[Michael_S]

The 3.5LVVT engine gets 11 more horses than the typical 200hp base 3800 did. And slightly better fuel economy.

The 3.9L would certainly benefit from GM's long promised 6-speed AT's, but it does get 40 more horsepower than the 3800 engine did.

If I recall correctly the gearing in the 4 speed automatic hasn't changed from the previous generation Impala. But the final drive ratio has changed. It stays at 2.86 for the base V6, but I believe the 3800 was mated to a 2.93 and the new 3.9 liter engine is matched to a 3.29. That probably accounts for nearly as much of the difference in mileage as the extra 40 horsepower.

When GM puts the 6 speed auto into this car, the combination of performance, fuel efficiency, safety, and space should get even better.

 

[Neanderthal]

"This engine has been around forever - but it's all new." (?)

Seems like with the Impala, the LS is the only one that really makes sense from a cost benefit standpoint.

The hell of it is that they refuse to sell a decent wheel with the base LS. Why not make it an option - even a pricey one? And how about making the 5.3L an expensive stand alone option? I'd rather get an LS and pay $2000 for the V8 than get a bunch of stuff I don't want - especially giant wheels, space wasting bucket seats and floor shift and a stiff suspension. I live in the land of the frost heave and pot hole - stiff suspensions do nothing but create dashboard rattles.

You're right, Elvis, the V8 should be a Sleeper checkoff item on the options list. Two grand isn't a lot, many Japanese V6s cost that over the four. GM could add something to their weak ad campaign: cylinders: we're two better than the competition. I prefer a column shifter too, now if General Van Winkle can find seats that don't create a direct journey to the chiropractor it would be even better. If GM would just get their danm 6-speed onto the lots now...

 

[johnny smallblock]

It's not a minivan, nor a sport-ute, and it is certainly not some marketing table mishmash of active lifestyle vehicle. This is what we call a car. This is what we call an Impala.

This article's last line should be in Impala advertising.

 

[Neanderthal]

Take a look on Edmunds.com at the consumer reviews of these cars. Several people with the 3900 have got 29-30 on the highway with the 3900. Like many GM engines it more than likely is under rated. And comparing the 3800 to the 3900 is rediculous. The 3800 made 42 less hp, weighted more, didn't rev as high and was less sophisticated and an outdated design from over 10 years ago. The Impalas interior indeed could use a little sprucing up but it's hardly bad. And whats wrong with the exterior colors anyways?

I dare say if General Van Winkle had put the 3.5 and 3.9's development bucks into the 3.8 starting around MY1999/2000, by 2003 they would have gone to market with a 240 HP 240 TQ NA engine. I've read it's heavier than the V8, but it is bulletproof and there is a difference between 2003 and 2006. GM is almost always behind the curve.
In 2003 the 240/240 3.8 would have been a good match for the new Honda 3.0 240 HP/210TQ V6 that got rave reviews. With a 6-speed it surely would have blown off the Accord 3.0.
Wooda coulda shoulda...

 

[sdito]

Both of my friends have purchased new Impalas in the past 5 months. One bought an LT 2, the other an LT 3. After talking with my friends, their conclusion is ..............well a nice "BLAH" car. Both were upset with the option packages. You must buy an LT 3 to get a spoiler and fog lights. I told my one friend that he has the only car in town with a $3000 spoiler. The interior in both cars is "cheap". The mileage on the 3.9 motor is three miles per gallon less than the previous 3.8 motor.
Two years from now both cars will be worth 50% of their sticker because of fleet sales via auctions.
The exterior of the new Impala is a winner.........too bad we will look at it for the next five years!
Sometimes I think GM/Chevrolet think that most people are really stupid.
Maybe they are right...........

Your friends must love talking about their new cars with you!

 

[IMPALAon20s]

BLAH, being an impala diehard fan.. even since before the 90's b-bodys.. i'm not buying another until its a RWD v8 , could care less how good these w-bodys are!

 

[HEVguy]

I found that review to be fairly well balanced, but not a particularly exciting read.

And for the record, I really like how the new exterior (and interior) looks. I have seen many around town, and they look impressive in person as well.

 

[Nelson Kyle K]

:hyper: Hay Boys and Girls if you think this Impala SS is cool wait to see what to come in the next Impala SS! I can hardly wait RWD Zeta V8 I can't sleep at night. All I think about RWD V8 and Chevy will also be a contender in the police car market. Now I can drive around in my uniform in a RWD Impala, and go after people with a car that you can slide the rear end around and more and likely a 400hp maybe 6.0L V8. I think I will save my money for the next Impala or somethin like it, But the new Impala SS is nice but personally my self I would buy a Dodge Charger right now. I have no beef with the new Impala is a well built car, but I like RWD and personally like how they drive and how they handle. I guess I have to wait until the next Zeta Impala comes out to satisfy my taste buds. This is good news to hear that the car is doing good.

 

[jizzle]

If i were to spend my money on the impala it would be the ss. the rest are too bland. @ least u get some nifty wheels. having driven an ss i found it to be quite nose-heavy. gimme a charger anyday. the ss is just another example of corner cutting gm being late to the party and not bringing the best gifts.

 

[cpformula]

The reason why it looks bland is because its a car that does not need to look good to do a good job! Its to take you places in comfort and not be noticed by big brother when you drive around.

