2001 Chevrolet Impala Full Review - Consumer Guide Automotive

Impala plays the role of Chevrolet's "large" midsize sedan, while the smaller, lower-priced Malibu sells in greater volume. Impala offers base and LS versions with V6s of 3.4 or 3.8 liters, plus automatic transmission and 4-wheel disc brakes. The base Impala has a front bench seat and can be ordered with the LS's buckets. Also optional on the base and standard on LS are ABS, traction control, a side airbag for the driver, a tire-inflation monitor, and General Motors' OnStar assistance system. Impala shares its basic design with the Buick Century and Regal, the Oldsmobile Intrigue, and the Pontiac Grand Prix.

Competition

Perennial Best Buys Honda Accord and Toyota Camry continue to shine with refinement, model diversity, and comfort. Both come in coupe and sedan forms, offer economic 4-cylinder or sporty V6 power, have room for four adults, and are reasonably priced.

Recommended models include the smooth Chevrolet Impala, 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. We've also added the Ford Taurus and clone Mercury Sable to our Recommended list.

News

Though criticized by some as not a "real" Impala like the fabled 1960s models, Chevy's uplevel midsize sedan is doing good business among mainstream buyers more concerned with value than tradition. Calendar-2000 sales were healthy at over 174,000; another 81,000 or so were retailed during 1999 in the model's first months on the market.

Impala will get a mid-term restyle for 2003. Two years later it will migrate to General Motors' new "Mid Lux" front-drive platform along with current sister cars Buick Century/Regal, Pontiac Grand Prix, and Chevy Monte Carlo.

2001 Chevrolet Impala Road Test

Pros	Cons

Passenger and cargo room	Rear-seat comfort

Handling/roadholding	Road noise

Instruments/controls

Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings

Acceleration

Base, 3.4 V6	LS	Class Average
5	6	5.6

Adequate power with the 3.4 V6, usefully stronger takeoffs and passing response with the 3.8. The alert, smooth-shifting transmission aids the cause. Neither engine sounds smooth or refined when pressed.

Fuel Economy

Base, 3.4 V6	LS	Class Average
5	5	4.8

Test LSs averaged 20.1-22.9 mpg with lots of highway miles. Test 3.4-liter base model averaged 19.8 mpg in a city/highway mix.

Ride Quality

Base, 3.4 V6	LS	Class Average
5	6	6.1

Ride and Handling Suspension standard with 3.8 V6 absorbs most bumps well, tempering much of the float and wallow that plague the base suspension over high-speed dips.

Steering/Handling/Braking

Base, 3.4 V6	LS	Class Average
5	6	5

Ride and Handling setup enhances control, reduces body lean, but base arrangement offers good grip, balance, and steering feel. Stopping power good despite slightly mushy pedal. Chevy should make ABS standard on both models, not just the LS.

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

Not stylish, but convenient, with in-dash ignition switch, high-set stereo, and simple climate controls. Cabin materials are serviceable.

Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)

Base, 3.4 V6	LS	Class Average
6	6	7

Roomy and comfortable, with plenty of head and leg room.

Room/Comfort (rear)

Base, 3.4 V6	LS	Class Average
5	5	5.9

Ample leg and head room for 6-footers, but seat's too narrow for three large adults, and the 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

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	7

A clear alternative to Ford Taurus, featuring comfort-oriented American style to Taurus's import-influences. Impala leads in powertrain response, Taurus in safety features and rear-seat comfort. Both beat Honda Accord and Toyota Camry in room and equipment for the price, though not in refinement or resale value.

Total Score

Base, 3.4 V6	LS	Class Average
56	59	58.5

Scores for all Large Cars

Low Score		50
Average Score		58
High Score		65

2001 Chevrolet Impala Prices & Equipment

Model Prices

Prices Updated: 08/09/2000

Trim Name	Retail Price	Dealer Invoice	Destination Charge

Base 4-door sedan	$19,269	$17,631	$610

LS 4-door sedan	$23,345	$21,361	$610

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, emergency inside trunk release.

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, map lights, visor mirrors, power remote decklid release, automatic headlights, 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

OnStar System w/one year service (roadside assistance, emergency services; other services available), manual dual-zone climate controls, interior air filter, cruise control, leather-wrapped steering wheel, front bucket seats, 6-way power driver seat, 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, 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
1SB Preferred Equipment Group 1
LS	$396	$352
Steering-wheel radio controls, Driver Information/Convenience Center (trip computer, compass, outside temperature indicator, universal garage door opener, theft-deterrent system w/alarm).

1SC Preferred Equipment Group 2
Base	$1,903	$1,694
Preferred Equipment Group 1 plus OnStar System w/one year service (roadside assistance, emergency services; other services available), manual dual-zone climate controls, leather-wrapped steering-wheel w/radio controls, automatic day/night rearview mirror, 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.
LS	$425	$378
Heated front seats, 6-way power passenger seat. Requires Leather Seat Trim.

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
Power sunroof
Base, LS	$795	$708
Base requires Preferred Equipment Group.

Manual dual-zone climate controls
Base	$100	$89


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, LS	$305	$271
Requires Preferred Equipment Group. NA w/bucket seats.

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	$214


Cargo net
Base	$30	$27


Appearance and Miscellaneous
Engine block heater
Base, LS	$35	$31


Alloy wheels
Base	$300	$267

2001 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.	18.6

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	21/32	20/30

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

< 2001 Chevrolet Impala Photos

Also in the 2001 Chevrolet Impala Review:

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Chevrolet Impala Road Test

Chevrolet Impala Prices & Equipment

Chevrolet Impala Specs & Safety

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