1996 Chevrolet Impala SS review from North America
"Reliable, classic and pure muscle!!!"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
1. Power steering hose sprung a leak from rubbing in front of lower engine. Cost a lot to replace, but it won't happen again.
2. Rear of front seat cushions has moved forward, exposing cloth liner behind the leather. I understand this is common on most Impala SS's.
General comments?
The two minor points above are far outweighed by the performance of the SS. This was the last 4 door muscle car built until Mercury came out with the Marauder in late 2002. And the Impala SS, with a stock 260 HP versus the Marauder's 300+ HP, will still out run a Marauder. There is a reason why the SS is nicknamed "The 4 Door Vette", it is very fast, and can easily be made faster. Replacing the air filter and programming the chip will gain 20-25 HP, add a new exhaust, and you are close to 300 HP. This car is a pleasure to drive, aftermarket parts are easy to find and inexpensive, and the SS is a classic that increases in value each year. Check out the NAISSO and ISSCA web sites, dedicated to the SS lover.
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | Yes |
| First year of ownership | 2002 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2003 |
| Engine and transmission | 350 CID Chevy V8 Automatic |
| Performance marks | 9/10 |
| Reliability marks | 9/10 |
| Comfort marks | 8/10 |
| Dealer Service marks | 9/10 |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 4/10 |
| Distance when acquired | 11200 miles |
| Most recent distance | 27880 miles |
| Previous car | Ford Explorer |
| Date of Entry | 14th June, 2003 |