Edmunds dealer partner, Bayway Leasing, is now offering transparent lease deals via these forums. Click here to see the latest vehicles!
Options
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
That would be my advice, especially if you want the OnStar functionality. It isn't cheap but I recommend it to loved ones primarily for the security of roadside assistance. The other features are handy as well.
I understand the factory fills new Corvettes with Mobil 1, is it a good idea to run it in the 5.3?
Main reason: I wanted 4 doors. I liked my Monte but hated the two door.
Secondary reason: rear windows that rolled down, the two-door Monte had stationary back seat windows.
Final reason: Tie--larger V-6 with AFM and Leather Seats.
I like it, cause I usually have my DIC setting on something besides the mundane odometer reading. This will give me a bit of info each time I enter my vehicle.
But this feature is there for service people so they don't have to have physically turn on the key to get the milage while writing a ticket. If you can enable that one feature on hundreds of vehicles it will make their time much more profitable. It is not, however, indictative that GM thinks that more tickets will be written.
If not there, ask your dealer when it's in for service if they can do it with the Tech II computer they hook up.
The normal DIC will display mileage when you press and hold the odometer button even when key's not on. But I guess that makes it easier for the rental and service writers..., they don't have to reach inside the car.
2014 Malibu 2LT, 2015 Cruze 2LT,
As for Mobile 1, it's what I use exclusively in my SS and my last two cars. If you change the oil when the vehicle's sensor tells you to (like I do), it's an even better idea. Using the oil for the longer service life also negates the increased cost over conventional motor oil.
Depends on how it's set up to operate... depends on the wiring.
I could try looking at my 03 service manual for its mirror. Would be better if someone familiar with Chevy's mirror would chime in...
2014 Malibu 2LT, 2015 Cruze 2LT,
Thanks
dude, if you have scratches in your glass running parallel in a vertical pattern it is the window mechanism within the door more than likely. I had a similar issue with my '03 Grand Prix GTP. A piece of rubber in the mechanism actually frays and exposes part of the metal within the mechanism - at least that is what happened to my door. At the time there had been a tech bulletin out for the GTP. There maybe one for the impala i am not sure but more than likely thats your problem.....
ja
1. Is there any TSB for this seat in the early 2006 Impalas? (I expect there is not.)
2. Is there any other fix for the seat? I thought perhaps there is a thin memory foam seat cover sold somewhere.
1. Chevy Impala
2. Dodge Charger
3. Hyundai Sonata
4. Ford Fusion
All were 2006 model year and all were first year models. So, I was faced with the decision of which first year model would be the best choice.
The Dodge was rear-wheel drive, we get snow here, and I drive 60 miles a day minimum (a snow tire package would run close to $1200...no thanks). That pretty much knocked it off the list.
I had owned Ford products in the past that were not 1st year models and had way more than their fair share of problems. That knocked the Fusion off the list.
That brought me to the Hyundai and the Chevy. I have an associate who has put 3 engines in an Elantra GT in the past 2 years. That made me nervous as I was looking at the 4cylinder Sonata. Plus the dealers are starting to play games with pricing (market adjustments on Hyundais).
So, the Chevy won out. My parent's very good service from their '03 Impala LS also contributed to the final choice.
My Impala is an okay car. I have just a short list of things that I think could be better:
1. Better upper dashboard and door panel build quality (less creaks and rattles)
2. Better tires. The OEM 16" Goodyear Integrity tires are atrocious in the rain, even at speeds well below the posted limit. I will most likely replace them before the winter. It seems a shame to replace brand new tires, but safety does matter. Will probably go with Fuzion HRi tires to minimize the investment (they are made by Bridgestone and get great reviews...only $55 each from Tire Rack).
3. Seats could be a little more comfortable. I agree with others on this. I have my good days and bad days with the seats. The lumbar has a lot of adjustment, but I have never been able to get it just right.
4. Gas mileage is on the low end of the EPA estimates. I was expecting 24-25 miles per gallon in mixed driving. In reality I am averaging 22-23. Better than the 13-14mpg I was averaging with my previous Dodge Durango so I am still pleased overall.
