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2000 Chevrolet Impala Full Review
Date Published: 6/21/08
2000 Chevrolet Impala Review
Chevrolet revives a famous big-car name for a new front-wheel-drive midsize sedan. Impala shares its basic understructure with the Buick Century and Regal, the Oldsmobile Intrigue, and Pontiac's Grand Prix. A 3.4-liter V6 is standard on the base Impala. The upscale LS gets a 3.8 liter that's optional on the base. Both come with automatic transmission, 4-wheel-disc brakes, 16-inch wheels, air conditioning, and power windows and locks.
A side airbag for the driver is optional on the base Impala, standard on LS. (Chevy says it's awaiting development of a "smart" front passenger-side airbag before offering one in its cars.) The LS also includes antilock brakes, tire-inflation monitor, traction control, and a "firm ride" suspension, all of which are included in the base model's 3.8-liter option. The base Impala seats six via a front bench seat but can be ordered with the LS's buckets and floor shift console. Leather upholstery is available for both and includes a split-fold rear seatback. General Motors' OnStar assistance system is optional.
Competition
Perennial Best Buys Honda Accord and Toyota Camry continue to shine with refinement, model diversity, and comfort. Both come in coupe and sedan form, offer economic 4-cylinder or sporty V6 power, have room for four adults, and are reasonably priced. Recommended models include the smooth Buick Century, the import-flavored Chevy Malibu, the sporty Nissan Maxima, surprising Olds Intrigue, and the good-looking Pontiac Grand Prix. All come with V6 power, offer lots of standard equipment, and have pleasing road manners that will suit a variety of driving styles. If you are looking for something a touch bigger without spending a whole lot more we suggest the Budget Buy Chevy Impala. It's the largest car in this class, has a powerful V6, and doesn't cost any more than the others.
News
Though criticized by enthusiasts as not a "real" Impala in spirit, Chevy's uplevel midsize sedan is doing good business among mainstream buyers more concerned with value than automotive history. According to GM insiders, Impala will get a mid-term restyle for 2003, with a fully redesigned model following two years later.
2000 Chevrolet Impala Road Test
Pros Cons
Passenger and cargo room Road noise
Handling/roadholding
Instruments/controls
Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings
Acceleration

Base, 3.4 V6 LS Class Average
5 6 5.6

It's not the V8 Super Sport of yore, but the new Impala acquits itself well in most areas. The 3.4 V6 provides adequate power, while the 3.8 delivers usefully stronger takeoffs and passing response.
Fuel Economy

Base, 3.4 V6 LS Class Average
5 5 4.6

The 3.8-liter LS we tested averaged 20.1 mpg, though with lots of highway miles. Our test 3.4-liter base model averaged 19.8 mpg in an even mix of driving.
Ride Quality

Base, 3.4 V6 LS Class Average
5 6 6.1

The Ride and Handling Suspension that goes with the larger engine absorbs most bumps well, and it quells much of the float and wallow that can plague the base suspension over high-speed dips.
Steering/Handling/Braking

Base, 3.4 V6 LS Class Average
5 6 4.9

The Ride and Handling setup also enhances control and reduces body lean in turns, but any Impala furnishes good grip and balance, plus authoritative steering feel.
Quietness

Base, 3.4 V6 LS Class Average
6 6 6

Wind noise is low, but tire roar intrudes some on coarse pavement.
Controls

Base, 3.4 V6 LS Class Average
6 6 5.3

Convenient, with in-dash ignition switch, high-set stereo, and simple climate controls.
Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)

Base, 3.4 V6 LS Class Average
6 6 6.9

Roomy and comfortable, with plenty of head and leg room.
Room/Comfort (rear)

Base, 3.4 V6 LS Class Average
4 4 5.8

Ample leg and head room for 6-footers but the seat's too narrow for three large adults, and the rear seat cushion is too soft, short, and flat for best comfort. Entry/exit is big-car easy.
Cargo Room

Base, 3.4 V6 LS Class Average
6 6 5.8

The flat-floor trunk has a low, wide opening and can swallow a family's vacation gear.
Value within Class

