Opinions about Chevy Impala?

[PiratesRock]

We looked at a 2008 Chevy Impala today, but won't make purchase until later this week. I wanted some opinions before I sign anything!!
What I liked was the gas milage (main reason I'm getting it). 29 mpg highway, and most of my driving is highway, like about 50 mph. It's fairly cute, spacious, and has a flip up back seat with some storage space under it.
Down side: I'm coming out of a fully loaded Chevy Tahoe... Sun roof, 4WD, 3rd row seating, etc, so I'm afraid I'll feel claustraphobic! Or like I'm sliding on my butt down Hwy 99!! I haven't owned or driven a "car" since 1994. We're not trading in the Tahoe, my DH is going to use it as a work truck since it has better gas milage than his current truck (Duramax Diesel) which WILL be available to me if I need it for hauling or towing.
Anyway, bring on the feedback people!!

Oh, and I'm not so much looking for any other car brand suggestions, just what you think about this particular car. Thanks!!

 

[fostrmom2mny]

Hi. Here was my experiance on downsizing. I drove a Ford Excursion for a couple of years. I drove daily both city and hwy miles. The price of gas went up the first time, and I bought a Ford Taurus. Huge savings on MPG. I really liked the difference in driving the smaller vehicle. A Taurus is smaller than an Impala. A collegue of mine drives an Impala, 2007, it has plenty of room. I had considered it for my next car, but have chosen a Nissan Altima for the gas MPG. It's interior is pretty much the same size as the Impala, but it get's a bit better gas mileage.
The Impala is a bit less in price, and the safety ratings is one of the best in it's class.

I really don't think that you'll feel closterphobic. Good luck.

 

[twinmommyks]

My dh is a manager at a Chevy dealership and has a company car which changes every few weeks. I asked him about this car and here's his opinion. Out of all the different Chevy model vehicles, the newer Impalas are his favorites. He says as far as a car goes, this is the most spacious Chevy model car you will find, gas mileage is great, and simply a great car for Chevy.

Since you are driving an SUV and changing to a car, this is probably the best car for you because of the space. Should you go with another model, you would have a smaller car and would feel like you are sliding down the highway.

Anyway, if you have any specific questions, just pm me. My dh would be willing to give you his "professional" opinion about the car. He's a manager in the service area of the dealership (not sales).

 

[PiratesRock]

Thanks! I liked the car, but just a little nervous! After a few stops at the gas pump I'll be feeling a LOT better, I think! That, and having a CLEAN car again!! It's been YEARS since I've had a really CLEAN car!! My girls are big enough to keep it nice now. Otherwise I'd just keep on driving my Tahoe. It's got 124,000 miles on it but still runs great!!

 

[Boo_Wazowski]

I drive a 2007 Impala several times per month with my job. It's a nice car; I notice the gas mileage is about 25 mpg; it's spacious, with good pickup. I would consider buying one for a personal car if needed.
But I'm used to driving 4-door sedans or smaller cars; not sure how it would compare to a Tahoe in the long run!

 

[dopeyfanatic]

My fil has one and he loves it. I've been in it and it has a good amount of room. You will be in shock for a while at how much smaller it is after driving an SUV, but it is nice inside. It has a good sized trunk too

 

[PiratesRock]

OK ya'll, now I'm getting excited!! New car!! Within my budget!!!! Woohoo!!

 

[DisnyMama]

After moving to TX in 2006, DS and I returned to CA for that X-mas. We flew into Burbank and I rented a 2007 Chevy Impala for 11 days and loved it. I drive a Saturn Vue at home. My Dsis has a Taurus and the seat room in the Impala vs the Taurus is uncompared. I have a wide bottom and the Impala was really roomy and lots of leg room for me. I haven't forgotten that car and will be seriously considering getting an Impala for my next vehicle.

 

[nepean]

We have two Impalas. If first bought a 2003 and now DH drives it. I drive a 2006 Impala. We have driven one or the other to DW every year since 2003 from Ottawa, Canada, which is 26 hours driving time. The mileage is terrific. It costs us $335.00 this past January including driving around Orlando quite a bit. We have had no problems except a power steering recall on the 06. I never plug it in when it is really cold -35+ and it always starts. GM has lots of accessories and we bought the roof rack for them and we have a roof bubble thingy for extra storage which we have used. This year we didn't and had lots of room inthe trunk. DD is 16 and the back seat if fine including a plug in cooler, laptop etc. Great car.

