4
0
Midsize car; Built in Canada
  • 4-door sedan
  • transverse front-engine/front-wheel drive
Good condition price range: $2,600 – $8,300*


2000 Chevrolet Impala LS


2001 Chevrolet Impala interior


2000 Chevrolet Impala LS


2001 Chevrolet Impala LS


2001 Chevrolet Impala LS

Pros:
  • Handling/roadholding
  • Instruments/controls
  • Passenger and cargo room
Cons:
  • Rear-seat comfort
  • Road noise

A clear alternative to the Ford Taurus (as redesigned for 2000), the Impala promises comfort-oriented American style as opposed to the Taurus’s import-influenced approach. Impala beats Taurus in powertrain response, while Ford leads in safety features and back-seat comfort. Both offer more room and equipment for the price than an equivalent Accord or Camry, though Japanese-brand rivals are more polished all-around.

Overview

Chevrolet revived a famous old name when it issued a modern version of the Impala for 2000. The new front-drive midsize sedan was smaller in dimensions, sharing its basic understructure with the Buick Century and Regal, Oldsmobile Intrigue, and Pontiac Grand Prix. A 3.4-liter V6 engine was standard in the base model. The upscale LS sedan got a 3.8-liter V6, which was optional on the base Impala. Both had a four-speed automatic transmission, four-wheel disc brakes, 16-inch wheels, air conditioning, power windows, and power door locks. A side-impact airbag for the driver was standard in the LS and optional in the base Impala. Also standard in the LS were antilock braking, a tire-inflation monitor, traction control, and a “firm-ride” suspension. Each of those extras also was included with the bigger-engine option for the base-model Impala. Leather upholstery was available for both models, including a split folding rear seatback. GM’s OnStar emergency/communications system also was optional.

Yearly Updates

2001 Impala
GM’s OnStar system became standard in the LS sedan and optional in the base model. Otherwise, no change was evident apart from a new emergency inside trunk release. Although Impala ranks as Chevrolet’s “traditional” midsize model, the less-costly Malibu sells far better.
2002 Impala
For 2002, the base model added dual-zone climate controls and a cassette player as standard equipment.
2003 Impala
Driver-side airbag and GM’s OnStar assistance system move from standard equipment to options on the LS, while the base Impala adds remote keyless entry. Newly available for both is XM satellite radio with 100-channel digital receiver.
2004 Impala
A supercharged version of the Impala, the SS, is new for ’04. It comes with a supercharged 240-hp 3.8-liter V6, sport suspension tuning, and 17 inch wheels.
2005 Impala
Standard OnStar assistance tops the short list of 2005 additions to Impala. The SS also includes 17-inch wheels vs. other models’ 16s; it offers chrome-finished 17s as a new option. Also new for SS are minor trim changes outside and different front headrests. SS and LS have front bucket seats and carry five passengers, though LS now offers a front bench seat for 6-passenger capacity.

Engines

transverse front-engine/front-wheel drive

A 3.4-liter V6 in the base Impala produced 180 horsepower, versus 200 hp from the 3.8-liter engine in the Impala LS. Both engines mated with a four-speed automatic transmission. New for ’04 was the Impala SS, with a supercharged 240-hp 3.8-liter V6.

ohv V6
Engine Size (liters/cubic inches) 3.4/205
Engine HP 180
Engine Torque (lb-ft) 205
Avail. Trans. EPA MPG (city/hwy) MPG avg. as tested
4-speed automatic

 20/32

 19.8
ohv V6
Engine Size (liters/cubic inches) 3.8/231
Engine HP 200
Engine Torque (lb-ft) 225
Avail. Trans. EPA MPG (city/hwy) MPG avg. as tested
4-speed automatic

 20/29

 20.1
ohc V6
Engine Size (liters/cubic inches) 3.8/231
Engine HP 240
Engine Torque (lb-ft) 280
Avail. Trans. EPA MPG (city/hwy) MPG avg. as tested
4-speed automatic

