No Impala SS for 2010

http://www.autoblog.com/2009/05/07/rip-chevy-impala-ss-again/

3.9L as the top engine make the Impala look lame next to the competition and even GMs own Malibu.

do they sell many?

Not surprised...I thought they might do this after the GXP GP was dead...no other car uses the LS4.

Lame...completely lame. This car with some of the GXP goodies, a factory gfx kit, better looking wheels and some nice seats a la Chrysler's SRT cars could actually be quite interesting. I still think the interior is quite nice...

It's being killed in usual GM fashion:no:

Looks like they're going to reduce manufacturing costs and warranty expenses in one fell swoop.

I'm not really surprised...The Impala is like a dead car rolling at this point.

Not surprised...I thought they might do this after the GXP GP was dead...no other car uses the LS4.

Lame...completely lame. This car with some of the GXP goodies, a factory gfx kit, better looking wheels and some nice seats a la Chrysler's SRT cars could actually be quite interesting. I still think the interior is quite nice...

Whaa...what about the Buick Lacrosse Super??.Isn't that still around?.

I'm not really surprised...The Impala is like a dead car rolling at this point.

No ****. I'd rather get stuck in a hyundai than an impala as a rental car. I can't imagine why anyone would actually buy one on purpose.

Yeah, I have a feeling this will make sense when the next fleet sales report comes out.

Whaa...what about the Buick Lacrosse Super??.Isn't that still around?.

New LaCrosse for 2010.

I was considering getting a used one, but the overall look and FWD killed it for me. I agree with Jason, they should have added a little more to the overall package than wheels, badges, and an LS4.

No ****. I'd rather get stuck in a hyundai than an impala as a rental car. I can't imagine why anyone would actually buy one on purpose.

:yes: Agreed.

I had a Grand Prix GXP..and while it was a nice car...it got pretty terrible gas mileage...and even if you drove like a grandma you still did burnouts at stop lights. Not to mention the frightening TQ steer. And it still only ran 14's. After I bought my GTO I never looked back.

In a perfect world, this is where we'd tell you about GM's plans to slap Impala SS badges and a Bowtie-specific fascia on the outgoing Pontiac G8 GT. Sadly, we have no such good news to report at this time. Keep the faith, people.


Interesting words at the end of the article!

But the current Impala is already dead and what few will sell are going to be hum-drum boring models to retirees or to fleets. badging a couple more LS4's down the line won't get much profit but will cost GM to keep up. Of all the cust-cutting measures, I approve of this one.

Whoo hoo, I have a collector car now

Looks like they're going to reduce manufacturing costs and warranty expenses in one fell swoop.

I'm not really surprised...The Impala is like a dead car rolling at this point.

Even though it outsold the Malibu last month? and is within 5K units of the Malibu YTD?

Hell even the Cobalt made it into the top 20 last month.

No ****. I'd rather get stuck in a hyundai than an impala as a rental car. I can't imagine why anyone would actually buy one on purpose.

The 05+ are very nice cars! While not the most exciting machine to look at they ride really nice and are very comfortable. I'd consider it.

The Impy hasn't been a car worth owning since the 96SS was around. It's easily 5 years behind it's competition.

The last time I was in Phoenix, my co-worker had a Hyundai Sonata (4 cylinder) for a rental.

No thanks; please give me a Malibu or Fusion (or even an Impala)... :|

No ****. I'd rather get stuck in a hyundai than an impala as a rental car. I can't imagine why anyone would actually buy one on purpose.

Come with me, join the dark side!

http://www.fwdemails.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/09/clear_corners_500.jpg

Yeah lets compare the Equus or w/e its called that's supposed to sticker for 75k if it ever gets here with a ~30k Impala. I'm not a fan of the recent Impalas either but that comparison doesn't fly. Ive driven a few of the current SS models and while I liked the power the car felt cheap. Its not that bad looking of a car, but the interior is absolute crap, especially the seats. I can understand the regular seats for the lower models, but for the SS give something that doesn't feel like you're sitting on a bench in regards to lateral support.

Making the Commodore/G8 into the Impala really would be the best solution. (I know there is almost no chance for this)

How many retail sales a year does the Impala have and how many cars can Holden export to us?

How many retail sales a year does the Impala have and how many cars can Holden export to us?

Production capacity operating at full steam... Holden could realistically export around 50,000 VE clones to the US. That's enough to satisfy total US Police Dept numbers times two!