 

[sunlover13]

OP - If you are not using any GM points from a credit card, etc. and need a discount, PM me. I get a GM discount and can give 1 Supplier Discount to friends per month. I have not given anyone a March one. You can check out the pricing at gmfamilyfirst dot com. Click Supplier discount. It usually ends up being anywhere from 2,000 - 5,000 off depending on the vehicle. This has to be for a brand new GM vehicle and cannot be used with GM points from credit cards (I think). It can be used with whatever the current incentives. So, when you are ready to buy, PM me if you want to use the discount. If you don't find the website helpful, the dealer should be able to give you the discounted price too. Just make sure you say the GM Supplier discount, not the employee family one. That is different.

Good luck!

 

[aide4]

I have an Impala, and I love it!

 

[simonkodousek]

I love the Imapala! Granted, it is not a Mercedes, but it is larger and IMO drives better. They have been known for great MPG -- MIL's 2001 Impala gets around 25 MPG, and the newer ones are even better.

 

[estnh]

We looked at a 2008 Chevy Impala today, but won't make purchase until later this week. I wanted some opinions before I sign anything!!
What I liked was the gas milage (main reason I'm getting it). 29 mpg highway, and most of my driving is highway, like about 50 mph. It's fairly cute, spacious, and has a flip up back seat with some storage space under it.
Down side: I'm coming out of a fully loaded Chevy Tahoe... Sun roof, 4WD, 3rd row seating, etc, so I'm afraid I'll feel claustraphobic! Or like I'm sliding on my butt down Hwy 99!! I haven't owned or driven a "car" since 1994. We're not trading in the Tahoe, my DH is going to use it as a work truck since it has better gas milage than his current truck (Duramax Diesel) which WILL be available to me if I need it for hauling or towing.
Anyway, bring on the feedback people!!

Oh, and I'm not so much looking for any other car brand suggestions, just what you think about this particular car. Thanks!!

Got a 2008 Impala as a company car in November, and was pleasantly surprised by the roominess and comfort. I drive 75-80 miles a day, partly city and partly highway, and average about 26 MPG. It's been about four months and seven thousand miles, and no complaints or problems at all.

 

[wifeofjack]

I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE my 2001 Impala. I got it in November "00 as a birthday present from hubby. Actually, we picked it up on birthday and he says that was his gift to me.
It has 65,000 miles and is still going like a champion, excellent pick up on the highway, good gas milage around town, the ride is smooth as silk. I told the salesman that all I wanted in a new car was a big trunk, air and 4 doors, he guided me to one that had all the bells and whistles, I told him NO too much and too many gadgets, all I wanted was just a basic car. He looked around until he found my dream car, it does have a lot of extras, but the price was too good to pass up.
When it is time to replace this car, I will definately look at another Impala, you just can't beat the ride and the MPG is very good for a car that size.
Oh yes, we also have a Chevy Silverado 2500 that I drive at least once a week, what a treat! We use that just to tow our 5th wheel camper. I basically drive it just to say it has been driven. It does have a major drinking problem, can't seem to pass a gas station without wanting to stop in for a gallon or two, oops, I mean a gallon or 10!!!!

 

[my2boyzrock]

I have a 2000 Impala (we bought in July '99)-which is when they reintroduced them. It has over 120,000 miles on it and I am hoping to keep it for at least 2 more years. I love it, and knock on wood, have had no problems with it.

 

[ctjsowens]

We had a 2000 Impala that we traded in December of 2006. A great durable car!! We had the LS version that had the sunroof, heated seats and etc. Had 104,000 miles with no problems at all. Fun car to drive! The only problem with this car is resale value. By the looks of car sales right now its a problem with all cars. If I were in your shoes I would get on autotrader.com and locate one and you should be able to find many of them because they come a dime a dozen and you will save quite a few dollars over a new one because of someone else taking the depreciation hit. Regardless whether you want a new or used , just go get one and you wont be disappointed!

 

[momrek06]

My 25yo DS just bought a 2008 Impala Xmas week. He had a 2002 Trailblazer and the gas was killing him. He lives in CT, works in MA and attends college in RI...so he is all over New England.

He is BEYOND thrilled with his new car. He selected black. It is so sleek. With the amount of money we was going to be saving on gas, he selected the top model with all the bells and whistles....heated seats this winter here in N.E. has been awesome.

He has XM (or Sirius) with it. I believe first year is FREE. DS had NO issues downsizing at all. Ya, he was a tad bit blue trading in his TB but that faded quickly.

 

[MAGGIED]

We have an Impala and love it... I gave it to my DD when I bought a new car this year... I feel very happy about her having this car... it has over 120000 miles on it and is still running great

 

[PiratesRock]

Just to update you, I bought a 2008 Impalla today and I LOVE it!! My kids said the backseat was very comfortable - they want to sleep in it tonight!!

 

[simonkodousek]

Just to update you, I bought a 2008 Impalla today and I LOVE it!! My kids said the backseat was very comfortable - they want to sleep in it tonight!!

Congratulations!

Which colors did you end up choosing?