2008 Chevrolet Impala
Do we have any other 2008 Impala owners here?
I just bought the car a couple of weeks ago, I traded an SUV in on the car. One of my expections was that the Impala would get better gas mileage. So far I haven't been disapointed, I've been getting between 26 and 27 mpg on my daily round trip commute of 75 miles.
I just bought the car a couple of weeks ago, I traded an SUV in on the car. One of my expections was that the Impala would get better gas mileage. So far I haven't been disapointed, I've been getting between 26 and 27 mpg on my daily round trip commute of 75 miles.
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I am reasonbly satisfied with the car to date, it certainly rides and handles much better than the SUV I traded in.
Driving in circles to calibrate the compass is normal, in my experience. I can't speak to other makes but it has been a requirement in the cars I've owned.
What exactly is your issue? Is the compass not working at all or just seem to giving erroneous headings as you drive? Be sure to calibrate it in an area with no interference...preferrably a place with no light poles or away from buildings.
Mine works like a champ although I don't expect perfection. After all, it's only giving general heading not a specifice degree readout. Let us know how it works out for you.
Ron
I do need to check the headings.
Keep in mind that the calibration feature will eventually stop bugging you to calibrate and will eventually return to giving the general direction based on the calibration it could achieve through your routine driving. However, it wouldn't be fair to judge the system if you haven't taken the time to properly set it up. The recommended calibration only takes a minute or less (literally) and will then give you a much more accurate reading. The only real issue with doing it is that you make look a little silly driving in circles. The folks working in the establishment who's parking lot I used were looking at me funny through the windows. But, I just drove away afterwards so no harm done. :P
Good luck!
Ron
I am getting about 27 mpg for my 70 mile a day round trip commute which is mostly interstate highway driving through the city. Trafficwise some days are better that others. The worst mileage I have seen so far is about 23 mpg on stop and go in town driving. I am very happy with the gas mileage, this is one of the reasons I selected this particular car. I have the 3.5, 211 HP V-6 engine.
As for your '08 model, is it loud (like a rock hitting the windshield) or fairly minor? My guess is you're hearing the different components "creaking" against each other as the temperatures equalize. This is basically the same thing that was happening with the early '06s but the noise was louder due to metal rubbing against glass. I think it's just plastic on plastic in your case.
The ticking continues for as long as the heat and fan are on. If I switch the fan off the ticking stops. The ticking is not very loud but can become annoying (it can be heard over the radio) and is hard to locate but it comes from various locations in the dash.
I took a look at an 08 LTZ at the auto show. My big disappointment was rear seat room. The new Malibu was much better. Otherwise, it's on my shopping list.
this weekend and the airbags failed to deploy. Do any of you know any history of Impala's having
an airbag problem? Thx. Minnesota.
Everythings still running OK and haven't had any issues with the car yet. I'm still very happy with the car.
Is everyone else out there having good experiences with the 2008?
Basically, a 3.5L LT model dressed with special leather seats, badges, the SS suspension (that's what FE3 is) and larger wheels.
Here's one:
Previously, they were supposed to come with the wheels used on the LTZ, but these late '08 50th anniversary cars seem to have been built using SS wheels instead.
Thanks again,
Clark
I have had this vehicle for a few days and 1100 miles, an would like to offer the following impressions:
1) Fuel mileage - I'm observing the mid to upper twenties (computer provided figures, not mine), and the engine is arguably still not broken in. I expect this will rise. My observations include a spirited drive from Northern Ohio to Northern Michigan, and a dose of E85 thrown in.
2) Fit and Finish - The General did a good job on this one. Everything is tight, consistent, and has a quality feel. There are no squeaks or rattles yet, though I fully expect a few new-car bugs.
3) Design - Visibility is average. Control access and entry/egress are good. the trunk swallowed ALL of my professional equipment and there is still room left.
4) Ride/Handling - Competent, if not above average. It is not a sports car, and it feels better on our lousy roads.
5) Value - This vehicle is a teriffic value for the money. I look forward to a productive relationship and I will report back.
Jeff
Happy motoring with regular unleaded.
I have a similar problem with my compass. I live in the middle of zone 3 and 4 and so i calibrated for zone 4. I recently drove 100 miles south so i am definitely in zone 4 at this point and my compass worked perfectly.
