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Used 1996 Chevrolet Impala Consumer Reviews

4.9 out of 5 stars
61 reviews
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4.88 out of 5 stars

GM got it right, then quit!

soccercoach99, 06/06/2010
1996 Chevrolet Impala SS 4dr Sedan
11 of 11 people found this review helpful

I have seven cars, including a Porsche Boxster, Jaguar XJ8, Honda S2000 and some winter AWD/4WD vehicles. Driving the SS is somehow very very satisfying, it lopes along, big, black, bad, and then, when called on, just puts you into the comfy seats and gets to really outrageous speeds in a blink. I'm sure that more modern vehicles beat the numbers on acceleration, etc, but blasting around a freeway on ramp at 80 to 90 in a couple of heart beats with this beast is extremely fun!

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5 out of 5 stars

My Dream Come True...96 SS

96 SS Q-SHIP, 01/26/2004
1996 Chevrolet Impala SS 4dr Sedan
5 of 5 people found this review helpful

I wanted one of these cars from the first time I saw one on the road. After doing some homework, I realized quickly that the 1996 model was the one to own. In 1998, after selling my Camaro, I was surprised to find one in a local trading paper that was about 60 miles away. I was fortunate enough to have a seller that offered to drive to my home and let me see the car. They told me that they were the original owners and had all paperwork...including the original window sticker. Low and behold...right at the scheduled time they said they'd show up...A menacing low, black car crept past my front window.

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5 out of 5 stars

Boss ride

Tony, 02/12/2017
1996 Chevrolet Impala SS 4dr Sedan
5 of 5 people found this review helpful

It's just strange how much attention this car gets even after 20 year's.

Safety
5 out of 5 stars
Technology
5 out of 5 stars
Performance
5 out of 5 stars
Interior
5 out of 5 stars
Comfort
5 out of 5 stars
Reliability
5 out of 5 stars
Value
5 out of 5 stars
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4.5 out of 5 stars

Still purring

2KPurr, 12/03/2008
1996 Chevrolet Impala SS 4dr Sedan
4 of 4 people found this review helpful

Have enjoyed owning & driving it for nearly 13 years, transmission & engine have been flawless, water system/radiator/cooling required replacement, been thru 3 sets of tires, still turns heads. I am very proud to own such fine machinery that gets rarer yearly, get offers to sell all the time, have driven across country north-south & east-west, makes for great made-in-America advertising, insured as 4-door Caprice but is actually a Super Sport (no complaints), passes state emissions/safety tests without fail, plan on keeping all the way

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5 out of 5 stars

oohh what a car!!!

landsshark96, 04/22/2002
1996 Chevrolet Impala SS 4dr Sedan
4 of 4 people found this review helpful

This has to be one of the best cars GM ever built. American Automotive workers should rejoice, this car has performed better than my honda in regards to warranty work. This car does not give you a problem...EVER.

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5 out of 5 stars

Superb

Rolling*Thunder, 09/18/2004
1996 Chevrolet Impala SS 4dr Sedan
3 of 3 people found this review helpful

The finest car I have ever owned... or driven... or ridden in. USA badge, a V-8 (Corvette) Engine, Rear Wheel Drive, .... all the right USA muscle stuff. In a word: Superb.

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5 out of 5 stars

The best Chevy ever made!

Montana, 05/03/2002
1996 Chevrolet Impala SS 4dr Sedan
2 of 2 people found this review helpful

The best Chevy ever made.

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4.5 out of 5 stars

Stealth 4-door Vette

Dcarzar, 07/18/2009
1996 Chevrolet Impala SS 4dr Sedan
2 of 2 people found this review helpful

I am an enthusiast and love to drive. I did not really need to order a new SS, but I wanted a toy that would be a fun investment. My SS delivered, yeah it was politically correct with lighter & ashtrays; room and comfort for both my wife & grandmother in the same trip. My SS has been driven primarily as a highway cruiser, and has driven 300 miles in three hours, on regular gas an gets 25-28 mpg. I only need to pull it out of the garage to turn heads and there is always someone asking me to 1st bidder when I sell.