Production capacity operating at full steam... Holden could realistically export around 50,000 VE clones to the US. That's enough to satisfy total US Police Dept numbers times two!

I want to know it it is enough to satisfy Impala SS and Impala LTZ customers. Let people that want a cheaper car get a Malibu 4cyl.

50k would probably do that. If there's any surplus, cop cars could soak that up.

The Impy hasn't been a car worth owning since the 96SS was around.

Agreed, imagine what that car would be today if they had continued on updating it...

Agreed, imagine what that car would be today if they had continued on updating it...

The G8? ;)

Agreed, imagine what that car would be today if they had continued on updating it...A giant body-on-frame ride in a class that is all but extinct save for the fleet-oriented Ford full-sizers?

Don't get me wrong, I loved 'em too, but how much crap would GM be taking for still making a car like that?

A giant body-on-frame ride in a class that is all but extinct save for the fleet-oriented Ford full-sizers?

Don't get me wrong, I loved 'em too, but how much crap would GM be taking for still making a car like that?

Hence the updating part.

The G8? ;)


I actually was thinking Holden Caprice for Impalla RWD size car.

I actually was thinking Holden Caprice for Impalla RWD size car.

The Impala SS which is available now has a strong draw for some folks. I see them at car shows and they do have an affinity for the car.

It's too bad the planned car to replace Impala didn't happen. It seemed to be a good continuation car for the Impala line which would draw some diehards and many new fans. It is what it is.

The present Impala has a bunch of scoot. Many may say it;s bland, but tht'a because they haven't stomped the go pedal and noticed there is a fun car there being offered. Every possible niggly issue has been wrung out of the old "girl" and it's kinda sad to me that some folks will opt for a fresher faced partner that can't deliver the goods where it really counts.

The present Impala is a well sorted car. She doesn't wear this year's dress, but she will acquit.

No point in discussing a gen that didn't happen. The one that still can be had is a steal. The Impala SS is a well sorted car in my book.

The present Impala has a bunch of scoot. Many may say it;s bland, but tht'a because they haven't stomped the go pedal and noticed there is a fun car there being offered. Every possible niggly issue has been wrung out of the old "girl" and it's kinda sad to me that some folks will opt for a fresher faced partner that can't deliver the goods where it really counts.

The present Impala is a well sorted car. She doesn't wear this year's dress, but she will acquit.

Sorry man, but I have "stomped on the go peddle." The SS has balls, no doubt, but its still a bland car aside from the LS4. The exterior is very plain and the interior is without a doubt bland. I work for a GM dealer, I have driven this and the SS Monte, as well as the non-performance versions. What goods does this car bring to the table that can't be found in a better package.

Hence the updating part.If switching from a body-on-frame to a unibody setup is "updating", then sure. But if it were just updated with a fresh body and nicer interior from the old B-Body, while still riding on an old-style separate frame, it would be ridiculed for being a throwback. :)

The Impala SS which is available now has a strong draw for some folks. I see them at car shows and they do have an affinity for the car.

It's too bad the planned car to replace Impala didn't happen. It seemed to be a good continuation car for the IMpala line which would draw some doehards and many new fans. It is what it is.

The present Impala has a bunch of scoot. Many may say it;s bland, but tht'a because they haven't stomped the go pedal and noticed there is a fun car there being offered. Every possible niggly issue has been wrung out of the old "girl" and it's kinda sad to me that some folks will opt for a fresher faced partner that can't deliver the goods where it really counts.

The present Impala is a well sorted car. She doesn't wear this year's dress, but she will acquit.

No point in discussing a gen that didn't happen. The one that still can be had is a steal. The Impala SS is a well sorted car in my book.

:lol:

Put down the crack pipe man. You're taking homerism to a whole new level. Bland is an understatement for the current Impy.

I kind of like what most describe as "bland". My only issue would be the FWD.

And I've never done crack.

I drove an 06 Impala rental to New York from the Boston area and I gotta say it was a nice car. It had decent acceleration. The fit and finish was nice. It is a solid car. I like it. I really don't consider the Camry or Accord to be anything special to look at. Now if you wanna say 2010 Fusion, that is a stylish car.

