2008 Impala LTZ thoughts?
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With $4.00 gas I'd get one of the lower trim levels, with the no-cost Flex Fuel option on the more fuel efficient base engine. It's been a while since I checked out the trims, but I'm guessing the LTZ still has the 3900, but lost the AFM?
The 3.5LV6 is not going to feel weak. Unless you load up your car with 5 people every day, I'd stick with the lower engine.
You used to be able to get an LT2 optioned out pretty decently (3.9L used to start on the LT3, I think).
The 3.5LV6 is not going to feel weak. Unless you load up your car with 5 people every day, I'd stick with the lower engine.
You used to be able to get an LT2 optioned out pretty decently (3.9L used to start on the LT3, I think).
I have driven both the 3500 and 3900 engines and I felt the 3500 had adequate power, and the 3900 was a bit more robust. The 3900 does have flex fuel capability now, but the real question is the 233 HP needed when the base 3500 offers 211? The 3500 is also more fuel efficient, rated at 31 MPG on the highway. Trim level may be a bit nicer on the LTZ but I don't believe that much more justifying it's price.
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I still think, for the size of the car, the back seat is awful with little foot room and a cushion that's too low (I'm 6'-3" and regardless of what some say, am much more comfortable still in a Malibu rear even with the front seat all the way back), but otherwise it is a very solid, quiet, and competent sedan.
Materials and such inside, while not lavish, even say solid and refined. The W-body guts are prehistoric, but this car still uses them well aside from the packaging/space issues.
Also, as far as engine, the 2LT can be optioned up to have the 3.9L and it's standard on the LTZ. It has more grunt than the 3.9L but owner's have always seemed iffy--reading reviews--on its gas mileage. Especially those who had 3.8L cars before. It now also has AFM and runs on 3 or 6 cylinders, which generally works fine, but I've seen more complaints regarding vibration and weird sounds than the GM V8's with the system. I think that was part of why it wasn't on the 3.9L immediately, too, as engineering was having refinement issues with it for a while.
Despite being adverse to the Impala for so long, I have to say, looking at a freshly dropped off new Black Granite 50th Anniversary Edition a few weeks back actually had me wanting one. And that trim level is also what I would recommend. 2-tone leather interior and an outside that looks exactly like an SS with the SS wheels and lower trim, but then still the very efficient and spunky 3.5L under the hood instead of a V8. The LTZ adds very little to this, aside from the 3.9L, and I'd be sure to check out a 50th Anniversary one if you're looking.
Materials and such inside, while not lavish, even say solid and refined. The W-body guts are prehistoric, but this car still uses them well aside from the packaging/space issues.
Also, as far as engine, the 2LT can be optioned up to have the 3.9L and it's standard on the LTZ. It has more grunt than the 3.9L but owner's have always seemed iffy--reading reviews--on its gas mileage. Especially those who had 3.8L cars before. It now also has AFM and runs on 3 or 6 cylinders, which generally works fine, but I've seen more complaints regarding vibration and weird sounds than the GM V8's with the system. I think that was part of why it wasn't on the 3.9L immediately, too, as engineering was having refinement issues with it for a while.
Despite being adverse to the Impala for so long, I have to say, looking at a freshly dropped off new Black Granite 50th Anniversary Edition a few weeks back actually had me wanting one. And that trim level is also what I would recommend. 2-tone leather interior and an outside that looks exactly like an SS with the SS wheels and lower trim, but then still the very efficient and spunky 3.5L under the hood instead of a V8. The LTZ adds very little to this, aside from the 3.9L, and I'd be sure to check out a 50th Anniversary one if you're looking.
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The difference between the mileage on the 3.9 vs. 3.5 is not much and my commute to work is all of 8 minutes. LTZ also has the nicer wheels, fog lights, remote start etc. When you start adding options to a LT, you are getting into a base LTZ price.
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Rear seat is ok. Our kids will be the ones sitting there 95% of the time and it's more than enough. The 3.9L power is better.
Anniversary model is kind of nice, I have never seen one in real life. It's about the same price as an LTZ from what I hear.
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I have an '07 LTZ purchased in Dec of '06. Only option it came with was a 6 disc changer. So far it has been very reliable. The 3.9 does not feel as smooth as the 3800 IMO. The mileage is not as good as the 3800 even with AFM. Most of my driving is city. I'm getting 18.4 in city driving according to the DIC. Several roundtrips from Phoenix to So. Calif have returned a best of 28.1. The AFM is not noticeable. The only way I can tell is the DIC display.
As for the seats, they are a bit uncomfortable on long trips. They feel very hard on the old rear end. Perhaps the cloth seats are more cushy.
Overall, I am happy with the car. It serves it's purpose for me for now. If I have any complaints, it would be the bland styling...especially the front.
As for the seats, they are a bit uncomfortable on long trips. They feel very hard on the old rear end. Perhaps the cloth seats are more cushy.
