Used 2003 Chevrolet Impala Consumer Reviews
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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.
- Base SedanMSRP: $9,588438 mi away
- LS SedanMSRP: $2,995496 mi away
- Base SedanMSRP: $5,000526 mi away
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.
Great Car
A great looking car with a well-made interior. No squeaks or rattles of any kind. Ride and handling are wonderful. Steering is tight and responsive. Plenty of power on the highway, but could use more low-end torque. (I am used to driving a truck, so this may be why I feel this way.) I am very satisfied with this car.
Pleased & Happy
My first experience was with a rental used to help my sister in law. I loved the way the car handled and the comfort and it was exceptional. It was so enjoyable to drive that when we had to repeat the trip 2 wks. later I specifically requested another Impala. This one was even better than the first time as I was more accustomed to it and gas milage increased to a combined city/highway of 31.9 mpg. I started pricing Impala's after that and eventually my wife and I bought a new one. A third trip was planned which was going to involve another rental and of course I told Avis well in advance, that I wanted another Impala.
I love this car!
LS level has the right balance between sportiness and luxury. A punchy engine and decent handling make this a fun to drive car. Yet on road trips, you can set the cruise control, stretch out, crank up the 200w amplified audio system, and get to your destination without feeling worn out. The presence of just a hint of engine rumble on strong accelerations, comfortable ride, burl dash and door trim, sporty but comfortable bucket seats, and a corvette styled rear end with spoiler add to the dichotomy between luxury and sportiness in this model.
Solid ride - Good to go so far
Bought this after renting an LS on business. LS trim/engine/styling made the difference compared to base trim/engine. Love the buckets, leather, rear spoiler, engine performance compared to the 3.4. Only quibbles for me are that suspension is a little hypersensitive on even slightly bumpy roads, and I get a little engine hesitation at very low RPMs (smooths out with a little gas pedal). Still trying to reliably duplicate these issues before I have dealer try to resolve under warranty. These are very minor quibbles, though - I have put over 7000 miles on it in 3 months, and it's a great ride! Can't beat bang for the buck, either.
Buying 03 tomorrow!
I bought my 00 in July 99. I fell in love looking at it and more when I drove it. Put 105500 miles on it until Vets day 02 when it was totaled by an idiot running a red light. All the air bags opened and I walked away perfect. The biggest problem has been finding an 03 equipt just like my 00. The problem, sun roof. I am 6'9" and 340lbs and it's the most comfortable car I have driven. People can still sit behind me!!!
Best Car for the Money
I had my eye on the Impala's for about a year when I finally decided to purchase one. And am I ever glad I did. Not only is it a "family" car, but it is the best looking, fun to drive car ever. That is a hard find these days. You need something to fit the family, but you don't want to look too much like your mother! And this is the car that has it all. There is not a single thing that I am dissatisfied with. I recommend it to all my family and friends.
Very Satisfied
I Enjoy the ride and the comfort, I am very pleased. Would recommend strongly.
Ups & Downs
I have had my beautiful Impala for just over 3 years now. I have had quite a few repairs but I still love this car. It's fun to drive and looks great. When it does run it runs great and I will admit that I am slightly rough on it by driving it so much. I would totally own another one and I do realize that repairs come with each vehicle. I would suggest this to someone looking for a car.
Satasfied Impala Owner
I especially love the quiet, comfortable ride. I realize that the "experts" prefer the 3.8L engine, however, after trading in my piece of junk, unreliable Sable, the 3.4l seems pretty responsive.
fun chevy
I do a lot of Turnpike driving and this car handles very well at high speeds ( 65 to 80 mph. Rides quiet, steers well and is responsive to both gas and brakes when needed. Good vision and no blind spots, mirrows do their job.
cops love this car
If you like cops staring at you, get this car in Superior Blue, a new color for 03. Cops love it--makes them wish they could trade the bombshell CV.
i love my car!
i'm one of few teenagers out there driving impalas. but i love my car! it was really simple to get used to driving it. its big enough inside to seat 4 friends + me comfortably, and the trunk space definitly helped with moving to college. its a smooth ride, even when some accidental offroading has occured. steep hills are no problem, and i love the fast acceleration. also the gas mileage rocks. i made it from connecticut to the middle of virginia on one tank!
Best car I ever owned
This car drives like a sports car--hugs the road like magic, takes our curvy mountain roads like they are interstates, accelerates rapidly at any speed. The gas mileage is not believable: 27-28 city, 32-34 highway at 70 mph. And it's quiet and comfortable even on the 800 mile, one-day trips we commonly take.
10
this car is a great blend of chevys performance,comfort and fun to drive heritage
it seems to be a pretty good car
i really like the looks and style of the 2003 Impala. For the price you can still feel like your in a sports car withthe looks.
Fun to drive!!
I LOVE to drive this car... and I hate to drive! I don't understand why all these car magazines, etc. give it such poor reviews. MUCH more comfortable than any Honda Accord I've ever ridden in... or the new Toyota 2003 Camry I was a passenger in. I love the way it handles...it's small enough to maneuver but big enough for a family of five. My teenager also loves the sound system! Says it's better than alot of his friend's customized systems.
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.
A GOOD CAR
Have had this car for 5 months. I have owned many cars, but this one seems to be the best so far. It handles great, fuel milege is great. The dealer has treated me great, unusuall for my experience with new cars. I shopped around before buying and chose the empala for open road performance. Fun to drive, the only problem I do have is backing up the car, the design of the body causes low rear visibility. It takes getting use to.
