🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Chevrolet

Model:

Impala

Year:

2008

Generation:

Ninth Generation (2006-2013)

Platform:

W-body

👋 Introduction

Market Position:

Full-size sedan, positioned as a comfortable and spacious family car, often appealing to a broad demographic including fleet buyers and individuals seeking value.

Competitive Analysis:

Competed against other domestic and import full-size sedans such as the Ford Five Hundred/Taurus, Toyota Avalon, and models from Chrysler and Dodge.

Key Features:

Spacious interior, comfortable ride, available V8 engine, front-wheel drive (standard), optional all-wheel drive for certain engines, distinct styling for its era.

📋 Manual Details

Coverage Areas:

Introduction, Instrument Cluster, Entertainment Systems, Climate Controls, Lights, Driver Controls, Locks, Security, Seating, Safety Restraints, Driving, Customer Assistance, Reporting Safety Defects (U.S. Only), Cleaning, Maintenance, Specifications, Engine Compartment, Engine Oil, Battery, Fuel Information, Air Filter(s), Part Numbers, Refill Capacities, Lubricant Specifications, Accessories.

Estimated Page Count:

Approximately 300-400 pages (typical for a full owner's manual)

Manual Type:

Owner's Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Digital PDF Download

📖 Manual Coverage

Systems Covered:

Engine (operation, oil, filters), Fuel System, Electrical System (battery, lights), HVAC System, Audio/Infotainment, Powertrain Controls, Chassis Systems (brakes, steering), Restraint Systems (airbags, seatbelts), Locks and Security, Instrumentation and Gauges, Driver Controls.

Procedures Included:

Daily checks, fluid level checks and refills, tire pressure checks, basic cleaning, operation of vehicle features, lockout procedures, emergency procedures, basic troubleshooting guidance, safety feature explanations, maintenance item identification, accessory installation guidance.

Technical Depth:

Covers owner-level operation, maintenance, and basic troubleshooting. Does not include detailed diagnostic procedures or component-level repair instructions typically found in a service manual.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Format:

PDF

Required Software:

PDF Reader (e.g., Adobe Acrobat Reader, Foxit Reader)

Print Quality:

High-resolution, suitable for printing

Binding Type:

N/A (Digital Format)

Paper Type:

N/A (Digital Format)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Primary Engine Option 1:

3.5L V6 (GM 3500 LZ9)

3.5L V6 Horsepower:

211 hp @ 5400 rpm

3.5L V6 Torque:

225 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm

Secondary Engine Option 2:

3.9L V6 (GM 3800 LGD/LHF)

3.9L V6 Horsepower:

242 hp @ 5800 rpm (LGD) / 233 hp @ 5600 rpm (LHF)

3.9L V6 Torque:

242 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm (LGD) / 240 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm (LHF)

Optional Engine Option 3:

5.3L V8 (GM LS4 Vortec)

5.3L V8 Horsepower:

303 hp @ 5300 rpm

5.3L V8 Torque:

323 lb-ft @ 4400 rpm

Fuel Induction:

Sequential Fuel Injection (SFI)

Fuel Type:

Unleaded gasoline (87 octane recommended for V6, 91 octane recommended for V8)

🔧 Transmission

Standard Transmission:

4-speed automatic overdrive (4T65-E)

Optional Transmission:

All-Wheel Drive (AWD) with 4T65-E HD transmission (available with 3.9L V6 and 5.3L V8)

Transmission Features:

Driver Shift Control (manual shifting capability on some models), learning transmission logic.

📐 Dimensions

Length:

200.4 inches (5090 mm)

Width:

72.4 inches (1839 mm)

Height:

57.1 inches (1450 mm)

Wheelbase:

110.5 inches (2807 mm)

Front Track:

61.5 inches (1562 mm)

Rear Track:

61.5 inches (1562 mm)

Front Headroom:

39.6 inches (1006 mm)

Front Legroom:

45.5 inches (1156 mm)

Rear Headroom:

37.7 inches (958 mm)

Rear Legroom:

39.8 inches (1011 mm)

Cargo Volume:

15.9 cubic feet (450 liters)

Curb Weight Base:

3577 lbs (1623 kg) (3.5L V6 FWD)

Curb Weight Max:

