2008 Chevrolet Impala

The cabin is less inspiring. Edmunds calls the interior "functional and straightforward," with "all the visual pizzazz of The Wall Street Journal." Car and Driver says that the "overall look is pleasing enough, with a dark gray upper and lighter lower dash separated by faux wood, and the control layout is wonderfully simple and logical," but adds that "the featureless black plastic on the center stack and instrument cluster is almost insulting." Cars.com reports "nuance sandstone leather seating with French seams on the center cushions."

The SS's 5.3-liter V-8 makes 303 hp and transforms the Impala to a more sophisticated performance sedan--capable of reaching 60 mph in well under 6 seconds--with an ever-torquey character and responsiveness at any speed. The only downside is that torque steer (a pull to the side) can be an issue coming fast out of tight corners. In comparison to the larger V-6, the V-8 propelled the Impala SS from 0-60 in just 6.5 seconds, and ran the quarter-mile in 14.5 seconds, offering what Edmunds describes as "serious thrust." ConsumerGuide notes the "SS's V8 furnishes ample power at any speed."

"A four-speed automatic is standard on all Impalas," says Car and Driver, and Cars.com tells us it "works with all three engines." Edmunds notes, “All models employ front-wheel drive and a responsive four-speed automatic transmission.” Many competitors offer six-speed automatics in the class.

This Impala Chevrolet's 3.9-liter V-6 uses Chevrolet 2008 Active Fuel Management technology to shut down one bank of cylinders when coasting or cruising at freeway speeds, which "increases gas mileage by as much as 8 percent," according to Cars.com; the same technology shows up on the V-8 as well. ConsumerGuide tests find that "an LT 3.5 averaged 24.2 mpg on conventional gasoline in mostly highway driving," which drops significantly using E85. They also report that "an SS averaged 20.3 mpg in mostly highway driving." Edmunds cautions that though the SS “may be tempting to power-hungry buyers, be forewarned that sampling its formidable reserves quickly brings fuel mileage down to the high teens, with official 2008 EPA ratings of 16 city and 24 highway.”

The Impala's ride definitely skews toward comfort, but the tighter tuning of the SS model's FE3 suspension--and the FE1 suspension that's included with the 3.9-liter engine--brings crisp handling without much of a ride sacrifice. ConsumerGuide reports the Impala is "stable with good steering feel," especially the SS model, adding "stopping control is good." Edmunds feels the "cushy suspension hurts handling dynamics.” According to Car and Driver, "the Impala soaks up bumps well" when traveling in a straight line, but "once the road starts to wind, the Impala dips, leans, and squats as though the road were one big yoga mat." Kelley Blue Book notes "the top-level Impala SS has a suspension firm enough to encourage enthusiastic driving on curvier public roads." It’s a “forgettable driving experience” in all but the SS versions, Car and Driver concludes.

The vast room leads to a trunk that’s equally useful. Cars.com states "trunk space totals 18.6 cubic feet." ConsumerGuide reports that this Chevrolet 2008 model's "trunk is roomy, with a usefully flat floor," but "an oddly shaped opening hampers loading bulky objects"; in addition, they note, "cabin storage is merely adequate."

The wide-open spaces inside are styled and finished better than in the previous Impala, but the Chevy sedan still runs behind the class leaders. Car and Driver is not particularly impressed with the interior materials and assembly, especially when it comes to driver controls: "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." ConsumerGuide expresses similar sentiments: "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." Edmunds says "the Impala's interior is a huge improvement over its predecessor and a nice enough place to spend time, but competitors score higher style and quality points."

In both 2008 Chevrolet Impala V-6 models especially, the interior is quite hushed and well isolated from road noise. ConsumerGuide feels "wind rush and tire roar both intrude slightly... in rapid acceleration, the V6s emit prominent growl," while "the V8 is subdued at cruise but has muscle-car rumble under throttle."

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) was less impressed with this Chevrolet 2008 model. In frontal offset crash testing, the Impala was given an "acceptable" rating, while side impact ratings were "good."

All 2008 Chevrolet Impala models come with dual front and side-impact airbags, as well as tire-pressure monitoring and OnStar emergency monitoring services. Every one of these Chevrolet 2008 vehicles also includes front seat belt pre-tensioners and latch child-safety seat attachments for the backseats. Car and Driver reports that "airbags [and] tire-pressure monitoring [are] standard across the lineup," but anti-lock brakes are not. All-disc anti-lock brakes and traction and stability control are standard on the higher trim levels, but cost extra on the entry-level LS and 1LT models.

Kelley Blue Book reports "clever features, such as the auxiliary audio input jack, go a long way toward satisfying the kids on long trips." For those Impala Chevrolet passengers wishing to work on a laptop during extended road trips, Car and Driver reports that one will find "three power points" in the Impala Chevrolet cabin; "two are tucked out of sight at the base of the center stack in the bottom of a deep storage tray, and a third is in the center console, so you can power the cell-phone charger, the radar detector, and the iPod."

Options include anti-lock brakes for the base car, satellite radio, leather seats, a CD changer, and a sunroof.  "A new luxury package on 1LT trims combines popular options into one package," according to Cars.com; these include "leather-trimmed interior, antilock brakes, traction control, a rear spoiler and GM's OnStar communication system with Turn-By-Turn navigation." A DVD- or hard-drive-based navigation system is unavailable, as is Bluetooth connectivity, a panoramic sunroof, all-wheel drive, or some other features found in the class leaders.