29th Dec 2009, 11:02
I hear you. I traded in a Civic for a Lumina back in the 90's when my 2nd son was born (Civic was getting cramped. Still had a ton of life left in it even though it was traded in with over 200,000 miles on it.) I was so bummed out with it when the engine failed at about 43,000 miles. I didn't have the money for a new or even used Honda after that, so was forced to buy a used '92 Ford Taurus. Not bad, but still not nearly as good as any of my Honda's. The Taurus crapped out around 130,000 miles. I was told that this was normal for domestics, as they are only designed to slightly outlast 100,000 miles. I was surprised to hear that. The biggest repair I've ever had done on one of my Honda's was the replacement of a muffler, after I bottomed out on a speed bump going too fast. And that was at over 250,000 miles on that Honda.
29th Dec 2009, 13:47
"I was told that this was normal for domestics, as they are only designed to slightly outlast 100,000 miles."
Who told you that?
You can find plenty of super high mileage stories on just about any 90's and later domestic model on these pages.
29th Dec 2009, 17:41
Cars of the '90's have little relevance to reliability today. However, I had a '97 Lumina that didn't give me any trouble except an alternator, I traded it with over 130,000 miles. My last two cars which have been Buicks have also had very few issues. Of course I keep my oil changed and take care of my cars.
23rd Jan 2010, 09:30
I own a 2006 Impala LTZ with 80,000 miles. Overall, I really like the car, however I have had a number of annoying problems.
After reading this column, I am shocked at the redundancy of similar problems with multiple owners. There must be recourse through GM. My problems have been:
- Engine ticking at idle
- Heater not working at idle, but driving me out of car when driving at constant speeds above 30 mph
- Transmission clunking going into gear, slipping on initial start
- Front end vibration
- Extreme brake rotor vibration
- Tire monitor failures
- Latest alert says to service ABS system
Good Qualities:
- 3.9 has great power
- Great economy on trip (30 mph)
- Good looks
- Nice handling
- Super headlights
- Bose radio system / satellite radio system works well
26th Jan 2010, 11:48
2006 Impala SS. We have the same problem with power steering hose blown. A $400+ repair... GM customer service called without any satisfaction. They have no record of problems with power steering hoses... I invited them to check this web site.
singleton45@comcast.net
15th Feb 2010, 20:19
Along with the long list of common problems, I now have a new one on my 2006 Impala LS. The rear doors just stopped working. First one, then the other. The door locks move up and down, but the doors won't release. My four door sedan is now a two door sedan! I wish I had my 93 Civic CV back. Even with 283,000km., it ran like a dream.
1st Mar 2010, 07:26
I also own a 2006 Chevy Impala, and the first problem I had was my heater not working when the car is idle. Now I've spent over $500 for problems with the power steering, and have taken my car back 5 times for same problem, which as of right now my car is at the shop for this same problem again. I have an extended warranty, but my biggest cost wasn't covered under my warranty LOL, as always.
Now I'm sitting at home with no car, going over my mail that came Saturday, and I see Chevy has sent a letter to bring the car in for powering problems. Anyone else having these problems, please let me know wonie71@hotmail.com
2nd Mar 2010, 20:10
Chevrolet is currently recalling 1.3 million Cobalt's an G5's for power steering failure. Nothing has been said about a recall on the Impala.
Between Toyota's accelerating out of control and not being able to stop, to Chevrolet's becoming nearly impossible to steer. I'd avoid both brands at this time (I avoid Chevrolet's all the time actually LOL.)
14th Mar 2010, 19:51
I have a 2006 Impala, bought new, and it has given me nothing but problems - pop/cracking noise in front end when making a turn has been fixed 3 times, having been told they made some of the cars with "aluminum rockers/cradles". Tried to make them take it back, but they said it wasn't dangerous, just annoying.
It jumps up and down sometimes when you put the brakes on. Can't keep it aligned.
Now there is a whining noise when you first start the car when it is cold. Noise is noticeable by pedestrians.
I hate the car - will never own another Chevrolet.
26th Mar 2010, 22:28
I own a 2006 Impala LTZ. I purchased it used with 25,000 miles on it. After two years, it still only has 36,000 on it.
The tire pressure monitor light comes on every time I drive it. It has been to the dealership two times for that. It still does the same thing.
I was having shaking in the steering wheel upon braking. Had the rotors turned and new pads installed. It still has a vibration when applying the brakes.
There is a squeak that drives me crazy, but cannot find the source. I love the body style, interior, ride, gas mileage. I am now wondering if I made a bad choice after reading all of the problems listed on this website!
28th Mar 2010, 15:40
Saw a 2008 Chevrolet Impala for sale in the paper today...wouldn't have caught my attention if the ad didn't say "MECHANICS SPECIAL! ONLY 23,000 MILES!" A mechanics special that's only 2 years old with 23,000 miles on it? Amazing! A very good deal for a mechanic, a horrible nightmare for anyone else obviously. I have to say that it really didn't surprise me that much, from my personal experiences, every Chevrolet vehicle made is a mechanics special straight from the factory.
29th Mar 2010, 11:29
I bought a 2006 Impala 3LT new in Spring of 2006. I commute 150 miles per day, and was quickly out of warranty during first year. Problems have surfaced from the beginning.
It is a nice looking and driving car, but a real lemon!
I have had multiple problems with Tire Pressure monitor system. When dealer tried to repair one that was malfunctioning, the car was returned with none of the four working.
Have had vibration when braking for three years, and have had rotors turned and machined twice. This issue keeps returning.
The worst issue is the transmission / wheels slipping when starting or making a tight turn. This has been repaired at least three times by two dealers, but never resolved. The dealers don't even agree on what should be repaired. Either way, nothing has worked.
My ABS, Service Traction Control, & Service Tire Monitor System error messages have been on for at least two years. I say this car has all the bells and whistles, since it is continually alerting me to these messages.
Recently had dealer tell me I needed to replace head gasket. Which I declined, since I didn't believe them. I have driven at least 20K miles since then with no issues. Looks like they were trying to get a little business to pay for their new building!
When I get my monthly On-Star report, it senses no issues with any system, which is curious!
HELP ME!!!
27th Dec 2009, 15:07
Wow, I thought I was the only one having this problem with my 06 Chevy Impala. I've always got a Honda, but loved how the Impala looked. Just goes to show you looks can be deceiving.
I'm having 3 problems with mine; the steering wheel pops when it turns, the major problem is in the winter time - the only time my heater blows out hot air is when I'm driving. If I slow down or stop, it starts blowing out cold air; that's why I don't bother heating the car up in the winter, it just blows out cold air.
The air conditioner makes this popping noise when its been turned off a long period of time. And my driver sun visor won't stay up, and the driver's window squeaks when it's let down. Any one know any solutions to these problems?
I think I will go back to the Honda Accord; they are the best cars; you can drive those things forever and have no major problems. What was I thinking?