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5 out of 5 stars

the only imaculate car alive!!!!

james dorman, 04/11/2002
1996 Chevrolet Impala SS 4dr Sedan
3 of 4 people found this review helpful

i absolutly love this car since the first time i seen it. i have never geard any complaints about this car. the interiour is pefect, who could ask for a better look, and the performannce, every family man who once was astreet racers dream.

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4.75 out of 5 stars

Great ride

great ride, 09/24/2008
1996 Chevrolet Impala SS 4dr Sedan
3 of 4 people found this review helpful

I get more pleasure driving this car then my 2008 STS Caddy. Still a head turner. Seats are realy comfortable and everything is heavy duty.

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4.75 out of 5 stars

13 years and going

huntt, 06/08/2008
1996 Chevrolet Impala SS 4dr Sedan
3 of 5 people found this review helpful

A few replacement parts here and there. Usual upkeep as with any car. I get 19-21 mpg (still) highway miles. I love that it still looks good at its age. Alloy wheels could be replaced but that's another story. It has truly been a great car. I have owned this car longer than any other car. I plan to drive it till the wheels fall off.

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5 out of 5 stars

Why did GM stop making the Impala SS?!!

portert0224, 07/09/2002
1996 Chevrolet Impala SS 4dr Sedan
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

I love this car and plan on buying another for my wife and one for each of my five kids! If you want a fun, fast, roomy 4-door modern muscle car, this is your car! My 96 SS ran a 14.67 quarter mile when it was stock. I added a cold air intake and K&N filter and it ran a 14.53 quarter mile. This SS will outrun any stock 5.0 or 4.6 Mustang. It is very reliable. It still has the stock battery that came with the car and it has had only two mechanical problems--the driver side window came off track and the wiper switch malfunctioned, all occuring after 80,000 miles! It gets 21-24 mpg depending on my lead foot. Awesome car!

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4.63 out of 5 stars

The SS Impala Floats On

BenS0SS, 06/03/2002
1996 Chevrolet Impala SS 4dr Sedan
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

This car is by far the best full-sized vehicle you can possibly purchase, with the possible exception of the BMW 7 series. It handles extremely well, accelerates like there's no tomrrow, and seats 5 adults without problems.

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5 out of 5 stars

My Favorite Car .. So far

Ralph Hess, 04/10/2002
1996 Chevrolet Impala SS 4dr Sedan
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

I have owned/driven many fast cars. This is a cross between my father's 1972 Olds 88 with a 454 engine and my brother's GTO. No matter what speed I am driving, you tap the gas, it goes faster(even with 5 big adults riding). Maintenance has been higher than I expected, replaced water pump, plug wires, AC coil, a few fuses.

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4.5 out of 5 stars

'96 Impala SS, a future collectible

dbuck, 04/11/2002
1996 Chevrolet Impala SS 4dr Sedan
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

This car is a blast to drive and a real head turner as well. The drive train is extremely dependable if properly maintained. Fuel economy is commendable for a large car with this much performance capability. One draw back with respect to maintenance expense is the repalcement cost of tires and shock absorbers.

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4.88 out of 5 stars

Diablo

Tom Stewart, 05/19/2002
1996 Chevrolet Impala SS 4dr Sedan
1 of 2 people found this review helpful

That's the name of my Impala SS, a true American masterpiece. There are minor irritants like the bucket seats could have better support features. But these are buried in the joys of driving this two-ton hot rod! I had 10 guys at the dealership drooling and hoping I wouldn't take the car. It's the most reliable car I've owned. It still looks red hot and attracts comments. Chevrolet made a terrible trade-off in stopping SS production for what...everyday trucks? On the other hand, it gives we SS owners an appreciable investment while we devour the thrills!

