Performance and Fuel Economy: 2011 Chevy Impala

The 2011 Chevrolet Impala “will thoroughly meet your needs and probably exceed your expectations.” – Kelley Blue Book’s KBB.com

“Both V6 engines strike a nice balance between power and fuel economy.” – U.S. News and World Report

The Chevrolet Impala is America’s number one choice in full-size sedans, and has proven excellence for more than 50 years. Its standard E85 Flex Fuel capable 3.5L V6 engine with Variable Valve Timing provides 29 MPG highway, something that the 2011 Ford Taurus, 2010 Chrysler 300 and 2010 Dodge Charger can’t match.

The 3.9L V6 in the Impala LTZ offers an EPA estimated 27 MPG highway.

The Impala’s comprehensive safety package provides you with advanced technologies, including the StabiliTrak Electronic Stability Control System with 4-wheel ABS and Traction Control, six standard air bags and OnStar with Automatic Crash Response (standard for the first six months).

In addition, the Impala provides Safety Cage Construction with reinforced steel along the roof, vertical pillars and side-door beams. The safety cage is designed to help preserve occupant space in a collision.

The 2011 Chevrolet Impala is the only car in its class offering a 60/40 split flip-and-fold rear seat (standard on LTZ; available on LT).  Pulling up the seat cushion, seat back or both will reveal a composite storage tray that runs the entire width of the rear floor.  Folding down both rear seat backs will open a flat load floor, providing additional cargo-carrying capability.

“Flip up the seat bottoms, fold down the  seat backs, and the Impala’s already massive trunk becomes a virtual cargo bed more than six feet long.” – Kelley Blue Book’s KBB.com

The Impala offers 18.6-cu.-ft. of trunk space, and Impala LS and LT offer available seating for six, an option that’s not available on the Ford Taurus, Dodge Charger or Nissan Maxima.

The Impala LT Luxury Edition Package is available with features including heated front bucket seats with leather appointments; a six-way power passenger seat; flip-and-fold-flat rear seat; Bose premium sound system; XM Radio with one-year trial; Universal Home Remote transmitter; auto-dimming inside rearview mirror; outside power-adjustable, heated mirrors; and a rear spoiler.

Check out the 2011 Chevrolet Impala at DonHattan.com! What do you think about America’s favorite family full-size sedan? Tell us on our blog!

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Contact Don Hattan Chevrolet for more information about the 2011 Chevrolet Impala at (877) 379-8459.

Not in the market for a new vehicle? Check out our pre-owned cars, trucks and SUVs at DonHattan.com.

“Top Safety Pick” 2011 Chevrolet Malibu

The 2011 Chevrolet Malibu exemplifies a solidly built carefully crafted vehicle – inside and out.

“The cabin is impressively hushed at highway speeds, and seat comfort and support are superb, making the Malibu ideal for long trips.” – Edmunds.com

The 2011 Chevrolet Malibu provides exceptional comfort and rich textures in the Malibu LTZ leather-appointed 8- and 6-way power adjustable heated seats.

Upscale details, such as the remote start vehicle system to preheat or pre-cool the Malibu, provide creature comforts in any weather. The cabin is also packed full of thoughtful conveniences, such as an auxiliary glove box in the upper instrument panel and a tilt/telescope steering wheel with audio and cruise controls, and automatic climate control (standard on the LTZ).

The Malibu’s interior is not only beautifully designed, but also creatively connected.

Turn-by-Turn Navigation by OnStar displays directions on the radio. The Malibu also comes standard with Bluetooth technology for hands-free calling requiring only a tap of steering wheel controls (standard on Malibu 2LT and LTZ, available on 1LT and LS).

The Malibu also comes standard and available with an entertainment package to keep you… well, entertained… on long road trips: Bose Premium Sound, a three-month trial to XM Satellite Radio and an available USB port for MP3 players.

Not only does the interior put drivers and passengers in shock and awe of its amenities, but so does the 2011 Chevrolet Malibu’s capabilities and handling.

“Many editors who drove the Malibu reported astonishment at the level of chassis sophistication this Chevy demonstrates, praising its superb steering feel, supple ride quality…” – Motor Trend, March 2010

In addition, the Malibu’s standard 2.4L DOHC 4-cylinder V6 engine (available on the Malibu 2LT and LTZ) provide an EPA estimated 33 MPG highway, made possible with Variable Valve Timing – a technology that optimizes combustion, enhances low-end torque and high-end power and helps lower exhaust emissions.

