Im slightly considering a 2006-2008 impala, im wondering how reliable these cars are, do they feel "cheap" on the inside do they have smooth suspension, what features do they have that you'd recommend, how good is the engine, how good is the handling. I'm thinking of test driving one my mom found this weekend. I'm not completely sold on them just yet since i really want a 2 door coupe or something sporty, but its a matter of being able to afford the insurance. I'm also kind of sold on the G6. Just trying to do a little research on some different models so I can get a better idea of what I want.

Overall, the Impalas are nice cars. My parents have a 2009 that I drive whenever I'm home. They have a nice solid ride, but not uncomfortable. The dash feels a little cheap, but basically all new cars do. The 3.5L has plenty of power, but like we talked about last night, I think the 06-08 were known for head or UIM gasket failure.

I actually really like driving my parent'* car. It has a very sporty feel, yet it is a very nice size. I love the feeling of the shifter on the floor. It feels so much sportier than my Century. haha. The seats are a little hard, but when you adjust them right, they're good.

I haven't driven a g6 yet. I was looking at test driving a gt coupe 2 weeks ago. Same motor as the Impala. I might take it out next weekend. If I do, I'll let you know how it is.

the engine is only a 3.5??

mine is a 3.9L with 240 HP (same as the SSEi, GTP, ultra) if you find an LT with dual exhaust it'* the 3.9 if it has single it'* the 3.5.
out of mine there is plenty of power (for now) the lims, heads and uim just like the 3400 you need to watch out for. mine i bought with 48k on it it now has about 73k on it and no issues. had the hubs replaced under warranty and a couple other minor things but other than that no issues. and also if you find one with the flip and fold seats in the back that'* a huge bonus.
give me a call if ya want more detail on what to look for and what to really avoid.

pretty sure the G6 had the 3.9 but only in the GXP or GTP versions

Yup. The Impala LS came with the 3.5. The LT came with the 3.5 and 3.9. and the SS had the 5.3 V8.

The 3.5 is actually a decent motor. It makes about 220hp, and is surprisingly quick.

The G6 had the 3.6 first, then it had the 3.5 in the lower trim levels, and the 3.9 in the GTP and GXP. I think. The GT i was looking at was an 08 and had the 3.5

i love my 3.8 and don't want to stray away from that engine that'* the only part if my buick that'* never needed work.

the 3.5 is 224hp in the 07+ monte carlo and impala. my 3800 i had to do uim, oil seals and a few other things, on my old 3400 i didnt have to do one thing to the engine. the 3500 has way more hp and way more mpg than the 3800. i hit 30mpg this morning local mileage. thats pretty good for a car that will do 0-60 in mid 7'*.

i test drove malibus, g6, auras when i was looking, that 3500 isnt as powerful and due to the different gears isnt as efficent either. they had no room to work on anything in the engine, the trunk is tiny compared to a monte (i have room for two subs in custom boxes and room for all the other crap), the interior is cheap and small, etc.... go test drive a monte, thats what you said you wanted before anyway. you wont be dissapointed. i would say 3400 on 04+, or 3500 06-07 would be the best to get.

My parents had a 07 LTZ that they just traded in with 92xxx on it. Nothing wrong with it at, just got a good deal on the new one. They got a 2012, so I guess they like the line.

Girlfriend had an 07 LS, fairly basic. Even for her very. Basic car, I liked it. 45xxx on it and never had to take it in.

the 3.5 has some get up but i dont like the fact that the power is high up... sounded like i was driving an angry bumblebee lol. and as for the seats... borrow a friends car if your gonna be driving more than a couple hours. that sporty side bolstering feels great when your first getting in. but after about 3 hours i stopped at a dollar store and bought a pillow to sit on lol. other than that, and the econo box plastic dash for the 4 day roadtrip i drove it it seemed like a solid car. i cant speak about options. the one i had was a neighbors and the only options she opted for were power seats and leather.

i found the changing lanes turn signal nice lol.