Used 2003 Chevrolet Impala Consumer Reviews
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A decent family / touring car
Overall it's a good car. Handles fairly well for the size & lack of sport suspension. Nice dash layout, good factory stereo (I have the 200W cd player, an upgrade). Complaints: engine could use more power, the seats could be more comfortable, and the leather is not soft at all - it feels more like vinyl than leather. Road noise is a little high, and the auto-on headlights cycle on and off at annoying times. Otherwise, a pretty solid car for a family or a 30- or 40- something guy who likes a roomy ride. I wouldn't have it without the sport appearance package though. Too bad there wasnt' a real SS in 2003. I like the new Impala.
Despite the Engineering shortcuts
Purchased brand new in early 03. Had brake rotors resurfaced with 600! (thats right 600) miles on the car. New rotors at a few thousand miles. Another brake job at 20 some thousand miles. New tires and a wheel alignment around 40000 miles, and it's finally running smoothly. dealing with GM, and service managers were a real pain. Now have 55000 miles on car and it's finally broke in and rides fine with no mechanical problems (knock on wood) I'm a little concerned with the intake manifold leakage problem GM has had with the 3800 motors (plastic). I guess I'll see if I get lucky with that
- Base SedanMSRP: $9,588298 mi away
- Base SedanMSRP: $6,900307 mi away
- LS SedanMSRP: $2,995439 mi away
Best Car I've owned
I've only owned the Impala for about a month now and I love the gas mileage. It averages between 23 and 29 MPG and I haven't had a chance to get it out on the open highway yet. It handles great on curvey roads. Interior could be a little more plush but it's OK.
great reflections
This is first car I have owned in long time, previously drove SUV or pickups. So far I am loving this car. Only reason not a full 10.0, haven't had it long enough to rate the reliability, but don't foresee any problems there. When driving thru town, and checking out reflection in store front windows, this car looks ssweet!
Just an mazing car 9C1
This car is just amazing. We bought our first impala in 2007. it is a 9C1 impala (police package) with 3.8 L engine and it had 80k m. on it. it is fast, good, reliable, rugged. Now it has about 100 and it still going thank God.
Good, but...
Overall I love my Impala. However, my transmission has slipped some... the tech said it was a bad solonoid valve that tends to go bad on all of them. The steering shaft had to be repacked and the dex-cool stuff turned into what looked like modeling clay. I converted it to green stuff. On the positive side would be the fuel economy, which is exceptional, the room, and the solidity of the car.
Oil consumption
Car runs good with excelent fuel economy. Only problem is oil consumption, and anti freeze seems to be greasy at radiator cap. General Motors says one quart every 2000 miles is not out of the ordinary. Oil consumption has been a problem since car was new
Excellent fuel economy, value
Bought used with 60,000 miles over a month ago. Agree with previous reviewers about head gasket problems. Car has excellent fuel economy for its size - I average 25 mpg in the city, but then I try not to hit the gas too hard. Very spacious but outdated interior design. Good insurance rates compared to similar models. Yet to find out handling in snow with winter tires. Engine noise is pronounced, not as quiet as Taurus but not too bad either. Car feels stable and safe, in fact has very good safity ratings. Steering a bit funny though. Definitely excellent used-car buy even with today's gas prices - highly recommend if OK'd by the mechanic you know well.
great value for your money
Great car with excellent safety ratings.Love the smooth ride.very quiet.looked at many vehicles and this was the best.Brand new so don't really know the acceleration.Nice traveling vehicle with lots of room and big trunk.
American Quality
The Chevy Impala is an attractive nearly full size car with a lot of interior and truck space. The v6 3.4L 180 HP engine is smooth and provides more than adequate performance for my needs. A v6 3.8L 200 HP engine provides more performance and I am told 1-2 miles more fuel economy. With the 3.4L expect to get 22-23 mpg in mixed city/highway driving. Good driving and visability site lines. The interior 60/40 split bench seat with fold down arm rest and cup holder. Although the steering wheel adjusts the base model manual seat adjustment may not work for all. Reliability has improved each year and the 2003-2005 is exspected to provide better than average reliability and good value.