I am haven't tried to set it to zone 3 yet, but will report back... do you think that you are in a weird calibration zone?
The sound can be downloaded clicking here (and is annoyingly loud).
Has anyone else noticed a high pitched whine happening occasionally with a pitch that varies with RPM?
My car had blown a high pressure line in the power steering system, which caused the fluid to start leaking out. There was a TSB for this, so the dealer performed the recommended procedure and it has been fine since (my car is just about to hit 30,000 miles). It is amazing that this may still be an issue in the '08's.
Check your power steering fluid and make sure it is at the correct level.
With regards to the wheels, the 16" wheels/tires will give you a floatier, softer ride. The 17" wheels/tires will reduce some of the float that you get with the 16" and will still be very comfortable. If you like a softer, floatier ride stick with the 16". If you want less float and a more controlled feeling ride then you may want to try for the 17". Keep in mind when it comes time for new tires, 17" tires tend to cost a little more than 16".
Which trim Impala did you get? It sounds as though the dealership may have given you a trim line that did not incorporate some of the things you wanted. For example, for 2008 Chevy made the 17-inch wheels standard on the 2LT model only. LS and 1LT models come with 16-inch wheels. LTZ and SS both got 18" wheels standard in 2008. 17" wheels are available for the LS and 1LT as dealer installed accessories. The factory head-unit that includes the CD changer is optional only on 2LT, LTZ, and SS models.
So in order get you the 17" wheels and the CD changer, the dealer should have steered you towards a 2LT. The 17" wheels would have been standard and the CD changer in the head unit would have been optional.
It sounds like you were sold either an LS or a 1LT. That being the case, the dealer should have been able to honor your request for 17" wheels by ordering and installing the 17" GM accessory wheels and tires for the Impala through the parts department. This, however, would have easily added another $1500 to the price of the car. They could have also ordered the upgraded head-unit with the CD changer in it. Again, this would have been $500 or so. So the options you were looking to do would have added at least $2000 to the price of the LS or 1LT. At that point, you would have been better off going with the 2LT. The 2LT would have given you the 3.9L V6, standard 17" wheels, standard ABS/traction control, and the ability to add the factory CD changer for an additional $300.00.
Not sure what recourse you have at this point. GM Accessories is your best bet for 17" wheels. Your other option is to check eBay and look for some OEM take-offs. Many times you can find complete factory tire/wheel sets there for less than $1K (for example: http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/17-CHEVY-IMPALA-MONTE-CARLO-OEM-WHEELS-RIMS-193B8- _W0QQcmdZViewItemQQcategoryZ66483QQihZ025QQitemZ380048034721QQrdZ1QQsspagenameZW- DVW).
The CD changer you have did give you a solution although it is not the most convenient or best solution from a sound quality standpoint. If they used the option where the sound is patched directly into the FM antenna then that is better than if it is using a basic FM transmitter.
Unfortunately, most dealerships are franchised so GM has little power to intervene on the sales side. They will, however, have a little more pull with dealers when it comes to service issues. It is not that they do not care, they simply have no control over the dealer and their sales practices.
It is not just GM dealers that make empty promises. I had an experience with a Nissan dealer a few years ago where they told me in writing they would sell me an Altima for a certain price and then changed their mind when I got there the next day. I sat there for 3 hours while they "ran the numbers" again despite what they agreed to the previous afternoon. I ran away from that place and never looked back.
The Impala represents great value for the money. There is very little else on the market that offers the features and comfort for a similar price. The 3.5L V6 is a great engine, and will easily get 28-30mpg on the highway. The car is easy to drive, very comfortable, and very reliable. Put the initial sales experience behind you and enjoy your new car for the next three years...it will go by faster than you think
"The two-way remote start system, or the Advanced Remote Start System (ARSS), is a new technology that has a convenient display screen that shows the vehicle’s current status (locked or remote-start engaged, for instance) and critical vehicle data, including tire air pressure, fuel level, odometer and theft alarm status. This key fob offers greater operating range than the factory keyless entry system, and can control a second ARSS.
This dealer-installed option is available on some Chevrolet models, like the Avalanche and the Silverado, but unfortunately is not yet available for 2008 Chevrolet Impala. There are no bulletins as to when this would be available or if it would be available for the 2008 or the 2009 Impala. Furthermore, a check with two (2) authorized Chevrolet dealerships also produced negative replies. "
Does anyone have any knowledge of this toy? The extended range for the remote start would be nice.
