Test Drive: 2008 Chevrolet Impala LTZ E85

[dindak]

Quick: which automobile manufacturer sells a large, front-wheel drive sedan with a V6 engine that features variable valve timing, the ability to seamlessly switch off three cylinders to improve fuel economy, and which runs on fuel containing up to 85% ethanol?

If you said Honda, you'd be close, but wrong - the Accord isn't currently E85 compatible (see the accompanying E85 sidebar). Believe it or not, the automaker responsible for producing that technological triple-threat would be Chevrolet, and those stats pertain to an Impala model that's built in Ontario at GM's Oshawa Assembly plant.


http://www.canadiandriver.com/articl...impala_e85.htm

[johnny smallblock]

The Impala is just a solid car. If I weren't buying an apartment, I'd be trying to get into one of those.

[dindak]

Originally Posted by johnny smallblock

The Impala is just a solid car. If I weren't buying an apartment, I'd be trying to get into one of those.

If I am ok financially, I may buy an LTZ in late summer / early fall but Malibu LTZ is tempting me also and I want to check out the G8. Impala is a solid car though, can't go wrong.

[GMCSonoma]

I know my Dad loves his 2008 Impala Flexfuel...he's waiting until his 1st oil service then he's switching to E85...

[osv_alero]

The Impala is even more compelling when buying used. As a new car, well . . . The depreciation is pretty steep.

[Dirk Wiggler]

ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz

[tgagneguam]

The Impala seems to do some things quite well. I just hope the next generation sees further improvements in those things it does well while simultaneously Welburn et al. manage to add just a little bit of pizzazz.

[Tequilujan]

Originally Posted by Dirk Wiggler

ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz

My sentiments exactlzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz

[5.3Avalanche]

Originally Posted by dindak

If you said Honda, you'd be close, but wrong - the Accord isn't currently E85 compatible (see the accompanying E85 sidebar).

Odd that this Canadian publication makes a big deal out of the E85 compatibility. There are only 3 stations in Canada and they're all in Ontario.

[1487]

My dad has a 2008. Its hot. Quiet, spacious, refined and a more sturdy interior than my Aura or the Camry. The 18" wheels are hot as well.

[mbukukanyau]

those zzzz cars are for the financially prudent. Who do not view commutting as an opportunity for glory..

[MCGARRETT]

It's a very good looking car, ZZZZZZZ all you want, it's bread and butter sedans and their profits that make the low volume stuff like the CTS V and ZR1 possible. Dream about the glory days all you want, yes there were 396 and 427 Impala SS available but the car that made Chevrolet money and that the majority of customers bought was closer to todays Impala that some might care to imagine, or "whats so exciting about a 4 door 283 2 barrel 2 speed Powerglide Impala sedan that they sold millions of through the 60's"

[logansowner]

Originally Posted by 5.3Avalanche

Odd that this Canadian publication makes a big deal out of the E85 compatibility. There are only 3 stations in Canada and they're all in Ontario.

He mentions it, hardly "making a big deal". There are no hydrogen stations here either, but that shouldn't stop development of the cars.

[tallpaul]

I have a 2008 ltz. love the car but the fuel mileage stinks.Hi way driving and around town doesnt meet
the mileage requirements that gm gives these w bodys. But i do like the better ride since the ltz has 18 inch tires.

[AndrewGS]

I'm renting a Flex-Fuel '08 Impala LT right now but the closest E85 pump to Greeneville, TN is in Knoxville, 80 miles away. A month or so ago I did run a rented '08 Impala LS on E85 for a tank and still averaged 24MPG in city and suburb driving.