the ability to exceed 120 MPH (wait for it) in the quarter mile! And GM claims (admits?) that the Z06 has a top speed of 198 MPH. No Top Speed Limiter here . . .

And I think the limiters that are installed have more to do with legal liability than Big Brother.

- Ray
No Speed Racer, but . . .

http://www.bmwusa.com/vehicles/3/2006330isedan/techdata.htm

http://media.gm.com:8221/us/chevrolet/en/product_services/r_cars/06ff/Chevrolet%- - 20Corvette%20Z06.pdf

evandro · February 2006

It's not government mandated, but lawyer mandated, which is even worse.

My Bonneville, with H-rated tires (up to 130MPH), was also limited to 110MPH. It was a shame, because the engine was revving at mere 3500RPM or so, with still a lot of room to go.

nosirrahg · February 2006

Which brings to mind my dad's response back when I was a kid and we'd pull up alongside a Corvette or some other muscle car on the Interstate. I'd make some comment about how much horsepower/displacement/etc. the other car had, and my dad would reply that the speed limit was 55, so the other car couldn't get to its destination any quicker than we could. Granted, the other car was capable of getting there quicker, but due to artificially imposed limits it became a moot point. The older I get (and now being the parent of a teenager), the more my dad's logic makes sense to me!

dispencer1 · February 2006

The only thing worthwhile about CU is the reliability table on each car and that is subjective because the people who tend to fill out this multipage form are the ones who want to document a deficiency. Back in the '60's we in California who drove Jags and other exotic cars laughed at CU which thought that an Impala sedan was really great but compared to my MK X it was a lumbering sloppy piece of junk. Chryslers were no better with steering that had absolutely no road feel -you could turn the wheel with your little finger. Fords up until 1965 looked like they were built by the mechanically challenged. This all changed and I discovered that there seemed to be an inverse relationship between the cars that car writers and evaluators liked and those that were troublefree daily drivers. I bought into the German myth with a new VW Quantum and then a new Audi 5000S. I was on the cutting edge of automotive perfection but both were total and absolute lemons. I quit paying attention to car writers after that (including CU) and discovered that Impalas, Malibus, and Cadillac Devilles -laughed at as "rental cars" -are pretty dependable. My 2001 Malibu has just been sold after 90,000 essentially troublefree miles -nothing major at all. I'm looking forward to my 2LT which ought to be in in a couple of weeks. CU is great for dishwasher detergent ratings but it is nice that they gave the Impala some nice words. I'm suprised. Perhaps the office Camry was in the shop that day.

evandro · February 2006

Well, to some, "getting there" is what matters. Others actually drive to get there and enjoy it. :shades:

deminin · February 2006

I think you are right. I got a response back from Chevy stating that limiters are installed on all their vehicles to "protect the majority of our customers". In short, they are trying to cover their tail. Nowhere did they mention any government mandates, so it looks like another case of the legal beagles dictating policy. Too bad I didn't know this going in...I might have given the Nissan Maxima more serious consideration.

charts2 · February 2006

Chevy says the limiter is to "protect the majority of our customers" What does that mean, protect them from what? The 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt SS with Z rated tires from the factory has a top speed of 143 mph no limiter there, and the Corvette 198 mph. That protection crap statement doesn't make sense.

I have no interest in driving at such high speeds but having a car such as the 2006 Impala SS with over 300 hp has a limiter that keeps its top speed less then a Dodge Neon, Toyota Corolla, Honda Civic and many others, doesn't make sense.

yurakm · February 2006

According to chevrolet.com, Impala SS have "18-inch W-speed-rated Performance tires" installed at factory. I believe that electronic speed limiter "protects customers" almost up to to the maximum speed for W tires, i.e. about 168 mph.

1997-2003/4 Gran Prix GTP and Buick Regal GS were built on the same platform, and had the same inherent speed limits. However, Regal had T-rated tires installed at factory, and was limited to 115 mph or so. GTP had better tires and its limiter was programmed different way. The few Regal GS sold in Germany had different tires and were limited to 137 mph.

jz68 · February 2006

This car is really beginning to make me regret leasing it. I went out to the car after remote starting it today only to find it not running and ice cold inside. Tried starting it with the key and nothing. In less than 24 hours the battery was drained enough to keep it from starting. I've never had this many issues with any car I've owned. First it was a brake recall that they didn't do prior to me driving it off the lot and then it was clicking noises behind the instrument panel. Ths will be my 3rd trip back to the dealer in the month I've owned the car. :mad:

jz68 · February 2006

Someone explain this one to me.

