2008 Chevrolet Impala Full Review - Consumer Guide Automotive

The 2008 Chevrolet Impala is largely unchanged. This is the larger of Chevrolet's two midsize sedans, and it can seat up to six passengers. The similar 2-door Monte Carlo coupe has been discontinued. Impala comes in LS, LT, LTZ, and SS trims. LS and LT 3.5 models have a 211-hp 3.5-liter V6 engine. LT 3.9 and LTZ Impalas have a 233-hp 3.9-liter V6 that includes GM's Active Fuel Management cylinder deactivation system. Both V6 engines are capable of running on E85 ethanol-blended fuel. SS models have a 303-hp 5.3-liter V8 with Active Fuel Management. All Impalas have a 4-speed automatic transmission. Available safety features include ABS, traction control, antiskid system, and curtain side airbags. Other available features include leather upholstery and remote engine start. SS models have a sport suspension and specific trim.

Competition

Consumer Guide Automotive places each vehicle into one of 18 classes based on size, price, and market position. Midsize Cars represent the heart of the U.S. car market. Most are price-sensitive, conservatively designed, family oriented sedans and wagons.

Our Best Buys include Honda Accord and Kia Rondo. Our Recommended picks are the Ford Fusion, Hyundai Sonata, Kia Optima, Mazda 5, Mercury Milan, Nissan Altima, Saturn Aura, and Toyota Camry.

New or significantly redesigned models include the Chevrolet Malibu, Dodge Avenger, Honda Accord, and Mazda 5.

News

Sources say the current Impala will be replaced after model-year '09 by either a clean-sheet front-wheel-drive design or an equally fresh rear-drive model based on GM's new Zeta global platform. Zeta underpins the upcoming 2008 Pontiac G8, which seems to signal a rear-drive Impala with an optional V8. But if a front-driver does get the nod, it would likely use an enlarged version of the Epsilon II midsize-car platform that premieres with the redesigned 2008 Chevy Malibu.

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2008 Chevrolet Impala Road Test

Pros	Cons

Passenger and cargo room	Fuel Economy (V8)

Acceleration (V8)	Quietness

Ride

Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings

Acceleration

LT 3.5	LT 3.9	SS	Class Average
5	6	8	5.6

The 3.5 and 3.9-liter V6s provide similar acceleration in around-town driving, but the 3.9 has better passing response in the 35-55-mph range. The SS's V8 furnishes ample power at any speed. Using E85 ethanol, test models with the 3.5-liter engine showed no difference in acceleration.

Fuel Economy

LT 3.5	LT 3.9	SS	Class Average
6	5	5	5.6

In Consumer Guide testing, an LT 3.5 averaged 24.2 mpg on conventional gasoline in mostly highway driving.

Using E85, it averaged 16.9 mpg overall, 22.9 in mostly highway driving. An SS averaged 20.3 mpg in mostly highway driving. V6 Impalas use regular-grade gas. Chevy recommends premium for the V8.

Ride Quality

LT 3.5	LT 3.9	SS	Class Average
7	7	6	6

With the standard 16-inch tires, Impala LS and LT 3.5 models ride softly with noticeable float and wallow. The available 17s on the LT 3.9 temper much of the unwanted motion. Despite their sport suspension and 18-inch tires, Impala SS models are surprisingly smooth.

Steering/Handling/Braking

LT 3.5	LT 3.9	SS	Class Average
5	6	7	6

Any Impala is stable with good steering feel. The SS is particularly sharp, but none are overly agile. Stopping control is good, but Chevy should make ABS standard on all Impalas.

Quietness

LT 3.5	LT 3.9	SS	Class Average
6	6	6	6

Wind rush and tire roar both intrude slightly. In rapid acceleration, the V6s emit prominent growl. The V8 is subdued at cruise but has muscle-car rumble under throttle. One test Impala LT suffered from a few interior squeaks and rattles.

Controls

LT 3.5	LT 3.9	SS	Class Average
7	7	7	6.3

The gauges are clearly marked and easy to read. Large, clearly marked radio/climate controls have easy-grip rubberized surfaces and operate smoothly.

Details

LT 3.5	LT 3.9	SS	Class Average
4	4	4	5.5

Cabin materials are serviceable, but Impala trails most like-priced rivals for quality feel. Hard plastic expanses dominate the cabin, giving it a budget look and feel.

Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)

LT 3.5	LT 3.9	SS	Class Average
7	7	7	6.7

Headroom and legroom are adequate. With the available front bench, the seat bottom is too short for long-distance comfort. The narrow cabin limits three-abreast seating to short trips with smaller passengers. Decent visibility is compromised slightly by thick rear pillars.

Room/Comfort (rear)

LT 3.5	LT 3.9	SS	Class Average
5	5	5	5.1

Headroom is adequate, but legroom is tight for taller adults. Narrow door bottoms slightly impede entry and exit.