To top it all off, the 2011 Chevrolet Malibu comes with a comprehensive safety package.

StabiliTrak Electronic Stability Control with Traction Control and 4-wheel ABS comes standard on every Chevy Malibu. StabiliTrak helps you stay on course by detecting the difference between steering direction and the direction the vehicle is actually traveling. The system uses brakes and adjusts engine torque to keep the Malibu on track.

OnStar Automatic Crash Response is standard for the first six months on every Chevy Malibu. Built-in sensors can automatically alert OnStar and request emergency help to be sent to your exact GPS location.

Six airbags are standard on all models cushioning driver and passengers in pillows of safety. A steel safety cage and a “progressive crush” front body structure preserve occupant space in a front-impact collision ensuring the vehicle takes most of the damage.

Finally, a low door-to-door interlock feature helps reduce intrusion into the passenger compartment and protect occupant space during a side-impact collision.

“The Malibu now threatens the traditional favorites in this class.” – U.S. News and World Report

Check out the 2011 Chevrolet Malibu at DonHattan.com! What do you think about the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety’s “Top Safety Pick?”

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Compare the 2011 Chevrolet Malibu to the2011 Ford Fusion, the 2011 Toyota Camry and the 2011 Honda Accord.

Not in the market for a new vehicle? Check out our pre-owned cars, trucks and SUVs at DonHattan.com.

Employee Highlight: Mark Desaire

Faces of Don Hattan Chevrolet

Mark Desaire

Lot Manager

Mark Desaire is the Lot Manager at Don Hattan Chevrolet, and has worked here since May 2000.

With more than 25 years of experience in the industry, Mark is the perfect candidate for setting up new cars for sale and organizing them on the lot, which is a team effort, he said, with the Sales Team.

Mark is also assigned to assist the Highway Patrol with the verification process of the titles for all of our used cars.

Mark most enjoys working with the people at Don Hattan Chevrolet, but, lately, he would rather be home with his newborn grandson, Thomas.

Past Employee Highlights:
Kyle Linck

Sora Sananikone

Ulises Treto

Shawn Kail

Craig Robinson

The 2011 Chevrolet Cruze: Get more “more”

The 2011 Chevrolet Cruze – a car for anyone who wants more more from their vehicle.

More what?

Chevrolet made the 2011 Chevy Cruze MORE than ready…

…with four million miles of durability testing around the world – from the heat of the deserts of Saudi Arabia to the cold of Russia, the high altitude of the Alps and the monsoon season in Thailand. Every Cruze was engineered and built to handle whatever environment you put it in.

MORE safety…

• 10 standard airbags: frontal, front side-impact, roof rail-mounted head-curtain side-impact (with rollover capability), outboard rear side-impact and new knee air bags
• OnStar with Automatic Crash Response
• a steel safety cage designed to preserve occupant space in a collision
• tire pressure monitors
• StabiliTrak Electronic Stability Control System with Traction Control and ABS

The Cruze is equipped with more standard safety features than the 2010 Toyota Corolla, the 2010 Honda Civic and the 2010 Ford Focus.

MORE coverage…

As with every Chevy, the 2011 Chevrolet Cruze is protected by the best coverage in America.

A 100,000 miles/5-year transferable Limited Powertrain Warranty protects your Chevy for 40,000 more miles than Toyota or Honda. In addition, for the same 100,000 miles or five years, Chevrolet offers 24-hour Roadside Assistance and Courtesy Transportation (or reimbursement for transportation expenses).

So keep driving.

MORE room…

Room for everything. Room for more room!

The 2011 Chevrolet Cruze has more interior and cargo space than the Toyota Corolla and the Honda Civic. Go ahead and stretch.

What about style? Created by an international team of designers, every inch of the Cruze was crafted as if it were a mile, from the available French stitching to colorful gauge faces.

MORE technology…

Available Bluetooth technology with controls on the steering wheel, an available USB port to connect your MP3 player or flash drive to the stereo system, XM Radio (standard for the first three months) and the Pioneer Premium Audio System keep you hands on the wheel and your music yours.