I drove an 06 Impala rental to New York from the Boston area and I gotta say it was a nice car. It had decent acceleration. The fit and finish was nice. It is a solid car. I like it. I really don't consider the Camry or Accord to be anything special to look at. Now if you wanna say 2010 Fusion, that is a stylish car.

http://automobiles.honda.com/images/2009/accord-coupe/interior-gallery/gal_lg1.jpg

http://actualauto.org/wp-content/uploads/2009_toyota_camry_interior.jpg

http://image.motortrend.com/f/new-cars/chevy-to-celebrate-50-years-of-impala-with-special-edition/8089468+w700+cr1+re0+ar1/2009-chevrolet-impala-50th-anniversary-edition-interior.jpg

Which one of these doesn't belong? :think:

I'll grant that the Accord has some style points (to the point of looking a little odd in some ways), but fancy photographic lighting aside, the Camry dash is completely lame and bland in person.

The Impala's isn't anything overly fancy either, but I wouldn't go around upholding the Camry dash as some big advantage over the Impala. I was actually rather stunned at some of the panel mis-alignment and material mis-matches in the Camry rental I was in three weeks ago. Granted, it was a rental, and perhaps they've had dash panels off to fix something (no, wait, Camrys don't break), but the overall look and feel of the dash was nothing special at all. :no:

I swear there was a time when the Japanese brands, especially Honda, were known for making very functional, simply styled (often "bland"), ergonomic dashes with low cowl heights that allowed for good visibility. The American dashes were often a little more gimmicky and had taller cowl heights. Now it is like the roles have reversed somewhat...

the impala is by far the worst one of the three. it needs an update asap now that the malibu totally kills it.

I'll grant that the Accord has some style points (to the point of looking a little odd in some ways), but fancy photographic lighting aside, the Camry dash is completely lame and bland in person.

The Impala's isn't anything overly fancy either, but I wouldn't go around upholding the Camry dash as some big advantage over the Impala. I was actually rather stunned at some of the panel mis-alignment and material mis-matches in the Camry rental I was in three weeks ago. Granted, it was a rental, and perhaps they've had dash panels off to fix something (no, wait, Camrys don't break), but the overall look and feel of the dash was nothing special at all. :no:

I swear there was a time when the Japanese brands, especially Honda, were known for making very functional, simply styled (often "bland"), ergonomic dashes with low cowl heights that allowed for good visibility. The American dashes were often a little more gimmicky and had taller cowl heights. Now it is like the roles have reversed somewhat...

Well I can't really speak to whether or not your dash panels were misaligned etc, but I've seen that in most of the rentals that I've every had, especially with Hertz becuase they install that "Never Lost" navigation system in them and it often requires them to tear apart the dash or center console in order to install it. And I don't think that putting it back together nicely is one of their priorities for the guy making $9/hr.

I too have no real love for the Camry interior in person, but it does have more style than the Impy. With the Impy, if you simply removed the radio and HVAC system, you could almost put in one of these:

http://www.radio-code.com/Delcthatweunlock.jpg

. . . and that interior wouldn't look any different from anything else GM put out in the 90s.

those radios won't fit.

Sorry man, but I have "stomped on the go peddle." The SS has balls, no doubt, but its still a bland car aside from the LS4. The exterior is very plain and the interior is without a doubt bland. I work for a GM dealer, I have driven this and the SS Monte, as well as the non-performance versions. What goods does this car bring to the table that can't be found in a better package.


I am commenting on the scoot the car has when the pedal is stomped. Bland is a styling comment.

Some folks don't want a flash car. Some do.

I own a pretty unbland car as a daily driver. That's my preferance.

My sole comment is the performance of the Impala SS. Some folks like flash over fast, some need fast over flash, and some need both.

My point is the Impala SS in it's present form is a good performing car that has no major mechanical niggles.

There was a replacement for the Impala that had tons of flash and nice scoot. Moot point.

The amusing point is that many here have opinions on vehicles they will never buy, regardless of the performance or looks.

Reread my comment. Nowhere did I state the Impala SS is not what can be called an unflashy styling at this point.

As for a better sedan performance car? CTS-V comes to mind. G8 is not a bad choice...

As for a good, dependable V-8 powered sedan? Impala fits.

http://automobiles.honda.com/images/2009/accord-coupe/interior-gallery/gal_lg1.jpg

http://actualauto.org/wp-content/uploads/2009_toyota_camry_interior.jpg

http://image.motortrend.com/f/new-cars/chevy-to-celebrate-50-years-of-impala-with-special-edition/8089468+w700+cr1+re0+ar1/2009-chevrolet-impala-50th-anniversary-edition-interior.jpg

Which one of these doesn't belong? :think:

Too be fair this is what the Accord and Camry looked like in 2006 when the OP drove an Impala

http://www.samarins.com/reviews/img/accord_03_int.jpg

http://www.samarins.com/reviews/img/camry_06_int.jpg

Impala was up to date with the times, and much better than the Camry. But times have changed and we are do for a new Impala.

the impala is by far the worst one of the three. it needs an update asap now that the malibu totally kills it.

