You wouldn't be far off if you guessed that the SS in the 2008 Chevrolet Impala SS stands for sports sedan. This full-size, front-wheel-drive car gets a power and performance boost. Riding on a stiffer performance suspension, the 2008 Impala SS hits 303 hp with a 5.3-liter, 16-valve V8 engine. The transmission is a heavy-duty version of the four-speed automatic, and the powertrain puts out 323 ft-lbs of torque at 4,000 RPM. Fuel economy slips to 16/24 mpg, but the V8 features Active Fuel Management, which cuts off half the cylinders when idle or at cruising speed. The SS also adds performance tires to the 18-inch alloy wheels.

Other than alloy interior accents that replace the wood in other trims, the 2008 Impala SS is much like the LTZ. An 8-way power driver's and 6-way power passenger seat highlight the power features, which include locks, windows, and mirrors; remote start; remote entry; and wheel-mounted cruise and audio controls for the CD/MP3 player with input jack and satellite radio. Heated leather seats and leather trim decorate the interior. Also standard are two front power outlets, a tachometer, a trip computer, intermittent wipers, a security system, and a temperature display and compass. Available options include an 8-speaker Bose system, 6-CD changer, a power sunroof with sunshade, heated mirrors, and a garage opener.

Rear seats split-fold 60/40 and come with a folding armrest. The front buckets can be replaced with a split-folding bench as well. The 18.6-cubic-foot trunk features a cargo net. A rear spoiler improves performance. Safety-wise, the 2008 Impala SS features all the standard equipment. Traction and stability control, 4-wheel disc and ABS brakes with electronic brakeforce distribution, dual front-side airbags with passenger deactivation, side curtain airbags for both rows, a tire monitor, and OnStar are all part of the package. At night, the automatic headlights with halogen lamps, auto-dimming rearview mirror, and foglights come in handy.