- 2010
2008 Chevrolet Impala
- Used Chevrolet Impala
Chevrolet Impala - What the Auto Press Says
The 2008 Chevrolet Impala delivers a smooth ride and adequate engine performance, wrapped in a generously proportioned vehicle that seats up to six people. Handling is not on par with many other cars in its class and styling is generally considered bland and uninspired.
The 2008 Chevrolet Impala delivers competent engine options, impressive passenger and cargo versatility, and a simple well-designed interior cabin. However, unimpressive handling, emotionless exterior styling and the use of cheap interior materials detract from its overall appeal. The Impala, which is Chevy's best selling car, is available in five trim levels and three engine options, including a V8. The Detroit News notes that it "makes considerable strides in terms of performance, aesthetics and quality. But it's still far from perfect."
Because of the Impala's range of engine options, it's possible to buy one with good fuel economy for such a large car. As gas prices rise throughout 2008, V6-powered Impalas are increasingly reasonable investments for those who need a spacious vehicle.
Little has changed in the Impala for 2008. It is available in base LS trim, more powerful LT and LTZ models, and a performance-oriented SS edition. Chevrolet has added satellite radio as standard equipment on all trim levels. Stability control is now standard on all but the LS and LT trims, and the Impala's 3.9-liter V6 engine now accepts E85 ethanol. If you're considering the Impala, you might also want to look at the Toyota Avalon, or the affordable Hyundai Azera.
- "Six adults can fit in the Impala, but five would be happier, and four downright cheerful." -- Motor Trend
- +"For V-8 fans (and who isn't?) best news is the delightful new Impala SS, which returns legendary small-block Chevy power to the once-legendary Impala nameplate for the first time since last decade's huge, blimp-like rear-drive Impalas." -- BusinessWeek
- The Impala is "a car that seems to have a split personality. ... It wants to be a modern family car, but it also seems to reach back to the heyday of models that boasted powerful American steel. In the end, it parks itself squarely in the middle." -- Boston Globe
- "Not much to complain or get excited about. The Impala LS is what it is, good enough to make the Impala easily the best-selling American-branded car." -- Orlando Sentinel
- "It's a middle-of-the-road, no-nonsense sedan intended to meet the needs of families." -- Car and Driver
- "On the pavement, and in the cabin, the Impala stacks up pretty squarely against the Camry and Accord and other dominant sedans. Plus that lovely bench in the front lets it seat six, instead of a measly five! Now there's a selling point" -- U.S. News
Impala Performance - 6.3 (Mediocre)
The 2008 Chevy Impala is available with two different V6 engines, or with a 5.3-liter V8 putting out 303 horsepower. While reviewers find the V8 and the larger V6 competent, many warn against the weaker of the V6 choices. Handling is a weak point of the Impala. Car and Driver asserts that "steering inputs are... imprecise." Read More
Impala Exterior - 6.7 (Mediocre)
Reviews generally find nothing to praise and not much to complain about in the 2008 Impala's shape. Car and Driver says "its styling is inoffensive to the point of being nonexistent." The Impala underwent a slight update for this model year, but is essentially unchanged since 2000. Subtle differences differentiate the Impala's four trims. Read More
Impala Interior - 6.8 (Mediocre)
The automotive press considers the 2008 Impala's cabin versatile but bland. Reviews consistently complain about the use of cheap interior plastics. The Kansas City Star notes one unique feature that draws some buyers: "The Impala is one of the few cars available with a bench front seat. The optional 40/20/40 front seat isn't a bench in the traditional sense, but the center armrest of the middle section can be folded up to create a bench." Surprisingly for such a large car, many found the backseat cramped. Read More
Impala Safety - 7.8 (Good)
The 2008 Chevy Impala does well in government crash tests, earning five out of five stars for frontal and side impact protection. One knock against the Impala: Chevy makes several pieces of safety equipment optional, while many rivals carry them as standard equipment. Read More
Impala Reliability - 8.0 (Very Good)
The 2008 Chevrolet Impala reliability score shown is the Predicted Reliability rating provided by J.D. Power and Associates. This score is based on trending the past three years of historical initial quality and dependability data from J.D. Power's automotive studies, specifically the Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS) and the Initial Quality Study (IQS). Chevrolet offers a three-year/36,000 mile bumper-to-bumper warranty and five-year/100,000-mile powertrain coverage on the Impala. Read More
