1996 Chevrolet Impala SS review from North America
"In my opinion, it is the best car out there, good looks, fast, and luxurious"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
Alternator: I’m on my fifth alternator, the first four were warrantied. The bearings went bad, but they charged fine.
Right Taillight bulb: I replaced the bulb a couple times, then brought it to the dealer. They replaced the bulb. Yeah, OK, that lasted about a mile. Went back three or four times, and they finally replaced the whole taillight assembly.
Oil cooler lines: Replaced twice.
Transmission: It died with about 50,000 miles on the clock. Should have upgraded, but my wife was ready to have our daughter soooo…
Differential: Replaced with about 60,000 miles.
Optispark distributor: Replaced at about 63,000 miles.
Rear caliper pins: Just replaced them last week-end. The lower ones were rusted up good! I broke one and had to order a whole new caliper bracket.
General comments?
I love the car!
For its size, it is amazingly quick, especially with a few mods. The last time I raced it at the quarter mile dragstrip, it ran 14.63 seconds. Since then, I have installed a Dynomax UltraFlo cat-back, 160 degree thermostat, and a homebuilt look-a-like RAISS cold air intake. Haven't raced it since, as I have conceded it to "cruiser" status.
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| 1996 - Impala SS 5.7 Liter V8 350 cubic inch This car is very reliable for an American made car and will always be a collectors classic |
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| This car is an affordable luxury for anyone who loves to drive. |
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | Don't Know |
| Model year | 1996 |
| Year of manufacture | 1996 |
| First year of ownership | 1996 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2005 |
| Engine and transmission | 5.7L Automatic |
| Performance marks | 9 / 10 |
| Reliability marks | 7 / 10 |
| Comfort marks | 8 / 10 |
| Dealer Service marks | 3 / 10 |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 5 / 10 |
| Overall marks (average of all marks) | |
| Distance when acquired | 248 miles |
| Most recent distance | 67000 miles |
| Previous car | Pontiac Grand Am |
| Date of Entry | 18th May, 2005 |