Add to that the protection and connection of OnStar, and the Cruze covers all of its bases and protects all of yours.

MORE mileage…

Increased stability with StabiliTrak Electronic Stability Control (with Traction Control and ABS) and responsive steering make the drive smooth and agile.

Cruze also offers two fuel-efficient engine choices: the 1.8L DOHC 4-cylinder for an EPA estimated 36 MPG highway and the 1.4L Turbo (for the Cruze ECO) for an EPA estimated 42 MPG highway.

Fuel-efficient and fun to drive? Only in the Cruze.

Find your 2011 Chevrolet Cruze today at Don Hattan Chevrolet in Wichita, Kansas.

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Compare the 2011 Chevrolet Cruze to the 2011 Ford Focus, the 2011 Toyota Corolla and the 2011 Honda Civic.

Not in the market for a new vehicle? Check out our pre-owned cars, trucks and SUVs at DonHattan.com.

Check out the 2011 Chevrolet Cruze on our YouTube channel: donhattanchevrolet1!

Test Drive of the Week: 2010 Chevrolet Camaro

Director of Special Projects Amanda Atwood chose the vehicle for the Test Drive of the Week. As her partner in Test Drive blogging, I couldn’t have been more pleased. (Shae Blevins, Digital Marketing Assistant)

The 2010 Chevrolet Camaro SS in Inferno Orange Metallic.

Jealous?

Vehicle Highlights: It’s a Camaro.

Vehicle Lowlights: This is irrelevant. It’s a Camaro.

While I am not much of a “car person,” I know the one car I could become a “car person” about: the Camaro. I love it.

Amanda said, “Even though I like SUVs, I think I could make an exception for the Camaro.” Couldn’t we all?

The Camaro is simply a sexy car. In style, the Camaro destroys the Ford Mustang.

Just look at it!

The Camaro stares at you.

Every fast car needs racing stripes, even if it never sees the track.

And just something to make you smile…

(Technology Spaz Attack: The mirrors have defrosters! No more hacking away at ice in the winter!)

Finish off the awesome exterior with body color bumpers and a rear spoiler, and I’m sold! But the exterior isn’t the only aspect of the Camaro that makes my inner “car person” emerge. I’m all about the interior style.

I love buckets seats, especially leather-appointed bucket seats.

Retro is a good look, huh?

From the modern technology, such as Bluetooth, XM Radio and OnStar, to the absolutely retro gauge hoods for oil pressure and trans temperature, the Camaro is a modern “classic.”

Metallic outside AND inside.

Short drivers and passengers will love these…

Shoulder straps to hold the seat belt down and away from your neck. If you’re like me, the seat belt is a perpetual choking mechanism. The Camaro solves the problem.

Radio and speed control on the steering wheel are super convenient and do nothing to detract from the retro design.

Now, on to what real gearheads are interested in: the engine! The 2010 Camaro SS comes standard with a 6.2L V8 SFI that generates 420 horsepower. Amanda and I agreed that accelerating was the “fun part” of our test drive. The engine even comes with its own Camaro cover in matching Inferno Orange and Black.

Add to that RWD, speed sensing steering and four-wheel independent suspension, among other accolades, and the Camaro not only looks cool, but is cool.

Jealous, yet?

Things I discovered about the Camaro today…

It has a pocket in the visor.

This is how you get into the back seat…

This is how you get out of the trunk…

And I would rearrange my entire budget to buy one.

Tomorrow.

If there is a bad thing to say about the Camaro, I can’t think of one. Of course, visibility has been brought up in forums and by car review websites, but Amanda said she saw fine using the mirrors and visibility through the front windshield was great if a little lower than we were used to.

I know I could never properly describe the effect the Camaro has on a person, which is why you need to get down to Don Hattan Chevrolet and take one for a test drive. You’ll feel it.

What do you think about the 2010 Chevy Camaro SS? Is it all that you want and more?

Check it out on our website, and then tell us about it on our blog!

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Are you looking to trade your 2010 Camaro for a 2011?

Don Hattan Chevrolet wants your trade! Contact us today for more information!

Employee Highlight: Craig Robinson

Faces of Don Hattan Chevrolet

Craig Robinson

Service Technician

Craig, featured in the blog post “The Broken Water Pump: A service tale,” has worked at Don Hattan Chevrolet for five years. He specializes in “a lot of everything.”

