2007 Chevy Impala SS

[JulesMaximus]

The car in question is courtesy of Budget Rent-A-Car and is a 2007 Chevrolet Impala SS, bright red with black leather interior and polished alloy wheels. The car is handsome and the engine sounds nice, probably because it's a 5.3l V8. Too bad it is driving the front wheels though, because while it gives decent grunt it also provides plenty of torque steer. Also, there is quite a bit of wind noise as you get up to freeway speeds. Handling is adequate but the car is not confidence inspiring and the brakes are merely adequate.

Fit and finish is okay but nothing near Lexus quality and interior materials, while better than past GM cars, still have a cheap, plastic feel to them especially in the center console and dash. The seats are leather and comfortable...probably the best thing about the interior actually. The trunk is cavernous and the interior will easily carry 4 adults in comfort.

Initially I was fairly impressed with the power and interior of the car but after driving it around for a few days it is beginning to show its true colors. I'm not overly impressed. The car has a little over 8k miles on it and it has a rattle in the sunroof and a rattle in a panel on the right side of the car which sounds like it is coming from the right rear passenger area. There is also a clunking felt in the steering column whenever you let off the gas or press on the brake. If this car has this many problems with 8k miles I'd hate to see it at 60k miles.

 

[Budmantom]

I thought of buying one and I was impressed with the gas mileage but it's just too big and it feels even bigger, but it was fun to drive.

 

[Pacfanweb]

Why would the fit and finish be as good as a car that costs twice as much? If I had a Lexus, I'd be pissed if it wasn't nicer than any Chevy or Ford.
Compare it to a nice Cadillac and you might have a valid point here.

I suppose it's not as nice as a Mercedes or a Rolls Royce, either?

 

[Parasitic]

Rental cars are all of inferior conditions. People tend to do stupid things in cars that don't belong to them.
I've driven my friend's and rental Vibes. The rental Vibe was of a newer year, with 1/4 of the mileage on it, and it was just in horrible condition with rattles here and there.

 

[JulesMaximus]

Originally posted by: Pacfanweb
Why would the fit and finish be as good as a car that costs twice as much? If I had a Lexus, I'd be pissed if it wasn't nicer than any Chevy or Ford.
Compare it to a nice Cadillac and you might have a valid point here.

I suppose it's not as nice as a Mercedes or a Rolls Royce, either?

I own a 2006 Lexus that cost in the low $30k range. It's not as powerful but it handles and stops a hell of a lot better than this car and the fit and finish is 10x what the Chevy is.

I haven't driven a recent Cadillac...sorry.

 

[theeedude]

Originally posted by: JulesMaximus

Originally posted by: Pacfanweb
Why would the fit and finish be as good as a car that costs twice as much? If I had a Lexus, I'd be pissed if it wasn't nicer than any Chevy or Ford.
Compare it to a nice Cadillac and you might have a valid point here.

I suppose it's not as nice as a Mercedes or a Rolls Royce, either?

I own a 2006 Lexus that cost in the low $30k range. It's not as powerful but it handles and stops a hell of a lot better than this car and the fit and finish is 10x what the Chevy is.

I haven't driven a recent Cadillac...sorry.

No kidding, Sherlock.
How much do you think those rental places pay for them Impalas? Prolly $10K less than the cheapest Lexus.

 

[alimoalem]

Originally posted by: senseamp

Originally posted by: JulesMaximus

Originally posted by: Pacfanweb
Why would the fit and finish be as good as a car that costs twice as much? If I had a Lexus, I'd be pissed if it wasn't nicer than any Chevy or Ford.
Compare it to a nice Cadillac and you might have a valid point here.

I suppose it's not as nice as a Mercedes or a Rolls Royce, either?

I own a 2006 Lexus that cost in the low $30k range. It's not as powerful but it handles and stops a hell of a lot better than this car and the fit and finish is 10x what the Chevy is.

I haven't driven a recent Cadillac...sorry.

No kidding, Sherlock.
How much do you think those rental places pay for them Impalas? Prolly $10K less than the cheapest Lexus.

look at this genius. the is250 and impala ss cost the same. and for $5k more, you get the is350, which is faster and has a hell of a lot more luxury. do you guys get tired of thinking american cars are the only cars worth getting?

 

[thedarkwolf]

The impala doesn't compete against the is250 or 350. The impala is 20 inches longer and 2 wider then those little cars. You have to go up to the LS 460 to get the same size car with a lexus an its only $60k. When you want a bigass car with some zip to it for $30k the impala ss isn't bad. Do you guys get tired of thinking every american car is a pos?

Edmunds link comparing them added a caddy cts since thats the GM car that actually competes with the is250/350 and its too is a good bit bigger so its more of an in between 250 and 460.