Overall, I am happy with the car. It serves it's purpose for me for now. If I have any complaints, it would be the bland styling...especially the front.
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The 50th Anniversary model is essentially an LTZ minus the fog lights and 3.9L, plus 50th-specific side skirts, seat surfaces, some extra features, and SS wheels/tires. It also has the FE3 suspension. The black granite looks very nice also, IMHO.
I had an 04 Impala and while the refresh upgraded the materials on the 06+ Impalas I do think they took some of the character out of the exterior and it comes off a little bland.
But they did do a great job redesigning the Fisher Price interior that I had on my 04. I just wich they injected a little something more on the exterior.
But they did do a great job redesigning the Fisher Price interior that I had on my 04. I just wich they injected a little something more on the exterior.
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The 2008 LTZ has active fuel mangement and flex fuel as standard features. My average fuel consumption is approximately 12L/100km on mostly city streets, sans kids, although I do have a set a weights I carry around in my truck for my bootcamp class. Not smart, I know. I have had no realiability problems other than a small hairline crack in the windshield, so the dealership replaced my windshield without any questions. I have leather interior and find the seats confortable. The ride is smooth and quiet Drawbacks? I wish the back seats were larger. I would recommend getting the LTZ without the side panels. It gives a cleaner appearance IMO. I also had to order a special bike rack to mount our bikes on the back because of the rear spoiler. Overall I love the car, and think its great value for money. Good luck with your decision.
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Well, of course the 3.9 came to market without active fuel management (cylinder deactivation). It also uses the same transmission as the 2000-2005 Impala but with a 3.29 final drive ratio instead of the 3.05 final drive used with the 3.8 liter engine. That means that in many cases, where a 2000-2005 Impala with the 3.8 would be running at a specific RPM, the 2006+ Impala with the 3.9 would be running 8% higher RPMs. The Impala also got more or less 250 pounds of extra weight with the redesign - presumably in the better suspension and side curtain airbags.
Higher RPMs, more weight and 0.1 liters of extra displacement all add up.
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Is it only available in black? Not keen on black cars, always dirty.
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My test drive was only about 15-20 minutes but I didn't find the seats to be overly supportive so my feeling is a long trip could be a bit tiring. That said, overly supportive seats kind of bug me. I guess so long as they are similar to my Intrigue I will be ok.
What are the side panels?
Did you get the $1000 Eco Rebate on your car?
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I've got a '06 LTZ that has been a really nice car. It handles pretty decently and rides real nice. I average 22.4 mpg in mainly rural/city driving; we averaged 28-29 on a highway trip from VA to FL when we first got it. My only complaint would be the back seat; its too small for the size of the car. I'm 6'4" and there is no way I could sit back there for any length of time. The interior is worlds above the previous version, though.
Overall, its been a great car in the 26,000+ miles I've had it. No problems, no issues. If it weren't for the Camaro convertible coming, this may have been the first car I've driven the wheels off.
Overall, its been a great car in the 26,000+ miles I've had it. No problems, no issues. If it weren't for the Camaro convertible coming, this may have been the first car I've driven the wheels off.
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Just the side body moldings. I did get the rebate. The seats are firmer, but I like that, I guess it might be a personal choice. I have fallen asleep a few times (as a passenger ofcourse
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Yes, and as much as I was never hot on the Impala, while shopping I looked at a fresh Black Granite one and seriously considered it. The trimmings and features are terrific, especially with the SS look and suspension but the 3.5L for great power and the best economy.
The LTZ also is a great choice and with the full color palette, but I'd be sure to check out an Anniversary Edition one simultaneously.
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My wife and I purchased a new 2008 Impala LTZ - here is a link to the review I posted: http://www.gminsidenews.com/forums/f44/2008-impala-ltz-59286/
To answer your questions:
1. The seats are comfortable. My wife loves the heated seats option. The rear seat legroom is poor. The rear "flip and fold" seats do not work fully unless the front seat(s) are moved forward, from their most rearward position.
2. The initial quality of the new vehicle (special ordered) was poor. The air bag system malfunctioned with less than 1,000 miles on the vehicle (no accident or damage). It required that the wiring be repaired and the instrument cluster be reprogrammed according to a TSB and service instruction through GM technical.
3. The revised / lowered fuel mileage ratings for the 2008 LTZ (3.9 V-6 with active fuel management) are 18 city / 28 highway. We average 16.3 mpg in suburban driving, about 19.5 - 20.5 mpg with mostly highway / some city driving and have never gotten more than 25.1 mpg on the highway (70 mph, no a/c in use due to cooler weather). We use regular unleaded fuel, not E-85 ethanol (which lowers your MPG).
4. The car has a lot of content and is a quiet, comfortable car. GM took MANY shortcuts with the car and when you use / drive the vehicle, you realize how many small and convenience items were left out.
I have owned GM vehicles for 38 years. Good luck.
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