Market Segment:
Full-size sedan, popular among families and fleet buyers
Key Competitors:
Ford Taurus, Toyota Avalon, Chrysler Concorde/Intrepid, Mercury Sable
Vehicle Selling Points:
Spacious interior, comfortable ride, available V6 and V8 engines, value proposition
Manual Value Proposition:
Enhances vehicle enjoyment and ownership experience by detailing operation, maintenance, and safety features.
Powertrain:
Engine operation, cooling system, fuel system, exhaust system
Drivetrain:
Automatic transmission operation, differential
Chassis:
Braking system, steering system, suspension system
Electrical:
Lighting system, instrumentation, power outlets, fuses, battery
Body And Interior:
Seats, climate control, door locks, windows, mirrors, audio system, security system
Operation:
Starting and driving the vehicle, using controls and instruments, parking
Maintenance:
Checking fluid levels (oil, coolant, brake fluid, washer fluid), tire pressure checks, bulb replacement
Troubleshooting:
Understanding dashboard warning lights, basic diagnostic indicators
Safety:
Seat belt usage, child restraint systems, airbag system explanation
Emergency Procedures:
Jump starting, tire changing, towing information
Depth:
Owner-level operation and basic maintenance
Transmission Type Standard:
4-Speed Automatic (4T65-E)
Transmission Type Optional:
N/A (4-speed automatic was standard for all powertrains)
Transmission Features:
Electronically controlled, overdrive
NHTSA Front Driver Impact:
★★★★★ (5 Stars)
NHTSA Front Passenger Impact:
★★★★★ (5 Stars)
IIHS Front Offset Impact:
Good
ABS:
Standard (Anti-lock Braking System)
Traction Control:
Optional (on some models/trims)
Airbags Front:
Driver and front passenger airbags
Airbags Side:
Not typically standard on this model year, check specific trim
Seatbelts:
Three-point seatbelts for all seating positions
Child Seats:
LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) system
Oil Change Interval:
Every 7,500 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first (using synthetic blend or full synthetic oil)
Tire Rotation Interval:
Every 7,500 miles
Air Filter Replacement:
Inspect every 7,500 miles, replace as needed or every 30,000 miles
Coolant Replacement:
First replacement at 100,000 miles, then every 50,000 miles (Dex-Cool coolant)
Engine Oil Specification:
SAE 5W-30 (API Certified)
Engine Oil Capacity 3.4L:
4.5 quarts (4.3 liters) with filter change
Engine Oil Capacity 3.8L:
4.5 quarts (4.3 liters) with filter change
Coolant Specification:
GM DEX-COOL Long-Life Coolant (Orange)
Transmission Fluid Specification:
Dexron III-H Automatic Transmission Fluid
Brake Fluid Specification:
DOT 3
Common Problems 3.4L:
Intake manifold gasket leaks, head gasket issues (less common than earlier generations), torque converter shudder
Common Problems 3.8L Sc:
Supercharger decoupling (nose cone issue), spark plug blowing out (requiring updated plugs/methods), intake gasket leaks
General Issues:
Window regulator failures, HVAC blower motor resistor failure, ABS sensor failures, fuel pump issues
Chevrolet Legacy:
Chevrolet, founded in 1911, is one of America's most established and recognized automotive brands, known for a wide range of vehicles from economy cars to performance trucks.
Impala History:
The Impala nameplate has a long and storied history, originating in the late 1950s as a premium model. The 2000-2005 generation marked its return to a large, front-wheel-drive sedan platform.
2002 Model Year:
Part of the sixth generation (2000-2005) of the Impala, built on the updated W-Body platform. This generation saw the reintroduction of the V8 engine option.
