2008 Chevrolet Impala Review

What the reviewers like:
Many reviewers commend the 2008 Chevrolet Impala for its spacious interior and relatively economical price tag. Others note that the Impala is an energetic performer -- particularly when equipped with the V8 engine – and the Impala performs very well in crash testing.

What the reviewers don't like:
Auto critics say handling and braking for the 2008 Chevrolet Impala leave a lot to be desired, and also dislike the trade-off in fuel efficiency necessitated by the more powerful engines. Complaints about road noise and interior materials are also noted in some reviews.

2008 Chevrolet Impala review highlights

Most reviewers express mixed opinions regarding the 2008 Chevrolet Impala's design and performance. Cabin space appears to be a huge positive for most reviewers. Many appreciate the optional front bench seat (which provides space for six passengers rather than four or five), and say that the folding rear seat increases cargo volume dramatically. In spite of this, rear legroom isn't impressive, and many reviewers dislike the feel and appearance of the interior materials used for the Chevy Impala. Crash-test scores for the 2008 Impala are excellent, and the engine choices available are more powerful than many rival sedans. The most common complaint is sloppy handling; reviews say the suspension is soft and not a good matchup to the larger engines. Among large family sedans, reviewers generally prefer the 2008 Toyota Avalon (*est. $27,075 to $34,415) or the 2008 Chrysler 300 (*est. $24,495 to $33,815) instead.

The Chevrolet Impala is has been one of the best-selling sedans of the past several years, yet reviewer interest in this model is marginal – probably because the Impala's big numbers reflect heavy fleet sales rather than popularity with individuals. Still, we found fairly comprehensive reviews for the Impala from Motor Trend and Edmunds.com. While these weren't reflective of head-to-head road tests, the articles were well-balanced and detailed, with some informal comparison. Consumer Reports and Consumer Guide offer road-testing analysis against other vehicles or against the large-sedan segment as a whole, though Consumer Guide's non-narrative test results may be a little more difficult to read than those at Consumer Reports. Testers at AOL Autos give a brief write-up of the Impala with respect to its value, while Car and Driver reviews the SS version of the Chevrolet Impala family sedan from a more performance-oriented perspective.

Also see full report: Family Sedans

*In order of credibility (see our Ratings Criteria).

1. Consumer Reports
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2008 Chevrolet Impala Review
Editors of Consumer Reports

Consumer Reports tests close to every family sedan on the market, including the 2008 Chevy Impala. Along with the results of road-testing, editors include helpful reliability predictions based on reader surveys from prior model years. The analysis here covers reliability, ride quality, handling and safety.

2. Edmunds.com
2008 Chevrolet Impala Review
Editors of Edmunds.com

Edmunds.com editors evaluate the 2008 Chevy Impala on a number of measures, including safety, interior design and driving experience. They note that the Impala is a reasonably capable option in its class, but that it doesn't quite measure up to the segment leaders in terms of quality and refinement.

3. Consumer Guide.com
2008 Chevrolet Impala Review
Editors of ConsumerGuide.com
Mar. 11, 2008

Consumer Guide road-tests most of the top-selling vehicles in the U.S., ranking them against a class average. While Consumer Guide's test results are reported primarily in numerical format, their thorough nature and included value-based recommendations are helpful. The Chevy Impala ranks a bit below-average for its class, particularly in the areas of handling and interior fit and finish.

4. Motor Trend
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First Drive: 2006 Chevy Impala
Steven Cole Smith

Motor Trend's most in-depth single-car review for the Chevy Impala dates back to the 2006 model year, when the Impala underwent its most recent redesign. This review isn't comparative, but it provides ample coverage of the Impala's performance and design, with an emphasis on details that many car enthusiasts will appreciate.

5. AOL Autos
Great Sedans for $25K
Kevin Ransom
July 2007

This article proves a helpful resource for bargain hunters aiming for more amenities at a fixed and budget-friendly price. The 2007 Chevy Impala garners a mention thanks to its spacious interior and four available trims.

6. Car and Driver
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The Quickest Cars of 2007
Jared Holstein
Jan. 2007

Car and Driver compiled this 2007 list of the ten vehicles on the market with the fastest zero-to-60 clock time. The Chevy Impala SS places seventh here, but this review notes that speed isn't everything – at least where the Impala is concerned. Reviewer Jared Holstein comments that the Impala SS's powerful V8 and outdated chassis are mismatched.

Also see full report: Family Sedans