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The 2000 Chevrolet Impala at this year’s Chicago Auto Show looked as if it had been designed by people on Social Security for people on Social Security.

What can you say about the fashion appeal of an automobile sporting a bow-tie in its grille from a company whose trucks are more stylish than its cars? Worse, it’s cinched with thick, black body-side moldings–the same ones that plague the Chevy Venture mini-van–to make Impala look as if it had been sculpted in the Buick design studios in the ’50s.

The thick, black moldings make the body panels (and the entire car) look narrow and cramped, which is sad because the interior is surprisingly roomy, front and rear.

Thankfully, while the GM design department has no clue as to what’s going on, the engineers continue to ride to the rescue.

Impala is likable once you overlook its bland appearance and get to know it.

The base Impala comes with a 3.4-liter, 180-horsepower V-6, but the uplevel LS that we tested comes with a 3.8-liter, 200-h.p. V-6 with ample energy to propel you into traffic without having to pause for a deep breath.

The base Impala comes with a “soft ride” suspension that takes the edge off tar marks, but sacrifices handling when the road no longer runs in a straight line.

The LS, however, comes with a firmly tuned ride-and-handling suspension with increased vertical travel for more comfort and better control of body roll.

Add four-wheel anti-lock brakes, traction control and 16-inch radial tires (all standard) and performance is surprisingly pleasant. Not a Grand Prix GTP by any means, but maybe a Grand Prix SE. Some want more, however. When word got out that a new Impala was coming for 2000, the expectation was for a return of the SS performance model, made from 1994 to ’96 with a potent Corvette-derived engine and a suspension tuned for the track.

When Chevy said it would offer 180- to 200-h.p. V-6s, you could hear the groan. Apply an AARP decal to the bumper and see the U.S.A. at 55 m.p.h.

The 3.8-liter falls about 60-h.p. short of the 5.7-liter V-8 Corvette variant in the old Impala SS. But the 3.8 provides decent 0 to 40 m.p.h. bursts to get you moving and a pleasing 20 m.p.g. city/29 m.p.g. highway.

The Impala SS was brought out to generate some enthusiasm for a sedan that had become a boat and the vehicle of choice of taxi companies as it was about to disappear to make room for more pickup production.

A more potent Impala SS is under development, but Chevy first has to launch the Impala replacement for the Lumina, which stays in the lineup at least through the calendar year. Then, Chevy can focus on an SS.

The base Impala starts at $18,705, the LS at $22,365.

Standard equipment includes air conditioning; four-wheel disc brakes with ABS and traction control; dual front and driver-side air bags; center console with two deep cupholders; electric rear window defogger; power locks; tire-pressure monitor; tri p odometer; compass; outside temperature reading; power plugs front and rear; AM/FM RDS (Radio Data Systems) radio with cassette that interrupts programming for weather bulletins and changes the digital clock with time zones.

Also, there’s six-way power driver’s seat; speed control; power steering; power windows with driver express down; automatic on/off headlamps; deck-lid spoiler; remote trunk opener; split folding rear seats; trunk pass-through; large outside mirrors; cabin air filtration system; starter interrupt to disengage the starter to avoid embarrassing grind if you mistakenly turn the key to “On” while idling; and dual climate controls.

You can order the 3.8-liter V-6 in the base model and for $986 get a package that includes ABS, traction control, tire-pressure monitor and the ride-and-handling suspension, but you also must order the 16-inch touring tire upgrade for $45 and the 16-inch aluminum wheels for $300.

A power tilt/open sunroof runs $700, and GM’s t runk-r elease system, which provides an escape for trapped kids, runs $50.

>> 2000 Chevrolet Impala LS
© 1999 Chicago Tribune Wheelbase: 110.5 inches Length: 200 inches Engine: 3.8liter, 200-h.p. V-6 Transmission: 4-speed automatic Fuel economy: 20 m.p.g. city/29 m.p.g. highway Base price: $22,925 Price as tested: $24,726. Includes $171 for steering-wheel radio controls; $625 for leather-accent bucket seats; $305 for power passenger seat; and $700 for power sunroof. Add $560 for freight. Pluses: The name returns and count on the SS returning soon, too. Impala will replace Lumina in the lineup. Lots of standard equipment, including ABS and traction control. Suspension provides road-holding ride and handling. Starter interrupt on engine. Spacious cabin. Minuses: Waiting for the wildly successful 1994-1996 SS to return. Why wide, black, cheap looking bodyside moldings rather than body colored? >>