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2008 Chevrolet Impala Features Review

August 22, 2008

FEATURES | 6 out of 10

Expert Quotes:

XM satellite radio is standard on all Impalas
Car and Driver

audio and climate controls are intuitive and feel good
Edmunds

didn't expect to find an MP3 input jack in the Impala
Kelley Blue Book

The set of standard features in the 2008 Chevrolet Impala seems adequate, but don’t look long for high-tech gadgets—they’re not on any options list.

Four Impala trim levels are offered: LS, LT, LTZ, and SS. The base car has power features, air conditioning, tilt steering, a power driver seat, a CD player with an MP3-player input, and keyless entry, Edmunds reports. LT versions get remote start and dual-zone climate control, while the LTZ adds a tauter suspension, leather bucket seats, and a Bose audio system. The SS edition pick up a spoiler and special 18-inch wheels.

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.

Conclusion

The 2008 Chevrolet Impala is missing some of the latest features that draw buyers to cars like the Honda Accord and Nissan Altima.

FEATURES | 6 out of 10Expert Quotes:XM satellite radio is standard on all ImpalasCar and Driveraudio and climate controls are intuitive and feel goodEdmundsdidn't expect to find an MP3 input jack in the ImpalaKelley Blue Book The set of standard features in the 2008 Chevrolet Impala seems adequate, but don’t look long for high-tech gadgets—they’re not on any options list. Four Impala trim levels are offered: LS, LT, LTZ, and SS. The base car has power features, air conditioning, tilt steering, a power driver seat, a CD player with an MP3-player input, and keyless entry, Edmunds reports. LT versions get remote start and dual-zone climate control, while the LTZ adds a tauter suspension, leather bucket seats, and a Bose audio system. The SS edition pick up a spoiler and special 18-inch wheels. 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. ConclusionThe 2008 Chevrolet Impala is missing some of the latest features that draw buyers to cars like the Honda Accord and Nissan Altima.  2008 CHEVROLET IMPALA STYLING | [6 out of 10] Car and Driver: "anonymous styling" Cars.com: " sedans exhibit a distinct front-end look" Edmunds: "the Chrysler 300 and Dodge Charger are more...stylish" Kelley Blue Book: "a sleeker, more contemporary appearance" The 2008 ...

Read More of this Review:

  1. styling
  2. performance
  3. quality
  4. safety
  5. features

Other Choices:

The competition to the 2008 Chevrolet Impala follows a wide range of styles, but they're all very well-equipped models with spacious interiors. Among them, the Dodge Charger is the sportiest and most attention-getting, but its backseat is smaller, and with rear-wheel drive, it's arguably not as practical. The Charger R/T has a better-rounded performance-driving experience than the Impala SS, though. The Ford Five Hundred is the safety champion, with enviable crash-test results and Volvo-engineered platform, but like the V-6 Impala, it's not especially distinctive or fun to drive. Next to the rest of the models, the Impala doesn't particularly stand out for safety. The same goes for the Azera and Amanti, which have a lot of features for the money. The Avalon offers the most features in the class and especially impressive, rich materials inside.

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See the Chevrolet Impala in Other Years:

2010 | 2009 | 2008 | 2007 | 2006 | 2005 | 2004 | 2003 | 2002 | 2001 | 2000

Comments (2 total)

  1. By Jeanne #1, Posted: 8/27/2008

    owner

    My 2008 Impala is becoming the car of my nighmares. The wind noise is unbelievable. The dealer says we can send it to a body shop to have the doors adjusted. Should a new vehicle need to have the doors adjusted!!?? The door molding was coming off, how do they fix it, with double sided tape. The leather in the back of the drivers side seat buckled after owning the vehicle for one month. I think I need to find a better quality maker.

  2. By Larry #2, Posted: 6/4/2009

    I have owned my 2008 Impala LS for a year now and I couldnt be happier. I have the flex fuel and am getting in the mid to high 30's on thr HWY, and if its even slightly downhill its in the 40's or higher. The quality seems to be excellent. I have one complaint, and it is that I didnt buy the LT, LTZ, or SS. I really want the LT spoiler and will order one soon.

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