I like the new Malibu. I bought my wife a 2LT. It has no reason to apologize to the competition.

1fastdog,

Off topic, but are the vehicles listed in your sig all in your current collection? Or is that a list of things you've owned over the years?

I am commenting on the scoot the car has when the pedal is stomped. Bland is a styling comment.

Some folks don't want a flash car. Some do.

I own a pretty unbland car as a daily driver. That's my preferance.

My sole comment is the performance of the Impala SS. Some folks like flash over fast, some need fast over flash, and some need both.

My point is the Impala SS in it's present form is a good performing car that has no major mechanical niggles.

There was a replacement for the Impala that had tons of flash and nice scoot. Moot point.

The amusing point is that many here have opinions on vehicles they will never buy, regardless of the performance or looks.

Reread my comment. Nowhere did I state the Impala SS is not what can be called an unflashy styling at this point.

As for a better sedan performance car? CTS-V comes to mind. G8 is not a bad choice...

As for a good, dependable V-8 powered sedan? Impala fits.

:lol:

Wow, you went from the Impy SS to the CTS-V as the next logical jump in a performance sedan? :no:

The Maxima with almost 2 less liters is a tick faster than the SS to 60 and equal in the 1/4. C'mon man . . .

I like the new Malibu. I bought my wife a 2LT. It has no reason to apologize to the competition.the malibu is a sweet car.

Too be fair this is what the Accord and Camry looked like in 2006 when the OP drove an Impala

http://www.samarins.com/reviews/img/accord_03_int.jpg

http://www.samarins.com/reviews/img/camry_06_int.jpg

Impala was up to date with the times, and much better than the Camry. But times have changed and we are do for a new Impala.

Releasing your car for the competition when they're already at the end of their life cycle and about to drop a new design is even worse in my book. :lol: Constantly playing catchup is exactly the reason why GM is in this state.

But I do see what you did there. You took the most base model interior they had and used them as an example. I took the best examples of what they had available. Here is actually what you could get in a 2006 Accord:

http://www.diariomotor.com/imagenes/honda-accord-2006-interior.jpg

Nice try though.

Too be fair this is what the Accord and Camry looked like in 2006 when the OP drove an Impala

http://www.samarins.com/reviews/img/accord_03_int.jpg

http://www.samarins.com/reviews/img/camry_06_int.jpg

Impala was up to date with the times, and much better than the Camry. But times have changed and we are do for a new Impala.to me the honda looks still way better even then and the impala looks on par with the camry but those were at the end of their lifecycle.

to me the honda looks still way better even then and the impala looks on par with the camry but those were at the end of their lifecycle.

And that was the most basic model interiors of both. The Impala interior that I posted is the best of what's available.

:lol:

Wow, you went from the Impy SS to the CTS-V as the next logical jump in a performance sedan? :no:

The Maxima with almost 2 less liters is a tick faster than the SS to 60 and equal in the 1/4. C'mon man . . .A Maxima will do a 5.3 0-60 and a 14.0-14.2 @ 100 mph in the 1/4 mile? Even if it could, it still has a drives-like-s*** CVT...

And please don't start bringing up displacement. :lol:

to me the honda looks still way better even then and the impala looks on par with the camry but those were at the end of their lifecycle.

I like the Honda better too, the interior is sportier, but I still think the two are in the same ball park. Both are way better than the Camry.

GM had/has a habit of making a car that is as good as the competitions end of life cycle product. 2005 Cobalt vs. 2005 Civic comes to mind. I felt that Cobalt was as good as the Civic, but then a year later Honda jumped ahead a generation.

And that was the most basic model interiors of both. The Impala interior that I posted is the best of what's available.to be honest i like the ltz interior better:
http://a332.g.akamai.net/f/332/936/12h/www.edmunds.com//media/roadtests/firstdrive/2006/chevrolet.impala/06.chevrolet.impala.int.500.jpg

:lol:

Wow, you went from the Impy SS to the CTS-V as the next logical jump in a performance sedan? :no:

The Maxima with almost 2 less liters is a tick faster than the SS to 60 and equal in the 1/4. C'mon man . . .

