Chevrolet Impala

Exhumed! Chevrolet Dusts Off the Impala Nameplate ... Again

DETROIT - Lumina was a silly name, initially attached to a silly car and an even sillier minivan. Later, the Lumina was a pretty good, if vanilla-flavored, family sedan. But as the new millennium approaches, Chevrolet has decided to replace the midsized Lumina with a full-sized front-wheel drive sedan to duke it out with Ford Crown Victorias and Buick LeSabres for a share of the large car pie.

The Impala nameplate, a staple in the Chevy lineup from 1959 to the early 1980s and then briefly from 1994 to 1996, is affixed to this new car. Available in base and LS trim levels, the 2000 Impala will hold six adults and 17.6 cubic feet of their luggage. Engineers used a methodology they termed "RoomFirst" to create as much space inside the Impala as possible while keeping exterior girth minimized. Interiors are designed to accommodate plenty of people; controls and gauges are large and easy to find.

The standard 3.4-liter V6 engine is culled from the Venture minivan, and it makes 180 horsepower at 5,200 rpm and 205 foot-pounds of torque at 4,000 rpm. Step up to LS trim and you get a 3.8-liter V6 making 200 horsepower at 5,200 rpm and 222 ft-lbs. of torque at 4,000 rpm. Weighing just less than 3,400 pounds, the Impala should move along with verve with either engine. A four-speed automatic is the only available transmission.

Impala is aggressive-looking, with smoked headlight lenses, large circular tail lamps, and styling cues that create a frown front and rear. Stylists looked to Impalas of the 1960s for inspiration here, hoping to create a car with clean, uncluttered lines. A dogleg C-pillar with Impala badges mimics the successful and often-mourned 1994-1996 Impala SS.

Structural enhancements allowed engineers to filter out plenty of noise, vibration and harshness, thanks to the resulting stiffer body. Tuning the suspension more precisely to maximize both ride comfort and handling prowess was also made possible. Standard 16-inch wheels and tires enhance performance, while Impala's standard four-wheel disc brakes are rated for heavy-duty service in the Impala police package. Antilock brakes, a tire inflation monitor and traction control are optional on base models and standard on LS.

Engineers took occupant safety into consideration while designing the new Impala. Head protection standards for 2003 are met three years in advance, a driver's side airbag is available, and rear seat tethers accommodate three child safety seats. Daytime running lights are standard.

Other standard equipment includes air conditioning with dual front temperature controls, rear defogger, rear seat headrests, power windows and locks, and a Radio Data System (RDS) AM/FM stereo. The clock automatically adjusts when you drive across time zones. Remote keyless entry fobs can be programmed with the preferences of two different drivers.

Reliability is improved, thanks to a simplified electrical system and fewer parts used in the assembly process. A coolant loss protection system keeps the Impala moving even if all the coolant has been lost; just make sure to stop before you've traveled 50 miles. And, if you do get stranded, the available On Star mobile communications system can help rescue you.

Our first impression of the Impala is lukewarm. While not terribly exciting, it does not disappoint. Middle-of-the-road Americans looking for a solid set of roomy wheels will likely be quite happy with this big sedan. Just don't expect a sinister bad boy like the '94-'96 SS. The 2000 Impala is slated to appear at your local Chevy dealership this summer.