2008 Chevrolet Impala Review: A Boring and Outdated Full Size Sedan

Zak on November 8, 2024

I have had my 08 impala ls for almost 5 years now. It is my first car and I have nothing but good things to say about it. When I first got it it had a hard shift from gears 1-2, I ignored it, it went away. I drove it for 6 months with ZERO OIL in the engine. Crazy lifter tick, I put oil in it, it’s fine. I’ve had major things break down (it’s old) and it still drove me home every single time. While this car does feature pretty bad electrical issues, it’s more than worth it to me. In my friend group my impala is known as the invincible . It is totaled with unibody, and subframe damage and it drives like nothing is wrong. I would absolutely recommend this car to anyone who needs a reliable car for cheap. I typically get 24 mpg city and surprisingly 40+ mpg highway. I know not every impala is the same but that’s more than enough for me to stick with this car for life. I’m serious when I say that too. To me, it is one of the best cars ever built. Also it’s massive! It is longer than my friends 2016 Subaru Outback. It has enough trunk space for dual 12 subs, and it’s full of tools, fishing gear, work stuff, snorkeling gear, and more crap. And yes, there is still room. The back seats are the most comfortable I’ve sat in and the front seats are pretty dang nice too. Weather your thinking about this as a starter car, or even an A to B car, it will not let you down. Long live the Impala.

Happy owner on September 28, 2024

I've had my 2008 Impala for 8 years. This is THE most reliable car I have ever owned. It has never put me down and at 16 years old I still have been out of state in it twice this year. Pulls great in the snow and 26 mpg freeway Now also Cold air!

Mr, Mcd. on December 16, 2022

Nothing but electrical issues, when temperatures reaches 27 degrees and the car sits overnight it will not start, reduced engine power, starting disabled, engine over heat, service theft deterrent system, dashes for MPG, average speed, no codes no check engine light, once the car starts runs fine. Time to trade it in and hang on someone else , I have always liked these cars but now I am done . Never had problems like this with carburetors and points

Dennis on August 21, 2022

The best car I have ever owned. Engine performance is outstanding, feels turbocharged. Easy to drive. 25mpg. I have the 6 passenger version and has been a huge benefit except when you prefer not to drive, but forced to, due to this feature. You drive, everyone fits! The trunk is huge! All suitcases fit. Changed Engine and Transmission oils regularly is a must. No problems. 1 easy fix key fob recall.

Jen Hans on April 20, 2021

Been good vehicle. The heat and air constant knocking noise is so annoying and expensive as well as difficult to get to in order to fix

Aca Calrighty on March 9, 2021

I wouldn't recommend this car to anyone! Not even my worst enemies in this entire world. I have spent nearly $20,000 on an 08 Impala just to keep it running. From control arms to sway bars, bushings, three sets of brakes, two sets of rotors, suspension casing, faulty electrical-everywhere in the car, three replacement shifting solenoids because the car wouldn't come out of park. Full lower half engine replacement, slipping transmission, key fob doesn't work to unlock the doors except periodically. this car is the biggest waste of money and unsafe thing I have ever driven on the xxxx road. The worst part about it is that Chevy knows all about the issues with this car, there's even recalls out but only if you drive a school bus or a cop car! f*** this car, f*** Chevy and f*** anybody who tries to say that this is a good deal. save yourself the massively excessive amount of service that's going to be needed to keep this piece of s*** on the road

IMPALA POR VIDA on December 11, 2020

Best car I ever own basic oil change and a new battery is the only thing Iv done in 2 year and still purrs and runs like a champ .

JoeyB on September 16, 2020

My 2008 Impala LT has 218k miles with no problems. It rides like a dream, has smooth power delivery and exceptional gas mileage. I drive it with a light foot and easily get over 30 mpg highway and average over 27 mpg overall. Everything works great. The interior is perfectly sized and comfortable. The trunk is huge and the gas filler is on the driver's side! I usually buy and prefer Ford and I've owned many cars, but this Impala is overall the best car I've owned and it's a pleasure to drive and easy and affordable to maintain.

Rado Runner on September 4, 2020

This car ran exceptionally strong and the transition from 4 to 8 active cylinders was seamless at any given time. Have both hands on the wheel when you stick it because it will break the tires loose at 60 mph. Lots of room and plenty of go for those long cross country trips. Don't pass one up if you can get it bought right.

DD in Lancaster S.C. on July 1, 2020

this car is roomy, the steering is extremely responsive,breaks will throw you through the windshield if not easy with them, a lot of get up and go with a powerful 350 v6 engine