Base, 3.4 V6 LS Class Average
7 7 6.3

Impala is a clear alternative to the redesigned Ford Taurus, featuring a comfort-oriented American style to Taurus's import-influenced approach. Impala leads in powertrain response, Taurus in safety features and rear-seat comfort. Both offer more room and equipment for the price than the Honda Accord and Toyota Camry, though those Japanese-brand rivals are still more polished all-around cars.
Total Score

Base, 3.4 V6 LS Class Average
55 58 57.3
Scores for all Large Cars

Low Score
50
Average Score
57
High Score
63
2000 Chevrolet Impala Prices & Equipment
Model Prices
Prices Updated: 09/29/2000
Trim Name Retail Price Dealer Invoice Destination Charge
Base 4-door sedan $18,890 $17,284 $600
LS 4-door sedan $22,790 $20,853 $600
Pricing Key: Retail prices listed with each report are set by the vehicle's manufacturer. These figures appear on each car's federally mandated window sticker. Most price lists also include dealer-invoice prices. Dealer-invoice prices are what the dealer pays the manufacturer for the car and its factory-installed options. The destination charge is not included in the suggested-retail or dealer-invoice price and must be added to the cost of the vehicle. Car companies change prices frequently throughout the year. If the prices published do not match those on the vehicle's window sticker, the manufacturer has probably altered the price recently.
NA = price note available, NC = no charge.
Rebates and Incentives
There are no rebates or incentives at this time.
Consumer Guide®'s Rebates and Incentives represent a summary of national manufacturer programs available. Regional restrictions may apply, and offerings may vary by model. For a complete list of Rebate & Incentive programs click here.
Standard Equipment
Base
Powertrain
3.4-liter V6 engine, 4-speed automatic transmission.
Safety
Dual front airbags, 4-wheel disc brakes, daytime running lights.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Air conditioning, power steering, tilt steering wheel, cloth upholstery, front split bench seat, cupholders, overhead console, power mirrors, power windows, power door locks, AM/FM radio, digital clock, rear defogger, variable intermittent wipers, visor mirrors, power remote decklid release, floormats.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Theft-deterrent system, 225/60R16 tires, wheel covers.
LS adds to Base:
Powertrain
3.8-liter V6 engine, traction control.
Safety
Driver-side side- airbag, antilock brakes.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Manual dual-zone climate controls, interior air filter, cruise control, leather-wrapped steering wheel, front bucket seats, 6-way power driver seat w/manual lumbar support, center console, split folding rear seat, overhead console w/storage, heated power mirrors, remote keyless entry, AM/FM/cassette, tachometer, automatic day/night rearview mirror, map lights, illuminated visor mirrors.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Rear spoiler, fog lights, Ride and Handling Suspension, tire inflation monitor, 225/60R16 touring tires, alloy wheels.
Optional Equipment
Major Packages
Retail Price
Invoice Price
Preferred Equipment Group 1
LS
$517
$460
Steering-wheel radio controls, Driver Information/Convenience Center (trip computer, compass, outside temperature indicator, universal garage door opener, theft-deterrent system w/alarm).
Preferred Equipment Group 2
Base
$1,599
$1,423
Preferred Equipment Group 1 plus manual dual-zone climate controls, steering-wheel radio controls, heated power mirrors, alloy wheels.
Custom Cloth Trim
Base
$765
$681
Driver-side side-airbag, 6-way power driver seat, split folding rear seat. Requires Preferred Equipment Group.
Custom Cloth Seat Trim w/bucket seats
Base
$815
$725
Custom Cloth Seat Trim plus front bucket seats, center console, additional cupholder. Requires Preferred Equipment Group.
Leather Seat Trim
Base
$1,390
$1,237
Custom Cloth Seat Trim plus leather upholstery. Requires Preferred Equipment Group, steering-wheel radio controls. NA with front bucket seats.
Comfort Seating Pkg.
Base, LS
$425
$378
Heated front seats, 6-way power passenger seat. Requires Leather Seat Trim, Base requires Preferred Equipment Group.
Powertrain
3.8-liter V6 engine
Base
$986
$878
Includes traction control, antilock brakes, tire inflation monitor, Ride and Handling Suspension. Requires Preferred Equipment Group, 225/60R16 touring tires, alloy wheels.
Safety
Antilock brakes
Base
$600
$534
Includes tire inflation monitor.
Comfort and Convenience Features
OnStar System
Base, LS
$695
$
Includes Global Positioning System, roadside assistance, emergency services. Requires annual service charge. Price may vary.
Power sunroof
Base, LS
$700
$623
Base requires Preferred Equipment Group.
Driver Information/Convenience Center
Base
$275
$245
Trip computer, compass, outside temperature indicator, universal garage door opener, theft-deterrent system w/alarm. Requires Preferred Equipment Group.
6-way power passenger seat
Base
$305
$271
Requires Preferred Equipment Group 1 and Custom Cloth Seat Trim.
Leather Seat Trim
LS
$625
$556
AM/FM/cassette
Base
$282
$251
AM/FM/CD player
Base
$405
$360
Base w/Preferred Equipment Group, LS
$123
$109
Includes premium speakers.
AM/FM/cassette/CD player
Base
$505
$449
Base w/Preferred Equipment Group, LS
$223
$198
Includes premium speakers.
Remote CD wiring harness
Base, LS
$80
$71
Includes premium speakers.
Steering-wheel radio controls
Base
$171
$152
Includes leather-wrapped steering wheel. Requires Preferred Equipment Group 1.
Cruise control
Base
$240
$213
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Engine block heater
Base, LS
$20
$18
Alloy wheels
Base
$300
$267
225/60R16 touring tires
Base
$45
$40
2000 Chevrolet Impala Specs & Safety
Vehicle Dimensions
Specification Chevrolet Impala 4-door sedan
Wheelbase, in. 110.5
Overall Length, in. 200.0
Overall Width, in. 73.0
Overall Height, in. 57.5
Curb Weight, lbs. 3389
Cargo Volume, cu. ft. 17.6
Standard Payload, lbs. --
Fuel Capacity, gals. 17.0
Seating Capacity 6
Front Head Room, in. 39.2
Max. Front Leg Room, in. 42.2
Rear Head Room, in. 36.8
Max. Rear Leg Room, in. 38.4
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.
Engines
  ohv V6 ohv V6
Size, liters/cu. in. 3.4 /205 3.8 /231
Horsepower @ rpm. 180 @ 5200 200 @ 5200
Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm. 205 @ 4000 225 @ 4000
Availability Standard Standard
EPA City / highway mpg
   
