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2000 Chevrolet Passenger Cars: Into the New Millennium
DETROIT -— For 2000, Chevrolet heads into the new millennium with over 85 years experience building quality cars. Their momentum continues with a long list of exciting, high-value passenger cars that have become well known because they cover a wide spectrum.
"Genuine Chevrolet — The Brand More Americans Trust" is a slogan that has culminated from Chevrolet innovation and its reputation for diversified products. From long lists of standard convenience and safety features to benefits such as 24-Hour Roadside Assistance, each Chevrolet passenger car offers its owners a value that leads to years of enjoyable ownership.
Chevrolet begins 2000 with the widest selection of passenger cars including coupes, sedans and high performance sports cars. The tradition of innovation, improved engineering and design, and vehicles with value-added features continues for the new millennium. Following is a summary of this year’s passenger cars, along with highlights of vehicle features and improvements.
Impala. Flagship car for Chevrolet, the all-new Impala has a lineage that stems from 1958 that embraces pure driving excellence. It is offered in two models, the Impala Sedan and Impala LS.
"Americans want a car that satisfies the head while appealing to the heart," said Don Parkinson, Impala brand manager. "A car that’s a real choice… not a compromise."
In a nutshell, the 2000 Impala is all about driving performance, comfort and amenities, safety and high QRD (quality, reliability and durability) marks.
Impala Sedan comes standard with a 3400 SFI V6 engine; the Impala LS standard engine is a muscular 3800 SFI V6 — one of the segment’s most fuel efficient engines with 200 horsepower. Both engines are teamed with a 4-speed electronically controlled automatic transmission to provide outstanding powertrain performance.
Some of the standard equipment found on both Impala models includes:
A wide array of optional features adorn Impala’s Feature Availability chart including an ETR (Electronically Tuned Receiver) AM/FM stereo system for optimal reception with compact disc player, and an electric
sliding sunroof.
Monte Carlo. Inspired by its athletic brother, racing on NASCAR tracks around the country, the all-new 2000 Monte Carlo offers sophisticated styling and heart-thumping performance.
Monte Carlo’s dual personality, "classy with a wild streak," is well-known to its owners. The current 1999 model is the best-selling midsize coupe in America.
"Coupe buyers want a car that gets them noticed at traffic lights," says Monte Carlo brand manager Don Parkinson. "That’s why Monte Carlo is such a great fit for the midsize coupe market."
And the new Monte Carlo shape definitely makes it a looker! It inherits the aggressive-looking NASCAR sheet metal that makes up its hood, roof and decklid for an impressive appearance that turns heads on the road, at the car wash and in parking lots — just like its professional racecar brother.
Complementing its stalwart appearance are two powerful engines. Standard on Monte Carlo LS, the 3400 SFI V6 engine delivers 180 horsepower, 20 more horsepower than its predecessor, the 3100 SFI V6. Inside Monte Carlo SS is the robust 3800 SFI V6 engine. It delivers 200 horsepower and has appeared for three
consecutive years on Ward’s Auto World list of Ten Best Engines.
Another Monte Carlo performance highlight on Monte Carlo is its new 4-wheel disc antilock brake system (ABS). It uses the largest rotors and calipers in its segment today.
Prizm. For 2000, many new features are added to the already long list of Prizm standard features along with engine improvements to the 1.8-liter DOHCL4 SFI engine.
On the Prizm Sedan, new standard features include:
The Prizm LSi Sedan lists as its new standard features:
Improvements to the 1.8-liter DOHC L4 SFI engine include variable valve timing that delivers an increase of five horsepower and three foot-pounds of torque. The engine has also been tuned to be LEV (Low Emissions Vehicle) compliant for less engine emissions in states requiring California emissions.
New exterior colors for Prizm include Black, Green Metallic and Light Gold Metallic.
Prizm is offered in two models: Prizm Sedan and Prizm LSi. Both models come standard equipped with a 1.8-liter DOHC 4-cylinder engine teamed with a 5-speed manual transmission. Optional on both models is a 3-speed automatic transmission or a 4-speed electronically controlled automatic transmission.
Cavalier. The 2000 Cavalier has a new exterior look as well as new standard and optional features that illustrate the more you know about Cavalier, the better it looks. Available in Coupe, Sedan, LS Sedan, Z24 Coupe and Z24 Convertible models.
The new Cavalier family of radios include Radio Data System (RDS) technology (uplevel system) that can interrupt tape, CD or radio broadcasting for important traffic and weather updates. All the radios have increased output of 50 watts per channel, except for the uplevel dual playback unit that has 80 watts per channel. It also provides for radio personalization for up to four drivers. With a touch of a key fob button, radio presets can automatically change to separately-programmed stations for different radio listening preferences.
Other thoughtful enhancements on Cavalier include five cup holders (three in the front center console, and two in the rear seat armrest) and a new radio location above the HVAC controls for improved ergonomics.
Other improvements to 2000 Cavalier include composite reflector headlamp design and new taillamps for attractive styling. Other exterior changes include:
Mechanically, a new standard antilock braking system (ABS) has been incorporated to provide smoother operation when needed. Cavalier is the only car in the small car market that offers ABS as standard equipment. For smoother shifting, a new manual transmission and shifter have a more precise shift feel and a smoother shift into reverse.
