Faults:

Temperature switch lights failed in dash.

General Comments:

The Impala is a well designed and executed car in general. Interior space and comfort, and trunk space are the minimum that I can personally live with, but probably better than most in it's class.

Engine performance is excellent considering the average fuel consumption of 27.5 mpg. Transmission responsiveness is distinctly inferior to similar cars by Ford, of my acquaintance. Electronically limited top speed of 105 mph is unsurprising, but disappointing as it feels as if it has another five to seven mph in it.

Handling is excellent. However the front suspension needs another inch of travel and ten percent more compression damping, as it bottoms frequently and easily. The only serious negative in this department is a notable inability to accelerate from a stop on crowned snow covered roads without sliding into the curb or ditch.

Braking is impressive, even without anti-lock, though the rotors seem to warp easily.

Now the bad stuff. The car is rotten to the gills with all manner of electronic froo froo and gadgetry which runs the gamut from asinine to annoying to occasionally dangerous. Every electrical system in the car is under the control of the computer, and whoever programmed that thing is some sort of neurotic nerd who should probably be working at a drive-thru instead of designing cars. Recently while hiking in the mountains I met a young man from Detroit who had worked as a designer for GM. I asked him point blank if he was responsible for this situation. He replied in the negative, however the look on his face when I asked the question spoke volumes.

If GM can get away from such silliness and build cars that people like me can really appreciate they may survive.

Faults:

Nothing at all.

General Comments:

This car runs great and has a comfortable.

Is elegant and able to handle daily short and long trips as well.

Faults:

Nothing yet.

General Comments:

The interior of this car is much roomier and comfortable than that of my old Mazda 626.

The 3.4 Liter V-6 in the base model actually provides more than adequate power, and the transmission shifts smoothly.

This Chevy Impala has a much softer ride than the Mazda which had a very harsh ride over bumpy roads, although the Impala has worse body roll than the Mazda.

This car makes for a decent family car with plenty of luggage space in the trunk.

From a standstill to full throttle this Chevy has very brisk acceleration with the engine making a lively growling sound.

Faults:

Nothing so far.

General Comments:

I purchased this car to replace my "gas-hog" Ford Expedition. I knew I would be giving up size, comfort and no doubt security as my expedition felt like a "Sherman Tank."

I absolutely needed a "Full Size Vehicle."

One competitor was the Ford 500 which I feel hasn't been around long enough to establish a good history. Another competitor was a handful of Chrysler full size cars.

Chevy Impala was the best choice I've made in a car so far. Compared to the Ford 500 it has a long successful history with a better than average amount of fans.

Compared to Chrysler the Chevy Impala's gas mileage is more-than-wonderful also with a sporty and stylish Chrysler-like-appearance. I mean c'mon we all know that Chrysler has the best looking cars on the road.

I am ultimately pleased with Chevy Impala's comfort, drive-ability, handling, quickness, speed, gas mileage, exterior and interior looks. Also Chevy has gone above and beyond with the amenities considering it's a base model.

The only thing I would change is the low-riding experience. Like one review stated I definitely hear the scraping sound when I pull upon an incline. I did go look underneath to see that it was a plastic piece under the front, kind of like a warning signal. The car has sustained no damage from this.

Final Statement: This car is a great value! Low price points and high-quality that has sustained many years of production and an ever-increasing amount of consumers.

I hope this helps in making a decision or dispelling any potential buyer-remorse.