1996 Chevrolet Impala SS 5.7 V8 from North America

Summary:

I love this car!

Faults:

The only thing so far has been the cruise control indicator light in the instrument cluster has gone out.

General Comments:

I bought this one owner used car at a premium price due to condition and mileage. I had been looking since I first saw the 1996 SS new.

I have added the typical bolt on performance equipment; MSG ignition, K&N cold air intake, Borla cat-back exhausts, Hyper-Tech "chip" March underdrive pulleys, platinum wires and plugs, and an electric water pump.

I switched to Castrol Syntech motor, transmission oil and rear end grease.

With the tinted windows and the Grey-Green metallic paint scheme(I have been told that this paint is called Bowling Green Metallic?) it is a head turner, it's fast and sounds like the licence plate says; "SAWEEET"

With all the trimmings I am pushing out 308 HP and 360 ft lbs torque. It is more than a match for the "Euro-cruisers" like BMWs, Jags and the smaller 'Benz in style, comfort and power.

This is Detroit Iron at its best; an affordable, reliable, comfortable, strong and sharp looking automobile. One of, if not the, best all around muscle cars in many years.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 24th March, 2008

1996 Chevrolet Impala SS 5.7 lt1 from North America

Summary:

This is my FAMILY VETTE

Faults:

I traded this car for a 1999 V6 Camaro straight up, but this car had a serious coolant leak, oil leak, suspension vibrated, and the service engine light was on, but it ran strong. I got the better side of the trade even with all those "problems".

I took the car to the dealer and got it all fixed for less than $1000. The car still needs a couple more things done, but it's an Impala SS so it's definitely worth it. I plan on keeping this car for a long time.

General Comments:

The interior is very spacious. The seats are very comfortable with lots of cushion everywhere. For a big car, it sure does handle very well. Very strong looking car, I really feel good driving this big car.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 11th August, 2006

1996 Chevrolet Impala SS 5.7 Liter V8 350 cubic inch from North America

Summary:

This car is very reliable for an American made car and will always be a collectors classic

Faults:

Rear window needed fixing.

Replaced starter.

Tires wear fast.

Just regular preventive maintenance.

General Comments:

This car is very fast and has great handling for a big sedan.

After market support is great. Parts are in abundance.

This car can be a gentle cruiser and will turn into a wild beast if desired.

Parking is a issue though being a very wide and long car.

This car is all about performance and looks all in one.

It is very easy to spin the rear wheels due to its monster 330 foot pounds of torque and 260 horsepower.

It is a very heavy car, but handles very well for its size thanks to a very lively 5.7 Liter V-8.

This is a thirsty car holding 23 gallons of gasoline, but it gets pretty good mileage. I average around 20 miles per gallon.

The interior isn't anything to boast about being just plain and straight forward.

This car turns heads while driving or just parked, especially on the freeway because it is a police type car.

The interior is very spacious and roomy enough to fit 5 adults.

The trunk is cavernous, but has no side protection, just bare metal under the very thin trunk carpet.

They made only 3 colors available. Black, Cherry red metallic, and Metallic green.

The body integrity is very excellent due to its zinc coating and paint job. I haven't seen any rust.

Rear visibility is alright. The trunk is long and high so excellent judgement needs to be used while reversing.

The stock speakers are very poor and made of cardboard.

Making repairs and changing oil for this car is very easy due to its spacious engine bay and access to the oil filter is very easy.

Changing the spark plug wires is a chore that takes all day because certain engine components are tight around the connections.

There is only one way to know the true exhilarating feeling of driving this excellent car and only the Impala SS owners know it.

This car has a high resale value so buying one will command high prices due to its classic nature and model availability.

I have put a ATR exhaust, 160 degree thermostat, LT4 km, Bryan Herter PCM for less, MSD ignition coil and I get around 300 Horsepower from 260.

This car is simply superb and I'm so happy that I got the chance to own one and I am very proud of it.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 6th March, 2006