Road Test

Even though the modern-day Impala is a far cry from the V8-powered Super Sport of the distant past, or the Impala SS of the early ’90s, the sedan acquits itself nicely in most respects. Power is adequate with the base engine, while the 3.8-liter delivers usefully stronger takeoffs and passing response. An alert, smooth-shifting automatic transmission helps, but neither engine sounds smooth or refined when pushed hard. A 3.8-liter LS averaged 20.1 mpg, with a lot of highway mileage. In a more even mix of driving, a 3.4-liter Impala got 19.8 mpg. A good ride/handling balance makes this family four-door pleasing to drive. Even the Ride and Handling suspension that accompanies the bigger engine absorbs most bumps well, while tempering much of the float and wallow that plague the base suspension over high-speed dips. Any Impala furnishes good grip and balance, along with authoritative steering feel. Stopping power is good, though pedal feel could be firmer. Wind noise is low, but tire roar intrudes somewhat on coarse pavement. Space is sufficient for 6-footers to ride in tandem without cramping of legs. Still, there’s not quite enough seat width for three large adults. The back-seat cushion is far too soft and short, lacking in contour for satisfying comfort. Head room is good all around, even with an optional moonroof. Entry/exit is big-car easy, but tall-tail styling impedes rearward vision. The ample flat-floor trunk has a long, wide opening, but the glovebox is puny.

Ratings

Model Tested: 2002 Chevrolet Impala LS

Ratings values are on a 1-10 scale, with 10 being the best. With the exception of Value, these numbers reflect how the vehicle compares against the universe of vehicles, not just against rivals in its class.

Performance

Acceleration - 6
60%
Fuel Economy - 5
50%
Ride Quality - 6
60%
Steering/Handling - 6
60%
Quietness - 6
60%

Accommodations

Controls/Materials - 6
60%
Room/Comfort Front - 6
60%
Room/Comfort Rear - 5
50%
Cargo Room - 6
60%

Other

Value - 7
70%

Total: 59

Specifications

4-door sedan
Wheelbase (in.) Length (in.) Width (in.) Height (in.) Weight (lbs)
110.5 200.0 73.0 57.5
Cargo Volume (cu/ft) Payload Capacity (cu/ft) Fuel Capacity (gal.) Seating Capacity
17.6 17.0 6
Headroom Legroom
Front Rear Front Rear
39.2 36.8 42.2 38.4
Safety Ratings

Model Tested: 2000 Impala 4-door sedan

NHTSA

(5 is the highest rating)

Front Impact Test

Driver Injury - 5
100%
Front Passenger Injury - 5
100%

Side Impact Test

Driver Injury - 4
80%
Rear Passenger Injury - 4
80%

HLDI

(A score of 100 is average. Lower is better)

Collision 72
Injury 73
Theft 71

Trouble Spots

Automatic transmission
Description: The column-mounted shift lever is hard to move out of park due to the interlock cable being too long. (2000)
Brakes
Description: The rear brakes make squealing or moaning noises. Countermeasure brake pads are available. (2000-01)
Coolant leak
Description: The 3.8-liter V6 may leak coolant into the engine from the intake manifold. A new gasket kit, revised throttle body nuts, and sealing compound is available. Redesigned manifolds are also available in the aftermarket. (2000-04)
Coolant leak
Description: Coolant loss via plastic intake manifold is corrected by installing upgraded manifold and gaskets plus new PCV kit. (2000-04)
Vehicle noise
Description: Banging, clunking, or popping noises from the front under acceleration or braking require shims between the engine cradle and frame. (2000)
Vehicle noise
Description: Fuel makes banging and sloshing noises in the tank when less than half full. (2000)
Battery
Description: A problem with the ground circuit of the trunk light causes the battery to go dead. (2000-01)

Recall History

2000 w/TRW seatbelt-buckle assemblies
Description: Seatbelt-buckle assemblies fail to conform to federal requirements, because buckle base was not properly heat treated.
2001
Description: On certain cars, airbag sensing and diagnostic modules could experience a memory error, and airbags might not deploy during a crash.
2002
Description: Airbag inflator may fracture and cause injury.
2004
Description: Both front brake caliper-to-steering knuckle attachment bolts may be inadequately tightened; if a bolt backs out or fractures, this can result in locking of the wheel during braking, abrupt steering input, reduced braking or steering control, noise, severing of brake hose, or increased brake-pedal travel.

Equipment Lists

Equipment lists are only viewable on larger screen sizes.

Pricing

Used-car pricing varies widely depending on local market conditions. Therefore, we recommend visiting websites that list used cars for sale to get a better idea of what a specific model is selling for in your area.

More about Tom Appel
Written by: Tom Appel on June 19, 2014.
Share this:
, , , , , , , ,