10
this car is a great blend of chevys performance,comfort and fun to drive heritage
Great Car
I bought my Impala back in Sept of 2002. I owned a Cavalier before but I needed more room,truck space and a little more power. The Impala seemed like the best buy for the price plus the safty rating were pretty good. I drive a lot of miles and I really enjoyed driving it. If something happened to it I would buy another one in a second.
Best Buy Chev Impala LS
I am so pleased with this vehicle that I will replace this with a new Impala LS with the added Sport Package which resembles the Corvette backend lighting. Great gas mileage, both on the road and in town. Super powertrain.
Best car I've owned yet
After 2 years of owning this car I've only had one problem with it(catalytic converter) and GM fixed it free of charge. The ride is very smooth and power of the 3.8L V6 is wonderful. It's very spacious with lots of room in the trunk. I've driven this car from Nebraska to Florida and to North Carolina and back with absolutely no problems. The gas mileage is good as well for a V6.
2002 LS Black with Sport App. Pack.
Had 2 Honda Accord's since '92. One was V6. Wanted to use GM Supplier program. I did extensive research on the GM cars. Compared Regal LS/GS, Grand Prix GT, Intrigue and Impala base/LS. I am pretty happy with my choice after 10k miles. The stereo/sound system is the best I've ever had. The homelink was a must. This car's ride/handling/suspension is very sporty for its size, A+. Safety ratings are a key selling point for this family man. We fit the two car seats in the back with room to spare. Dual climate control is nice, and the trunk is roomy. I also like the taillight covers. The rear spoiler with the raised butt takes a little getting used to.
The Impala is Back!
The car is outstanding. Quick, Comfortable, and handles well. Better fuel economy and performance than Camry - and it is larger!
Great Driving Car
I bought this car and did not expect it to be this much fun to drive. It is an LS model with antilock brakes and the "Traction" feature. I test drove it on a very rainy day and tried to make it skid. I couldn't do it. That's a big reason I bought it. And, here I was just buying a 2nd car so I wouldn't put extra miles on my 3/4 ton 4X4 Chevy Avalanche.
Edmunds' Editors Don't Know
My fiancee and I have truly enjoyed this car over the past year. It currently has about 71K miles on it (we bought it last year with 63K+ miles). The car handles well for a full size car. The engine is responsive and the interior is very well done. We like it so much that we are about to get another one, replacing a 1992 Cavalier.
Superb Auto - Impala LS
Purchased 2003 Impala LS with sports appearance package in April.Went on 5000 mile road trip in June.This car really excells on mountain roads.The performance,styling,handling,and economy is much more than I expected.Averaged 30mpg at 75mph on highway.Almost didn't get XM satelite radio,now it's one of my favorite features.This is probably as close to the perfect auto one can buy!It's really FUN to drive again!
Just my 2 cents
I'm pretty happy with the car. Would I buy another Impala? Possibly...time will tell if the car has mechanical problems. I drove a 1998 Cavalier before the Impala so needless to say this is much more comfortable and performs better. My husband just bought a 2003 Cavalier for a work car. Brand loyalty until we experience problems....over and above the hell of dealing with the dealerships.
impressive
We have been very impressed with this automobile. It has performed flawlessly. We are glad that we chose the LS version. Even though it is only rated at 205 hp, it accelerates rather quickly and reaches freeway limits more rapidly than I would have expected from such a small engine. It holds the road very well and it handles curves with no sway, a feature I was VERY surprised with.
Great Car
Great car for the money. Rides great, price unreal, great family car, you can't go wrong. Can ride a little boatee if you take the corners like a teenager.
super great car
I love this car. Got it fully loaded $27,000. Love the exterior look. I love the size. I love the smooth Ride. I love the styling. I love the interior. I almost bought a toyota avalon, glad I didn't. I'll never buy another toyota. This car is so roomy for my family and rides nice.
Very Satisfied
Enjoy the ride and the comfort for the price. The handling charactistic are excellant, with good response on the highway. Interior looks great. For a car that cost $16,000 I am very pleased. Would recommend strongly.
Has been a really great car.
Had this car since new and has been very reliable. Gas mileage great for its size.
Love it!