I wouldn't have any interest in a Maxima. GM only for me. Not that I have never owned a non-GM vehicle. My first car was a Triumph TR-4 and I owned a Ferrari for a short time. My wife owned a Sentra when we were first married, what a POS.

The point I was responding to was that the Impala SS is a nicely sorted out car. When it comes to performance and flashy looks in a sedan, it's hard to pass up the CTS-V.

Personally I'll keep my Z06. Extra doors don't figure into my personal choices. I'm a coupe person.

I suppose some choices are relative.

1fastdog,

Off topic, but are the vehicles listed in your sig all in your current collection? Or is that a list of things you've owned over the years?

GM stuff owned over the years. New deliveries. I have only owned 2 used cars in my lifetime. My first I bought in high school and a car I bought in the mid 70's.

the malibu is a sweet car.

Yes it is.

Dead horse-beating commence.

I figure GM knew they hosed up the Impala. That's why they put the Malibu on a long wheelbase and fast-tracked the 2008 model. It's been clear ever since then that Malibu is the company's flagship midsizer.

It doesn't look like GM had a clear plan of how they would phase out the W-body and phase in Epsilon -- it just sorta happened. So now they have two Chevy sedans which more-or-less overlap each other, and no money to do anything with the Impala nameplate.

Can't wait for the Buick Regal

http://www.insignia-blog.de/wp-content/uploads/2008/06/07-a256736m.jpg

^ that is sweet......

Can't wait for the Buick Regal

http://www.insignia-blog.de/wp-content/uploads/2008/06/07-a256736m.jpg

:think:

http://www.siliconeer.com/past_issues/2007/november_2007/nov07_auto_acuraTL-02.jpg

Not that it's a bad interior to mimic. Lets just hope it actually turns out this way instead of what happened to the Camaro.

I had a Grand Prix GXP..and while it was a nice car...it got pretty terrible gas mileage...and even if you drove like a grandma you still did burnouts at stop lights. Not to mention the frightening TQ steer. And it still only ran 14's. After I bought my GTO I never looked back.

In defense, I rented Impala SS in NYC. I experienced no wheel spin or torque steer during normal driving, and there is plenty of stop and go, and quick acceleration in Manhattan. When accelerating hard(er), then yes, it does experience torque steer, but nothing so terrible you couldn't enjoy the ride.

I didn't like that it was FWD, that's my only reason of never owning a car like that.

And it still ran only 14s? That's pretty good considering it's FWD. Current FWD cars (Maxima/Altima/Accord) all reach low 14's, albeit with a V6.

It's the overall look/design of the car that is dated, the fact that interior doesn't feel anything sporty, and it is not separated enough from regular Impala for me.

Production capacity operating at full steam... Holden could realistically export around 50,000 VE clones to the US. That's enough to satisfy total US Police Dept numbers times two!

Speaking of G8s, there are so many of them in Toronto/South-Eastern Ontario! People here really love the car, and the majority of sedans I see are V6s. I see younger men and middle aged men driving them.

It definitely does not seem like a low volume vehicle if I judge the frequency with which I encounter a G8.

I would love to know the sales data in Canada and compare it to the US.

to me the honda looks still way better even then and the impala looks on par with the camry but those were at the end of their lifecycle.

Accord, yes, but Camry? Really? Did you actually sit in both Impala SS and a Camry of 2006?

I think Toyota takes the win for the blandest, most uninspiring and dull design of the interior. I even compared the interior of my 2005 Mazda3 to my friend's 2010 Corolla, and I can most objectively state that Corolla's is nothing to brag about and actually lags behind that of the Mazda. Functionally, yes, it has some neat features, such as twin glove compartment, hooks near footrest for grocery bags. But visually?

The Impy hasn't been a car worth owning since the 96SS was around. It's easily 5 years behind it's competition.

Ditto!

So now they have two Chevy sedans which more-or-less overlap each other, and no money to do anything with the Impala nameplate.

Have to respectfully disagree. Impala is signifcantly larger car than Malibu. Impala is even a bit larger than G8... I know, I have one of each parked next to each other in my garage as I type...:D

The reason the big 3 never can match Accord or Camry is because they waste their resources on two models which split up the sales. If you add Impala and Malibu or Taurus and Fusion sales togethor you almost have a Camry competitor.

I know Toyota has the Avalon..but that is more of a Buick type car and has a price premium on it.

The 05+ are very nice cars! While not the most exciting machine to look at they ride really nice and are very comfortable. I'd consider it.