4-speed automatic 20/32 20/29
Engine Key: l/cu in. = liters/cubic inches; ohv = overhead valve; ohc = overhead camshaft; dohc = dual overhead camshaft; I = inline cylinders; H = horizonally opposed cylinders; V = cylinders in a V configuration; W = cylinders in a W configuration; rpm = revolutions per minute; CVT = continuously variable (automatic) transmission; NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.
Safety Features
Antilock Brakes
Traction Control
Antiskid System
Front Side Airbags
Curtain Side Airbags
Rear Side Airbags
NHTSA Crash-Test Results
Test Chevrolet Impala 4-door sedan
Front Impact, Driver 5
Front Impact, Passenger 5
Side Impact, Driver 4
Side Impact, Rear Passenger 4
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury: 5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Side-impact crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%; 1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%; 2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.
Manufacturer's Warranty
Class Years/Miles Comments
Powertrain None/-- --
Bumper-to-bumper 3/36,000 --
Corrosion 6/100,000 --
Free roadside assistance 3/36,000 --
Free scheduled maintenance None/-- --
Manufacturers may periodically offer additional coverage as a purchase incentive. There offers are not reflected on this chart. The federal government requires two other warranties. The Exhaust Emission Warranty covers corrosion-related parts for 2 years/24,000 miles, plus 8 years/80,000 miles on the catalytic converter and any on-board diagnostic device. The Passenger Restraint Warranty covers seat belts and airbags for 5 years/50,000 miles.
Built in: Canada
Drivewheels: front-wheel drive
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