I just went on my 1st road trip with my new car and was blown away by the 35 mpg! I drove my mother-in-law 200 miles and she felt it equal to her Avalon. Smooth and quiet, handles great! Pooh on the snobs who think you have to buy a foreign car...
not perfect but close
Thoroughly researched similar cars. Felt the Buick LeSabre to be the closest in comparison. Impala much more stylish and youthful. Options incuded in price of the LS is remarkable!! Great value,very happy with choice!!
My 5th Chevy
Beautiful, reliable, wonderfull car to own.
Best Car for the Money
Being retired I looked hard and long at autos to purchase. With all the rebates and incentives the Impala is the best buy. The 200 hp is more then enough for the hilly Pittsburgh Area and a recent trip to Washington DC yielded 30 mpg. The radio is excellent and while others may call the interior a bit bland I think its just sensible. Unless you are trying to impress others buy this car.
Certainly not like a Camry
The Camry, Altima, and Accord are often comapared to this car. They are not even close! The Avalon is identical in size and comfort. I picked up a nice LS in black with the spoiler and every option for 20K at a special sale. For 12K less than the Avalon, the Impala is the best bargain on the market. Very enjoyable to drive and really nice looking in black.
Get Up And Fly
This vehicle was purchased as a work vehicle but has proved to be much more. I enjoy driving among the curteous Atlanta drivers showing off my collision avoidence radar. In truth though it's a fun ride performs well is easy on the fuel and above all for the little time I have driven it reliable. The best advice I can give is check out your dealer, price is not everything, service is and those hidden costs. Do your homework first. I bought mine via shiopping on line and had the dealers falling all over each other for the sale.
Chevy Impala - Quite the surprise!
Affter looking at a number of European sedans, I was astonished what the Impala offered for the money. I've not owned an American sedan since the early 70's and have driven SUV's (GMC) for the past eight years. I began looking at the 5 series and E class when a friend suggested the Impala. It's not quite as tight or zippy and the doors don't sound as solid when I close them, but in respect to value for the dollar it was a no-brainer. I could buy two for the price of one 5 series or E class. So I bought an Impala and have been very satisfied with the product.
Pleasant Surprise
Purchased 2003 LS to replace my wife's '98 Gran Prix. Wanted to replicate the 3.8 V6, traction control, and ABS of the GP in a different package. The Impala LS has become a favorite; it is quieter and handles corners and road irregularities better than the GP (both with 16" alloys). The driveline and brakes are excellent, and the aluminum front cross member and dash frame are apparent in body stiffnes and solid feel. Overall, a lot more fun to drive than I imagined.
Sweet Ride
This was a demo with 6000 miles on it . car is loaded with about everything except compass and outside temp. Was considering a Intrepide ,but when I sew the Impala LS I was very impressed . It's a beautiful car ,lots of room , fun to drive . Take a close look at this car . It is impressive.
The Best Sports/Sedan to drive!
This car is a true family mans dream to drive and own! You'll like it for its family capalbilities, and its super sporty look. Super fast, Super safe. Great gas milage to, and when you gotta get somewhere this car can take you their quick and in style.
impala ls review
I dont understand the auto industry ?? why they downgrade the vehicle, I test drove a honda accord, toyota camry, and a Ford Taurus before purchasing our Chevy Impala LS. The Impala was a quieter car than all the above, has lots of power and is nicely equipped. Its interior is large spacious and not gaudy like some vehicles Handling is not vague and sloppy as so auto experts describe in the fact its the camry and taurus that handle this way. I think again the auto industry is doing something wrong when evaluating this vehicle ( are they really driving them or just reading a data sheet and forming an option)
Great Car
Execellent to drive and quality is very good.
This car rocks.
I see plenty of older folks driving this car, but I don't know why. The engine roars and the handling is great. Make sure to get traction control, it's the AWD of the future.
This car is awesome
The Impala has to be one one the coolest cars ever. It handles smoother than I had ever thought possible and it performs to standard and beyond everytime I get behind the wheel. Not only is it fun to drive, but has sooooo many features, not to mention it's stylish, classy look.