2005 was the last year for the previous generation Impala. The current one came out in '06.

FWIW -- most of the Camry and Accord interior pics look like they were professionally lit, and taken to make them look their best. Then they look like the colors were adjusted on the computer to make things look richer.

Nobody did the Impala any favors when they took any of the pics shown in this thread. Then again, I can't seem to find any pictures online where anyone has. Looking at just the features, the 2006 Accord was definitely ahead of the Impala in '06, but the Camry was just as laughable.

At the time, GM was doing a poor job of staying ahead of the curve on their interiors. They needed to leapfrog; instead they were playing catch-up. They seem to have it figured out now.

FWIW -- most of the Camry and Accord interior pics look like they were professionally lit, and taken to make them look their best. Then they look like the colors were adjusted on the computer to make things look richer.

Nobody did the Impala any favors when they took any of the pics shown in this thread. Then again, I can't seem to find any pictures online where anyone has. ummm this looks not all touched up:

http://www.samarins.com/reviews/img/accord_03_int.jpg


this does tho:


http://image.motortrend.com/f/new-cars/chevy-to-celebrate-50-years-of-impala-with-special-edition/8089468+w700+cr1+re0+ar1/2009-chevrolet-impala-50th-anniversary-edition-interior.jpg


and it still doesn't match up....

FWIW -- most of the Camry and Accord interior pics look like they were professionally lit, and taken to make them look their best. Then they look like the colors were adjusted on the computer to make things look richer.

Nobody did the Impala any favors when they took any of the pics shown in this thread. Then again, I can't seem to find any pictures online where anyone has.

excuses . . . excuses. 97z28/m6 proves my point with the picture I posted. Notice the complete lack of anything through the windshield to detract from the point of the picture. :lol:

Nobody did the Impala any favors when they took any of the pics shown in this thread. Then again, I can't seem to find any pictures online where anyone has.

ROFLMAO. Thanks for making the point, so plainly. Even with a professional photographer, with professional lighting and professional photo editing the impala interior still looks so bad that you assumed it must have been taken by an amateur. On the flip side, an amateur picture of a honda looks so good you accuse it of being professionally edited and enhanced. That *IS* exactly how pathetic the impala is next to its competition. (well at least to anyone who isn't a blind GM nuthugger)

this does tho:

excuses . . . excuses. 97z28/m6 proves my point with the picture I posted. Notice the complete lack of anything through the windshield to detract from the point of the picture. :lol:

Seriously, everyone defending the impala in here should just tattoo "GM 4EVA" on their forehead and get it over with.

I don't think it's as bad as everyone is making out here.

Impala is actually a pretty nice buy right now when you consider the size of the vehicle and what you can get it for.... so I can definately see why someone would choose one.

That said, I think it has gotten old pretty fast. When it was refreshed for 2006, I thought it was a really nice improvement, and was strongly considering a black SS myself, but found a better deal on the 2006 GP GXP I got at that time....

It did seem to fade relatively quick though as the competition upgraded past it pretty quickly.

Still a bargain buy right now, epsecially as far as the base and mid level stuff goes for a cheap larger sized vehicle for those who are looking for 'just a car'.

And the SS is still a fun car.

Impala is actually a pretty nice buy right now when you consider the size of the vehicle and what you can get it for.... so I can definately see why someone would choose one.EXACTLY. gm has to discount it that much to make people buy it.

wonder if they make money on them....

EXACTLY. gm has to discount it that much to make people buy it.

wonder if they make money on them....


Pretty much.

But, but that doesn't make it a bad buy for those who get them at a good price.

I think a lot of these threads bash people for buying something like the current Impala, but they dont look at the whole picture.

I'm nto saying this is particularly good from GM's side of the equation, but from the consumer side, a new Impala can make a lot of sense.

The reason the big 3 never can match Accord or Camry is because they waste their resources on two models which split up the sales. If you add Impala and Malibu or Taurus and Fusion sales togethor you almost have a Camry competitor.

