2000 Chevy Impala Base Walkaround & Interior

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.

Interior Features
The Impala is noticeably roomy inside. With 122 cubic feet of interior volume, it is 6 cubic feet more spacious than the Lumina. So what magic did Chevrolet perform to make the Impala shorter, yet larger inside than the Lumina? Interior space was gained by designing a high roofline with more vertical sides, carefully rearranging the rear bulkhead, and moving the seats slightly outboard.

Base models come with a three-seat split bench in the front; LS models come standard with just two front seats, though the bench seat is optional. Chevy expects most buyers will choose the three-in-front arrangement. From the driver's seat you get the impression that the car is huge inside, likely because you sense a notable distance to the right-side passenger.

The Impala's rear seat area is shorter on legroom than the cavernous Intrepid, but better than the Lumina, Ford Taurus, or the archaic Crown Victoria. The seat position in the rear is comfortable and relatively high, which makes it easy to get in and out. There are three shoulder belts in the rear, as well as child seat tethers. The rear seat is split 60/40 and folds down to allow bulky items to protrude from the trunk; that's handy if you're a Home Depot regular.

Two interior colors are available, an unusually loud mustard brown and a more conservative gray. It's easy to orient yourself inside the Impala. Controls are logical, work smoothly, and are easy to see. They follow the function of those in the trim Malibu, only bigger.

At first glance, the seats look flat, like semi-benches, but when you sit in them, they provide good support on your thighs and your back. They feel like bucket seats. The center passenger in the front has to straddle the split between the front seats. A slight hump down the center accommodates the exhaust pipe; that hump hampers legroom for the front center passenger.