The 2008 Chevrolet Impala spans a broad model range that includes the base LS, the mid-range LT, the loaded LTZ, and the high-performance SS.
Impala LS ($21,255) comes with a 211-hp 3.5-liter V6, a four-speed automatic transmission, cloth upholstery, a 40/20/40 front bench seat with six-way power for the driver, air conditioning, power windows, programmable power locks, AM/FM/CD/MP3 audio with six speakers, XM Satellite Radio, OnStar, cruise control with buttons on the tilting steering wheel, 16-inch steel wheels, and a tire-pressure monitor. Four-wheel-disc brakes are standard, also; anti-lock brakes (ABS) with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) and traction control are optional ($600). The clever flip-and-fold rear seats are available ($295); so is an engine block heater ($75). A flex-fuel version of the V6 can burn E85 ethanol; it's standard in most states, optional in others.
LT ($21,865) upgrades to dual-zone air conditioning, eight-way power adjustable driver's seat, dual exhausts, fog lights, 16-inch aluminum wheels, a compass, and more interior conveniences. The standard engine is still the 3.5-liter V6. Options include the complete LS list plus leather upholstery ($1125) on bench or bucket seats, a premium audio system ($295), eight-speaker Bose system ($495), sunroof ($900), universal garage door opener ($100), and rear spoiler ($275).
The LT Luxury Edition package ($2,070) includes leather trim, an upgraded OnStar with Directions and Connections and Turn-By-Turn Navigation, leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio and cruise controls, flip-and-fold rear seat, ABS/EBD with traction control, and a rear spoiler. The 2LT package ($2675) includes the 3.9-liter V6 with Active Fuel Management (formerly called Displacement on Demand) and 233 horsepower; as well as the premium audio system, leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio and cruise controls, flip-and-fold rear seat, ABS/EBD with traction control, rear spoiler, and 17-inch vented steel wheels with chrome wheel covers.
LTZ ($26,830) comes standard with the 3.9-liter V6 and, for 2008, the same FE3 performance suspension as the SS model (see below). ABS/EBD and traction control are also standard. Inside you'll find leather upholstery, heated seats with eight-way power, upgraded audio with eight speakers, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio and cruise controls. Standard wheels are now 18-inch five-spoke machined alloys wearing W-rated P235/50R18 performance tires.
The SS ($28,235) boasts a 303-hp all-aluminum 5.3-liter V8 designed specifically for front-wheel-drive applications. It also features Active Fuel Management and drives through a heavy-duty four-speed automatic. The SS comes with 18-inch chromed aluminum wheels, P235/50 W-rated performance tires, FE3 performance suspension, and leather-appointed bucket seats, although cloth-upholstered buckets are available for a credit ($1125).
Safety features that come standard on all Impalas include dual front smart air bags and side-curtain roof-mounted air bags for front- and rear-seat passengers. Anti-lock brakes (ABS) with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) and traction control are standard on 2LT, LTZ and SS, optional on LS and LT. StabiliTrak is offered for the first time on an Impala and is standard on 2LT, LTZ, and SS. A tire-pressure monitor is standard.