 

[alimoalem]

from what i've read, it goes cts < g35 < is350

even so, i'm responding to what senseamp said. the cheapest lexus is NOT $10k more than an impala ss, period. and the one that's $5k more, if fitting 2-3 grown men in the back isn't a top priority, is better than the impala in pretty much better in every way. regardless, i don't like either car cause a sports car is not meant to come only in an automatic transmission. i'm just talking cause people are backing up the ss with false statements.

 

[DougK62]

Some valid points, but you just have to consider that this is a V8 rental car - that's very likely what accounts for the dash rattles and the drivetrain clunk. You know everyone that has rented that car has beaten it terribly.

 

[Demon-Xanth]

I drove a rental Impala when we went to Bristol. It handled the 4 hour drive from Charlotte great and I didn't notice any of the rattles that you were saying. It even seated six fairly comfortably. The V6 got something like 26MPG average. Which if you know Bristol on a race week, is pretty darn good.

 

[Pacfanweb]

Originally posted by: alimoalem
from what i've read, it goes cts < g35 < is350

even so, i'm responding to what senseamp said. the cheapest lexus is NOT $10k more than an impala ss, period. and the one that's $5k more, if fitting 2-3 grown men in the back isn't a top priority, is better than the impala in pretty much better in every way. regardless, i don't like either car cause a sports car is not meant to come only in an automatic transmission. i'm just talking cause people are backing up the ss with false statements.

The point is, the Impala is not a competitor for any of the cars you've mentioned, and isn't intended to be.
You're comparing a big family sedan to smaller, sportier cars. Cost is irrelevant.

There are plenty of cars that cost the same, more, and less. So what?

This "fit and finish" thing that people keep bringing up.....do you even know what fit and finish mean?
Jules mentioned the "cheap plastic feel"......well, that's an opinion, not a fact. He might not have cared for it, and that's okay. That's why they make different cars.

But I take the interiors of all kinds of cars apart on a daily basis, and I can definitely say that the GM cars are right there with the fit and finish. Used to not be the case, but it is now.

And quality of materials? They use the same stuff.

 

[Ktulu]

Originally posted by: alimoalem

Originally posted by: senseamp

Originally posted by: JulesMaximus

Originally posted by: Pacfanweb
Why would the fit and finish be as good as a car that costs twice as much? If I had a Lexus, I'd be pissed if it wasn't nicer than any Chevy or Ford.
Compare it to a nice Cadillac and you might have a valid point here.

I suppose it's not as nice as a Mercedes or a Rolls Royce, either?

I own a 2006 Lexus that cost in the low $30k range. It's not as powerful but it handles and stops a hell of a lot better than this car and the fit and finish is 10x what the Chevy is.

I haven't driven a recent Cadillac...sorry.

No kidding, Sherlock.
How much do you think those rental places pay for them Impalas? Prolly $10K less than the cheapest Lexus.

look at this genius. the is250 and impala ss cost the same. and for $5k more, you get the is350, which is faster and has a hell of a lot more luxury. do you guys get tired of thinking american cars are the only cars worth getting?

How about this genius. The is250 is in the luxury category and the Impala SS isn't. It doesn't matter if they cost only 5 grand from each other. You should NEVER expect a Chevy to compete with ANY luxury car. That's just comparing apples to oranges. And I really don't see what this has to do with American cars.

 

[Ktulu]

Originally posted by: alimoalem
from what i've read, it goes 2008 CTS < g35 < is350

 

[zoiks]

Originally posted by: Ktulu

Originally posted by: alimoalem

Originally posted by: senseamp

Originally posted by: JulesMaximus

Originally posted by: Pacfanweb
Why would the fit and finish be as good as a car that costs twice as much? If I had a Lexus, I'd be pissed if it wasn't nicer than any Chevy or Ford.
Compare it to a nice Cadillac and you might have a valid point here.

I suppose it's not as nice as a Mercedes or a Rolls Royce, either?

I own a 2006 Lexus that cost in the low $30k range. It's not as powerful but it handles and stops a hell of a lot better than this car and the fit and finish is 10x what the Chevy is.

I haven't driven a recent Cadillac...sorry.

No kidding, Sherlock.
How much do you think those rental places pay for them Impalas? Prolly $10K less than the cheapest Lexus.

look at this genius. the is250 and impala ss cost the same. and for $5k more, you get the is350, which is faster and has a hell of a lot more luxury. do you guys get tired of thinking american cars are the only cars worth getting?

How about this genius. The is250 is in the luxury category and the Impala SS isn't. It doesn't matter if they cost only 5 grand from each other. You should NEVER expect a Chevy to compete with ANY luxury car. That's just comparing apples to oranges. And I really don't see what this has to do with American cars.

