Any 06 Impala SS owners here?

[LelandC]

Just wondering if anyone here owns a 2006 Impala SS? If so care to write a quick review? Does this thing require premium gas or just regular 87 octane? What kind of real world gas mileage are you getting? Any known reliability issues with the 5.3 with DOD? Or should this engine run for a very long time? -Leland

[ponchoman49]

Just wondering if anyone here owns a 2006 Impala SS? If so care to write a quick review? Does this thing require premium gas or just regular 87 octane? What kind of real world gas mileage are you getting? Any known reliability issues with the 5.3 with DOD? Or should this engine run for a very long time?

-Leland

[post="66942"]<{POST_SNAPBACK}>[/post]

I don't own one but I did look on MSN's carpoint at the owner's reviews section and read quite a few SS reviews. Most were favorable but several owners were complaining of poor mileage with the 5.3. What wasn't clear was how hard they were driving the cars and if they were fully broken in yet. Also a lady where I work has a silver 06 SS. She says she uses regular gas with no problems and typically sees 17-18 mpg on her trip computer as an average. She is pleased overall with the car but has noticed some of Chevy's cost cutting with eliminating the cig lighter/ashtray, glovebox light, floor shift indicators, trunk keyhole etc. Other than those minor quibbles she says she loves it. I'm working her over to let me test drive it someday.

[regfootball]

i test drove one. it needs a 6 speed auto and needs to be more sporty in the handling and looks department. its a cruiser with an engine package and small backseat....other than that its a pretty nice car. If i just wanted the engine, I would go GXP.

[62impala]

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...

[Minarets]

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...

[post="67732"]<{POST_SNAPBACK}>[/post]

WHOA! i was just about to start a thread. i am 25 an have been tryin to decide between the Lucerne CXS and the Impala SS myself. do i want to save a few $$ and go Impala? or splurge a little on the CXS...i cannot decide yet.

[62impala]

WHOA!  i was just about to start a thread.  i am 25 an have been tryin to decide between the Lucerne CXS and the Impala SS myself.  do i want to save a few $$ and go Impala?  or splurge a little on the CXS...i cannot decide yet.

[post="68085"]<{POST_SNAPBACK}>[/post]

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.

[Kid_Icarus]

I have one of the '06 SS Impala's and I can't complain about it at all. The gas mileage question - I got the car with just under 2k miles on it (demo driven by the dealership owner) and reset the MPG meter a few weeks ago. Driving about 90% city I'm getting 15mpg, getting out on the highway though it bumps the average up to around 20 something. I haven't had much highway time with it so I can't give an exact number.

[capriceman]

if you live going around corners fast go with the GXP. IM going to test a new Monte soon. but the Impala is a very fast/nice car for city driving. but I want RWD. :P Minarets if you like driving to impress go with the Impala. If you like crusing and more kind of that good firsst impreesion guy go with buick. Do you need 4 doors though? Since A Monte Carlo is nice too. but put a Pontiac GP GXP in the equation they are very nice. My favorite normal car right now is that GP GXP.

[capriceman]

It doesnt matter if your young and drive a Buick!!!!!!! Its just a car that has Class and luxary. Don't listen to Mr. Statistic there!!

[zabolots]

The Grand Prix GXP has a lot more features than the Impala SS. Better tires greatly reduce torque steer on the Pontiac compared to the SS. Plus the staggered tire sizes help reduce understeer when cornering. The Biltein struts are also a great handling improvement that is not available on the Impala, and the PBR brakes on the GXP are incredible. The SS is just a normal Impala with the LS4 drivetrain while the GXP has many more upgrades over the normal Grand Prix. No comparison IMO.

[caddycruiser]

The Grand Prix GXP has a lot more features than the Impala SS. Better tires greatly reduce torque steer on the Pontiac compared to the SS. Plus the staggered tire sizes help reduce understeer when cornering. The Biltein struts are also a great handling improvement that is not available on the Impala, and the PBR brakes on the GXP are incredible.

The SS is just a normal Impala with the LS4 drivetrain while the GXP has many more upgrades over the normal Grand Prix.

No comparison IMO.

[post="84124"]<{POST_SNAPBACK}>[/post]

That's what I was just thinking. Only bad part is the GP's slightly cheaper interior materials and cramped interior space. Other than that, the GP really does fill more of the "performance" category.

Then again, the SS isn't meant to have as much of an edge to it, just the same power and a little bit more calm ride & handling feel.

[Flybrian]

If you're buying a sedan like most people buy a sedan (for two or three people, only occasionally four or five), then the GXP will suit you fine.