Chevy Impala owners?

fishman · Jan 16, 2003

I posted this on CBN a couple of days ago, but haven't really received much feedback. So I thought I'd try here.

"Anybody own one of the recent generation of Chevy Impalas? Wifey and I were looking at them today and they seem to have quite a bit of room. We need a vehicle to safely and comfortably transport two adults, two kids (one large, one small), and a 65 lb dog over long distances. In addition, it will serve as a commuting car. Any thoughts as to whether the Impala would fit the bill? There are also two engine choices, a 3.4 and a 3.8, both of which have been used extensively in the GM lineup. Opinions on this are welcomed also. "

RobertN · Jan 16, 2003

I could not tell you about anything that wasn't dated... When I was a kid, my parents had a '63 Impala SS327 4spd. For a large car, that thing was fast! They got it in '64, when I was a year old. I remember my early years in that car, with some impressive shutdowns after the lights. If you met my Mom, she's pretty mellow. But, man(or woman!), she could power shift that car! I remember her getting it out of the whole really well, and then staying on it hard through the gears. She suprised a lot of folks at the stoplights...

pruntyc · Jan 16, 2003

Having had quite a few of General Motors cars, I have to say, that I havn't had the best of luck with Chevys in these later times. In the 70's they seemed to do pretty good. I personally would be more inclined to go with a Buick, they have a pretty good car, run just as cheap and seem to hold up better. And they ride better too in my opinion. But each one has their own ideas, so this is just my two cents worth.

Anonymous Poster · Jan 16, 2003

John, cars are nice but, you(1),wife(2) two kids(3,4) 65lbs of fur(5 1/2) have you thought of one of the smaller sport utilities. Maybe the Saturn Vue? Its not as quick as the large engined Impala but....
Anyway I've asked around and so far haven't hear any negitives about the car. But 5 1/2 in a midsize car I hope your a real close family. Notice I didn't mention a minivan or a station wagon both practicle but not very ....you know (my wife is driving a Jimmy put a big X through the mini van idea)
If its of any importance check resale regaurding engine/package choices, different parts of the country have different resale. Normally at work we hear alittle of everthing good and bad. Don't hear much of anything about the impala and bad news would travel real fast around hear. Don't know If it helped, around hear no news is once in a while good news.

Tony
GM Design Staff - Engineering

MossRoad · Jan 16, 2003

My wife and I are currently looking at 2000 and 2001 Impalas. We have found quite a few. We also have two children, so room is important. A few weeks ago we test drove a 98 Cadillac STS, a 2000 Buick Ultra and a 2000 Impala. With the driver's seat all the way back, I could not fit in the left rear passenger seat on the Cadillac. The Buick was a little better, but not much. The Impala was the best. My knees did not touch the back of the driver's seat.

The Cadillac had the nicest ride of any car I've ever been in. The Buick was OK, but was lacking in power, even with the supercharged V6. The Impala was just right. Felt comfortable to drive, had nicely arranged controls and gauges, nice sunroof. All 3 had sunroofs with retractable headliners, but only the Impala had vent in the headliner, so you didn't have to slide it back to still get a breeze. Dual zone temperature controls for front passengers. The Impala had a cloth interior; the other two had leather. Leather is nice, but is cold in the winter(the Caddy and Buick had seat heaters) and hot in the summer. Plus the leather conditioner stained my wife's coat. All 3 also had traction control(which I tested on dry pavement /w3tcompact/icons/grin.gif ) and that was pretty cool. I still have to do some research at consumer's reports and see how they rate those years of Impalas. They seem like a good car for the money. Prices averaged around $11,500 to $13,000 for the 2000 and 2001 depending on options. I would have bought it on the spot, but it was bright red and my wife hates red.
(AAARRRRRGH!!!!) /w3tcompact/icons/laugh.gif/w3tcompact/icons/laugh.gif/w3tcompact/icons/laugh.gif

Hope this helps.

Youare · Jan 16, 2003

My wife and I just recently were in the used car market. I looked at many different makes and models and ended up with a Buick Lasebre.

The place I found the most helpful information was National Highway Traffic Safety Board, I think that is close to the right name. I found the website through a link from Cars.com.

There you are able to look up any recall notices and even Tech. Service bulletins for a particular car or truck. There is a file for mechanical problems as well. This is not one of those sites where people just bust on a car they don't like.

I really like the Buick, it has the 3.8 which seems to have plenty of power and has a good track record. The room inside seems like it should be enough for a family your size.

The Buick was voted car of the year for it's price range in both 2001 and 2002. Watch out for some of the reintroduced models they are not what they used to be. The braking systems on some GM cars have been ligthened up to help pass the CAFE standards. The Malibu and Alero both have had brake issues around 12K.

Good luck car hunting.

Randy

rdln · Jan 16, 2003

I've heard comments from two people about the impala (one driver and one owner) and both were positive. Hey Tony any relation to Nancy?

Gary_in_Indiana · Jan 16, 2003

My partner's brother has an Impala and speaks very highly of it. I've ridden in it a number of times and driven it a few and it sure seems to be a nice car.

That said, it's still just a car. With the crew you have, I might suggest something like a Chrysler minivan. They're great vehicles with proven reliability and will have plenty of room for people and cargo. They ride and drive well and get pretty decent mileage, too. I had one as my personal vehicle a while ago and it was probably the best family vehicle I've ever owned. I drove myself (6'-8, 285 lbs.), my son (then 5'-10, 185 lbs.) my daughter (6' tall even at 14 years old) and their grandpa (6', 220 lbs.) straight through from here to Green Harbor, MA (just north of Cape Cod) for nine days with every bit of luggage imaginable and it was truly a great trip with plenty of room for everyone.

On top of all of that, I averaged over 28 mpg for the entire trip including all the running around we did while we were there. I drive a Tahoe now and love it but if I were back in the days of two kids at home I'd be back in a Chrysler minivan in a heartbeat. If you're not averse to something other than a traditional car, you really owe it to yourself to check one out. I think you'll be pretty impressed.

Good luck with whatever you decide. I hope this helps. /w3tcompact/icons/smile.gif

njrqs · Jan 16, 2003

Much credit to Muhammed and co for CBN but it is here on TBN where most answers can be found.

I know I look at CBN occasionally but don't have time for both in a big way.

I find TBN is THE place to get a wide opinion on things.

Cheers

Anonymous Poster · Jan 17, 2003

Steve, yep thats the wife. Trying to figure out what the A stands for...
never really use the email at home so, fire one off if you wish. Was going to fire one to your yahoo but I don't without asking first.

Cheers
Tony