Chevrolet Impala reviews

2000 Chevrolet Impala Walkaround

The Impala is 0.9 inches shorter than a Lumina, but it looks bigger on the road with its upright windows and roof pillars and longer greenhouse. Round headlights and taillights are a new look for a Chevy sedan, so you'll easily spot an Impala in traffic. The Impala is a whopping 9 inches shorter than a Dodge Intrepid, yet it's slightly larger in total interior volume than either the Intrepid or the Lumina.

Two models are available. The base Impala starts at $19,265, while the LS begins at $22,925. The LS comes standard with the larger engine, aluminum wheels, quicker steering, traction control and anti-lock brakes, and a wide range of electric amenities. The engines are carried over from other GM cars. The base 3.4-liter V6 produces 180 horsepower and comes from the Pontiac Grand Am and Oldsmobile Alero. The optional 3.8-liter V6 generates 200 horsepower and is shared with the Buick Regal and Lumina LTZ.

It's what's underneath that separates the driving experience of the new Impala from similar-sized GM sedans. A huge aluminum engine cradle frame holds the drivetrain, isolating vibrations and making the car more rigid. A monster dashboard bulkhead made of light and strong magnesium gives the car a robust feel.

The headliner and ceiling are specially padded and Chevy says this design will pass the federal head injury requirements scheduled to come into effect for all cars in 2003. A seat-mounted side airbag for the driver is an option.

Police may learn to like this car, too, even though front-drivers are still looked upon with trepidation by America's men in blue. The front steering knuckles for police versions of the Impala are made of steel instead of weight-saving aluminum, though Chevy says the aluminum knuckles--as well as the rest of the car--exceeded durability tests. Off the record, Chevy's engineers said the new Impala passed tests that projected its life span at 400,000 miles. These tests included curb-hopping, which is not normally part of a new car's durability cycle.

The optional ($600 on base models) anti-lock brake system includes a tire-pressure warning monitor. The availability of a base car without anti-lock brakes bucks a trend at GM to equip all cars with ABS; Chevy explains that some of its customers prefer cars without it.

If you don't like the boy-racer spoiler on the decklid of the LS model, it will cost you $175 to delete it.