62impala

Well, so far I've heard that this new Impala was patterned after the 63, then the 66, and now the 67... I think that the 67 was maybe the ugliest of all the 60's Impalas; but that's just my opinion. My favorite will always be the 62, both the interior and the exterior.

To the response above about possible new colors for the SS in '07, I was thinking more of a medium metallic blue, similar to the color that they now offer on the LT and LTZ... As for the rims on the SS, I'm all for sporty, more substantial looking rims, but the current ones just don't do it for me; too flat and plain-looking, but maybe that's just me. That clay mock-up Impala that looks just like a '63 sounds fantastic, hope they build it.... of course, my favorite year was '62, but that would be close enough...

I drove a new Impala LT with the 3.9 in southern CA for a few days -- part of the Avis rental fleet. It drove great, so much quieter and smoother than my '04 LS with the 3.8 that I have at home. I can think of a few changes that I'd like to see in the '07 when it comes out this fall: more exterior colors for the SS (dark gray, pale blue metallic, just for starters); new wheel rims for the SS (I really don't like the factory rims at all, almost would rather have the LTZ rims); twin chrome pipes for any 3.9 powered car (LT or LTZ); change the spoiler to make it more subtle; it almost looks silly on the LT and LTZ; subtle front and tail clip changes; for the front: move the license plate off the bumper and down into the center of the lower grille (would make for a much smoother front end appearance, and much more secure license plate attachment, protecting it from front end contact from other cars and/or stationery objects); for the rear: PLEASE DO SOMETHING WITH THOSE TAILLIGHTS, and run the back-up lights across the bottom of the trunk, with all the badging printed in black on the white plastic lens; also, remove the gold bowtie from the rear deck, and replace with a large leaping Impala logo; maybe some chrome trim across the front and rear bumpers.... for the interior, all i can think of would be to slightly enlarge and light up that impala logo above the glove box when the dash is lit. Any changes to the '07 that you would like to see?

Wow... quite a boisterous forum for a car that so many apparently don't like all that much... I am a total GM guy, usually a Chevy buyer -- I have an '05 Tahoe and an '04 Impala LS. I've been thinking about replacing my Impala with either an '06 Impala SS, or a new Lucerne, so I drove a Lucerne this week, and here are my impressions. First, the exterior: for a Buick, this is a very aggresively styled 4 door sedan; the rear doors remind me a bit of the Infiniti G35, and it really looks like quite the sporty sedan. I drove a white top of the line CXL with the V8. I really like the look and the size of this car over the Impala, and that is really saying something for me... The interior? It is OK... although not all that different from the Impala in terms of switchgear and positioning of the gauges, audio and climate controls. I really did not care for the black plastic trim around the center stack; even the Impala in its base model (that sells for under $20K) offers wood trim around the center stack. The overall design of the instrument panel is a bit uninspired, but not unattractive; so I was a bit disappointed in the view from the driver's seat. The seats themselves are very comfortable and more substantial than the Impala, which you would expect from a premium GM sedan; I LOVED the air conditioned seat option; lots of rear legroom, and the perforated leather appears fairly uplevel. The car I drove had the ebony interior package, which I don't care for all that much; I think the camel/beige looks much better on a white car. It is quiet in there, more so than the Chevy; at my stage of life (53), I like that in a car... The ride was great; on the level of a Cadillac, but not floaty or giggly at all; the acceleration of the V8 was fine but not anywhere close to the 327 in the new Impala SS (which is an absolute rocketship). Why didn't Buick use the same engine in the Lucerne? My lasting impression of the new Lucerne was that of a really refined premium, full-size American sedan; some details, especially in the interior, could use a bit of attention; otherwise I was very favorably impressed by this new Buick.

The dealer in Santa Rosa, CA that I visited today had 5 new '07 Tahoes; all well-equipped LT's or LTZ's; one sport red, three bronzemist/beige, one black... The interior does look AWESOME... I really would like to see some chrome trim around the bumpers, to carry over from the older model, and I really miss the wheel flares... the new ones just don't look dressed up quite as much as the previous model. During the "employee discount" campaign last summer, I traded my '01 for a new '05 Bermuda Blue LT, loaded with everything except navigation, DVD and sunroof... for under $37K, less a really generous trade of $16K for my '01. I just wonder how much people will spend for an '07, even as great as they are... I do feel like my '05 is the "old model" now, but I got such a great deal, I think I made the right move at the right time. Do you dealer guys think that there will be some GM trim packages coming out for the new Tahoe -- chrome bumpers and/or wheel flares?

I've read a few rumors and seen one drawing that indicates that the new 08 Malibu is going to have quite an up-market appearance, and be the first car of the "new Chevy design" -- whatever that is. Anyone heard or seen anything lately about this new upcoming Malibu? I really hope that it lives up to the hype, because the current Malibu, however nice a driver it might be, just sucks from a style perspective; it screams "rent-a-car."