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4.38 out of 5 stars

Impala SS

Tzadok Gable, 01/30/2003
1996 Chevrolet Impala SS 4dr Sedan
1 of 2 people found this review helpful

Best American Four door out there and a great muscle car

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5 out of 5 stars

LMAO at the F.O.R.D. Marauder

yes, 06/07/2002
1996 Chevrolet Impala SS 4dr Sedan
1 of 2 people found this review helpful

The marauder may very well be a good ford product but look forward to spongy brakes and no low end torque. Longevity is a question and well it just doesn't have the looks. I am still laughing all the way to the bank. My SS cost $19.500 the ford will cost about $35.000. My chevy was built by proud American workers who lovingly put this car together. 80.000 miles no problems, 14.00 in the quarter. Cop car suspension means no surprises. A note to FORD this is what happens when John Moss (a brillant automobile designer)really builds a car. Maybe you should hire him. Thank You Mr. Moss!!!

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4 out of 5 stars

Where do you get your retail prices?

Sal Federico, 11/04/2003
1996 Chevrolet Impala SS 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

The 94-96 Impala SS is the last of the rear wheel drive supercar sedans. The current retail value posted is not realistic, the average retail value on one of these cars is several thousand higher in the case of an average condition '94 and as much as double for a pristine '96 with low miles. How did you arrive at such a low retail value?

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4.38 out of 5 stars

Truly a Super Sport

larrygre, 07/19/2002
1996 Chevrolet Impala SS 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

If there is such thing as a car that is too much fun, the '90s Impala SS is it. I bought my '96 used four years ago and I just plain never get tired of driving this car. Acceleration is fierce. Braking is excellent, the g=huge 12" discs doing their job admirably. The handling and overall vehicle dynamics are surprisingly good for such a large car. Four doors nonwithstanding, this is truly the heir to the legendary Impala SS cars of the '60s. I'll never part with mine - like I said, it's too much fun!

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4.75 out of 5 stars

96 Impala SS

SEW, 12/29/2003
1996 Chevrolet Impala SS 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

The only problem is road noise. Great car!

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4.63 out of 5 stars

Impala SS

rcap, 02/20/2004
1996 Chevrolet Impala SS 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

The seats are uncomfortable and lack support. If you can find Bonneville leather seats buy them and replace. Other than that it is quite a car. Not as quick as my Corvette Z06 -- BUT turns alot more heads and gets more notice!

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4.88 out of 5 stars

The REAL Impalla SS

george bowles, 02/29/2004
1996 Chevrolet Impala SS 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

This is an excellent automobile. I will be glad when GM brings back more rear wheel drive cars. The SS provides sports car performance and handling with 4 door sedan room and comfort.

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4.63 out of 5 stars

1996 ImpalaSS

James Beck, 09/16/2002
1996 Chevrolet Impala SS 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

A great car with intiminating looks and surprising jump off the line. Lt1 350 underhood 260hp from the factory with much room to grow with simple preformance upgrades. A head turner at ever light. I'm in love with my SS and you will be too.

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4.88 out of 5 stars

my best car

dean, 03/19/2004
1996 Chevrolet Impala SS 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

this is the best car i have owned it's fun to drive and still turn's head's,and always git complement's it's great

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5 out of 5 stars

impala ss

CAMERON, 08/07/2004
1996 Chevrolet Impala SS 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

it is one of the best cars ever made i'm looking to buy more to love it

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4.88 out of 5 stars

The Last of RWD Big Cars

BigDogg Dad, 09/23/2003
1996 Chevrolet Impala SS 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I was lucky to find this car. Low miles 75,000. No rust, all orginal. There is no other ride like a big solid RWD car. I know my wife and kid are safe. Better gas mileage that her minivan on the road. More comfort, hauls our boat like a dream.

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5 out of 5 stars

Impala 1996

greenboy, 10/13/2002
1996 Chevrolet Impala SS 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

What a car! I own two 1996s, one black and one black cherry!

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4.75 out of 5 stars

BEST CAR EVER MADE

GETLOW, 10/12/2004
1996 Chevrolet Impala SS 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

THE IMPALA SHOULD BE A ROLE MODEL TO ALL OTHER VEHICLES THAT CLAIM TO BE "MUSCLE" YET A FAMILY SEDAN.