My particular LT 3.5L does not have ABS or the tire pressure monitoring system. So, I have not had to worry about those issues. I must admit, this car is the first car I have owned since the mid-90's without ABS and I like the feel and responsiveness better.
I do have the Bose stereo and find it to be very good. No issues with it. Very good sound even from the radio. Now, radio reception could be a tad better. Haven't tried the CD player or plugged my mp3 player into the auxiliary input yet.
All in all, as I said, it is an okay car. I average close to 1300 miles per month, so I will probably keep the car 2 or so years (36,000 miles) and then move on to something else. The Impala cruises nicely and gets good mileage. The 3.5L engine has more than enough power and is quiet and smooth.
Unfortunately the forums are used more for talking about the negative versus the positive. I am not saying that is a bad thing, I do the same thing as sometimes it is very therapeutic to get things off your chest. However, I do also believe that where there is smoke there is fire. It seems a relatively small sample of owners here are reporting similar clusters of problems. If the small sample has similar concerns, then a larger group may also be affected. It will be interesting to see how the '06 and newer Impalas fare in the future.
Aside from my creaks and rattles and the tires, I have no major issues at this time. Admittedly, if I did not have the creaks and the rattles and the OEM tires were better I would have much higher praise for the car. It is amazing how little things like that can tarnish one's view of something.
Here's my personal list:
I own an '06 SS with every option other than the auto-dimming/heated mirrors. Why it was ordered without them, I have no idea but it wasn't a deal breaker for me.
First off, the V-8 engine with it's sweet song. It was love at first rumble when I was car shopping with my sister. Also, the massive power output never leaves me wanting for more.
Second, the technology offered. Although I think the subscription is overpriced, I love the security of OnStar; more so for my female family members but it's nice to have a guardian watching out for you. Aside from security, OnStar now offers onboard diagnostics which has helped at least one owner out there confirm problems she was unable to duplicate at the dealership. The theft deterrence through vehicle location technology is also a plus as well as navigation help in a pinch. Finally, the built-in phone (again overpriced) is handy for when you forget your cell phone or (even better) prefer to talk hands free.
Third, the technology of the "DIC". Tire-pressure monitoring (with actual PSI readout), oil life, accurate mileage computer, compass, and thermometer are great features that are standard on most models.
Fourth, stylish rims/wheels that I'm actually proud of and are a snap to clean. I understand that not everyone loves them but I do and that's what counts. Chevy is finally paying attention to details!
Fifth, gobs of usable space in the trunk. This car is not only fun to own but it is very practical.
No, the Impala isn't perfect but for the price and features, it was perfect for me.
Hopefully this positive post reminds those with annoying little problems that the car is still very good. Also, if we're lucky, Chevy will soon get a handle on the little annoyances that are bothering us. Keep your heads up fellow Impala owners. Overall, even with its problems, the Impala is a great car.
While I did have some lites come on, "service brake system, traction, tire pressure , and engine"... the car ran with no problems.
Could the lazor-blue color be a limited #? I have not seen another one on the road in 50,000 miles of driving this year. (I drive for a living... so this is a total milage in all the vehicles i drive.) so I guess that makes my car super special:)
the dealer, Santa Ana's Guarantee Chev has been fantastic.
The a/c was a problem until I had the dealer's service dept use the software fix JC Cooley recommended. It fixed the problem.
No problems with tailgators.. I left them in the dust...lol
very comfortable ride.. and love the xm radio!
I love the car, however, the new camero coming out in '08 may tempt me to trade it in!!
Things that stand out the most? Engine (loads of power), Transmission (soooo smooth!), Clean lines of the dash, Headlight system (one touch to turn on everything including the fog lights, and they turn off automatically), Lane change signals (one quick push up or down gives you 3 blinks), Flash to pass (wasn’t on the previous Impala), Steering wheel controls (nice improvements over previous Impala), OnStar (used it while tailing a seriously impared driver last week), Seats (very comfortable for my 6’1”, 280lb frame), lots of power outlets, HUGE trunk, the flip and fold back seats, airbags all around, sliding sun visors, tire monitoring system (with real tire pressures!), drivers’ information centre (nice improvements over previous Impala).
