2003 Buick Regal Review and Specs

Summary

What Edmunds.com says

The Regal is ready for a full makeover. But for now, it still provides just enough feature content to attract buyers with its relatively affordable price.

Pros

Powerful supercharged V6 in GS, spacious interior, clean styling.

Cons

Dull image, dated interior design.

What's New for 2003

Many features that were on the standard equipment list for 2002 have been deemed optional, or deleted altogether, for the 2003 model. Deleted items are speed variable power-assisted steering, which is being downgraded to a nonspeed dependent system, and heated outside rearview mirrors. Side-impact airbags are now optional instead of standard (and continue to be available with leather seating surfaces only), as is a rear split-folding seat. Safety also comes with a separate price tag, as antilock brakes and traction control are now options on the lower Regal LS, but together with a tire inflation monitor, remain standard on the more upscale GS model.

On the upside, all Regals receive an improved starter for cold weather cranking, and a new impact-absorbent headliner, plus two new packages to help Regal buyers group options for a better price. The new Luxury Package includes dual-zone climate control, illuminated visor mirrors, auto-dimming inside and outside rearview mirrors, AM/FM stereo with both cassette and CD player and steering wheel-mounted audio controls. The simpler Leather and Wheel Package includes leather seats, a split-folding rear seat and 15-inch aluminum wheels.

Consumer Ratings & Reviews

03 Regal Chrome/Aluminum Wheels

Written by: Flash on 09/30/2009

Detailed Ratings

Overall Rating


Performance:	10	Fun-to-Drive:	10	Build Quality:	10
Comfort:	10	Interior Design:	10	Reliability:	9
Fuel Economy:	9	Exterior Design:	9

Vehicle

2003 Buick Regal GS 4dr Sedan (3.8L 6cyl S/C 4A)

Review

I love my Regal with two exceptions. Recently discovered that the $250.00 16" Chrome over Aluminum Wheels have corroded leading to separation between the Chrome and the Aluminum. This resulted in my new Michelin tires not sealing to the rim. In addition the headlight dimmer switch, buried in the stalk on the steering wheel failed. Discovered that there is no relay, so failure is expected. Most other cars in the world use a replaceable relay for high current use. Very bad design!

Favorite Features

Otherwise I love my Buick! It routinely delivers 28+ mpg on cruise at 70+ mph. The supercharger is impressive too! The heated seats, dual zone, and sound system are favorites with my wife.

Suggested Improvements

Do not use Chrome/Aluminum in high salt environments. Use a headlight relay switch. I'd pay the extra $0.50!

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03 Regal LS AT

Written by: ArizonaBoy on 07/26/2009


Performance:	9	Fun-to-Drive:	10	Build Quality:	10
Comfort:	10	Interior Design:	10	Reliability:	10
Fuel Economy:	10	Exterior Design:	10

2003 Buick Regal LS 4dr Sedan (3.8L 6cyl 4A)

I bought this car about 8 months ago, and it had 49k miles on it. Now it's got 61k, with no problems. Well, no problems other than the window regulator that I replaced. But that was cheap and easy. Kinda like my first wife. I love this car. The seats are quite possibly the most comfortable that I've ever sat upon. Leather interior is very nice looking and very sturdy. The mileage for this powerful 3.8L V6 is amazing. I drive mostly on the highway, and I've been getting 29.1 mpg. My wife's 07 Altima 2.5L 4cyl gets the same. I'd rather drive my 03 Regal than the 07 Altima (and it's loaded!). I'd buy it again!

Comfortable Seats, roominess. Quiet interior, comfortable ride. Huge trunk.

Better cup holder.

Exceptional reliability

Written by: Species8472 on 12/20/2008


Performance:	10	Fun-to-Drive:	9	Build Quality:	10
Comfort:	10	Interior Design:	9	Reliability:	10
Fuel Economy:	7	Exterior Design:	9

I've had this car for 5.5 years. I have not had a single problem with it since my purchase. In comparison, my wife drives a Lexus 330 RX 2004. We've had numerous problems and it has been a far less reliable car. I highly recommend the Buick Regal 2003.

Great nighttime display

Best year for this model car

Written by: steven on 06/29/2008


Performance:	10	Fun-to-Drive:	9	Build Quality:	10
Comfort:	10	Interior Design:	10	Reliability:	10
Fuel Economy:	10	Exterior Design:	10

I have owned two other Buick Regals, a 2001 and 1999 which was recently totaled. Both were good cars. I got over 300k on the 2001 before it got too expensive to keep up. This newly acquired 2003 model is just like new! The first week I had the car I drove to Charleston, SC from Anderson, SC. I got outstanding gas mileage. I had 2 other passengers plus luggage so we were not running on little weight here. Also had the air on all the time. I couldn't believe it! We got 35 mpg! Best ever in a Regal LS. The other Buick's I'd owned got around 27 mpg which was doing OK I thought. I was just blown away with the nice ride this 2003 model has. According to CR this model is the best.

Cruise control, on the steering wheel audio controls, powered driver's seat, plenty of room.

None

A used Buick

Written by: Jim on 06/25/2008


Performance:	10	Fun-to-Drive:	10	Build Quality:	10
Comfort:	10	Interior Design:	10	Reliability:	9
Fuel Economy:	9	Exterior Design:	9

Purchased 1 1/2 ago with 68 K miles. Solid (hey, it's a Buick). Quiet. Great ride. Great acceleration. 24 mpg city, 31.8 hwy when car had over 80 K miles. Outstanding for the 3800 engine. Back passenger window has a short. Has to replace the corroded power steering line for about $130.

MPG for this engine. Smooth ride. Quietness. Lack of repairs.

None, and I can be very critical!

2003 Buick Regal Consumer Ratings & Reviews