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4.88 out of 5 stars

Not the everyday muscle

LSU Thor, 12/09/2003
1996 Chevrolet Impala SS 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Being 24 years old, buying this car was the best purchase decision of my life. It was the one car that had everything I was looking for. It had a torque- monster V8, rwd and it wasn't a truck or a Camaro/Mustang that you see everyone driving nowadays. It's distinctive and will always turn heads and receive thumbs up on the road or at the track.

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5 out of 5 stars

Great investment

Morgan White, 05/07/2002
1996 Chevrolet Impala SS 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

keeps its value and should go up in price over the next few years!

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5 out of 5 stars

Nail on Head

Berky, 07/20/2002
1996 Chevrolet Impala SS 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I'm 25 years old and I have owned my Impala for about 4months. The only problem with it so far is the rear axle bearings are shot and I am about to get them fixed. Other than that it runs like a champ, drives like a champ, and looks like a champ. Lots of add ons are available from car lovers like us. This is one of my dream cars. I wanted one since the day they came into existence and it took me six years, but I got one. I don't think I would ever choose to get rid of this car. I plan to put a supercharger on it from NAISSO superstore in FL and up the horse by about 300hp. That'll snap your head back heheh.

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5 out of 5 stars

250k and still going!

Ed, 04/26/2006
1996 Chevrolet Impala SS 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

We've had 2 '96 Impala SS' over the years. Both were adult driven and routinely maintained. The first one had 122,000 on it by the end of the 1999. At that point it was retired from duty, and we picked up another from a collector with a mere 1700 miles on it. The second now has over 250,000 miles on the original LT1 motor, 4L60E transmission and 8.5 10 bolt posi rear end. Burns no oil, and starts up every time. Only fixes have been a starter, an A/C compresser and a harmonic balancer. These are just great cars that hold thier value.

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5 out of 5 stars

Excellent

terry, 09/15/2006
1996 Chevrolet Impala SS 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

It does very well on the highway. I drive it on the weekends going on long term drives. The seats are very comfortable for those long rides. To me this is the best car in the world.

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5 out of 5 stars

MY first cr

Scarface Junior, 11/17/2002
1996 Chevrolet Impala SS 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

i got the car fo $17,000 cash. Now i have added about $13,000 on my wheels, system ad power to the engine. i could not ask for a better car thanthe impala ss

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4.88 out of 5 stars

Great Car

Mako, 01/08/2007
1996 Chevrolet Impala SS 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

This has been a good auto for over 11 years. Very few problems.

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4.88 out of 5 stars

Pleasure to drive

Harlie, 06/21/2004
1996 Chevrolet Impala SS 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

This car glides over the highway and the pick up on it is quick from a stand still, you can really feel the power under the hood. The design is sleek with out over doing it, you will get many compliments on it every where you go.

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4.88 out of 5 stars

highway cruiser

smith, 06/02/2002
1996 Chevrolet Impala SS 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

This is our vacationing, interstate cruising, mountain climbing muscle car. When you push on the accelerator, it goes. Reliable super performing vehicle. Funny to watch people in front of you slow down, move out of the way thinking you are a police cruiser. My son has spoken for my car.

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4.88 out of 5 stars

96 Impala SS

billpilot, 11/23/2004
1996 Chevrolet Impala SS 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Still, to this day in 11/04, I have not found a 4 door sports car for 3-4 times the money that can out-perform my SS. A few minor glitches were fixed under warranty: Odometer,head gaskets & exhaust manifolds, a couple of times. The factory cooling fan settings do not "kick on" until temperature reaches about 220; so a hypertech programmer will turn on fan's sooner. I have got 26 MPG on highway with a/c. Usually it's about half that yet worth it!

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5 out of 5 stars

¿ Best Car Ever ?

