2008 Chevrolet Impala Review
The Impala is a mid-size car whose current iteration debuted in 2000. The original Impala was released in 1958 and sparked the muscle car phenomenon. It ended its run in 1985. Unlike the original, the Impala is a moderately-powered family car, though the SS, launched in 2006, adds a small-block V8 along with a number of performance enhancements. The most recent and significant redesign of the Impala was in 2006 when more powerful engines and styling was updated.
The BuyingAdvice Team Says:
The 2008 Chevrolet Impala is a solid family car with above-average performance. However, it is not the top competitor in either of those categories. With the introduction of stability control and satellite radio this year, the Impala fills in some of its gaps as far as options. But things like anti-lock brakes, which should be standard at this price range, are only standard on the more upscale trims. To make matters worse, there are models that now offer better performance and more standard features than the base model, at the same price. On the other hand, when you move up into LTZ/SS trim levels, the Impala becomes a more full-featured competitor, though the price moves up as well.
What’s New For 2008:
What is the Predicted Reliability:
J.D. Power and scores are not available. Problems so far have included hard shifting, dead batteries, coolant leaks, squealing brakes, and vehicle noise. The first generation was recalled four times for inadequate seatbelts, fracturing airbag inflators, and loose bolts. Expect average reliability. The basic warranty lasts three years or 36,000 miles.
Analysis Of Safety Ratings And Features:
The Impala scored 5 stars in government frontal crash tests, and an average of 4.5 in side impact tests. The IIHS gives the Impala an “Acceptable” score for frontal impacts, “Good” in side impacts, and a mediocre “Marginal” for rear impacts. Full side curtain airbags and tire pressure monitoring are standard on all trims. Anti-lock brakes and traction control come standard with the 2LT, LTZ and SS. The 2LT, LTZ, and SS now feature standard stability control.
Pros and Cons:
Pros
+ Beefy engines
+ Stability control now available
+ Roomy
Cons
– Mediocre interior design
– Mushy handling (except the SS)
– Limited standard features on base trims
Head-To-Head Competition:
The Ford Fusion SE includes standard ABS and a CD changer for the same price. The Nissan Altima SE adds traction control, ABS, and 60 more hp, but costs almost $3,000 more. The Hyundai Sonata includes ABS, traction control, and 20 more hp at the same price.
What Others Are Saying:
“In short, this dog won’t hunt. Someone in GM’s marketing department should have had a word with the company’s engineers. Even a shade tree hot rodder knows an Impala SS requires strong styling, an upscale interior and a world class chassis. Rumor has it the next generation Impala will have a proper rear-wheel drive layout. Let’s hope so. “ – The Truth About Cars
“Contrary to what you’ve been reading on the internet these days, the General ain’t dead yet. Well, he ain’t stiff yet anyway. Some great new cars like the ‘2006 Impala are finally starting to come out of GM’s North American plants.” – About.com
“Our tester, the Impala SS sedan, is a super sport in most versions of the definition. The only caveat is that the Impala SS for 2006 is a front-wheel drive car, unlike the rear-wheel drive Impala SS of 1963. And while the older SS had a 425-horsepower engine, this year’s version “only” has 303 horses, but they are enough to propel the Impala into the illegal speed area quickly. Too quickly.” – The Family Car
Read more about the 2008 Chevrolet Impala at the Chevrolet manufacturer web site.