I used a tester to check the battery and the alternator. It indicated that the alternator is charging the battery and that the batter is holding a full charge. The car also has battery rundown protection in case you leave anything on (which I didn't). How does a battery go dead in 20 hours even if the temperature with wind chill was -15F? :confuse:

axle52 · February 2006

HI

I hear your pain. I've been back to the dealer 3 times myself. I own a LTZ. IVew had the same clicking noises and the brake recall as well as 2 trips back to replace a faulty temperature gauge. Everthing is back to normal now. So hang in there.

imidazol97 · February 2006

This sounds like the dealer has to determine what went wrong. I have heard of batteries breaking the connection inside the positive or negative post. I have heard of leakage from the side post areas corroding the interior of the battery cables. Your car is new. Let the dealer worry over it.

jz68 · February 2006

Today the car started just fine after sitting all night. I'd feel better had it been dead, at least then I'd know the battery was bad. :confuse:

deminin · February 2006

This entire process doesn't make sense to me. If they are going to make a car that is capable of some decent performance, then hamstring it, what's the point? A person might as well buy something with a little 98HP 4 cylinder engine. I'm not done with Chevy yet. I feel as if I paid for the extra performance, and they sold me a bum deal. Nowhere in their sales literature, or TV ads, or salesmans pitch was there any mention of the car having a speed limiter. It was only thru comments on this forum that I learned about it. In my opinion, that is false or deceptive advertising, and I am just onery enough to make an issue of it.

poncho167 · February 2006

More than 99% of the cars on the road have rev limiters, get used to it.

chillie2 · February 2006

I live in the Boise, ID area and I have a problem with my radio (2LT preferred equipment group up grade) nothing major but it doesn't read the RDS signal from one particular station 105.9 that happens to be the one I listen to. I've checked other Impalas in the area and they have the same problem. Is it just this area or is anyone else having this problem?

jz68 · February 2006

Are you sure they are broadcasting the signal? Not all stations do.

czhang · February 2006

I went to 3 dealers and all of them showed the invoice price sheets that has 2 extra items. One is for advertisement and the other for soemthing I do not quite understand, total of which is around $350. Two dealers quoted me $200 over the invoice price that include the $350 charge. So it is actually $550 over the car invoice + destination. Is this normal?

yurakm · February 2006

The advertisement fee is a normal part of invoice. GM pays for regional ads, then charges all dealers from the respective regions, in a separate line on invoice. In other words, the money goes to GM, not to a dealer, and the amount of the fee is the same for all local dealers.

chillie2 · February 2006

Yes. I can pick it up on my 2003 chevy truck.

white6 · February 2006

This is one reason why buying from rural dealers can be cheaper (notice I said "can," not absolutely will). I purchased a Silverado from a dealer about 30 miles out of town and paid no tack-on fees (advertising or otherwise). Of course, you have to figure in the inconvenience of their location as the compromise to get a little cheaper price.
This regional advertising fee can also put a GM dealer at a price disadvantage with non-GM dealers in the area, if their manufacturers don't add advertising charges into the invoice, or don't charge as much. As an example, the Toyota dealer isn't going to charge GM's ad fees (although they might charge more for Toyotas). All a part of the "game" we have to play.

rayainsw · February 2006

When I was looking for a 2005 GXP, I was disappointed with my treatment as well as the deals I could negotiate with 3 dealers reasonably near where I live. (Northeast of Metro Atlanta.)

Since I certainly did not ** need ** a car at that exact moment, I checked gmbuypower and found 1 with the equipment I wanted at a One Price dealer approx. 135 miles away at a small (rural) dealership in another state. After a little due diligence research and a couple of email interactions, the GM and I finalized the deal by telephone, contingent upon my trade being as I described.

Specifically, the deal was: GMS pricing (Employee price less $2,000 rebate), less $300 further discount, plus NO Doc fee, plus NO Adv. Fee  in fact no additional $$ to the dealer, period. Plus over $1,000 more allowed for my trade than the best offer of the dealers near me with GXPs in stock, or inbound. Plus no We put that super wonderful paint protection / sealant / high profit goop on every car as soon as we receive it so we have to charge you an excessive price for it sorts of silly tactics.

A very pleasant and efficient transaction experience. If I decided to buy another Pontiac product (before the brand is killed by GM) I would at least check with them again.

Point is that I saved at least $1,500 by driving to North Carolina. A couple of tanks of gasoline!

- Ray
Loyal to those who treat me well . .

poncho167 · February 2006

As mentioned, the station may not broadcast in RDS.

If you go back to the Impala discussion title page, you will see an Impala forum about radio issues. You may find something there on this subject.

vanman1 · February 2006

Went to the Toronto Auto show this evening and looked the Impala over again very closely all over and top to bottom. I still think the car is a winner over all but the following things need to be fixed.

1. The steering wheel needs an upgrade, it's looks and feel are not as nice as the rest of the dash.
2. The foot room in the back does indeed need some attention. The drop down of the carpet give too little room for feet.
3. The doors need attention as I think the thud noise from the doors could be more Accord like.

Of course, a 6 speed auto and better fuel economy would really push the greatness of this car but at least I know that it's coming. BTW.. The SS was getting a lot of attention, a good sign IMO.

exalteddragon1 · February 2006

what do you mean its comming? GM is putting something new into the Impala?

I just hope GM does not screw themselves with a redesign (50's styling cues). This car is attracting people, and looks that much better in person than pics. If people are buying it, then just improve the current design. Make it have more room and the things vanman, amoung others mentioned.

2006 Chevrolet Impala

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