"mikey", 11/14/2002
1996 Chevrolet Impala SS 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Ohhh man!! This car is the best in the world. There has never ben any problems with it. I got it from my cousin as a birthday gift. The car is fast, it is nice and roomy, it turns heads, and best of all we took it down to a drag strip and our 4 door family sedan beat a 5.0. This was the best feeling.

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4.13 out of 5 stars

A fun car

ss355, 03/06/2007
1996 Chevrolet Impala SS 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Bought mine with 8 miles on the clock. Now has over 165K. It's been a fun car to drive. A few quirks, certainly, but overall I've really enjoyed the car. Not '96 Supra Turbo fast, but certainly enough ummph to get on the highway with no trouble and impress a few teenagers. Fantastic car for the highway. Plenty of room for the whole family. Large trunk. Reasonable back road performance, given the 4000+ lb. curb weight. The air pump (emissions control) and water pump have been headaches, but otherwise a fairly reliable car. Plan to drive this one till it drops.

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4.63 out of 5 stars

Giddy Up!!

DanSSman, 01/27/2003
1996 Chevrolet Impala SS 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Back in the day when I was down and out I bought the SS to cheer me up and I haven't stopped smiling since. With the performance, comfort and overall ride of this vehicle who wouldn't feel like the king of road. I wish I had enough money at the time to buy a 2nd one and keep it in storage. For now driving the car year-round is not a bad alternative

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4.5 out of 5 stars

Pauls 96 SS

Pauls96ss, 03/17/2007
1996 Chevrolet Impala SS 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I love this car! I have owned this car for 11.5 years. This car won runner up at the 2003 Super Chevy Show and many first, second, and third place trophies at other car shows and bracket racing events. Odometer is at 148,000 miles and I would not hesitate to take it on a cross country trip.

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4.63 out of 5 stars

'96 SS with a ProCharger Supercharger

Jim Hellmuth, 01/30/2003
1996 Chevrolet Impala SS 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

An Art Carr trans, Hotchkis Sway bars, gas shocks, Police Spring Set and a Supercharger with a new MSD spark System and all the necessities such as a Hypertech chip systems and an additional gas pump did it for me. Tuned down to 5 lbs of boost and i am still making 350hp at the tires. It is spooky fast and fun to drive now. Cool thing is that it can handle the power. Incredibly fun car.

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4.5 out of 5 stars

My '96 SS

Bill L., 02/08/2007
1996 Chevrolet Impala SS 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I have owned this car for almost eight years, and will continue to drive it until GM comes up with a sucessor. It is amazing for anything this big and heavy to be either as nimble or quick, yet comfortable as an old shoe. It is unfortunate that we are both getting older.

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4.75 out of 5 stars

a classic in the making

chal, 11/27/2002
1996 Chevrolet Impala SS 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

the last of the american rear wheel, full sized cars with performance. i have kept the car dealer maintained and only have 47,000 miles on the car. the only problems with the car were manufacturing glitches which the dealer fixed under warranty. typical chevrolet quality. driven daily with no problems and a pleasure to drive with interior room to spare.

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4.88 out of 5 stars

Nice car

Anthony E, 07/30/2003
1996 Chevrolet Impala SS 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

It's a nice car runs fast smooth and rides soft

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5 out of 5 stars

All American

mjm55, 08/16/2003
1996 Chevrolet Impala SS 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

PERFECT 10!!! Finest car I've ever owned. The new "impala", an insult to this car's fine name!!!

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5 out of 5 stars

best big sport sedan

skialot, 09/01/2003
1996 Chevrolet Impala SS 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

best big sport sedan ever made. power borrowed from corvette (Stock LT1 350)police suspension.Heavy car, but you still can throw it into turns. fast 14.85 1/4 mile(stock except exhaust)smooth as silk ride. excellent gas mileage(17 city-33hwy- epa estimate on window sticker)I average 24.

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5 out of 5 stars

Supercar

Paul Cooney, 06/27/2002
1996 Chevrolet Impala SS 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Never had a problem with it other than the back window going out of track. (cold weather)

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