What Is It?
2004 Chevrolet Impala SS and Monte Carlo Supercharged SS
What's Special About It?
The Impala SS and Monte Carlo SS nameplates carry a lot of weight with muscle car enthusiasts. Even if you weren't around for the glorious big-block V8s of the 1960s and early '70s, you'll likely recall the short-lived 1994-'96 Caprice-based Impala SS, a car that attained collectible status immediately upon retirement. But there's no danger of that happening to the 2004 Impala SS and Monte Carlo Supercharged SS, as GM continues to push forth the argument that nameplates historically linked to brawny V8s and rear-wheel drive are just as good with V6 power and front-wheel drive. We're not buying it. Nevertheless, we have no doubt that these new SS models will prove more satisfying to drive than any other Impala or Monte Carlo of the last three years.
Both cars will get the supercharged version of GM's 3800 Series II V6 — already used in the Pontiac Grand Prix GTP and Buick Park Avenue Ultra. Output is rated at 240 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque.
We've noted previously that neither the Impala nor the Monte Carlo was much fun to drive due to a flaccid suspension and numb steering. The SS models should offer improved handling characteristics, however, thanks to a 10mm lower ride height, stiffer spring rates all around, larger stabilizer bars and various refinements to the rear trailing arms and strut mounts. Both cars will wear 17-inch alloy wheels wrapped in H-rated 235/55R17 Goodyear rubber.
Cosmetic enhancements for the Impala SS include a monochromatic black paint job, dual stainless steel exhaust tips, foglamps and "SS" badging. The Monte Carlo also gets the decorative exhaust outlets, along with a rear spoiler and "Supercharged SS" badging to distinguish it from the comparatively tame 200-hp Monte Carlo SS model.
Why Should You Care?
If you're a diehard bow-tie fan who simply has to have an Impala or Monte Carlo in your garage, these SS versions are probably your best bet for now. The rest of us will content ourselves with Mercury's Marauder while we wait for the Pontiac GTO and Chrysler's Hemi-powered cars. — Erin Riches
2004 Chevrolet Impala SS and Monte Carlo Supercharged SS
What's Special About It?
The Impala SS and Monte Carlo SS nameplates carry a lot of weight with muscle car enthusiasts. Even if you weren't around for the glorious big-block V8s of the 1960s and early '70s, you'll likely recall the short-lived 1994-'96 Caprice-based Impala SS, a car that attained collectible status immediately upon retirement. But there's no danger of that happening to the 2004 Impala SS and Monte Carlo Supercharged SS, as GM continues to push forth the argument that nameplates historically linked to brawny V8s and rear-wheel drive are just as good with V6 power and front-wheel drive. We're not buying it. Nevertheless, we have no doubt that these new SS models will prove more satisfying to drive than any other Impala or Monte Carlo of the last three years.
Both cars will get the supercharged version of GM's 3800 Series II V6 — already used in the Pontiac Grand Prix GTP and Buick Park Avenue Ultra. Output is rated at 240 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque.
We've noted previously that neither the Impala nor the Monte Carlo was much fun to drive due to a flaccid suspension and numb steering. The SS models should offer improved handling characteristics, however, thanks to a 10mm lower ride height, stiffer spring rates all around, larger stabilizer bars and various refinements to the rear trailing arms and strut mounts. Both cars will wear 17-inch alloy wheels wrapped in H-rated 235/55R17 Goodyear rubber.
Cosmetic enhancements for the Impala SS include a monochromatic black paint job, dual stainless steel exhaust tips, foglamps and "SS" badging. The Monte Carlo also gets the decorative exhaust outlets, along with a rear spoiler and "Supercharged SS" badging to distinguish it from the comparatively tame 200-hp Monte Carlo SS model.
Why Should You Care?
If you're a diehard bow-tie fan who simply has to have an Impala or Monte Carlo in your garage, these SS versions are probably your best bet for now. The rest of us will content ourselves with Mercury's Marauder while we wait for the Pontiac GTO and Chrysler's Hemi-powered cars. — Erin Riches
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