Chevrolet Reviews2002 Chevrolet Impala Review
Great family room with grand old name. 2002 Chevrolet Impala Base Price (MSRP) $19,960 As Tested (MSRP) $26,005 Chevrolet Impala is a modern, capable mid-size sedan, with a look and especially a name designed to push the nostalgia button for a certain generation. From 1958-65, Impala meant the flashiest full-size Chevrolet, a real working-man's Cadillac, tame in its base form but offering performance options to match its aggressive looks. After '65, the sporty Impala was subordinated to the more conservative-looking Caprice, and eventually the name disappeared from the Chevrolet lineup. Like its older namesake, the new Impala is tame and practical with base-level equipment. When ordered with its optional 3.8-liter V6, however, this new Impala is not only quick, but also more responsive than the six-seat models from Toyota, Dodge, Ford and Buick. It shares its platform with the Pontiac Grand Prix, and offers competent suspension tuning, distinctive looks, and plenty of interior room. 2002 Chevrolet Malibu Review  Good handling. 2002 Chevrolet Malibu Base Price (MSRP) $17,650 As Tested (MSRP) $21,615 Someone wise once said the best cars impress their owners more than their owners' neighbors. Malibu is like that. It is designed for comfort, quietness, practicality and affordability, yet it also provides a good account of itself on the road, boasting fine power and handling, with a V6 engine standard on all models. As a mid-size four-door sedan, Malibu competes head-to-head with Ford Taurus, Honda Accord and Toyota Camry. But even against the best-selling cars in America, Malibu makes a good showing, with more than 207,000 sold last year. Malibu received some significant revisions and updates last year. Changes for 2002 are minimal; probably the most significant are new colors and upgrades to the stereo system. 2002 Chevrolet Silverado Review
Car-like drivability with traditional truck styling. 2002 Chevrolet Silverado Base Price (MSRP) $17,518 As Tested (MSRP) $30,078 The Chevrolet Silverado is the second-best-selling pickup in America, but that still adds up to a lot of trucks. By consciously avoiding the more radical concept styling of its competitors, the bluff-nosed, square-shouldered Silverado seems to have found its own secure niche in the hearts of many American truck buyers. But don't let Silverado's conservative demeanor fool you. This truck is every bit as technically advanced, every bit as car-like and user-friendly as its aero-look competitors. It rides, handles, and stops as well as, maybe better than, the best of them. It's quick and it's comfortable. The base price is higher for 2002, but it now buys more standard equipment, including the chrome bumper and grille that Chevrolet claims most buyers want. Silverado prices still start about $700 below Ford's F-150. Option packages have been streamlined for value and convenience. Introduced last year, this is the first full production year for the new 1500 HD model, which combines light-duty 1500-series styling in a heavy-duty six-passenger crew cab with a 300-horsepower Vortec V8. Also available for 2002 is Quadrasteer, an electronically controlled four-wheel-steering system that makes parking much easier and pulling a trailer a breeze. 2002 Chevrolet Suburban Review
Can't beat the 'burb. 2002 Chevrolet Suburban Base Price (MSRP) $35,223 As Tested (MSRP) $39,526 This is the best vehicle to buy for anyone who needs to haul six or more people and cargo at the same time. You just can't beat the Chevrolet Suburban for its cavernous interior, strong torque for towing, off-road capability, and stable, comfortable ride for long-distance travel. Six or more people can travel in comfort, even in the third-row seat. And there's still room for stuff in back. Fold the seats down and this thing will move a mountain of cargo. It's a great companion for long trips, even when towing a hefty trailer. The least-expensive base model is gone, but the Chevrolet Suburban continues to provide excellent value in a jumbo package. The Suburban was totally redesigned and re-engineered for 2000 and arrived with more powerful engines, a more rigid frame, re-engineered suspension that provided excellent handling, improved brakes and an upgraded interior. The vehicle was vastly improved, and the improvements continued last year with even more horsepower for the 2500 model's standard 6.0-liter V8 engine and with a new 8.1-liter V8 available. Now, for 2002, the Vortec 5300 V8 can run on regular or ethanol-content fuel, electronic climate control is available if you order your Suburban with a sunroof, there's a new and special color scheme and the LS trim level gets more standard equipment. 2002 Chevrolet Tahoe Review
Just the right size. 2002 Chevrolet Tahoe Base Price (MSRP) $32,709 As Tested (MSRP) $36,760 Chevrolet Tahoe is the perfect-size sport-utility for many people. It carries a lot more cargo than a compact or mid-size SUV like the TrailBlazer, and does it with or without four passengers. Pulling a trailer is no problem, yet the Tahoe is far more maneuverable than a Suburban, and that's important in crowded parking lots, underground garages, or when parallel parking. On the road, the Tahoe is smooth and stable, a rock. It has plenty of power and its brakes work well. Its cabin is comfortable and familiar, friendly and functional. Turn off the highway and the Tahoe handles gravel, rugged two-tracks, mud, and snow. 2002 Chevrolet Trailblazer Review
Blazes the trail with engineering advancements. 2002 Chevrolet Trailblazer Base Price (MSRP) $25,755 As Tested (MSRP) $34,330 In the midsize SUV segment, Chevrolet has long been frustrated, watching Ford steal the show with the Explorer. The 2002 TrailBlazer is Chevy's best shot at reversing that order. It's a total redesign, including a stunning new straight-six engine, stiffer and lighter chassis, sophisticated suspension, powerful brakes and impressive details. The vehicle's 40-month planning and execution was done in a careful, creative, thorough and extremely bold manner. According to GM engineers, the TrailBlazer exceeds all the targets that had been set for it. Based on the specs and early performance, that claim is easy to believe. 2002 Chevrolet Venture Review
All-wheel drive improves all-weather capability. 2002 Chevrolet Venture Base Price (MSRP) $21,450 As Tested (MSRP) $29,880 Chevrolet's Venture has two new features for 2002 that deserve consideration. One is GM's Versatrak four-wheel drive. The other is a new DVD-based entertainment system in the special Warner Bros. Edition. Venture already earned its place on minivan buyer shopping lists because it offered a willing engine and a car-like ride. While neither the most economical minivan you can buy, nor the most powerful, it remains competitively priced for a van with V6 power. The best feature, however, may be the wide range of seating and cargo configurations. Chevrolet Reviews
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