2000 Chevrolet Impala Base 3.4L

Faults:

Nothing has gone wrong with this car, so far.

General Comments:

This car is a base model, but has a lot of options.

This car has the 3.4L and gets on the average of 30 miles per gallon. It has very good acceleration and performance and handles very well.

The ride is very smooth, except for excessive tire noise on rough pavement.

The controls are placed within easy reach and are easy to see and use.

The looks of this car is very sporty and has a unique and different look compared to other cars on the market.

It is a very good compromise for people who want a family sedan and a sport coupe. With it's sports car exhaust sound.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 24th March, 2003

26th Feb 2004, 21:43

The noise you hear from the tires on rough pavement is coming from the brake assembly. Had the same problem under warranty. Had to wait about 8 months for new parts to be made by GM. But it did away with the noise. It took three trips back to dealer before they admitted there was a problem.

2000 Chevrolet Impala LS 3.4L

Summary:

Nice car to trade at 30,000, don't keep it longer

Faults:

Computer had to be replaced. This was at 12,000 miles. The replacement went bad in two weeks and had to replaced.

The rotors had to turned at 35,000 miles. This was finally verified by the mechanics after 3 times to the dealer. Twice by me and the last by my husband. I was very upset, but I live in a small town.

The left front caliper had to replaced because it was not returning after the brakes were applied. It was staying engaged and causing damage at 45,000 miles.

Finally today, the right rear wheel speed sensor is being replaced at 56,000 miles. Does not sound like a big thing, right? Wrong. You cannot just replace the sensor, the entire hub has to be replaced for this part. The connection to the sensor is faulty, and causing the computer to think that wheel is locked and engaging the ABS. This is very scary when you are driving at 40 MPH and trying to stop behind other vehicles.

General Comments:

Car is very fast and drives great.

I love the design, and because my car is white everyone slows down to let me pass. It looks like a Police Car.

Mechanically, though, it has been a lot of trouble and expense. The car's overall design does not make for easy part replacement. Entire assemblies have to replaced, instead of components.

I do not recommend it to people who drive a lot of miles. The reliability factor is just not there.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 24th March, 2003

12th Apr 2003, 11:59

Just over the warranty, at 61,000 km I had to replace a sensor which tells the computer the amount of gas in the tank, expensive and labor intensive. At 76,000 new brakes and rotors turned in the front. Also sensors which indicate ABS Brakes and Traction Control malfunction went bad and need replacing. As in previous comments I read, you may think this is not so bad, but it is, as you need to replace the complete hub as this is where the sensors are. A bit disappointed when I was told you could not replace the sensors alone.

Should I have bought the extended warranty (approximately $2,000) this would have been covered. I calculated the warranty to take me through another 12months (I do a lot of driving), so if this is all I have to replace in 12 months I'm in money.

This is a great sporty looking vehicle with family in mind. I have received lots of positive comments.

2000 Chevrolet Impala LX 3.8L

Summary:

A dependable family car with style and performance

Faults:

At around 18,000 miles the air bag light is on all the time. Repaired under warranty.

At 26,000 miles the air bag light is on all the time. Repaired again under warranty.

At 35,000 miles the air bag light is on all the time. Once again, repaired under warranty.

Now at 49,000 miles, again the air bag light is on intermittently and I have mentioned this to my dealer. However, at the last service the light was not on and no work was done.

Other than the air bag light I have had no problems with the car. My dealer assures me that the air bag is functional, only the sensor under the drivers seat is defective. General Motors issued a recall for this sensor, but according to the service department not on my model.

General Comments:

The car has plenty of power for a family car.

I wish the car was a little tighter in the curves, but, I don't want to give up the smooth ride.

It is very dependable and a joy to drive... Lots of room.

Very quite ride, no air noise at all.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 21st January, 2003

13th Aug 2003, 10:52

I am having the exact same problem with the airbag light...

The dealer has said that it is faulty on numerous 1999 Impalas and they seem to not be able to guarantee a replacement part to fix it.