Two new colors have been added for 2000 as well: Dark Colorado Green Metallic and Ultra Silver Metallic.
Malibu. Known as a symbol of American Excellence for setting high standards for quality, reliability and value, the 2000 Malibu is for family people with "can-do spirit."
For 2000, Malibu offers another long standard features list with a freshened appearance. The front fascia features a new center grille and emblem. An optional spoiler adds a sleek look to the LS Sedan profile. Other new features that enhance the model’s appearance include:
Standard on all Malibu models is an improved 3100 V6 SFI engine. This engine meets government LEV (Low Emissions Vehicle) requirements in states requiring California emissions and new cylinder heads help generate 20 additional horsepower than last year’s 150 horsepower @ 5200 rpm.
Lumina. Loaded with a long list of standard features, Chevrolet Lumina is one of the best-selling vehicles in the midsize sedan market. Features like its roomy six-passenger seating and sporty styling make it appealing to family-oriented shoppers looking for value and one less thing to worry about.
Helping Lumina earn its reputation as easy-to-own and the "worry-free" Chevrolet are features such as 100,000 miles between tune-ups†, 6 year/100,000 miles corrosion protection and extended-life engine coolant†.
For 2000, Lumina adds to its long list of standard equipment power windows with lockout feature, rear window defogger, a luggage area cargo net and an AM/FM stereo cassette with speed-compensated volume and premium front and rear coaxial speakers. Its 3100 V6 engine has become LEV (Low Emissions Vehicle) compliant in states requiring California emissions and gains 15 horsepower and five lbs.-ft. of torque from the help of new cylinder heads.
An optional Appearance Package includes:
Lumina is available in one model, Lumina Sedan.
"Lumina represents Chevrolet’s continued commitment to practical individuals and family-conscious buyers," says Don Parkinson. "It provides many standard features and plenty peace of mind."
Corvette. Whether it’s the hardtop, coupe or convertible, all Corvette models are designed to provide sports car lovers with high performance thrills as "The American Performance Icon."
"People who buy Corvette, love Corvette," says Jim Campbell, Corvette brand manager. "They love how it drives, performs on the open road and the lineage behind the nameplate."
For 2000, the Z51 Performance Handling Package has been upgraded with the addition of larger front and rear stabilizer bars to help improve Corvette’s handling characteristics (standard on the hardtop and optional on coupe and convertible).
The standard 5.7-liter LS1 V8 engine is LEV (Low Emissions Vehicle) compliant for 2000 in states requiring California emissions, but the lowered engine emissions has not subtracted any horsepower output — the LS1 is capable of kicking out 345 horsepower.
One of the most advanced stability-controlled systems of its kind, the optional Active Handling System is available on all Corvette models. It helps the driver to counteract potentially dangerous handling characteristics, such as oversteer or understeer.
Camaro. For 2000, "America’s honest sports car" is enhanced with new convenience, audio and appearance features.
"For those who seek attention-getting power and style, Camaro is the purest, most uncompromising expression of the breed making it "America’s honest sports car," said Jim Campbell, Camaro brand manager. "It receives respect from other drivers for its aggressive power and attention for its bold style. Now for 2000, we’ve added new features and enhancements that further the enjoyment of owning Camaro."
Camaro is available in Coupe, Z28 Coupe, Convertible and Z28 Convertible models. For those who like the open air cruising of "T-Tops," there’s the optional Transparent Removable Roof Panels (Coupe models only).
New convenience features and changes inside Camaro include:
Body-color rearview mirrors now come standard on the Z28 Coupe along with new standard aluminum wheels. The Performance Handling Package, available on Coupe and Convertible, also includes the new aluminum wheels for an aggressive appearance. Camaro Z28 models equipped with the SS Performance/Appearance Package also include new and unique wheels. Finally, all models, except Z28 with the SS Performance/Appearance Package, feature available aluminum wheels with a high polish finish.
The revised 3800 V6 and 5.7-liter LS1 V8 engines comply with government LEV (Low Emissions Vehicle) regulations in states requiring California emissions.
Metro. For the shoppers with excellent fuel economy and reliable transportation in mind, the 2000 Metro is the low cost vehicle that delivers new-car peace of mind.
"Economy car buyers want low cost transportation that is nimble enough to park in tight urban parking spots and receives high gas mileage," says Margaret Brooks, Metro brand manager. "These buyers are
cross-shopping new and used vehicles, and Metro is the vehicle affordably priced with a long list of standard features they would not expect to find on many used economy vehicles."
All Metro models come standard with driver and right-front passenger air bags*, and Daytime Running Lamps (DRL). Other standard features found on all Metro models include:
Highlight optional features include:
Contributing to ownership peace of mind, Metro features a stainless-steel muffler and tailpipe, and an engine timing belt and fuel filter that aren’t scheduled for a change for up to 100,000 miles.†
For 2000, Metro offers two new exterior colors: Bright Blue Metallic on the Metro Coupe, and Dark Blue Metallic on the Metro LSi Sedan.
*Always use safety belts and proper child restraints, even with air bags. Children are safer when properly secured in a rear seat. See the owner’s manual for more safety information.
†Maintenance needs vary with different uses and driving conditions. See owner’s manual for more information.