I'm looking at the new Impala's. I was looking for some feedback, good, bad, neutral. I gotta get a new family car.

No, I cannot afford the new SS :( I'm sticking with the 200 hp V6 model.

Thanks!

Kevin,
I just picked up my new company car last night. It is a Grand Prix, I don't know how they compare to the Impalas. I can tell you the Grand Prix is VERY nice. It is a GT (non supercharged), has a lot of power, rides nice, handles well, great stereo, lots of room. I am 6'4" and I am comfortable driving it. You might want to take a look.

My wife and I just bought one. Seams like a nice car. very roomy inside and it drives and rides nice. Not the greatest car on the market but as a family car we are happy.
I hope this helps,
Nick

We have a 2000 3.4L with 50,000 miles. It's a very solid, comfortable family car, no rattles to date. Early on it had a front suspension noise that ended up being a faulty weld in the engine cradle (subframe like a Camaro) the whole cradle was removed. Last year was the intake gasket so many of the GM V6's are having problems with. I just replaced the front pads and turned the rotors and last week the heater core had to be replaced.

Of the 3 major items I would call unexpected, the cradle was replaced under warranty, the other 2 were at my expense. I'm not happy about the intake and the heater core but it has not soured me on the car.

At the SJ Auto Show I did get a look at the Grand Prix and liked the overall package. I think it's a bit more money even in base trim than the Impala which for it's size and what you get is going to be hard to beat price wise.

http://www.camaroslimited.com/sj_show/gp.jpg

I drive an 04 company car. No complaints. Not a lot of power at 60 MPH without downshift. Overall, a nice car for the money.

My wife has an 03 Impala for her company car. Runs very well, has a great stereo, a huge trunk, rides very well, and is built like a tank. It doesn't see neutral much, has 20K miles now.

It does have one noisy lifter after start-up. Goes away when warm. Radio has been replaced due to not being able to reset other functions of the car's maintenance cycle, i.e., oil change, etc.

Yes, one changes the cycle through the radio controls, if equipped with the top-of-the-line radio model. I always have to pull out the Operator's Manual and read how-to: set the time, set the station buttoms, reset the oil change, and other functions.

Engine does run quiet, if doors and windows are shut. You mistakenly restart with the engine running. Always look to see the Battery symbol is NOT displayed on the Message Center, a large 1.25 inch square led display (same as the odometer), cause this shows you the engine IS running, There is no tach on the base Impala model.

If I were to get another, it would be at least an LS model.

Thanks guys! That helps. I did call my friend at Chevrolet and he will give me a new car at $100 over invoice smile.gif WITH the rebate :D and he has some off-lease Chevs and Pontiacs. I just need to drag the family down and do some test drives.

The new wrinkle now is any new car has to be flat tow capable :( for future RV towing. That will narrow the field down.

Use a tow dolly for the Impala's front wheels and no problems.

I did see an Impala LS towing a 21 ft Terry trailer last week.

We have an '02 it's the wife's/family car. It runs and rides well like others have mentioned. The steering developed a bumping noise/feel to it and the steering shaft had to be lubricated on two different occasions. This seems to be a common problem with some other Chevy vehicles as well. My only concern is that next time I'll have to pay (est. $75.00) so I called GM and complained. They basically said if it happens again call and we'll give it consideration (who knows what that will be). Even with that little problem I still consider it a good car.