I have had the fortune of driving an Accord EX V6 recently as well as a Nissan Maxima and Toyota Camry V6 (190hp version). I ALSO drove a new 2006 Impala SS this past weekend. Guess what?

The Impala was a HELL of a lot nicer and cooler than any of the foreign makes. The only car that was close was the Accord and it's very good interior quality. Other than that, the Impala had it beat everywhere: ride, handling, looks, interior features, and most importantly power. Lots of it. 303hp 5.3L V8 to be exact and 28mpg on the highway. Very low 14 second quarter mile at near 100mph. Torque steer wasn't any worse than the Maxima and Accord.

Price? Real-world selling price is equal or less for a fully loaded Impala vs. the FWD competition.

Before you guys call BS, go drive one and you'll understand what I'm talking about. Even the interior is pretty damn nice!

FWD not your thing, though that is what comes in the mainstream family sedan? Try a 300C. Selling prices are under $30k now easy.

http://www.chevrolet.com/impala/photogallery/

 

Resale value?

 

Yep, I buy a car so that when I'm driving around I can say, "Man, this thing sure has good resale value whenever I get rid of it."

Not to mention, that no one really knows how the totally redesigned '06 Impala will hold it's value.

Knowing the durability and toughness of the engine/tranny combo in the Impala SS, I'd be more inclined to buy a 10 year old '06 Impala SS over a 10 year old Accord. Not to mention parts will likely be cheaper.

 

Sorry...
A) It's still the captain of the Bland Team as far as styling
B) Resale IS important, because it has a lot do to with the total cost of ownership of a car. If you don't consider that after 4 years, car A will be worth $10XXX and car B will be worth $6XXX, when they both cost $20k new, you're a moron, and you are probably in very real danger of going upside down on the car.
C) There's still a big stigma to me about driving one. Sorry, can't help it, I just have seen/rented/rode in too many absolute shitbox Impalas/Chevys in the past few years to ever spend my own money on one (unless it's a Corvette).

Call me ignorant, but that's just how I feel.

 

One man's opionion.


They don't sell anywhere near as well. I like the looks of the redesign FARRRRRRRRRRRR better than that ugly butt end of the old one that looks like the car Homer Simpson designed but it would not be my choice.

My friend's father worked for Chrysler, here are some of his quotes over the years,

"Hey have you seen that new Dodge Monaco? They are going to sell a TON of those."

"Man that new Dodge Spirit is a NICE car."

"Man I want one of those Omni GLH turbos. The ultimate sleeper. What a great car."

"There is not a nicer ride than a Dynasty"

He is convinced his Hemi Ram quad cab at 8-10 miles to the gallon is the best possible family car you could build.


We all have biases. Some of us for Japanese cars, and some for other makes. I admit I am biased towards some Japanese brands but that comes from having bought 2 brand new Dodge Vehicles, 2 Brand new GM vehicles, one used Dodge and a few used Japanese models, and a new Audi. I have found the used Japanese cars to be better than the new american ones I have bought. But that is just my experience.

 

Wait so, your comparing a "totally redesigned" 06 Impala to an Accord and Camry that are both near the end of their life cycles?

I looked at the interior pics of the impala, and I am not impressed. Still looks cheap to me. I think the Accord interior looks better.

I will not deny that the power is impressive. But how heavy is that Impala anyways.

BTW, where can you get a 300C for less than 30k? I checked carsdirect.com for my area code (94089) and the cheapest 300C with no options is already 33k.

 

no matter how "good" it is....if it doesn't sell well the redesign was a failure. Whatever the reasons. GM needs to start building cars that people are willing to part with cash to own. Until, that happens the car is failure. I don't care if it gets 100mpg, has 9000HP and gives blow jobs.

 

a)Maybe, it's not the sweetest looking car on the road, but it's definitely not any more bland than the Camry, Max, Accord.

b) I agree that resale is important, but we don't know what the resale will be on this new Impala. I bet it'll be much better than the old Impala. While, I agree that it most likely won't have as good a resale as the Camry and Accord, value on the front-end (cheaper to buy, maintain, and/or more features and fun for the $$) will be better.

c) The stigma of driving an Impala is worse than that of an Accord or Camry? I sure as hell would think my co-workers, friends, family would enjoy riding in a V8 '06 Impala as much or more than a boring a** Accord or Camry.

Again, have you driven one? If not, you are correct in labeling yourself as ignorant in this regard.

 

They are all over the papers here in DFW in the car section for selling about $4-6,500 off sticker for new 300C's.

 

I checked the DFW area code (75016) and a no option 300C at carsdirect.com shows actual price at above MSRP (around 35k).

I dont believe those newspaper ads where they have 1 at a super low price thats already sold by the time you go to the dealership and say you want to buy the said car at that low low price. :-)