By the way, the ticking noise in the dash has gone away. I've done 15,000 miles since October 07 and have been very satisfied with the Impala.
The ticking in the dash has been an issue since the 2006 redesign. My 2006 makes the noise as well. There was a "fix" issued for the 2006 model year and I can only guess that the fix for later years is similar. There is a dash piece that rests against the base of the windshield. It is the piece that goes over the defroster vents and the auto-headlight sensor. It is attached underneath with clips. As the temperature changes (either A/C blowing, heat blowing, sitting in the heat and then turning on the A/C, sitting in the cold and then turning on the heat, etc.) that piece is prone to flexing and making noise until it gets closer to the ambient temp in the car. Frankly, I am shocked that the problem may still be present in 2008 cars. I looked at a 2008 Impala recently, and that dash piece was much better installed than my '06. In my '06 if I simply press down on that piece it sounds brittle and as if it could crack easily. On the '08 I sat in, the piece seemed just as solid as the rest of the dash when I pressed down on it.
The fix on '06 models was to remove that piece, place "anti-itch" tape over the clips, and then reinstall. In order to do that, the dealer needs to remove the entire upper dash. I elected to NOT have the fix done and have learned to live with the noise for the past couple years and 30,000 miles. There are days where it bothers me, and other days where I just don't care about it. However, past experience with cars and rattles/noises has shown me that dealers tend to make matters worse when working on such things. What the service man told you is true, and his answer was a nice way of telling you that they could investigate the problem but could end up creating problems in the process. His response is not an uncommon one when it comes to rattles and other noises in the dash.
If this isn't the source of your problem, I also had a ticking in the dash coming from the glovebox door. I fixed that myself by opening the door and spraying the latch mechanism with white lithium grease. Seems to have helped considerably.
At the end of the day, it comes down to how offensive the noise is to you and if you want to take the risk in having the dealer tear it apart to fix it. If the noise is a distraction to you when driving, or literally driving you crazy (some noises will after time), it may be worth it to have the dealer give it a shot. However understand that when you get it back there may be new noises, or even sime minor scratches on some of the dash pieces if the dealer didn't take care when repairing and re-assembling.
"The two-way remote start system, or the Advanced Remote Start System (ARSS), is a new technology that has a convenient display screen that shows the vehicle’s current status (locked or remote-start engaged, for instance) and critical vehicle data, including tire air pressure, fuel level, odometer and theft alarm status. This key fob offers greater operating range than the factory keyless entry system, and can control a second ARSS.
This dealer-installed option is available on some Chevrolet models, like the Avalanche and the Silverado, but unfortunately is not yet available for 2008 Chevrolet Impala. There are no bulletins as to when this would be available or if it would be available for the 2008 or the 2009 Impala. Furthermore, a check with two (2) authorized Chevrolet dealerships also produced negative replies. "
Does anyone have any knowledge of this toy? The extended range for the remote start would be nice."
I have seen this system demonstrated on a Silverado. It is nothing more than a fancy keyfob with an extended range remote keyless entry system. In the test I watched, the demonstrator was able to start the Silverado at a range of 1/4 mile (1280 feet), The fob itself has an LCD screen and a small stubby antenna on it and visually displays the information listed in your post. It is like having a Driver Information Center on your fob.
Honestly, I am not quite sure the purpose of such a toy. The benefit of having things like fuel level and tire pressures on the fob escapes me. I can see theft system status, and maybe odometer reading, but the other data seems superfluous. The demonstration I saw made the point that it is a toy more for bragging rights and for people that love new gadgets.
The added range is nice but does anyone really need to be able to start their car from 1/4 mile away? I find the 200-300 ft range I have now to be just fine for starting the car from in the house on very hot/very cold mornings, or for starting the car in a parking lot as I approach it.
There are even some zones in this area now where drivers are not permitted to idle their cars...they call them "idle-free zones". Anyone caught leaving their car idling while unattended can be fined...and the signs in the "idle-free zones" encourage motorists to report all instances. Whenever I see these signs, I have to remember not to remote start.
