2006 Chevrolet Impala LT 3.5L V6 from North America

Summary:

Won't buy it again

Faults:

Blown head gasket - 64,000 miles.

Water pump gasket - 64,000 miles.

Water pump failed - 64,000 miles.

Oil pan gasket - prior to 64,000 miles.

Lower trans cooler line - prior to 64,000 miles.

Tried to review issues with GM Customer service hotline. Issues could not be resolved.

General Comments:

Car is comfortable. Ride is good. Reliability of the vehicle has been good to this point.

It seems like everything went at one time. I am very upset with the head gasket failure, since this is the second Impala with the same issue. We thought the firts one was a fluke. Seems like this is the GM product for you.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 23rd February, 2010

2006 Chevrolet Impala LT 3.5 from North America

Summary:

I would buy Chevy again, but probably look into a different model

Faults:

Cradle bolts loose, easy fix.

Transmission line leaks.

Heater fan makes thumping noise.

Brake rotors warped.

General Comments:

I overall am happy with this car. I agree it is not a trouble free car, but at my financial level it is acceptable. I have driven the car across the country and it was excellent, never let me down.

All of the problems with the car have been an easy fix, and it was stuff I could do myself in the driveway.

The transmission was replaced under warranty 10,000 miles ago, and I experienced none of the problems that have been stated in other reviews.

The leak is more of a dealer install fault, and was corrected easily with some thread goop the dealer gave me.

The car has great pull, and does fairly well in the handling area. I put on some wider rims and better tires, and although it decreased the ride quality, it vastly improved handling and tire wear.

The engine is extremely smooth, and compared to the old 3.1, it's a great improvement.

I do not have the cylinder deactivation, and will never get a car with that junk, I have never seen it work right on any car of any manufacturer.

I will be happy to keep the car, and probably sell it at 100,000.

Here is a tip for all Impala owners. The cradle bolts may need to be torqued eventually (120ft lbs back, 118ft lbs front). Doing this makes a huge improvement in every aspect of your car's ride and handling, and it eliminates the "clunk" that some may be hearing when you accelerate. This is not the only car I have had to do this to, as it was an issue with my Focus too.

Overall I like the car. Would not pay the 25 to 30 for the car, but it was a good buy at $7,000 used.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 7th January, 2010

2006 Chevrolet Impala LT 3.9 from North America

Summary:

I wish I had kept the Grand Marquis

Faults:

In December of 2009 the heater started to act up by not giving good heat, or running hot and then cold.

Driver's side door has started to rattle.

General Comments:

I really don't know why a heater can't operate, as car heaters have been made for years and years.

The car rides rough and has a lot of wind noise.

Gas mileage is no better than the Grand Marquis I traded in.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 22nd December, 2009

24th Dec 2009, 01:38

I am sorry to hear that. I have owned 2 Grand Marquis' and 1 Lincoln Town Car (same thing basically) and I never want to drive anything else. Maybe it's not too late to get it back?

18th Jun 2012, 01:24

Don't worry, there are about a billion used Grand Marquis', Crown Vics, and Town Cars out there. Maybe you should switch back, I've found that sticking with what worked before is the best policy. And since the big Fomocos don't have any resale value, they're dirt cheap!! Good luck.

4th Feb 2013, 20:39

I use a 2006 Impala for work. I drove a GR MAR for a while; never got more the 23 MPG. This Impala - 3500 engine, is giving me 31 MPG highway. Also this is my second Impala; my 2001 Impala gave me 33 MPG with the 3800 engine.