2003 Impala LS 3.8 liter Review
What a great ride. Roll up the windows and the quiet surrounds you. Or better yet, turn up the GREAT sound system and tweak it to your liking. I've averaged 24.8 MPG so far, and a lot of that is stop and go Saint Paul- Minneapolis driving with the A/C on. The leather package is worth the extra cost. Firm yet cushy too. The power driver's seat lets you stretch out if your a "big" person like me (6-1, 235). Lots of leg room, and comfort for those in the back seat too.
REturning to Chevy
After having two Cadillac Catera's I returned to a Chevy Impala. The Impala offers almost as many features as the Catera fro significantly less money. Although the Catera's were verfy nice, the Impala offers more value for the dollar. The handling is better & it uses regular gasoline. I would have purchased a CTS but the Cadillac Dealers were not dealing in my area. Very happy with the Impala so far.
Bill's Imp.
Owning my Impala for only One month it's really to soon to give a accurate rating 'but so far I am very pleased with all thereis to report
best car for the $$$
I own 2 2003 Impalas, a 3.4 and a 3.8 LS. Had 2 2000's same models and traded them in. Excellent car, smooth riding, outstanding gas mileage, 26mpg on 3.8 and 29mpg on 3.4. The LS is more powerful and smoother than 3.4, which is just adequate in power. Both cars are fun to drive, comfortable, and reliable. Looked at Caddy DTS was was turned off by poor quality and electrical problems. Impala is better car by far and costs 50% less. Highly recommend it.
A Dream Car - Impala Sedan 3.8 L V-6
My car is technically an Impala sedan, (I didn't want to spend the extra money for the LS trim) but it has all of the safety, performance, and comfort features of the LS - 3.8L engine (a must), ABS, Trac control, Information center,etc, as well as Onstar and XM radio. I have never figured out why Edmunds gave this car a bad review. It is a SUPERB road car...solid acceleration, braking, and handling, very comfortable ride, great fuel economy for its size. It is everything that is good about American cars with none of the bad. I'll be keeping this car for a long time.
sporty family car
this car has a lotta get up and go!!! i had a malibu and thought it was nice but the impalla is twice as nice and roomy , i added the spoiler and the dvd with tv and my son loed it on our recent road trip, i am very pleased with the impalla and rate it a 9.5 from 1 to 10 not being a 10 because i really wanted the tahoe lol .
Glad I kept it
A friend had an 01 Saab turbo 5 speed for sale at a good price. I had my 03 Impala LS detailed for $200 which included painting over chips, scrapes and removing the many bumper scratches from single stall garage with tree behind. Engine light on, $89. Saab had slightly better mileage but when I got my car back it looked like new and still performs well. I'll keep another 5 yrs until cars get over 50mpg.
Nice car poor service -design flaws?
Have LS. Fun Car to drive, great pickup and good milage. Buying experience painless. Service is an issue. Conte's service department's response to issues : It bottoms out going up or down ramps even at slowest speeds (5mph) ..told that's normal! If I stop and immediately start Impala's engine turns several times and there's a delay in dash lights coming on, told they didn't find anything wrong! Occasional hesitation under acceleration, they couldn't find anything wrong! Trunk popped with keyfob doesn't open all the way and hard to close..you guessed it.."normal". Moisture inside right headlamp, replaced headlamp and..still moisture.Too bad..nice car otherwise.
I love my new Impala!
I think my ratings say it all... car is very new so my reliability ratings aren't based on lots of experience.
paid 15000 not 21000
The discounts available on these cars bring the actual price down to the economy car level. I would not have bought this car for 21000. At 15 you are talking about one of the least expensive 6 passenger cars in the world. The 3.4 litre motor is not over stressed in the configuration provided here. interior is very good for large people who have long legs. And the available bench seat brings me back to the good old days. Some of those old fashioned features are still good today. I also like the trunk design. I work in an auto plant and have repaired many trunk mechanisms. This is an amazingly simple hinge that works well.
One of the best safety ratings.
I bought this car because it was inexpensive (compared to other cars in its class) and last year's model has one of the highest safety ratings (http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/NCAP/SList2.cf m). I purchased this car for the same amount as a 2002. The outside noise is a little loud, but not excessively so. Cup holders in front seat can't be closed or hidden. Not sure how long cup holders will last.