2005 Chevrolet Impala SS 3.8 from North America

Summary:

Excellent vehicle

Faults:

Replaced HVAC heater doors, and regular maintenance.

Love the car, highly recommended. This car is comfortable, dependable and gets 25mpg in the city, and low 30s to mid 30s on the highway. Great stereo, excellent handling.

By far one of best cars I've ever owned.

General Comments:

Sharp looking car. I live in Montana and the winters here can get pretty gnarly, roads can get really bad. My SS handles road conditions like a champ. And has impressed me since day one.

Am thinking of buying a newer model Impala SS. The comfort and reliability are amazing.

I highly recommend this car to others. I've had no major problems or issues yet. And feel it will last me to the 200 000 mark with proper upkeep and maintenance.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 8th December, 2023

9th Dec 2023, 19:23

Are people bad at math? Do they over inflate their tires? So often they report absurd MPG claims from their cars that are well outside the ballpark of EPA ratings. I get that fuel efficiency is dependent upon many variables, but this model was tested at 20 combined!

And it handles well? Compared to a ‘75 Roadmaster?

In reply to 9th Dec 2023, 19:23

11th Dec 2023, 01:38

There was a Roadmaster in 1975?

In reply to 9th Dec 2023, 19:23

11th Dec 2023, 16:22

Calm down. Inflated MPG claims are all too common here, but any way of proving them false is non-existent, just like a '75 Roadmaster.

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

2005 Chevrolet Impala from North America

Summary:

Great reliable car, that NEVER needed any major work done, only regular maintenance!!!

Faults:

Power steering makes a remote controlled car sound, but this JUST started literally 3 days ago around the 100,100 mile mark. I'll be taking it in to get it fixed.

General Comments:

GREAT car. I've had this car for 4.5 years now, and I have NEVER had to have any work on this car, except for regular maintenance of oil changes, cleaning the air filter, and brakes!

This car is absolutely wonderful and extremely reliable. I love it, because it is so hassle free.

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

Review Date: 14th January, 2011

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.

In reply to 14th Jan 2011, 20:59

3rd Jun 2011, 08:05

This sounds just like my 2005 Impala. 76,000 miles and on its fourth steering rack. Transmission has developed a problem that will need attention. This car has always been well maintained - oh well, at least the fuel economy is pretty good.