2002 Chevrolet Impala Base Model from North America - Comments

First off the brakes on this car is horrible they need replaced 2 times a year. I have also had the rotors turned down twice and replaced once.

From 77,000 miles on the car was over heating on and off and was leaking anti-freeze. I was adding 1 gallon every one and a half weeks. I had to have the thermostat and lower intake gasket replaced at 87,000 miles. It is starting the same problem again at 91,000.

At 85,000 miles the heater started to work on and off.

The front end starts to shake and vibrate any time over 50 miles per hour.

When I start the car after it sits for at least 6 hours it shakes and stalls when I put it in reverse.

The trunk latch doesn't latch and it has to be slammed very hard for it to lock.

Since 84,000 miles there has been a short in my reverse lights and license plate lights they work only when they want to.

This is supposed to be Chevy's flagship car, It seems very cheaply made. It is all plastic it has hardly any features on the base model.

The seats are very uncomfortable and the interior is very tight.

Gas mileage is about 21 m.p.g. city, I do not usually do any highway driving.

The trunk is huge I can fit a lot of junk from flea markets and auctions in there.

The exterior styling is decent.

I hit a deer with this car going 40 m.p.h and it only left a tiny crack in the corner of the bumper, I am surprised due to the fact that almost the entire front end is plastic.

This a decent car for the price even with all its problems. To me this is not a full size car, I am 6'5" so it seems like a tight fit.

Next time I am going to get a Sable wagon or rear wheel drive grand marquis for the size.

I have virtually the same car (2002 Impala), same mileage, and same problems. GM really should offer a free fix for their inferior manifold gasket. It's a faulty design that is likely to lead to bigger engine problems.

I called GM about the manifold gasket problem and found out there is a "customer satisfaction program" for this issue, but I didn't qualify because my VIN didn't have a "K" in it. By the way, those of you lucky enough to have the winning lottery "K" in your VIN can contact your dealer and refer to notice #03034 to get the repair free of cost.

So, even though I suffer from GM's same poor design, they won't fix it without charging me their exorbitant repair rates.

I used to like GM and prefer to buy their cars and trucks. Now, they will be low on my list of vehicle choices.

Youll be a lot happier with a Grand Marquis than an impala.

We had 1993 & 1998 Ford Crown Victoria's (Same as Marquis) and

then we had a 2002 base Impala that we traded for a 2007 Impala SS last month. The Impalas have more rear leg room even though the cars are shorter. Also, the Impalas have a smoother better handling ride and use much less fuel. Both the Chevy and Ford were reliable and the power was about the same until we bought the 300hp SS.

I too own a 2002 Impala. very happy with look and drive of car, but recently discovered the intake manifold leak at 82,000km. Thank God I purchased an extended warranty on the drive train from the company I financed the car thru, everything is covered they are even going to replace the head gasket for me. reading the class action against GM and all the grief people are having I suggest to everyone to buy as much warranty as possible from whoever will give it too you!!! saved me $2000.00.

Please visit www.gmcanadianclassaction.ca/index.html.