1979 Chevrolet Impala Station Wagon 350 from North America

Summary:

This car will last as longer than me

Faults:

Nothing; that was other than normal ware and tear.

General Comments:

This car can haul most anything that can be put in or on it. It's a 1979 Impala Wagon that I purchased new in October 1979 at dealer in Hampton Virginia. This car has been coast to coast numerous times and was used by my wife for her home based business for the last 20 years. The original engine and transmission lasted the first 215,000 miles, but was swapped at that time from the 305 two barrel engine to a 350 4 barrel. With gas prices as they are I have converted to a 700R4 transmission which improved my mileage by 4 miles per gallon and lowered engine RPM at 70 MPH by 1,000 RPM. Hopefully this will extend my engine life by a 100,000 miles. I have at one time or another replaced most all the moving parts and bushing except for the rear-end. The rear-end is still the original with 545,000 miles on it. The body is all original except for the driver's door and some minor fender bender work. I have also installed bucket seats from a Buick, and replaced the head liner, but the rest of the interior is all original. I have performed almost all the maintenance since the car was new and try and buy only lifetime warranty parts. I'll let you know when I hit 1 Million miles. Jim Holland.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 14th March, 2003

16th Jun 2003, 14:52

Great article. I, too, have a 1979 Chevrolet Impala Station Wagon with 201,000 miles on it. Only the engine has been replaced, because it overheated when the water pump went out seven years ago. The body has a few wear and tear dents, but no rust, and when it's waxed up, it looks like the day I bought it. It has survived several strong hailstorms, that dented other newer vehicles. My headliner is coming down, but I placed strips of wood to hold it back up. With 15 mpg city driving, it's better than some SUV's.

9th Jan 2006, 22:28

I was reading your review, and I'm surprised that you got 215,000 miles out of your original 305ci V8 engine. I guess the earlier 305's had problems with soft camshafts. My mother had a 1979 Chevrolet Impala wagon, and that's what caused the death of this car in 1986. I can't remember the mileage at the time of death, but it could not of been too many since it was bought new in 1979.

1979 Chevrolet Impala 305 2brl from North America

Summary:

A REAL car

Faults:

I have replaced the shocks, tires and battery on this car. Only because they were original equipment from 1979.

General Comments:

I bought this car from a little old lady who was unable to drive it for many years. She kept it in her garage covered with blankets. The exterior and interior of the Impala were mint. She had mats on the front and rear dashes to keep the sun from fading them or cracking.

I knew in buying it, I was taking a chance on the engine gaskets being dried out from sitting so long in storage. Everything ran perfect, and I've had no problems with this car whatsoever since owning it. It's a jewel.

I REALLY enjoy my Impala as you can tell, and feel it will give me MANY more years of great use! VERY RELIABLE.

The body is perfect, and I try to not drive her in bad weather or snow. It's a 4-door, but is still the apple of my eye :O)

It doesn't handle like a sports car or go like a rocket, but it surely is a REAL car :O)

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

Review Date: 12th November, 2001

19th May 2002, 15:27

I had one of the 1979 Impala Wagons, and it was a great car, no trouble with it, all original, very rusty, but a very powerful and tough car. It was so mean looking, it scared people. After 23 years, the trans went out and I sold the car for a demolition derby. Time for that old car to be retired.

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