Well, we all know that it will change a bit once it hits the assembly lines. I think that the greenhouse is a bit too much like the Chrysler 300, so that will have to change, the wheels will certainly be a bit smaller, and I'm sure that the interior will have a bit more plastic wood, or whatever... Still... hell yeah, i'd buy one!!

I bought an 05 LT in July '05, loaded with everything except navigation, sunroof and DVD system, and it listed for over $47K, so I think a loaded '07 LTZ at $45K is pretty good... of course, with the employee discount pricing last year, I only paid about $36K for my car...

I replied to you in another thread, but just in case you didn't see it: Both cars are outstanding. The Lucerne looks great, rides very sedately, but it's a Buick, and at 25, I would think that the Impala SS is the "cooler" ride for you. The Impala is much faster, exudes a sportier feel yet still is a very solid ride -- trust me, the 06 Impala is much improved road-wise from the 00-05. Dude, get yourself an Impala SS!! I'm 53, and after checking them both out, I'm getting the Impala too.

Well, I've driven them both, and the Buick is very nice, but larger, more sedate than the Impala, and not nearly as fast. You are a young man -- you should go for the Impala!! There aren't too many 25 year olds driving a full size GM sedan, especially a Buick, so to avoid all the crap that will get sent your way if you buy a Lucerne, get the Chevy. Hell, I'm old enough to be your Dad, and I'll probably get the Chevy too, even though I thought the Lucerne was a very nice ride.

I test-drove another Impala SS today -- can't quite decide whether I want a Lucerne or an Impala, but for the money the Impala is the bargain, and way faster than the Buick. The Impala is far more solid a ride now, more quiet and tight, than my 04 Impala LS. The interior is so much nicer now; you would swear that you were driving a Caddy or Buick if not for the leaping deer logo above the glovebox. The 5.3 is awesome; the rumble at idle is truly wonderful, bringing back memories of the 1960's. I have a hard time believing the 18/28 estimated MPG, but I suppose it's possible..... however, when you punch the accelerator and feel that power, I just have my doubts about the mileage. I parked the white 06 SS right next to my white 04 LS, and it's remarkable how much more streamlined the new car is, even if there are still a lot of similarities in shape. I still hate the triangular taillights, tho --- big heritage styling error by Chevrolet, if you ask me. This car needs a brushed aluminum rear panel, and 3 round taillights on each side, as did the 1962-63 Impala. Go drive one, and see if you agree with me...

Congratulations, Buickguy!! Tell us all about it; model, color, engine, options, etc.. I test drove a white CXL with the V8 and all available options, and I was very impressed. I'm usually a big Chevy guy and was thinking about a new Impala SS, but may spend a few extra bucks and go for the larger car with the nicer ride.... Anyway, hope you like your new ride, would love to hear all about it...

I drove a new Lucerne yesterday; what an awesome car!! Quiet, powerful, tight yet very smooth ride; I may get one rather than a new Impala SS... The portholes on the Lucerne made me think... When did Buick do away with them alltogether? I'm thinking early to mid 1980's on the LeSabres and Electra/Park Avenues was the last time I remember seeing them in some form, but I might be wrong...

Hmmm...but, see ... I love the Impala, too. My dad had a 68 Impala SS that I'd love to have back ... as well as a '58 Impala convertible that would be sweet to have. But, frankly, I would hope that Dad would never buy a FWD impala ... it's bad enough that he and Mom have a FWD monte carlo..... To me, the FWD versions are a slap in the face.... *shrugs* And, I agree with Sixty8 ... not every car has to be RWD. I've never asked for that...never want it. I'm just sick'n'tired of GM/Chevrolet slapping names of former RWD cars on FWD cars that, well ... never mind ;). [post="62646"][/post]

Sorry to get you all worked up, KnightFan -- Of course, if you want a RWD Chevy, you are just gonna have to wait -- maybe for a long time... What I should've said, is that those of us that love the Impala have our next car picked out... I will agree with you, that FWD and that V-8 in the new SS might be a very interesting combination, though.... when you punch down on the accelerator from a dead stop. you had better be steering straight ahead, or you could get into some trouble...

I just test-drove an '06 Impala SS the other day; what a ROCKETSHIP!! I parked my '04 Impala LS next to the '06 after the test-drive to compare the two cars visually; the new one is so much cleaner and sleeker, though I'm still not hot for the new taillight treatment - it seems that almost every new sedan has those triangular taillights... I loved the V8's "rumble' as it idled... The new one rides much quieter and with less jostle than my '04; I really felt like I was driving a much more expensive luxury car... Loved the new interior, the car had black leather with the "brushed metal" trim that looked really modern and appropriate for this model, though I like the wood trim that I've seen on new Impalas, too. Not crazy about the color pallette for the Impala SS this year; so I might wait for some new colors in '07, but I have to tell you guys: THE NEW IMPALA SS IS AN AWESOME CAR!! Those of us that love Chevrolet have our next car all picked out...