Cargo Room

LT 3.5	LT 3.9	SS	Class Average
4	4	4	4

Impala's trunk is roomy, with a usefully flat floor. The lid uses nonintrusive strut hinges, but an oddly shaped opening hampers loading bulky objects. Cabin storage is merely adequate.

Value within Class

LT 3.5	LT 3.9	SS	Class Average
6	6	6	6.2

Chevrolet's top-selling car is affordable, relatively roomy, and has competent road manners. But this sedan still feels dated compared with class leaders.

Total Score

LT 3.5	LT 3.9	SS	Class Average
62	63	65	63

Scores for all Midsize Cars

Low Score		48
Average Score		63
High Score		74

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2008 Chevrolet Impala Prices & Equipment

Model Prices

Prices Updated: 06/04/2008

Trim Name	Retail Price	Dealer Invoice	Destination Charge

LS 4-door sedan	$21,975	$20,766	$750

LT 3.5 4-door sedan	$22,675	$21,428	$750

LT 3.5 50th Anniversary Edition 4-door sedan	$25,245	$23,857	$750

LT 3.9 4-door sedan	$25,330	$23,987	$750

LTZ 4-door sedan	$27,650	$26,129	$750

SS 4-door sedan	$29,355	$27,740	$750

Pricing Key: Retail prices listed with each report are set by the vehicle's manufacturer. These figures appear on each car's federally mandated window sticker. Most price lists also include dealer-invoice prices. Dealer-invoice prices are what the dealer pays the manufacturer for the car and its factory-installed options. The destination charge is not included in the suggested-retail or dealer-invoice price and must be added to the cost of the vehicle. Car companies change prices frequently throughout the year. If the prices published do not match those on the vehicle's window sticker, the manufacturer has probably altered the price recently.

NA = price note available, NC = no charge.

Rebates and Incentives

There are no rebates or incentives at this time.

Consumer Guide®'s Rebates and Incentives represent a summary of national manufacturer programs available. Regional restrictions may apply, and offerings may vary by model. For a complete list of Rebate & Incentive programs click here.

Standard Equipment

Powertrain

Flex-fuel 3.5-liter V6 engine, 4-speed automatic transmission.

Safety

Dual front airbags, curtain side airbags, 4-wheel disc brakes, tire-pressure monitor, daytime running lights, emergency inside trunklid release.

Comfort and Convenience Features

Air conditioning, interior air filter, OnStar assistance system w/one-year service, tilt steering wheel, cruise control, cloth upholstery, front bucket seats, center console w/shifter, 6-way power driver seat w/lumbar adjustment, power mirrors, power windows, power door locks, remote keyless entry, AM/FM/CD/MP3 player, digital-media connection, satellite radio, tachometer, variable-intermittent wipers, rear defogger, automatic headlights.

Appearance and Miscellaneous

Theft-deterrent system, 225/60R16 tires, wheel covers.

LT 3.5 adds to LS:

Comfort and Convenience Features

Dual-zone manual climate controls, remote engine start, compass, outside-temperature indicator, floormats.

Appearance and Miscellaneous

Alloy wheels.

LT 3.5 50th Anniversary Edition adds to LT 3.5:

Powertrain

Traction control.

Safety

Antilock 4-wheel disc brakes.

Comfort and Convenience Features

Leather-wrapped steering wheel w/radio controls, leather upholstery, heated front seats, 8-way power driver seat, 6-way power passenger seat, folding rear seat, unique interior and exterior trim.

Appearance and Miscellaneous

Rear spoiler, Performance Suspension, 235/50WR18 tires.

LT 3.9 adds to LT 3.5:

Powertrain

3.9-liter V6 engine w/cylinder deactivation, traction control.

Safety

Antilock 4-wheel disc brakes, antiskid system.

Comfort and Convenience Features

Leather-wrapped steering wheel w/radio controls, folding rear seat, illuminated visor mirrors.

Appearance and Miscellaneous

Fog lights, rear spoiler, 225/55R17 tires.

LTZ adds to LT 3.9:

Comfort and Convenience Features

Leather upholstery, heated front seats, 8-way power driver seat, 6-way power passenger seat, heated power mirrors, Bose sound system, automatic day/night rearview mirror, universal garage door opener.

Appearance and Miscellaneous

Performance Suspension, 235/50R18 tires.

SS adds to LT 3.9:

Powertrain

5.3-liter V8 engine w/cylinder deactivation.

Comfort and Convenience Features

Leather upholstery, heated front seats, 8-way power driver seat, 6-way power passenger seat.

Appearance and Miscellaneous

Performance Suspension, 235/50WR18 tires.

