2008 Chevrolet Impala

2008 Chevrolet Impala 2008 Chevrolet Impala
Review

Introduction

Chevrolet is still building a classic American family sedan in the Impala. The current Impala was introduced in 2005 as a heavily refreshed version of the car that launched in 2000. The front-drive Impala offers a comfortable and spacious interior, a luggage-swallowing trunk, and a quiet, unremarkable over-the-road demeanor. Although the redesign for 2005 greatly improved the interior, the Impala’s cabin materials still pale next to those of the Honda Accord, Toyota Avalon, and Hyundai Azera. Three engines are offered in the Impala: a 3.5-liter V-6 with 211 horsepower, a 3.9-liter V-6 with 233 horsepower, and a 5.3-liter V-8 with 303 horsepower. The 3.5-liter offers optional E85 (85-percent ethanol, 15-percent gasoline) capability; the other engines come standard with E85 capability. A four-speed automatic is standard on all Impalas.

For 2008, Chevy offers five Impala trim levels (LS, 1LT, 2LT, LTZ, and SS). LS Impalas offer excellent value, the LTs and the LTZ offer a bit more luxury and power, and the SS offers so much horsepower that the front-wheel-drive layout struggles to put it all to the ground. Full-throttle runs in the SS aren’t boring, but they’re hardly rewarding, either. Major competitors to the Impala include the Buick LaCrosse, Ford Taurus, Mercury Sable, Hyundai Azera, Kia Amanti, Pontiac G8, and Toyota Avalon. Some of the Impala’s competition (the Ford Taurus, the Mercury Sable, the Chrysler 300) offer all-wheel drive.

Verdict

The Impala is a classic American sedan that offers tons of interior space and good value but also anonymous styling and a forgettable driving experience in all but the SS version. For better or worse, it’s inoffensive in nearly every way.

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What’s New for 2008

For 2008, XM satellite radio is standard on all Impalas. SS models offer chrome 18-inch aluminum wheels, LTZ models get machined 18-inch aluminum wheels, and the 2LT trim level gets a new 17-inch aluminum wheel design. LTZ models get the firmer FE3 suspension as standard equipment. Three new colors are offered for ’08: Gold Mist Metallic, Mocha Bronze Metallic, and Slate Metallic. There's also a 50th-anniversary model that is essentially an LT with larger wheels, anti-lock brakes, performance suspension tuning, a few luxury touches, and anniversary badging.