I know Toyota has the Avalon..but that is more of a Buick type car and has a price premium on it.100% with you on this. In today's market, full-size sedans only make sense on a luxury or quasi-luxury platform (Cadillac, Buick, etc.) That's not to say GM should avoid the potential fleet/police market by not offering an inexpensive full-size bow-tie product, its just for the general buying public, mid-sized sedans is the bread and butter as Honda and Toyota have shown, and where Chevrolet should focus. Sad to say, even the once cutting edge Malibu is starting to look a bit dated, and based on the current market, its going to be a while before GM will be able to spend a considerable amount money developing a proper replacement that can compete with Honda and Toyota on a global scale. :p

100% with you on this. In today's market, full-size sedans only make sense on a luxury or quasi-luxury platform (Cadillac, Buick, etc.) That's not to say GM should avoid the potential fleet/police market by not offering an inexpensive full-size bow-tie product, its just for the general buying public, mid-sized sedans is the bread and butter as Honda and Toyota have shown, and where Chevrolet should focus. Sad to say, even the once cutting edge Malibu is starting to look a bit dated, and based on the current market, its going to be a while before GM will be able to spend a considerable amount money developing a proper replacement that can compete with Honda and Toyota on a global scale. :p

The Malibu still has legs.

The Cruze should be a very strong car in the mix.

I think you need to consider what gas prices either through demand or as a result of cap and trade will have on what people will buy.

It's not beyond the realm of possibility that a Malibu sized vehicle will be a "full-sized", and something Cruze sized will be considered a mid-sized car.

Have to respectfully disagree. Impala is signifcantly larger car than Malibu. Impala is even a bit larger than G8... I know, I have one of each parked next to each other in my garage as I type...:D
Impala has the junk in the trunk, but the interiors are pretty similar in size.

I feel that Chevy's lineup would make more sense if the 2006 Impala was put on the "G" (H) body instead of W. However, at the time they probably thought Zeta or EpII or something was right around the corner.

Now it sounds like we will get a new, larger Malibu and the Impala nameplate will just fade away.

On the flip side, an amateur picture of a honda looks so good you accuse it of being professionally edited and enhanced.

I'm sure he was talking about the other Honda pictures. He said "most", not all.

I'm sure he was talking about the other Honda pictures. He said "most", not all.

2 of the 3 Honda pictures posted were professional type pictures. The only one that wasn't was a base model one done by Z28x in his attempt to disprove how inept the Impy's interior is.

In contrast, every single picture posted of the Impy's interior has been a professional picture (2 of 2). :lol:

In my original post, I used all professional pics with similiar color schemes.

Funny how them two haven't poked their heads back in here though. :think:

The Malibu still has legs.
I don't disagree, but it needs some "refreshing", and perhaps a "Sport" or "SS" model? ;)

The Cruze should be a very strong car in the mix.

Agreed. Much more so than the Volt.
I think you need to consider what gas prices either through demand or as a result of cap and trade will have on what people will buy.
I fully expect gas prices to be back up near $4/gal once we're out of this recession. The success of the Chevy Cruze will be crucial to the future of the new GM.
It's not beyond the realm of possibility that a Malibu sized vehicle will be a "full-sized", and something Cruze sized will be considered a mid-sized car.
I'm with you. :D

The reason the big 3 never can match Accord or Camry is because they waste their resources on two models which split up the sales. If you add Impala and Malibu or Taurus and Fusion sales togethor you almost have a Camry competitor.

Very good point.

At Toyota, when the decision is made to spend money on a new midsized sedan, it goes to just 1 mid sized sedan, not 3 or 4. It's a very, very good point, but there is more as well.

Traditionally, when GM began work on a car, they would pull apart a Toyota or Honda, and work to get the same percieved quality those cars had. However, being that it normally took say 3 years to get that new car to market from that point, GM ended up with interior quality and design that's 3 years behind. I feel the Malibu (and maybe even the Aura) were the 1st GM cars to break that habit.


Back to the Impala, it's a good solid car, has a decent interior, and actually is pretty tossable. But between the 2, the Malibu is the one I'd actually buy. You get a feeling not alot of thought went into the Impala's design inside or out, and the interior materials, while good and solid enough is downright boring.

The automotive world doesn't stand still. Ford (of all car companies) has set the new bar on interior materials with the new Mustang, Fusion, and Taurus. The new Chrysler 300 & Charger is aiming for that level minimum. I hope GM doesn't simply sit on the Malibu and try to run the cers lifespan without any changes, restylings, or material upgrades. If so, once again, GM will be playing a game of catch-up instead of stay ahead.

The Malibu still has legs.

The Cruze should be a very strong car in the mix.

I think you need to consider what gas prices either through demand or as a result of cap and trade will have on what people will buy.

It's not beyond the realm of possibility that a Malibu sized vehicle will be a "full-sized", and something Cruze sized will be considered a mid-sized car.

No doubt.

