puma

I'm in auto sales (Chevrolet/Cadillac/Toyota) and I haven't met a GM retiree yet shopping for a Toyota. It seems that people of that generation do actually have some loyalty, unlike today's younger generation of car buyers. Today's generation are willing to take anything written at face value. They're convinced that if Consumer Reports gives a Jap car a "recommended" rating, then that's the car for them. They're mindless drones who believe everything they read. Have you read some of the complaints by these critics about GM cars? Cup holders that are too small or inconveniently placed, vague steering, designs that are too generic and other dribble that doesn't amount to much. I would be embarassed to admit that I passed on a new Monte Carlo for less money over a competitive import because the steering was "vague". Please! GM is trying to reverse the thinking of these younger buyers, and their products go a long way to accomplishing that. But because these younger buyers have grown up in households where their parents drove imports, they barely know what a Chevrolet is, or a "bowtie", or anything else Chevy related. That's the shame in it all. They don't give a moment's thought to giving their hard earned money to Jap manufacturers to the detriment of their US economy. When GM convinces people that they're not "settling" for one of their products, things will get better. And when the UAW wises up to the fact that it's not the '60's anymore, and their members might have to cough up a contribution for health care coverage and pension, like the rest of the civilized world, things will really get better. GM is certainly doing their part. We're just waiting on the UAW to do theirs.

As far as the interior of the Impala goes, my only complaint is the overall feel of the plastic used on the dash, door panels, and other interior trim pieces. The Japanese brands do have the advantage here. Chevrolet knows how to do it right, too. Just look inside a Malibu MAXX to see what I mean. I like how the controls are laid out in a very common sense way, and the new "black tie" audio systems are much improved. But otherwise, how can anyone complain about the '06 Impala? I think it's way more car than the previous body style. The price point is great - you can't buy a Camry LE V6 or Accord V6 for anywhere close to the price of a Impala LS. I am really impressed with the new 3.9 V6. My daily driver is a '98 Buick Regal GS, and the naturally aspirated 3.9 will give my supercharged 3800 a run for its money with better fuel economy. Let's not forget that this is the first year for the re-designed Impala. I wouldn't hesitate to buy one right now, but I'll be anxious to see how they improve it over the next couple years.