Is the Chevy Impala Considered a Reliability Issue or a Solid Choice?
The Chevrolet Impala has long been a popular sedan in the American market, known for its comfort, features, and versatility. However, the question of its reliability and maintenance costs is one that often comes up. With my personal experience and insights from other consumers, I'll break down the reliability of the Chevy Impala, as well as whether it's worth the investment.
Early Models: The Golden Years of Reliability
The older models of the Chevy Impala, particularly those from the early 2000s, were indeed considered quite reliable. My own experiences with a 2007 Impala LTZ back up this claim. When I sold this car, it had over 167,000 miles on it and was still in excellent condition, save for one replacement of the alternator. This car, and many others like it, often lasted well over 200,000 miles with minimal issues.
According to many, the 3800 Series II engines in these early models were notoriously reliable. Furthermore, the fact that cab companies continue to use Impalas for their reliable performance and fuel efficiency lends weight to this argument. These companies rely on vehicles that can handle high mileage and long-running intervals, and they are happy to use Impalas.
Mid-Range and Later Models: Predictable Maintenance Issues
Unfortunately, the picture changes somewhat when we look at mid-range and later models. While the initial years of ownership were generally good, around the 7 to 8-year mark, GM cars, including the Impala, started to become more unpredictable and costly to maintain. My personal experiences with Chevrolet vehicles underscore this point.
I owned three GM vehicles in my lifetime, and each one suffered from expensive engine and transmission issues. My two Chevrolet minivans experienced intake manifold problems and a subsequent engine gasket failure, which required a repair costing around $2,900. Most recently, my 8-year-old Saturn Aura, another General Motors model, had a transmission failure due to a failed wave plate, which cost me $3,700. GM had a known manufacturing defect, Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) 14404, to address this issue, but the company’s response was less than satisfactory; they neither fixed the defect nor reimbursed for repairs.
Overall Reliability and Longevity
Absolutely, the Chevy Impala averages in the upper good ranges for dependability and reliability, even with older models. They also have a great reputation for aesthetics and longevity. However, the longevity is highly dependent on the specific model year and generation of the car.
That being said, if you're considering a 2016 to 2018 Impala, it's a good choice. These later models tend to perform well and retain their reliability. However, for other recent years, consumer reports might have information indicating otherwise. It's always wise to do your research and read reviews from owners who have driven the specific model you're interested in.
Real-life Examples
One specific issue that repeatedly came up in my experience with the Chevy Impala is the failure of camshaft solenoids. Another common complaint is that the engines give away under pressure, and the 6T70 transmission is not the best model to come from GM's catalogue. The powertrain reliability, as rated by J.D. Power, even gave the Impala a 2/5 rating. This lower score highlights some of the concerns consumers might have about the car's long-term performance and reliability.
Conclusion
In conclusion, whether the Chevy Impala is a reliable car depends largely on the specific model year and the care it receives. Early models were indeed reliable and long-lasting, but with the progression of model years come more unpredictable and costly maintenance issues. If you're in the market for a Chevy Impala, it's important to weigh these factors carefully based on your personal needs and resources. If you're looking for car covers, we have offers for Chevy car covers that could potentially extend the life of your vehicle and provide additional protection.