2003 Chevy Impala
The vehicle is excellent on trips have been averaging 35 mi plus per gal. Its spacious inside and has more then ample space in trunk. Its smooth riding and I think it does handle well on turns. The 3.4L engine doesn't have the umph of the 3.8 but the miles/per gal make up for that besides I'm not interested in speed off the line 0-60. It's powerfull enough to handle hills and mountian's on trips. I'm more than satisifie with the vehicle and it looks good.
2003 Chevy Impala
We have had zero problems with our Chevy. Gas mileage is at a steady 27.1 per gallon which is acceptable. Most of all it is an American auto built by UAW, even if it is in Canada. We will be buying a 2008 model in the future.
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.
2003 Chevrolet Impala LS sport
The Impala is a great car that is fun to drive. I have the sport model which adds a few features to the car that makes it ( in my opinion) complete.
The Bed Rock of GM Value
I was not initially impressed with this Impala's styling as I thought it was a bit conservative but inoffensive. But a closer look at the contents, prior experience with its 3.8L V-6 (older design) and a test drive converted me out of my 2000 Chrysler LHS which while roomier, and less prone to wind gusts, used 89 octane fuel (vice the 87 octane for this Chevy) and more of it. The Impala LS was also more tightly assembled and to date, I've had not one problem. GM's current profitability problems certainly weren't caused by this Chevy!
Best in Show
After reading Edmunds review of the 2003 Impala. Moved with caution before purchase. After many test drives both long and short experiences. I found Edmunds review selling the Impala short on all there comments. Edmunds weak reveiw shows that beauty lies in the eyes of the beholder. I am extremely happy with my new Impala. It performs beyond all my expectations
2003 Impala LS
Over all this is a nice car, drives nice looks nice, has all the bells and horns. The only thing Im a little fustrated with is my breaks keep squeeking and I dont know why... but its a great car!!!
2003 Impala
Nice performing & styling, Superbr job well done. The suspension is awful, you can feel every expansion joint in the road. throttle pedal too soft. The contour of the seat was designed for a 5'4" hunch back, very poor for a person 6' 1" with good posture. Soften the suspension and flatten the seats and it would be a very comfortable vehicle.
SATISFIED
NEVER HAD TO TAKE THE CAR BACK TO THE DEALER FOR ANY PROBLEMS. IT WAS ALL I EXPECTED AND I AM BUYING ANOUTHER AS MY DAD TOTALED IT IN AN ACCIDENT. HE AND MY KIDS WALKED AWAY.
2003 Impala
I really like this vehicle. It is much easier to get out of than previously owned vehicles. The one thing I am disappointed in is the gas milage. I thought it would do better especially on trips.
Stepped up to the LS
I've been driving the Impala base model for the past year as a company car. My company is yanking the company car plan and is now paying us for mileage. I loved the size and space of the base model. So, I went out today and bought a 2003 LS (1sc) fully loaded. Can't wait to get it home. Looking forward to the extra power of the 3.8 and the upgraded sound system, along with heated seats this winter.
CMONTOY1
Great Ride, Has a lot of room. Great trunk space. Fun to drive. Great on long trios.
Nice upgrade!
Great car, replaced 2000 Malibu. Handles well and has great gas milage. I LOVE the heavier vehicle due to ice and snow on the roads. I am able to go and not worry if I will be slipping and sliding. I have been very pleased. City Motor Company is a wonderful place to but from, this is our 3rd vehicle from there.
uncomftable unexciting
Car is very uncomfortable to sit in. Workmanship quality is very good.
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.
my impala
great brakes fit and finish well above average
Bad 2 the Bone car!
This is wonderful car. Great car to get in and out of! Great stereo, seats are comfortable. I feel safe in this car. I get more head turns in this car then my grand prix gt2.
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.
Big Bang for the Buck
If you want to buy an American family sedan and want great value, the Impala is a good choice. I've driven the 2000 LS model for three years and test drove the 2003 LS w/ Sport Appearance. The exterior styling is bold and sporty while the new sport appearance package gives the car a cool Corvette look. The 200 horsies provide plenty of low-end torque and the transmission is smooth as silk in the 3.8L V6. The leather seats are comfortable even on very long drives and the two-tone plastic dash looks clean and stylish. Don't let the elitists scare you away from this car! My 2000 Impala never spent one night at the dealer.
SB Remarks
The ride is extremely smooth, sometimes feels like it floats on air. Handles well. Great car! My husband couldn't have picked out a better car for me.
Why bother looking at anything else??
I almost didn't look at an Impala. But on the recommendation of my brother-in-law's brother I checked out the Impala. I went to the dealership to see what "Uncle Jack" was raving about for a test ride and fell in love the the car. Quiet ride, quick acceleration, large trunk, simply everything about the car. The Sutliff Chevrolet salesperson didn't have the exact car that I wanted, but he found one for me. LS trimline (have to have the spoiler), Berry Red Metallic paint, sunroof, and the equipment package so I had all the bells and whistles I would ever want. This is my Mercedes for only $20,000. It just has a bowtie on the front.
Good to Go!!!!!!
with only 2000 miles I am already very pleased at my choice. The ride is very nice with the 16" eagles. and the series 2 3.8 litre really scoots. seating front and back is very nice with excellent lumbar support w/o being to stiff. I have the sport appearance package several people have commented on the tastefully done inlaid impala logo in the door panels as well as the exterior back light treatment. My car is silver, the Paint is flawless, the fit and finish is very good with uniform gaps front to back and side to side. Door closing effort is uniform and solid. I chose this car over a chrysler.
fun to drive
This is one very reliable care. I have almost 27,000 miles on it and have had zero problems with it. Would rec. to anyone.