The Malibu-Fusion-Camry group is the core, and IMHO the most important market position in the industry by far. If you can't compete here, then you're going to have problems.

My sister was with me in LA when the Cobalt debuted. It was her 1st time meeting Scott, who asked her opinion. Her response: "It looks just like a Cavalier". I personally didn't like the sedan. I believe I said it didn't look like alot of effort, but the interior was a huge jump forward. The Cruize has to be a clearly new car, not just a new name on an updated existing car the way Cobalt was.

ummm this looks not all touched up:

[IMG]http://www.samarins.com/reviews/img/accord_03_int.jpg[/IMG

Actually, I think that looks underexposed (or like the brightness was decreased with a computer). The Impala shot doesn't.

ROFLMAO. Thanks for making the point, so plainly. Even with a professional photographer, with professional lighting and professional photo editing the impala interior still looks so bad that you assumed it must have been taken by an amateur.

On the contrary; I think that the Impala photo is well lit, and that the Accord photo was taken without enough light. I've sat in the Impala, and it looks a lot nicer in person than it does in those pictures IMO.

Funny how them two haven't poked their heads back in here though. :think:

Unlike some of us, maybe they have a life? :shrug:

Unlike some of us, maybe they have a life? :shrug:

Well considering one is actually a mod to this place I'm only willing to concede this: :shame: x .5

enough with the pics, I agree that the Aura and Malibu were the interiors that broke the the falling behind trend, the Sky came along about that time as well, amazing the differences between the solistice and sky's dash.

I disliked liked the impy SS since I first time I saw it, its magazine test drives comfirmed it for me, poor handling, poor acceration and poor mpgs. Has a V-8 FWD EVER sold well? Why try. It wasn't SS worthy, I agree that colbalt SS is worthy of the badge, even the HHR, but that Impy never was. Please let the G8 be rebadged.

Has a V-8 FWD EVER sold well? Why try.

Marketing.

I disliked liked the impy SS since I first time I saw it, its magazine test drives comfirmed it for me, poor handling, poor acceration and poor mpgs. Has a V-8 FWD EVER sold well? Why try. It wasn't SS worthy,

What are you talking about???....0-60 in 5.7 and 28mpg. It was the fastest Impala SS ever. Other than the Cadillac CTS-V it was the fastest GM sedan ever. How is the fastest Chevy sedan EVER not SS worthy???

One of the best selling V8 sedans in modern auto history was FWD, the Cadillac Deville/DTS.

My sister was with me in LA when the Cobalt debuted. It was her 1st time meeting Scott, who asked her opinion. Her response: "It looks just like a Cavalier". I personally didn't like the sedan. I believe I said it didn't look like alot of effort, but the interior was a huge jump forward. The Cruize has to be a clearly new car, not just a new name on an updated existing car the way Cobalt was.I assume you mean this from a styling standpoint, because the Cobalt clearly was a new car. It is on the global delta platform, not on the old Cavalier "J-body" platform.

In fact, the Cruze will have more in common with the Cobalt than the Cobalt did with the Cavalier, I'm betting. That is, when you get down to the innards of the cars. Styling-wise, obviously the Cruze is a pretty fresh design, particularly in the interior.

The Cobalt has good bones about it. The structure seems to be pretty stout based on the ones I've driven, and clearly the potential is there for world-beating handling and performance. The Cruze updates that platform with newer powertrains, fresher styling, and a hugely improved interior. As it should be. :)

enough with the pics, I agree that the Aura and Malibu were the interiors that broke the the falling behind trend, the Sky came along about that time as well, amazing the differences between the solistice and sky's dash.

I disliked liked the impy SS since I first time I saw it, its magazine test drives comfirmed it for me, poor handling, poor acceration and poor mpgs. Has a V-8 FWD EVER sold well? Why try. It wasn't SS worthy, I agree that colbalt SS is worthy of the badge, even the HHR, but that Impy never was. Please let the G8 be rebadged.


The current Impala SS isn't my type of car.

That said, it certainly deserves the "SS" label.

Not sure what car magazine you read, but the Impala SS accelerates as hard as a LT1 f-body, does the quarter at over 100 mph, and has a top speed of 155 mph.

Look over the history of the SS (outside of the aftermarket based 4th gen Camaro version), and you'll see that the Impala SS not only fits in what "SS" traditionally was, but ranks as one of the quickest SSs ever made.

Yes.... that includes the Chevelle SS396. Look it up. ;)