2005 Chevrolet Impala Base 3.4 V6 from North America
Summary:
Not bad, but wouldn't own another one!
Faults:
Head gasket blew at around 60000 miles.
Water pump started leaking around 110000 miles.
Instrument cluster would on occasion shut off and back on! So would the headlights. The only way to get them to come back on was to click between bright and dim.
General Comments:
The Impala handles well in dry weather, but on snow and wet roads it was a slippery nightmare. Hit two guard rails and went into the ditch more than once in the winter. My model didn't have anti-lock brakes, so I'm sure that had a hand in it. After you get stuck 4-5 times each winter, you start to yearn for something better handling.
The interior was pretty blah! GM didn't do a lot to make it fancy, that's for sure.
The car got wonderful mileage, especially on the highway when I could get almost 30MPG out of it. That's probably the best thing I can say about it. Save the head gasket blowing, it was a very reliable vehicle for traveling long distances.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 7th February, 2012
14th Jan 2011, 20:59
Your power steering problem is probably the rack and pinion steering gear unit. You better get in line for a replacement. I have been through three rack and pinion steering gear units on my 2003 Impala LS in 30,000 miles. The rack and pinion is poorly made on these cars. I also have a 2005 Impala, and they are now telling me I need a new rack and pinion on that car also. A rack and pinion steering gear unit job cost $1,200.00 and up on these cars. The last time I had it done, the job was $1,600.00 because they also had to replace the power steering fluid hose that goes into the rack and pinion unit.
Both of my Impala cars have cost me plenty to repair. I have been through the traction control issue, front hub bearing issue, intermediate steering shaft issue, and ABS traction control module issue. On my 2003 Impala LS, the entire front sub frame assembly had to be replaced due to incorrect welds on the sub frame assembly, which ended up cracking.
I've maintained both of my Impala cars, and have always followed the factory maintenance schedule. I will never buy another GM car again ever.