When Craig isn’t at work (fixing Shae’s broken car), he’s at home riding his motorcycle or working on his own cars.

He also enjoys playing with his six-year-old daughter, who likes to put Princess Jasmine stickers on his checkbook. (Princess Jasmine… from Disney’s Aladdin.)

What is Craig’s favorite thing about working at Don Hattan Chevrolet? He like hiding in his own corner (pictured) working on cars.

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See our other employee highlights!

The “Not-So-Mini” Chevrolet Traverse

The 2011 Chevrolet Traverse is not a “mini-van,” but if you need to tote six or seven 10-year-old children to soccer practice and back, the Traverse is the right vehicle for you.

And what better way to protect those six or seven 10-year-olds than a vehicle with a five-star safety rating?

The Traverse’s built-in technology, such as StabiliTrak Electronic Control with Traction Control, helps its driver avoid collisions. Six standard air bags protect your precious cargo during a collision, and OnStar’s Directions and Connections Plan with Automatic Crash Response helps you get immediate help after a collisions.

OnStar comes standard for the first six months with every 2011 Chevy car, truck or SUV.

While the 2011 Chevrolet Traverse would be “Soccer-Mom (or Dad)” approved, the vehicle is classified as a crossover – a mix between sport utility action and sedan safety – not a mini-van.

Generous room, comfort and serious cargo space make up the difference from drab van to exceptional crossover.

With room for up to eight passengers and a standard third row, the Chevy Traverse’s high-quality and tasteful design provide for an accommodating interior, which also includes: cup holders (for everyone), large door handles, rear air vents and heated AND cooled driver and front passenger seats (on the LTZ).

Speaking of 10-year-old soccer stars… Where will they put the equipment if they are taking up all the interior room?

Well, as long as one didn’t stow away behind the third row, you’ve got space.

Available split-folding second and third rows allow for cargo space galore, but the Traverse provides more than enough space behind the third row, especially more than competitors, such as the Toyota Highlander. The convenience of having all that extra space, plus leg room for seven fidgeting soccer players is made more convenient by accessories like the cargo net pictured above.

Of course, if it’s just you and a passenger hauling a kitchen’s worth of moving boxes, the second and third row disappear to reveal…

Oh, so, so much space!

The 2011 Chevrolet Traverse is gorgeous, spacious and safe, but how capable is it?

Fantastically capable. The Traverse has the best fuel economy of any eight-passenger crossover – up to an EPA estimated 24 MPG highway. The standard Direct Injection 3.6L V6 engine delivers up to 281 horsepower, quiet shifting and smooth acceleration.

The Traverse stays capable and quiet for you and your snoozing passengers after a big game. They need their rest, and who doesn’t love the quiet?

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Not in the market for a new vehicle? Check out our pre-owned models! Don Hattan Chevrolet purchases and trades for high quality pre-owned vehicles.

However, if you do get a 2011 Chevrolet Traverse, keep it up! Scheduled oil changes and tire checks keep the vehicle safe and the ride smooth.

Contact us for more information!

Sales: (877) 379-8459

Service: (877) 817-3731

See our hours and directions!

Test Drive of the Week: 2007 Honda Accord

For the week’s test drive, Amanda Atwood, Director of Special Projects, and I (Shae Blevins, Digital Marketing Assistant) drove a 2007 Honda Accord in Alabaster Silver Metallic.

Vehicle Highlights
Estimated 29 MPG highway
Only one previous owner
Sleek, all black interior

With body-color impact-absorbing bumpers and body-color side moldings and door handles, the exterior of the Honda Accord is protected and attractive. Chrome trims the windows and the multi-reflector halogen headlamps just look great. Plus, this Accord has chrome plated exhaust pipes.

We took pictures before driving so the water from the Accord’s recent bath is still there. So am I! Can you see me?

The interior was nice. I loved the sleek, all-black design (except the ceiling, which was tan). You might think that all that dark color would attract too much heat and be impossible to cool, but the cooling system in the vehicle worked perfectly. Amanda and I did not feel the almost 100-degree heat.

The sun makes it look greyish-brownish-not black, but I promise it is!

A lot of storage space for a sedan: glove box, center console and this one! Wait until you see the trunk.

