2006 3.9l engine thoughts

[teegolf]

Looking at buying a 2006 LT Impala with the 3.9 engine. What does anybody think about the engine goood or bad? What kind of mileage does it really get at 70-75 mph on the highway? Any other good or bad points about the Impala?

[oldblu65]

I don't have any real life knowledge of the 3.9 L engine . I just figured GM had enlarged the 3.8 L ? I don't know if that's true , maybe someone can enlighten us ? If it is simply a larger 3.8 engine , then I'd highly recommend . The 3.8 L is a great engine as I know from personal experience ( I have a 2000 Impala LS ). Can anyone answer the question ?

['97ventureowner]

The 3.9 is actually based off of the 3400 V6 engines. The 3.5 is also a derivative of that. GM started using this engine in 2006 in their Pontiac G6, GM U body platform(minivans/crossovers), the Malibu and Impala, and the Lucerne (Buick).
I think these engines are an improvement over the 3.4 from which they are based off of. I have a 3.5 in my Uplander,(couldn't find a 3.9 available on the dealers' lots at the time I was searching.) I have been very pleased with my engine. It's responsive and gets slightly better gas mileage than the previous 3.4s that I've owned. It should end up with a better track record than it's predecessor, the 3.4 l .

[pdigital360]

I have the 2006 LT with the 3.5, even though it's not the 3.9, I find I get the best gas mileage at highway/interstate speeds (65-75). Usually getting 29-32 on long trips. Not sure if this helps or not.

[phewop118]

The 3.9 has been around now for 3 model years and I have yet to hear of major reliability problems. It is powerful and smooth, but I don't know about gas mileage. I don't think it would be quite as good as a 3800 in that respect. But in most others, it is better.