2001 Chevrolet Impala

Why review the 2001 Chevy Impala? After all, this American sedan made its re-entry on the automotive scene only last year. How much news could there be in a year? I submit that "news" is not the why here. What's more interesting is a chance to revisit the Impala after its first year, after the honeymoon is over, if you will. I can concentrate less on its individual characteristics, more on the whole. It's with this in mind that I spent a week with a 2001 model Chevrolet Impala LS, the fancier of two Impala models offered.
THE GOOD NEWS
There is some news this year. Chevy has added GM's OnStar satellite-operated emergency assistance system as standard equipment on the LS, optional on the base model. There are also three new colors.

Otherwise, I'm happy to say that my initial observations of the new Impala hold up for the most part. It is a jump-in-and-go kind of car: no fuss, no mystery, and, once you reacquaint yourself with ignition on the dashboard, no surprises.

In my opinion, the Impala's forte is its solid structure and its large-car interior housed in what drives and economizes like a mid-sized sedan. It's capable of seating six, something few cars can claim these days, but it doesn't take up two parking spaces like Ford's Crown Victoria.

The front-wheel-drive LS's 200-horsepower 3800 V6 provides ample oomph, and the ride is accommodatingly smooth. Its safety credentials are impressive, as is its list of standard equipment: dual zone air conditioning, remote keyless entry, split folding rear seat, 6-way power driver's seat, etc. The list of options includes leather, heated seats and pumped up sound system. In sum, while there is nothing world-class about this Impala LS, there is nothing particularly disappointing. It's a nice car.

THE BAD NEWS
"A nice car" isn't what Chevy had in mind with this LS, I'm sure. They likely wanted excitement from its special suspension, sport aluminum wheels and larger tires. Sorry, guys. It's a nice car.

It's also a snoozer visually, fancy wheels and all. That may not necessarily be a drawback. There are some folks wandering bewildered through American car dealerships these days in search of a sedan that looks vaguely familiar. You know, an upright sort of car with four doors and a flat-topped trunk. Unlike offerings from Chrysler and Ford, this Impala would come closest to appeasing that customer.

GAS MILEAGE
EPA at 20 mpg city/30 highway

PRICE
Manufacturer's base, $23,225;
Price as tested, $25,494

IS IT WORTH IT?
I look at Chevy's list of competitors for this Impala: Honda Accord, Toyota Avalon and Camry, Dodge Intrepid and Ford Taurus. In each of these cars, I see attributes that far outshine the Impala. Regardless, I think this sedan retains its own niche. While I'm not as enamored as I was last year, I still find lots of merit for the price. More over, it's unmistakably Chevrolet, through and through. For those people who are only satisfied by that American sound, smell and feel, Chevy has made a nice car.

by Beth Stein

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