The shifter was a little odd. Instead of pushing the button to change gears, you press/pull up. I suppose it would take some getting used to.

Tan ceiling, but the awesome sunglasses holder makes up for it. I do not know why, but I absolutely adore these things.

Viola! Huge trunk, and it gets bigger! The back seat bench folds down for even more cargo room, and it locks to prevent little hands from pulling it down when it shouldn’t be.

The 2007 Honda Accord features a 3.oL SOHC MPFI 24-valve V6 engine. A drive-by-wire throttle system, vehicle stability assist with traction control and front/rear stabilizer bars make for a smooth ride. Amanda said the Accord had responsive steering.

Because is is attractive, filled with storage and loaded with safety features, such as multiple air bags and an emergency trunk release, I consider the Accord to be a great family car. However, if you  are looking for a safe, dependable school car that isn’t too pricy for your high school student, this is also the car for you.

Check it out for yourself on our website! Click here!

Employee Highlight: Shawn Kail

Faces of Don Hattan Chevrolet

Shawn Kail
Marketing
(former Service Technician)

Shawn began working at Don Hattan Chevrolet as a service technician in June of 2010.

More than a year later, Shawn now works in marketing. His primary duties are to photograph new and pre-owned vehicles for inclusion on the Internet sales database.

In addition to photographing the inventory, Shawn shoots video for Don Hattan Chevrolet for the YouTube page: donhattanchevrolet1.

Check out Shawn’s Don Hattan Chevrolet videos on YouTube!

The best part about Don Hattan Chevrolet is working with his coworkers. He said he really enjoys the company of the people with which he works.

In his free time, Shawn plays all styles of music on his electric bass guitar and rides motocross with his son.

Past Employee Highlights:
Kyle Linck

Sora Sananikone

Ulises Treto

The Broken Water Pump: A service tale

Last week, my 2001 Pontiac Grand Am started overheating and making a funny noise – a sputtering noise – like it was choking on water.

After learning all I could possibly learn about a vehicle’s cooling system, I came to the conclusion that my poor little car was in trouble.

A lot of trouble.

My car needed to be fixed quickly, especially since the temperatures in Wichita, Kansas, have been breaking records right and left. Air conditioning in my car is just necessary.

I scheduled my car for a service appointment at Don Hattan Chevrolet’s service center right away.

And here it is. At the doctor’s office (also known as “the service bays”).

Don Hattan Chevrolet service technician Craig Robinson worked on my car. Craig has worked at Don Hattan Chevrolet for almost five years, and is from now on known as the man who saved my car.

After exploring the inner workings of my engine, Craig found the problem: a broken water pump. Good news? Yes! It could have been a number of other even more expensive problems.

What if the entire A/C system was broken? What if I blew a gasket? What if I had a leak in the intake manifold!? So many – so very – expensive possibilities.

Just the water pump? Thank goodness!

A vehicle’s water pump does exactly what it sounds like it should do. It pumps water and coolant through the engine in order to keep the engine cool. When a water pump is working properly with the other parts of a vehicle’s cooling system, the engine should not overheat.

A small hole in my car’s water pump allowed water and coolant to leak all over the engine’s parts, instead of running through, which in turn allowed my car to get too hot and overheat.

But what about the funny sputtering noise?

The part of the engine components that look wet are wet. The arrow points to an area where coolant and water have made the engine wet. Consequently, a belt (not pictured) also got wet, and the sputtering noise was a result of a wet belt running.

Fantastic! Sputtering noises usually mean bad things. Expensive things. This particular noise was a symptom of an illness, and that illness was the leak.

Unfortunately, the water pump could not be repaired. It needed to be replaced.

With a shiny new water pump! I’m sure the difference is apparent. (Who knows how long it’ll look new, though; I drive a lot.)

Luckily, Don Hattan Chevrolet has a parts department on site, and it is stocked. Craig didn’t have to wait long for a new water pump, which means my car was in and out pretty quickly.

After replacing the old with the new, Craig flushed the coolant tank, which took about an hour, but I would have stayed three hours to make sure my car would get me home safely.

And, now, my car gets me around in the record-breaking heat just fine.

Craig is my hero. He is certainly the hero of my Grand Am.

Thanks Craig!

-Shae Blevins (Digital Marketing Assistant)

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Check out our other services at DonHattan.com!