Chevy brings back the Impala: A lot of car for the money

By RICHARD WILLIAMSON

Scripps Howard News Service

SSome names are marketing magic: Camaro, Corvette, Impala.

Chevrolet has restored the last monicker as its 2000 flagship after toying with the name on a limited edition of the defunct Caprice Classic a couple of years ago.

In designing the new version, Chevrolet dusted off the "magic formula" of Ed Cole, Chevrolet's chief engineer in the 1950s: Build a good-looking car with more performance, amenities and value than you might expect at a really reasonable price.

You have to wonder why Chevy ever shelved Impala in the first place. Years of nondescript Luminas, Corsicas and Caprices have done nothing to distinguish the bow-tie division of General Motors.

Now the names that put Chevy sales on the '60s fast track are back: Malibu, Monte Carlo and Impala.

Millions of baby boomers can recall riding in the back seat of Impalas on those seemingly interminable family vacations. Whether they will want to drive a new version of the popular sedan should prove interesting. Certainly, the price is inviting.

At $22,365, the LS version of the Impala comes loaded with every imaginable amenity. LS is the higher of two Impala trim levels and includes power everything, a 200-horsepower V6 engine, four-speed automatic transmission and power, anti-lock disc brakes.

Against its targeted competitors, the Ford Taurus, Dodge Intrepid and Toyota Avalon, Impala has an advantage in price, power and standard features. The only disadvantage might be its rather uninspired styling.

The primary buyer is expected to be 44 years old with a median income of $60,000. More than half the buyers will be women, 79 percent will be married and 40 percent will be college graduates.

The stats on the secondary buyer seem a little hard to believe: a median age of 73 with an average income of $30,000? If this demographic is real, I don't want to be driving in Florida when Grandpa decides to put the pedal to the metal.

At 180 horsepower, the engine in the base Impala is strong enough. But with the optional 3800 Series II V6 that comes standard in the LS, the Impala becomes a somewhat breathtaking performer.

With a four-speed automatic transmission, the 200 horsepower, pushrod engine accelerates briskly with a throaty reminder that there's a lot more torque where that came from.

The engine is designed to "limp home" in the event that coolant is lost. The platinum-tipped spark plugs are designed to last for 100,000 miles. An oil-life monitor is supposed to provide 7,500 miles between changes instead of the typical 3,000 miles.

Fuel economy for the 200-horsepower V6 is really pretty amazing at 20 city and 29 highway mpg.

Riding on an independent suspension, the Impala LS provides a firm but comfortable ride. The unitized body and chassis has been stiffened to resist the twisting forces that cause your Big Gulp to slosh in its cup holder.

The brakes are power discs on all fours that offer a reassuring firmness in the brake pedal.

The Impala's body is muscular and lean, with the only styling link to previous generations coming from the circular taillights sealed in a plastic cover that wraps around the back end of the sedan.

The LS comes with a spoiler and 16-inch alloy wheels that lend a sporty flair. Compared to its competitors at Ford and DaimlerChrysler, General Motors is still cursed by a lack of imagination when it comes to automotive design. The Impala is hardly an eyesore, but it has the look of a car designed by committee. The original Impalas still look great. The 2000 model will not earn a place in the Museum of Modern Art.

The base Impala sedan is built to seat six, but the LS has room for five. Comfort is Impala's long suite. You could take this car on the road for a long, long time without yearning for the comforts of home.

With 104.5 cubic feet of interior space, the Impala is roomier than the Lexus LS 400. The front and back seats are well designed for the long haul, and the driver gets a very user friendly display of instruments and switches.

Among the standard equipment are air conditioning, front and side air bags, power windows, locks and mirrors, tinted glass and AM/FM/ cassette stereo.

The LS trim adds anti-lock brakes, an upgraded suspension, remote keyless entry and electronic traction control.

While the name Impala is sure to bring back fond memories, the styling will do little to lure nostalgic Baby Boomers to the showroom. If they get behind the wheel, however, they may feel like the good old days are back.

WHAT'S NEW: New model for 2000.

PLUSES: Power, price, comfort, fuel economy.

MINUSES: Uninspired styling.

BOTTOM LINE: A lot of car for the money.

Copyright 1999
Provided by ProQuest Information and Learning Company. All rights Reserved.