Make: Chevrolet
Model:
Impala SS
Year: 1996
Class: Full-Size
Bodystyle:
Sedan
Drive Type: RWD
Where Built: Arlington, TX
A GENERAL REVIEW
WARRANTIES
SAFETY FEATURES
PERFORMANCE DATA
CAPACITY DATA
FUEL EFFICIENCY
DIMENSIONS (INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR)
RELATIVE INSURANCE COST
PRICES
(MSRP, DEALER INVOICE) AND EQUIPMENT
WHAT'S NEW
Big surprise. The car is finally correct with the addition of a tachometer and floor shifter, and General Motors kills it. Takenote collectors; the 1996 Impala SS should be on your list.
A GENERAL REVIEW
George Thorogood must have had something like the Impala SS inmind when he penned "Bad to the Bone." This car is menacing, with its monochromatic paint job, wide tires and fat alloys. The 5.7-liter V-8 throbs under the hood, and the exhaust note reads `Don't mess with me.' Chevy's retro Impala SS delivers the goods, all right, and does so without coming off as a bad joke.
Based on the Caprice police package, Chevy addresses our two complaints about the Impala SS in 1996. A tachometer has been added to the instrument cluster, and a floor shifter graces the center console. The rest of the interior is strictly Caprice-issue, which isthe SS's only remaining shortcoming. While the leather-trimmed seatsoffer abit more support than the Caprice bench, but you won't confusethemwith Recaros. The rest is in place: surprisingly good looks,greatperformance, and a price that doesn't induce heart failure.
However, GM evidently doesn't know when its got a good thinggoing. Witness the 1988 Pontiac Fiero GT. After five years, the carfinally had the right engine, styling and suspension to competein thesports coupe arena, and the General killed it. Now, afterseveralyears on the market, they finally get a version of the Capriceperfected, and then pull the plug. We usually don't speculateaboutthe collectability of any particular car, but when you considerthatthe limited-production Impala is dying after a short three yearrun,and the final models include a tach and floor shifter, and Green-Gray or Dark Cherry are likely the less popular colors, the Impala SSlookslike a good investment.
Caprice and Impala production isscheduled to cease in December1995, after an abbreviated 1996 production run. Not to worry,theLumina is rumored to be in line to continue the SS tradition witha3.4-liter V6, lowered suspension and flashy wheels. Somehow, wedoubtit will be nearly as magical in execution as the Impala.
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WARRANTIES
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SAFETY FEATURES
Crash Test Results
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PERFORMANCE DATA
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CAPACITY DATA
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FUEL EFFICIENCY
Fuel Injection Type: SFI
Fuel Tank Capacity:
23 gal.
EPA Mileage Estimates:
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DIMENSIONS
Exterior:
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RELATIVE INSURANCE COST
Rating = very low
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PRICES (MSRP AND DEALER INVOICE) AND EQUIPMENT
Impala SS
1BL19/WX3 Sedan 4-Dr
Automatic
Invoice = $22,331
MSRP = $24,405
Destination Charge: $590
Gas Guzzler Tax: $0
Dealer Holdback: 3% of the MSRP
Standard Equipment
Driver and front passenger air bags, R134A refrigerant airconditioning, power antenna, 4-wheel anti-lock brakes (ABS),power4-wheel disc brakes, brake/transmission shift interlock, full floor console, rear window defogger, 6-way power driver seat, childsecurity rear door locks, 5.7 liter V8 SFI engine, stainlesssteelexhaust system, body color exterior accents, blackout exteriortrim,basecoat/clearcoat paint, remote keyless entry, Scotchguard fabric protector, electronic speed control, tilt wheel adjustablesteeringcolumn, AM/FM stereo with seek/scan and cassette tape player, deCarbon shocks, special ride and handling suspension, Pass Key IItheft deterrent system, P225/50ZR17 BW tires, 4-speedelectronicallycontrolled automatic transmission, power trunk, 17" aluminumwheelswith locks, intermittent wipers.
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Optional Equipment and Accessories
6-way adjuster power passenger seat, remote keyless entry w/power trunk
opener, and twilight sentinel headlights. Engine Block Heater
Radio includes electronically tuned AM/FM stereo radio w/ seek/scan, 
automatic tone control, CD player, digital clock, theft lock and speed
compensated volume. Heat Reflective Windshield, Front License Plate Bracket.