After four years on the shelf, Chevrolet reintroduced it vaulted Impala name plate in model year 2000, this time as a front-drive, large family sedan.
2008 marks the 3rd year of the current iteration of body style as it carries over substantially unchanged from the 2007 model we recently test drove.
There are essentially 4 trim levels of the Impala: the LS, LT and LTZ, as well as the special edition SS model. In addition the LT trim comes as either an LT1 or LT2 which brings to the mix a 3.9 Liter engine, larger wheels, a spoiler and interior upgrades.
All models feature the same composite halogen headlight clusters up front, long hood and rising beltline terminating in a shortened rear truck profile.
Our Impala was an LT1, equipped with the 3.5 Liter 211 horse power V6 that can run on straight gasoline or the new E85 ethanol fuel. A four-speed, column-shifted automatic transmission comes standard on all but the SS model which gets a heavy-duty version of the same transmission.
The LT1 also comes with 4-wheel disc brakes with ABS and other braking technologies reserved for upper trim levels.
The EPA lists fuel consumption at 18 City/31 Highway using gasoline and 14 City/21 Highway when using E85.
The interior comfortably seats five adults and is trimmed with faux-wood on the doors, dash and center console. The trunk, which can best be described as cavernous, measures 18.6 cubic feet. Our test Impala came with a power adjustable driver's seat, AM/FM/CD/MP3 player with 6-speaker sound system and XM Satellite radio.
MSRP for the base LS model is $21,255...our test Impala started at $24,550 and the top of the line SS carries a sticker of $28,920. All are covered by a 3 year/36,000 mile warranty.
If you're considering a large sedan to carry your family and lots of cargo in the trunk the 08 Chevrolet Impala may be just what you're looking for.