Not so great things? Hate the new hazard light switch (have to reach through the steering wheel – the previous Impala was much better), lots of drinks fall out of the cup holders, no hooks for dry cleaning in the back seat (have to use the roof handles – not the best solution), hard to hold the steering wheel at 9 and 3 (my preferred driving position), no good place for coins (they slide out of the small flat part on the driver’s door map pocket, and it’s too small anyway), headrests don’t tilt forward. Mostly just little nit-picky things! As I said before, my fob range sucks too, but I haven’t given them a chance to fix it yet (hopefully they don’t just blame my tinted windows).
The only thing I liked better about my ’01 Impala is that more people moved out of my way on the highway because the Ontario Provincial Police had LOTS of that model. They haven’t embraced the new Impala, so far fewer people move over when I come bombing along in the left lane. Poor me ;-)
I agree with quietpro. The car isn't perfect, but it's getting really close!
Fortunately, the service writer I deal with is very willing to get the car in quickly to resolve any issue, but that doesn't lessen the apprehension on the road.
Chevy only "recommends" premium for the V8 Impalas.
A few days ago I posted message number 2099, in which I basically said my Impala is an okay car that I would probably keep for 2 years and then move on.
Well, I think this car is giving me a nervous breakdown. Between the creaks in the dash and the clunk in the door, I am not sure how much longer I can tolerate this car. I have a shim in one section of the dash to quiet one of the creaks. I attempted to put a shim in another section of the dash, but that shim proceeded to disappear into the dash somewhere?! I have all but given up on yet another severe creak that has formed. The door clunk is very annoying. It almost sounds like the door is loose or something. These types of issues should not be happening on a 2006 model year car and I shouldn't have to be shimming the dash to keep it quiet.
For a car with only 3,000 miles on it, it sounds more like a 75,000 mile vehicle. Very disappointing and frustrating. The build quality on this vehicle is probably the worst I have seen in the past 14 years (and I have owned many cars in that time). I seem to be getting a new noise every 3 or 4 days. I may just take the depreciation hit and get rid of this thing as soon as possible.
Thanks for letting me vent. Sorry to bring the discussion down as I know it has been going in a positive direction recently.
I am wondering if there are any changes other than the engine and the warranty? Thx
Unfortunately the Lemon Law here only applies to safety related problems or problems that significantly impact the value of the vehicle. Squeaks and rattles do not qualify for the Lemon Law unless they are directly related to a safety defect
I looked into trading recently, and your comments on resale value are right on the money. I am electing to keep the car for now and just live with it.
My issue right now is finding a replacement for the atrocious Goodyear Integrity tires. I have 5,000 miles on my Impala, and although the tires are still technically "new" they are the worst I have ever experienced in wet weather. I am actually nervous to drive this car in the rain. My '99 Camaro was a treat in bad weather compared to the Impala.
I have narrowed it down to the Bridgestone Turanza LS-T, the Yokohama Avid TRZ, or the Kumho Solus. Can't decide which to get out of these three. Leaning toward the Yokohama, but just can't decide. :confuse:
Sure I have scratches on my door windows too. Also noticed them on my 05 Impala. Power steering recall anyone? How about the wind noise at highway speeds or The tire monitor system coming on or the clunking sound when you turn the wheel at low speed or the clicking and popping sounds coming from the dash and the list or annoying problems with my 06 LTZ. I have been back to the dealer numerous times to have these problems fixed. Other than that, the car is a nice vechicle to drive with lots of pep.
Carl
Is it possible to take it back to the dealership and have them install the Bose (premium) sound system? Is the average car audio store capable of installing a new system if I have the radio controls in the steering wheel? What is it that I actually need? A new receiver? Amp? Just new speakers?
I also have a Delphi Roady (xm radio) that I'd like installed. Where can it even be mounted in the 2006 without drilling holes, or having wires all around? Is it just easier to get a new XM ready receiver?
Thanks in advance for any replies. Sorry for such stupid questions, but I'm new to this all.