2003 Chevrolet Impala Review
Fuel Economy
20 - 22 mpg
Summary
What Edmunds.com says
It might be called the Impala, but this disappointing front-wheel-drive family sedan has little in common with the V8-powered rear-wheel drive models of the past. Skip it in favor of the more refined offerings from Ford, Chrysler and Toyota.
Pros
Six-passenger seating availability, good crash test scores, torquey V6 engines.
Cons
Vague steering, soggy suspension, low-buck interior.
What's New for 2003
There are only minor upgrades in store for the 2003 Impala. New options include a side airbag for the driver and XM Satellite Radio. Remote keyless entry is now standard and four new exterior colors are available. Both base and LS models get new wheel designs.
Consumer Ratings & Reviews
Best Car I've Owned
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 10 | Fun-to-Drive: | 10 | Build Quality: | 10 |
| Comfort: | 10 | Interior Design: | 10 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 10 | Exterior Design: | 10 | ||
Vehicle
2003 Chevrolet Impala LS 4dr Sedan (3.8L 6cyl 4A)
Review
So far I love this car. I had purchased a 2005 Chevy Malibu Classic in July but wasn't satisfied with the feel of the engine so I traded it in for a car I was more comfortable with driving. This is the third car I have owned and fifth one I've drove and by far it is the best. The only thing wrong so far is when I first bought the car i couldn't fill my car with gas no matter how full or empty my tank was without it activating the automatic shutoff, but the dealership repaired that for free.
Favorite Features
Mobility is my favorite feature, this car handles way better than my previous cars. Also the 3800 Series II engine is a plus, I believe this is the best engine GM has ever built.
Suggested Improvements
Doesn't need any improvements
Love my Impala
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 9 | Fun-to-Drive: | 8 | Build Quality: | 8 |
| Comfort: | 9 | Interior Design: | 8 | Reliability: | 9 |
| Fuel Economy: | 9 | Exterior Design: | 8 | ||
Vehicle
2003 Chevrolet Impala LS 4dr Sedan (3.8L 6cyl 4A)
Review
My 03 Impala LS has been great. Excellent fuel mileage (21 avg, 28.5 hwy @ 145k miles). Using Castol Syntec, change when computer says to. Replaced catalytic converter ($800) which seems to be an Impala plague. 130k: transmission started to slip, but nothing serious. Used Seafoam Transmission and most shifting problems went away. 146k: replaced both front bearings ($650). 2.5-3 years: battery dies w/o warning.
Favorite Features
Very roomy, HUGE trunk, very quiet touring car. Very low cost per mile to operate, very little maintenance. Super reliable.
Suggested Improvements
Cabin remains hot in the back seat, regardless of air settings. Needs air vents in backseat area. Power steering fluid difficult to check/fill. Needs access tube.
Best Quality Car I ever owned
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 10 | Fun-to-Drive: | 9 | Build Quality: | 10 |
| Comfort: | 9 | Interior Design: | 9 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 10 | Exterior Design: | 9 | ||
Vehicle
2003 Chevrolet Impala 4dr Sedan (3.4L 6cyl 4A)
Review
Not one repair,not one warranty claim.Ordinary maintenance only. My family uses it for all trips even though we have a newer second car. I average 30 MPG suburban driving to work and shopping. It has 127,000 miles on it and it still runs and looks like new. It has never even been tuned up.Only tires, brakes, wiper blades and oil changes.
Favorite Features
Visability all areas. No blind spots.
Suggested Improvements
Softer seat cushions
Very Angry at Chevy
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 6 | Fun-to-Drive: | 7 | Build Quality: | 2 |
| Comfort: | 6 | Interior Design: | 7 | Reliability: | 2 |
| Fuel Economy: | 8 | Exterior Design: | 7 | ||
Vehicle
2003 Chevrolet Impala 4dr Sedan (3.4L 6cyl 4A)
Review
As a long time domestic car fan, especially GM, this has sealed the deal for me... NEVER AGAIN, in addition to 3 thermostats, a water pump, radiator and 5 sets of brakes, not to mention a common electrical problem linked to the pass key, now the transmission went out.. the car only has 105k, other INTERNET sources found identical problems from 100-130k miles, the car was bought new, female driven and meticulously maintained, but this car isn't reliable, just decides to run hot and arbitrarily wont start, dealers want a fortune to fix even though they are aware of these problems as common, no wonder the police wont drive them, used to love GM, now, HATE THEM wont even rent a GM car...too bad
Favorite Features
used to LOVE the ride and fuel economy,and excellent stereo, but now it does me no good as a $20k lawn ornament
Suggested Improvements
perhaps the designers should actually own these cars used to see what REALLY is wrong with them once the new car smell wears off, btw GM, if it is a common problem FIX IT!!! otherwise your cars are recyclable after 50k miles, stand behind your product! at least reduce costs to fix YOUR rolling scrap
Impala
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 8 | Fun-to-Drive: | 8 | Build Quality: | 8 |
| Comfort: | 8 | Interior Design: | 8 | Reliability: | 8 |
| Fuel Economy: | 8 | Exterior Design: | 8 | ||
Vehicle
2003 Chevrolet Impala 4dr Sedan (3.4L 6cyl 4A)
Review
I purchased this vehicle new. Comfortable- fuel efficient for the size. My car burned half a quart of oil to 1600 miles since new. I use Luca Oil stabilizer- reduced to half quart to 2400 miles. Lucas fuel treatment really made a difference on performance during heavy acceleration. Currently I have a drive train issue that is being diagnosed by GM Dealer. My maintenance on this car is excellent. Nice car..I prey for new intake gasket repair but sense it will come. Brake rotors seem to be an issue on this car.
Favorite Features
Suggested Improvements
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