4000+ lbs (1814+ kg) (5.3L V8 AWD)

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Frontal Driver 2008:

★★★★★ (5/5) - Excellent

NHTSA Frontal Passenger 2008:

★★★★★ (5/5) - Excellent

NHTSA Side Driver Front Door 2008:

★★★★★ (5/5) - Excellent

NHTSA Side Rear Passenger Door 2008:

★★★★☆ (4/5) - Good

NHTSA Side Συνολική 2008:

★★★★★ (5/5) - Excellent

IIHS Front Small Overlap 2008:

Good (for 2006-2013 model years tested by IIHS)

IIHS Side Impact 2008:

Good (for 2006-2013 model years tested by IIHS)

IIHS Rear Impact 2008:

Good (for 2006-2013 model years tested by IIHS)

Active Safety Features:

Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Traction Control System (TCS), available StabiliTrak electronic stability control (ESC) on some models, Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS).

Passive Safety Features:

Dual-stage front airbags, front side-impact airbags, front and rear head curtain airbags (on certain trims/optional), active head restraints (front seats), three-point seat belts with pretensioners and load limiters, LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren) system.

💡 Technology Features

Infotainment Systems:

Standard AM/FM stereo with CD player and auxiliary input. Optional premium audio systems, satellite radio capability, and touch-screen navigation systems on higher trims.

Driver Assistance Features:

Key driver assistance features include ABS, TCS, and available ESC/StabiliTrak. Parking assist sensors were also an option.

Connectivity Options:

Standard features include power windows, power door locks, remote keyless entry. Optional features might include Bluetooth connectivity (depending on trim and options package).

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 7,500 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first (using synthetic blend or synthetic oil). Refer to manual for specific monitoring system guidance.

Tire Rotation Interval:

Every 7,500 miles

Engine Air Filter Replacement:

Every 30,000 miles or as needed based on inspection/driving conditions.

Cabin Air Filter Replacement:

Every 15,000 miles or as needed.

Spark Plug Replacement V6:

100,000 miles (Long-life iridium)

Spark Plug Replacement V8:

100,000 miles (Long-life iridium)

Engine Oil Specification:

API SM or higher, SAE 5W-30 (synthetic or synthetic blend recommended)

Engine Oil Capacity 3.5L V6:

5.0 US quarts (4.7 liters)

Engine Oil Capacity 3.9L V6:

5.0 US quarts (4.7 liters)

Engine Oil Capacity 5.3L V8:

7.0 US quarts (6.6 liters)

Transmission Fluid Specification:

Dexron VI (for 4T65-E)

Coolant Specification:

GM P/N 12346290 or equivalent, silicate-free, long-life (blue) coolant

Brake Fluid Specification:

DOT 3

Common Issues V6:

Intake manifold gasket leaks (particularly on earlier 3800 series engines), occasional issues with fuel injectors, throttle body issues leading to rough idle.

Common Issues V8:

Active Fuel Management (AFM) system lifter issues (though less prevalent on 2008 than later models), exhaust manifold leaks, potential for oil leaks from valve covers.

Common Issues General:

Front suspension component wear (ball joints, control arm bushings), power steering pump leaks, minor electrical gremlins (e.g., faulty window regulators, interior light issues), AC system performance.

Engine Oil Filter P/N Example:

ACDelco PF46 or equivalent (verify for specific engine)

Air Filter P/N Example:

ACDelco A3124C or equivalent (verify for specific engine)

📚 Vehicle History

Brand Heritage:

Chevrolet, founded in 1911, is a cornerstone of General Motors, known for its wide range of vehicles from trucks to sports cars, with a long history of accessible and popular models.

Model Evolution:

The Impala has a storied history in the Chevrolet lineup, dating back to the late 1950s. The 2008 model represents the ninth generation, a significant redesign from the previous two generations, moving to the W-body platform and offering more modern styling and powertrains.

Production Years Ninth Gen:

2006-2013

Manufacturing Locations:

United States (primarily Oshawa Car Assembly, Oshawa, Ontario, Canada)

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Awards And Recognitions:

While specific awards for the 2008 model might be scarce, the Impala generally performed well in its segment for comfort and space, often cited for its value proposition. It has historically been a popular choice for law enforcement and government fleets, indicating reliability and practicality.