Optional Equipment

Major Packages	Retail Price	Invoice Price
Luxury Edition Pkg.
LT 3.5	$2,570	$2,133
Traction control, antilock brakes, leather upholstery, heated front seats, leather-wrapped steering wheel w/radio controls, folding rear seat, rear spoiler.

Convenience Pkg.
SS	$240	$199
Heated power mirrors, automatic day/night rearview mirror, universal garage-door opener.

Safety
Antilock brakes
LS, LT 3.5	$600	$498
Includes traction control.

Comfort and Convenience Features
Power sunroof
LT 3.5, LT 3.5 50th Anniversary Edition, LT 3.9, LTZ, SS	$900	$747
LT, 50th Anniversary, SS require universal garage door opener. NA LS.

Front split bench seat
LS, LT	$195	$162
Includes column shifter.

Folding rear seat
LT 3.5	$295	$245


Cloth upholstery
SS (credit)	$-1,125	$-934
Deletes heated front seats, 6-way power passenger seat.

Leather upholstery
LT 3.9	$1,125	$934
Includes heated front seats, 6-way power passenger seat.

Woodgrain interior trim
SS	$0	$0


AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD/MP3 changer
LT 3.9, LTZ, SS	$295	$245


Bose sound system
LT 3.9, SS	$495	$411


Universal garage door opener
LT, 50th Anniversary, SS	$100	$83


Remote engine starting prep
LS	$30	$25


Floormats
LS	$100	$83


Appearance and Miscellaneous
Engine-block heater
LS, LT 3.5, LT 3.5 50th Anniversary Edition, LT 3.9, LTZ, SS	$75	$62


Rear spoiler
LT 3.5	$275	$225


Rear spoiler delete
LT 3.9, LTZ (credit)	$-175	$-145


Bodyside moldings
LS, LT 3.5, LT 3.5 50th Anniversary Edition, LT 3.9, LTZ, SS	$100	$83


Special paint
LT 3.5, LT 3.9, LTZ, SS	$295	$245
NA LS, 50th Anniversary.

Chrome alloy wheels
SS	$795	$660

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2008 Chevrolet Impala Specs & Safety

Vehicle Dimensions

Specification	Chevrolet Impala 4-door sedan

Wheelbase, in.	110.5

Overall Length, in.	200.4

Overall Width, in.	72.9

Overall Height, in.	58.7

Curb Weight, lbs.	3555

Cargo Volume, cu. ft.	18.6

Standard Payload, lbs.	--

Fuel Capacity, gals.	17.5

Seating Capacity	6

Front Head Room, in.	39.4

Max. Front Leg Room, in.	42.3

Rear Head Room, in.	37.8

Max. Rear Leg Room, in.	37.6

Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.

Engines

	ohv V6	ohv V6	ohv V8

Size, liters/cu. in.	3.5 /213	3.9 /231	5.3 /325

Horsepower @ rpm.	211 @ 5800	233 @ 5600	303 @ 5600

Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm.	214 @ 4000	240 @ 4000	323 @ 4000

Availability	Standard	Standard	Standard

EPA City / highway mpg

4-speed automatic	18/29	18/28	16/24

Engine Key: l/cu in. = liters/cubic inches; ohv = overhead valve; ohc = overhead camshaft; dohc = dual overhead camshaft; I = inline cylinders; H = horizonally opposed cylinders; V = cylinders in a V configuration; W = cylinders in a W configuration; rpm = revolutions per minute; CVT = continuously variable (automatic) transmission; NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.

Safety Features

Antilock Brakes

Traction Control

Antiskid System

Front Side Airbags

Curtain Side Airbags

Rear Side Airbags

NHTSA Crash-Test Results

Test	Chevrolet Impala 4-door sedan

Front Impact, Driver	5

Front Impact, Passenger	5

Rollover Resistance	4

Side Impact, Driver	5

Side Impact, Rear Passenger	4

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury: 5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Side-impact crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%; 1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%; 2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.

Manufacturer's Warranty

Class	Years/Miles	Comments

Powertrain	5/100,000	--

Bumper-to-bumper	3/36,000	--

Corrosion	6/100,000	--

Free roadside assistance	5/100,000	--

Free scheduled maintenance	None/--	--

Manufacturers may periodically offer additional coverage as a purchase incentive. There offers are not reflected on this chart. The federal government requires two other warranties. The Exhaust Emission Warranty covers corrosion-related parts for 2 years/24,000 miles, plus 8 years/80,000 miles on the catalytic converter and any on-board diagnostic device. The Passenger Restraint Warranty covers seat belts and airbags for 5 years/50,000 miles.

Built in: Canada

Drivewheels: front-wheel drive

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Also in the 2008 Chevrolet Impala Review:

Chevrolet Impala

Chevrolet Impala Road Test

Chevrolet Impala Prices & Equipment

Chevrolet Impala Specs & Safety

Chevrolet Impala Photos