That's like saying food doesn't need to look good when prepared. After all, it's just for nurishment. When you go to a restaurant, they take time to make your food LOOK pleasing as well as edible. The same should go for an automobile.

If all you're interested in is a car that will do it's job.... ie. get you from point A to point B then why not buy the least expensive car out there. After all, you just turn the key, put it in gear and press the gas. It'll get you there the same as a Ferrari, Cadillac, BMW......

 

[steve333]

The Impala looks so... boring. I don't see how anyone could be excited about the car's exterior design. The interior looks like it's made for people who have no passion for cars.

You mean like a Camry?
When you look at the Impala in person, you see the cool headlights and taillights and the swoop of the body. It doesn't show well in pics.

 

[Nelson Kyle K]

:yup:

If i were to spend my money on the impala it would be the ss. the rest are too bland. @ least u get some nifty wheels. having driven an ss i found it to be quite nose-heavy. gimme a charger anyday. the ss is just another example of corner cutting gm being late to the party and not bringing the best gifts.

I second that!

</IMG>

 

[Nelson Kyle K]

The Impala looks so... boring. I don't see how anyone could be excited about the car's exterior design. The interior looks like it's made for people who have no passion for cars.

Aren't you being a little hard on the Impala.

</IMG>

 

[MaxLegroom]

If I recall correctly the gearing in the 4 speed automatic hasn't changed from the previous generation Impala. But the final drive ratio has changed. It stays at 2.86 for the base V6, but I believe the 3800 was mated to a 2.93 and the new 3.9 liter engine is matched to a 3.29. That probably accounts for nearly as much of the difference in mileage as the extra 40 horsepower.

When GM puts the 6 speed auto into this car, the combination of performance, fuel efficiency, safety, and space should get even better.

The gearing choices you've described probably explains the difference in fuel economy between the two Impalas I drove in the course of an evening. The one with the 3.5 got 24.7 mpg despite my leaving it in third for a sizable part of the trip. The 3.9 got 21.7. I'd put the Impala LTZ into perspective for you this way, though. I think of it as a bargain compared to the Buick LaCrosse. The one I drove had about everything I'd want in a car like that, except, perhaps, a six speed stick.

 

[Michael_S]

The gearing choices you've described probably explains the difference in fuel economy between the two Impalas I drove in the course of an evening. The one with the 3.5 got 24.7 mpg despite my leaving it in third for a sizable part of the trip. The 3.9 got 21.7. I'd put the Impala LTZ into perspective for you this way, though. I think of it as a bargain compared to the Buick LaCrosse. The one I drove had about everything I'd want in a car like that, except, perhaps, a six speed stick.

Did the LTZ feel substantially quicker than the LS? Just curious.

The only advantage the LaCrosse has, as far as I know, is the Buick Quiet Tuning. I haven't driven one, but I've read from individual reviewers and professional reviewers alike that it is noticeably quieter than most other cars. That isn't important enough to make or break a sale to me, but it's a nice touch. On the other hand, the Impala is supposed to have a much larger trunk and back seat.

Other than that, I think the only real weakness is the four speed auto. And before anyone says anything, I know performance is perfectly fine with the four speed auto. But a six speed auto (or manual) offers better performance and economy. The Europeans and Japanese offer them, and so should GM.

 

[eb110americana]

It's downright refreshing to have a column-mounted lever to tilt the wheel, as opposed to fumbling underneath for some form of clamp.

Someone at GM needs to make a note of this. I HATE those stupid clamp levers that everyone uses under the column in other cars. I don't care if you can adjust for both reach AND rake, it's nearly impossible to control where the wheel goes once the clamp is off. It's like trying to thread a needle while holding the thread with a pair of industrial sized bolt cutters. The GM spring-loaded stalk is so easy to use, I lift the wheel everytime I get out of the car. Other than electric adjustments, this is heads above what I've used in other makes. I'm dissapointed that GM doesn't do this on all their cars (for instance, I know the GTO has the clamp)--electric adjustments aside.

 

[Mikkoo]

too bad no rear wheel drive , it sounds like it will be addressed in the near future

Two future Impala's are being designed simultaneously. One is FWD
and the other is RWD. It's unclear exactly which road GM has decided
to take the Impala when it's scheduled for the all-new version.

 

[mucker15]

Two future Impala's are being designed simultaneously. One is FWD
and the other is RWD. It's unclear exactly which road GM has decided
to take the Impala when it's scheduled for the all-new version.

thats kind of crazy i wonder if they are doing both to scrap one or maybe they are develpoing two cars at once (Caprice/Impala.) I really hope its the rear wheel drive car, GM needs something in the vein of the 300. I would like to see the Malibu if it ever gets here, compete with the mid size foriegn cars. I keep hearing its gorgeous, hopefully there will be some spy pics soon.

 

[GMlvrsince72]

Yeah...it looks a little bland but at least it is not ugly like the Camry is. But the next Impala needs to be striking looking and performing with RWD and multiple small block power options. Of course it will be too late to compete....again. These days good is not good enough.

 

[tallpaul]

hey listen all i just bought an impale ltz. since i work for a chevy pontiac dealership it was an easy choice to purchase this car over the grand prix. i had a grand prix and it was the most uncomfortable car i ever drove. im 6ft 6in tall and i fit like a glove in the impala ltz. so give it credit were credit is due. i love this car.