Exactly. You couldn't compare a Toyota minivan or an Altima with say a G35. They're in different categories altogether.

 

[ElFenix]

Originally posted by: alimoalem

look at this genius. the is250 and impala ss cost the same. and for $5k more, you get the is350, which is faster and has a hell of a lot more luxury. do you guys get tired of thinking american cars are the only cars worth getting?

so when did $26,701 = $32,074? (and that's just carsdirect pricing, surely the rental fleet was getting a better price than what a stealership is offering online).

 

[mwmorph]

Originally posted by: ElFenix

Originally posted by: alimoalem

look at this genius. the is250 and impala ss cost the same. and for $5k more, you get the is350, which is faster and has a hell of a lot more luxury. do you guys get tired of thinking american cars are the only cars worth getting?

so when did $26,701 = $32,074? (and that's just carsdirect pricing, surely the rental fleet was getting a better price than what a stealership is offering online).

Not sure where you're getting those numbers.
http://www.edmunds.com/chevrolet/impala/2008/index.html
Impala MSRP 28235

http://www.edmunds.com/lexus/is250/2007/index.html
IS250 MSRP 30255

But anyways, yeah completely different class of car. It competes with the Ford 500(Taurus), Crown Vic, Dodge Charger, Chrysler 300C and Pontiac G8.

As far as competition goes, I think the most important competition may come from inside, the G8 is receiving a lot of attention and hype and with a MSRP of 29,300, its priced right there with the admittedly shitty impala.

Also, then theres the Charger RT, more power, RWD, better looking (the Imapla has no design identity, it's what happens when you take the Japanese boring clone boxes as far as it will go, it's like a even more boring version of the last gen accord) and lifetime powertrain warranty at just 30,640

The Impala is a noncompetitor, its bland and tasteless and offers nothing the competition cant do better.

If you need FWD, Ford Taurus, if you need AWD, Taurus or Charger or 300C depending on the budget, if you need RWD, R8 or Charger or 300C.

There is no good reason to buy an Impala

 

[ElFenix]

Originally posted by: mwmorph

Originally posted by: ElFenix

Originally posted by: alimoalem

look at this genius. the is250 and impala ss cost the same. and for $5k more, you get the is350, which is faster and has a hell of a lot more luxury. do you guys get tired of thinking american cars are the only cars worth getting?

so when did $26,701 = $32,074? (and that's just carsdirect pricing, surely the rental fleet was getting a better price than what a stealership is offering online).

Not sure where you're getting those numbers.
http://www.edmunds.com/chevrolet/impala/2008/index.html
Impala MSRP 28235

http://www.edmunds.com/lexus/is250/2007/index.html
IS250 MSRP 30255

see bolded.

MSRP does not matter. what the car actually sells for matters. the prices i quoted are prices you can get online in under 5 minutes. i have no doubt you can probably get another thousand or so off the impala. probably can't get another 500 off the IS250. and rental fleet pricing is probably even less as many of those sales are direct from GM (iirc).


ah, i see, carsdirect adds the auto into the IS250 by default, it's a 1030 option. so that's $26,701 to $31,044.

 

[JulesMaximus]

Originally posted by: senseamp

Originally posted by: JulesMaximus

Originally posted by: Pacfanweb
Why would the fit and finish be as good as a car that costs twice as much? If I had a Lexus, I'd be pissed if it wasn't nicer than any Chevy or Ford.
Compare it to a nice Cadillac and you might have a valid point here.

I suppose it's not as nice as a Mercedes or a Rolls Royce, either?

I own a 2006 Lexus that cost in the low $30k range. It's not as powerful but it handles and stops a hell of a lot better than this car and the fit and finish is 10x what the Chevy is.

I haven't driven a recent Cadillac...sorry.

No kidding, Sherlock.
How much do you think those rental places pay for them Impalas? Prolly $10K less than the cheapest Lexus.

I wasn't comparing the Impala to a Lexus. Just pointing out that the interior was not anywhere near Lexus quality...it was just a point of reference. I actually liked the seats though, they were comfortable.

I thought my review was fairly unbiased.

 

[Ktulu]

Originally posted by: JulesMaximus

Originally posted by: senseamp

Originally posted by: JulesMaximus

Originally posted by: Pacfanweb
Why would the fit and finish be as good as a car that costs twice as much? If I had a Lexus, I'd be pissed if it wasn't nicer than any Chevy or Ford.
Compare it to a nice Cadillac and you might have a valid point here.

I suppose it's not as nice as a Mercedes or a Rolls Royce, either?

I own a 2006 Lexus that cost in the low $30k range. It's not as powerful but it handles and stops a hell of a lot better than this car and the fit and finish is 10x what the Chevy is.