I think you've got a lousy dealer there -- I'm on my second Tahoe (first was an '01, then I traded for an '05 about 6 months ago), and that wind noise that you describe is NOT normal. Find the best GM dealer in your area, and take it there for service and warranty work if your local Chevy dealer won't help. I take both my 04 Impala and my 05 Tahoe to our local Buick/Pontiac/GMC dealer because the Chevy dealer in my town is not a good one, and I bought my both my cars in another city...

Harley: From that angle, the car does look pretty good, especially with the silver/grey ground effects.. I just don't like this car from the doors back to the tail; too heavy, clunky looking, where the new Impala looks really sharp from the doors rearward. It would not take a whole lot of re-design to make the Monte a really sharp-looking coupe again, but Chevy just has to do it...

This new Monte Carlo is pretty lame -- It looks huge from the doors, back to the tail -- They should just make an Impala coupe, change the front and rear clips a bit, put Knight badges all over it, and call it the new Monte... Such a great car name and heritage, such a crummy looking car... By the way: for what it's worth, the best Monte Carlo model year was 1972 - it was the last year of the original model, with some trim enhancements. My dad had a pale yellow one with a light beige vinyl top and beige ribbed cloth interior - sounds like a terrible color combination, but it was a stunningly beautiful car. I loved the dash, even with the fake wood; it was similar to the Malibu dash, and looked great, like all Chevy IP's used to. This latest model has "rental car" written all over it, and is in no way a car that is up to the Monte Carlo name and heritage.

Chevy might really be onto something with the Malibu Maxx - We went to the SF Auto Show over the weekend, and there was a Laser Blue Malibu Maxx SS there, with the black interior... My oldest boy, who is really more into trucks like most kids his age, thought that the Maxx SS was the coolest car he'd seen in quite awhile, and would love to pick up a used one in a year or two - If Chevy is making an impression with 19 year old boys, maybe they better keep this Maxx around for awhile... His dad was drooling over the Laser Blue Impala SS...

I saw the new Lucerne at the San Francisco International Auto Show the other day - it was a gorgeous cranberry red color with beige leather interior. I am a long-time Chevrolet driver, but I did own a Buick once -- a 1991 Roadmaster Estate Wagon -- back when our kids were small. It was the most beautiful car I have ever owned... I will drive a new Lucerne soon and check it out, but from what I saw, I think it's a nice balance between touring sedan and traditional American luxury, and I bet that it's going to sell very well. If I had one styling complaint, it would be the black plastic lines on the grille, and the overall size of the grille itself, which looks a bit small. A slightly larger chrome grille would really benefit this car. Also, why isnt the triple shield Buick logo in color anymore??

That should be in the US --- Couldve been the new Cavalier or Cobalt??

The Chevrolet Impala has been the most popular American automotive nameplate of all time (I'm almost positive)... Which Impala was your favorite? I saw mine on Halloween night 1961, when my parents came home with a gleaming new 1962 Impala Sport Sedan (4-door hardtop), white with the red stripe down the belt line, and that gorgeous red interior with the subtle black stripes and chrome buttons; it had the small block 283 V8, Powerglide (2-speed) automatic transmission, and a rear-mounted radio mast antenna. I fell in love with the Chevrolet Impala that night, over 44 years ago, as a not-quite 10 year old kid, and I've been driving Chevrolets for almost my entire life. I currently own a 2004 Impala LS with the sport appearance package; it's white, of course, but with the beige leather interior; I also just bought my family a 2005 Bermuda Blue Tahoe LT (although I now wish that I would've waited for the '07). So, what was your favorite Impala?

Who the hell cares how you pronounce it anyway? If Chevrolet says its "Im-PAL-luh" then that's what it is --- after all, it's only the most successful passenger car nameplate in American automotive history.... They can pronounce it any damned way they please... I'd much rather concentrate on the car.... It needs to be bigger, on the Lucerne/DTS frame... It needs an egg-crate grille, some chrome on the bumpers and sides, and three round taillights on each side... It needs a first class cabin, with a true heritage instrument panel, like from the best Impala ever, the 1962.... It needs 3 models only: SS, LT and LS... Do these things, and this car sells 400-500,000 units per year, guaranteed, at $20-28K per copy, and GM is back, baby!!

im- PAL (as in buddy)-luh Just like they do on the commericials.... Jeez...