If you like toys, and it ever gets offered on the Impala, go for it. If I recall, total cost to have installed on the Silverado (parts and labor) was between $300 and $400.
I want to know if you can fold down only one of the backs so that someone can still sit in the back seat but have more room for storage with one of the seats folded down?
Thanks.
You can also flip up just one seat bottom, or you can flip up both seat bottoms.
Once they remove the pieces they need to, or the whole dash if necessary :surprise: , they do not have the luxury of reinserting it as a complete unit. It has to go back in piece by piece. This means the chance to miss some clips, fasteners, or simple "manhandling" increases exponentially.
Electronic shops are simply removing trim bezels, door panels, or interior pillar covers. Those pieces are very quick and easy to snap in and out with little chance for issues. The need for them to completely remove an entire dash is slim.
Whenever I have inquired with a dealer, regardless of brand, about investigating any kind of dash rattle or squeak they have always told me they would be happy to. They have also all told me they could not guarantee that more noises would be created in the process. VW, Ford, Chrysler, Chevy, Pontiac, etc. They all said the same thing.
Thanks a lot
i liked it a lot. my regular driver is an awd fusion.
the impala was quiet(engine and tires), handled uneven pavement very well, and shifted smoothly.
the interior was much improved over the last one i drove, 2002.
seats were comfortable for me, stereo was very good. i liked the dash lighting.
the steering was very firm, which i like, but parking it was difficult.
is the steering effort supposed to change with speed?
the tires were 'integrity', which i think is a goodyear.
maybe the dealer will swap them out for you.
also, try checking the tire pressure.
The Integrity's on my '06 Impala were done at 26K miles. I got rid of them and replaced them with General Altimax RT touring tires. The difference was like night and day. The Generals are quiet and ride very well. I have 6,000 miles on the Generals now and they continue to outshine the original Goodyears.
If you think the Goodyears are noisy, you should have heard the Pirelli P6 Four Seasons that came on my parents '07 Mercury Montego Premier. They were so loud it was almost dizzying. They dumped those at 20K miles and replaced them with Cooper CS4 Touring tires. The noise level was immediately reduced.
You will get used to the dash noise. I have been living with it for 27months/32K miles now and barely notice it anymore. However, now that the car is "older", I am trying to learn to live with all of the new rattles that are showing up in the dash, doors, windows, and suspension. It is really kind of depressing that these cars are not built to a higher standard. I have started casually shopping for a replacement vehicle, but not sure I want to deal with the hassle that goes along with car shopping. Having traded/purchased almost a dozen new cars in my life so far, it just gets really old and is not enjoyable.
My Impala goes in this week for a long list of things to be looked at. Hopefully the dealer will resolve them and make life with the Impala a little more enjoyable for the time being...although I am not excited about having to sink any money into a car with only 32K miles on it (front brake pads, four-wheel alignment, etc.) The warped front brake rotors and my steering issue, which I believe to be the infamous Intermediate Steering Shaft debacle, should be covered under warranty.
If I end up keeping the car, then before it hits 36K miles I need to get it in to have the popping seatback on the front passenger seat (for which GM has issued a service bulletin) fixed and the peeling exterior pillar trim pieces replaced under warranty. Plus, whatever else would crop up in the next 4,000 miles :mad:
As much as I am a GM fan, I will admit that the vehicles I am currently researching are not GM products. One vehicle is a domestic brand, the other 2 are import brands.
I find it to be more than adequate. I can easily spin the front wheels on dry and wet roads (my '06 does not have traction control...didn't want it).
The engine is quiet when cruising, and only makes itself known under heavy acceleration. Oh! Make sure you test it with the A/C engaged. The 3.5L does bog down slightly with the A/C on. Also, if you drive up hills regularly (or through mountain passes), make sure you test it on an uphill climb to make sure you would be happy.
I have also owned cars in the past with the 3.8L V6, and find the 3.5L to be a close match...although the 3.8L has a litttle more low-end "grunt".
From what I have read, and based on my personal experience, Impala owners tend to replace the Integrity tires around the 30K mile mark. That seems to be the point where their wet weather handling and ride/noise become intolerable. At 26K miles, I simply could not live with them anymore. They would have passed state inspection for another year, but my safety and sanity was more important than the price of the replacements. Don't be surprised if you need to put at least 2 new tires on your lease car before you give it back.