I haven't driven a recent Cadillac...sorry.

No kidding, Sherlock.
How much do you think those rental places pay for them Impalas? Prolly $10K less than the cheapest Lexus.

I wasn't comparing the Impala to a Lexus. Just pointing out that the interior was not anywhere near Lexus quality...it was just a point of reference. I actually liked the seats though, they were comfortable.

I thought my review was fairly unbiased.

Your comparison was definitely unbiased but retarded. Luxury cars are not comparable to high volume cars ever.

 

[JulesMaximus]

Originally posted by: Ktulu

Originally posted by: JulesMaximus

Originally posted by: senseamp

Originally posted by: JulesMaximus

Originally posted by: Pacfanweb
Why would the fit and finish be as good as a car that costs twice as much? If I had a Lexus, I'd be pissed if it wasn't nicer than any Chevy or Ford.
Compare it to a nice Cadillac and you might have a valid point here.

I suppose it's not as nice as a Mercedes or a Rolls Royce, either?

I own a 2006 Lexus that cost in the low $30k range. It's not as powerful but it handles and stops a hell of a lot better than this car and the fit and finish is 10x what the Chevy is.

I haven't driven a recent Cadillac...sorry.

No kidding, Sherlock.
How much do you think those rental places pay for them Impalas? Prolly $10K less than the cheapest Lexus.

I wasn't comparing the Impala to a Lexus. Just pointing out that the interior was not anywhere near Lexus quality...it was just a point of reference. I actually liked the seats though, they were comfortable.

I thought my review was fairly unbiased.

Your comparison was definitely unbiased but retarded. Luxury cars are not comparable to high volume cars ever.

What part of "I wasn't comparing them" don't you understand. I mentioned Lexus build quality because they have a very high standard. Again, it was merely a point of reference. I guess I could have said that on a scale of 1 to 10 I rate the build quality as a 6. Jeez, I say the word Lexus once and suddenly I'm comparing them, I love how everyone jumps to conclusions so quickly...:roll:

 

[ElFenix]

Originally posted by: JulesMaximus
What part of "I wasn't comparing them" don't you understand.

com·pare /k?m'p??r/ Pronunciation Key - Show Spelled Pronunciation[kuhm-pair] Pronunciation Key - Show IPA Pronunciation verb, -pared, -par·ing, noun
?verb (used with object)
1. to examine (two or more objects, ideas, people, etc.) in order to note similarities and differences: to compare two pieces of cloth; to compare the governments of two nations.
2. to consider or describe as similar; liken: Shall I compare thee to a summer's day?
3. Grammar. to form or display the degrees of comparison of (an adjective or adverb).
?verb (used without object)
4. to be worthy of comparison; be held equal: Dekker's plays cannot compare with Shakespeare's.
5. to appear in a similar standing: His recital certainly compares with the one he gave last year.
6. to differ in quality or accomplishment as specified: Their development compares poorly with that of neighbor nations.
7. to vie; rival.
8. to make a comparison: The only way we can say which product is better is to compare.
?noun
9. comparison: Her beauty is beyond compare.
?Idiom
10. compare notes. note (def. 32).

check again

 

[fstime]

Yeah, its a piece of crap.

 

[Arkaign]

I don't get why people get their panties in a bunch when you want to compare cars. They're all cars right? I mean, Edmunds has had a couple of fun head-to-heads lately with oddball pairings. Besides, who cares what other people think, it makes you look like an uptight nerd to get mad that someone else is thinking/typing about something so spectacularly unimportant in the grand scheme of things. And there are definitely valid points of comparing vastly different vehicles, if only for entertainment value, or looking at particular stats.

Have some fun and lighten up, guys, it doesn't always have to be USA > Import, or Import > USA, or *you suck you rotten idiot!*.

 

[Pacfanweb]

Originally posted by: JulesMaximus

What part of "I wasn't comparing them" don't you understand. I mentioned Lexus build quality because they have a very high standard. Again, it was merely a point of reference. I guess I could have said that on a scale of 1 to 10 I rate the build quality as a 6. Jeez, I say the word Lexus once and suddenly I'm comparing them, I love how everyone jumps to conclusions so quickly...:roll:

You may not have meant to, but compare them you did.

Bottom line....they aren't comparable. You perceive a difference in quality. Fine. Compare a beat-to-hell rental to your personal ride.

But they aren't the same class of car. For your 30k, you got a sporty, smaller car.

For the rental companies' probably 23k, they got a big sedan that might not seem as nice as your Lexus, but likely rides smoother, carries more people, and has a metric assload of room in the trunk.
Just like a truck might cost the same, and only can carry 3 people, but it can tow your boat.

Just depends on what you want your vehicle to do for you.