2008 Chevrolet Impala Review
Car buyers in search of both practicality and performance may have found their ideal match within the 2008 Chevrolet Impala SS trim. Its low-riding design, spacious insides and quality performance make it pleasing to the senses.
Standard on the SS model is a 5.3L small black V8 engine with Active Fuel Management that can conjure up to 303 hp @ 5600 rpm and up to 323 lb.-ft. torque @ 4400 rpm. A heavy-duty four-speed automatic, electronically controlled transmission makes the handling on this machine that much smoother. Double the power of the engine and transmission with space for up to six passengers, cruise control, and instrumentation for optimal comfort, and you have yourself a useful automobile that suits everyone in the family.
You and the rest of your crew stay safe with dual-stage frontal airbags and head-curtain side-impact airbags on top of that. In crash tests performed by the NHTSA, the 2008 Chevrolet Impala passed with caliber. A StabiliTrack Electronic Stability Control System, Antilock brakes and traction control are all standard on the 2008 model. No worries about the safety of your passengers should burden you with this Impala.
The spacious interior also features the comforts of dual-zone, manual, front temperature controls to keep everyone in the ride satisfied. An abundance of vehicle instrumentation, electronic cruise control with set and resume speed and various other features mold this 2008 car into a superior full-size sedan.
After reaching the ripe old age of 40 I had still never owned a car that I really wanted. I had always bought a used auto and had gotten pretty good service out of GM products. When I was 16 (in 1984) I had a chance to buy a 1967 Chevy SS, but did not do it, my parents disapproved .In December of 2007 I got the wild-hair to get a Dodge Charger R/T, 5.7 Hemi, and its a sharp pony car don’t get me wrong. I was almost ready to sign my life away to Dodge when I stopped by my local Chevy dealer and they had a slightly used white 2008 Impala SS, and it was priced right. I drove it and forgot about the Charger and it $8,000-9,000 more price tag. I am a good sized man, 5′11” 235 lbs and I have plenty of room and enjoy the big size of the cabin, the SS also has a good jam system with XM radio. This car will flat out fly, have had it to 110 mph. The SS let me know (”I can go much faster”) but with speed and jack rabbit starts the miles per gallon go down. I average around town 18.5 - 20 mpg if I keep my foot out of it. and I have gotten 28.2 MPG on flat highway driving to Myrtle Beach. When the car is in 4 cylinder mode it sips fuel, so use your gauges for 4 cylinder mode, you cannot tell when it goes back and forth from 4-8 cylinders. I look forward to driving this car every day. Another thing, GM says the SS should use 93 oct gas, I have been using 87 oct gas in it since February 2008 and I can’t tell any difference in preformance. If you want to own a pony car before gas gets to be $10.00 a gallon Give the SS Impala a hard look. I looks great, rides great and is pretty good on gas. With the 5.3 V8 and that twin pipe exhaust it can’t be beat. This Chevy Pony car is built and priced right for the working man, and the wife can’t moan either, it’s a 4 door.
Rodney Williams
North Carolina