Used 2003 Chevrolet Impala Consumer Reviews
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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...
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.
- Base SedanMSRP: $2,99978 mi away
- Base SedanMSRP: $5,995509 mi away
- Base SedanMSRP: $6,900594 mi away
Best American Car on the Road
I just can't believe this car, it's like driving a couch, it's so comfortable. The performance is tip top, the leather wears great, the XM Radio is excellent as well as the control knobs on the steering wheel. It is without a doubt the most comfortable car I have ever owned. Yes the styling is a little aged, but who cares? It is a non-descript car in a time where everyone wants to stand out. It stands out by blending in.
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.
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.
Under-rated ride
Overall great experience. Wanted lots of interior and trunk room, w/o spending too much. Great gas mileage (30 mpg highway @70 not uncommon). Sure it's no Acura, Audi, etc. but I have gotten used to the many "extras" this car has that many do not at thousands more (auto headlamps, tire pressure sensors, rearview mirror auto tint, daytime running lights, delayed power after ignition off, etc.). It doesn't feel quite as "polished" as some foreign brands, yet I feel like it goes out of its way to take care of me. Brake rotors needed machined around 25,000 mi., and two steering wheel switches were replaced due to plastic flaking off. Really the only problems.
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.
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!!!
Best Car I Ever Had
Love the way it rides and handles. I don't like leather, so I have cloth. The only thing I have difficulty with is adjusting the seat because I am short.
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.
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.
OK Car
I traded in the my 2002 Chevy Tracker in for this car for more room, better performance and less problems for my family. At first I was happy, now I'm having all kinds of problems with this car. From replacing all 4 brakes, rear rotors, computer malfunction,bad battery when the indicator said it was good, 2 fuel injector failure, replacing a converter, and now every once in a while the security message come the message display. Tech said to watch, might not be anything. Other than these things the car has been OK. Would have like an armrest for my right arm. I do love the design of the car. Might not buy this car again.
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.
BIG BANG FOR THE BUCK
I researched this car for months, test drove it, and bargained the price down to where I wanted it. I am very, very pleased with the styling and performance. Bought it in the Galaxy Metallic Silver w/sunroof & spoiler, leather...makes me feel like I am 21 again, only at 21, you can't afford this car! Buy it! You'll like it.
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.
Reliable at best
After 4 months of ownership my wife noticed a whistle upon acceleration. I was told by the dealership that it is air passing over a hole in the throttle body. Throttle body replaced and problem persists. Contacted GM customer service and they told me it is not a mechanical defect and that "if it's not broke, don't fix it". My dealership stated they would keep me up to date on possible recalls related to this issue but after two months of phone calls they no longer call. This whistle is simply not acceptable for a $26,000 vehicle and GM wonders why customers are choosing foreign vehicles with better build quality. Interior plastic looks and feels cheap. I would not buy another one.
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 .
Great Value
I have had the car for one year and put 30K miles on it. I am getting 27 mpg (mostly highway driving). The car is loaded with options and is a great value. The ride is smooth and the power is sufficient. My only problem is that I lose radio reception when the rear defogger is on. If you are looking for a sporty family car with more bang for your buck, you need to consider the Impala LS.
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.
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.
WOW
We love our new Impala. The get up and go is great!. We have the sport trim and moon roof. Could not ask for more
excellent car so far
we went into the dealer intending to buy a malibu, however when test driving both vehicles and comparing features, impala came out on top. Malibu LS is about same $ as base Impala, however, we chose extra options on the Impala. this week was snowy and icy and Impala handles great (no trac control or ABS). All controls ie defrosting/heating etc worked flawlessly. Extremely smooth and responsive car.
Best car yet!
Our 6-passenger 2003 Impala with the standard 3.4L engine gives up no noticeable accelleration power whether I'm alone in the car or when my family of 5 went on vacation with the trunk fully loaded. Very quick. We had no problems on the Pittsbugh winter roads last year. The 4-wheel disk brakes are very responsive, and steering is crisp. After 11 months of owning the car, we haven't had one problem with it. This was our 3rd new car (full size) purchase since 2000 and by far the best. My wife is a short 5'1" and has no visibilty problems driving (as evidenced by no "parking lot bruises"!)
Quality
An incredibly spacious interior as well as a very classy design for its price group. Handling is balanced and precise. A pretty sporty feel when driving for a sedan.
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.
My Impala
We are at about 24000 miles with absolutely no problems. The car has impeccable manners. Good acceleration and we get about 28 overall mpg and 32 to 35 on the Interstate.
After 3000 Miles
After putting 36,000 miles on it I traded my 2000 Impala(3.4 L engine)in on a 2003 Impala (3.8 L engine). I bought the 2003 without getting the LS package because I liked the bench seat. The newer car has several improvements such as dual A/C controls, steering wheel mounted radio/CD controls, more powerful stereo, fold-down rear seat, and traction control. It also has better stock tires.
impala
it is a fun and exciting vehicle to drive. Well built and very reliable.
chevy impala-2003
just finished driving in snow-car drives excellent.all around,the car drives great.the reviews were right- great car
Awesome Ride
This car, for the price, is unbeatable! Shopped around for better deals with Ford, Dodge, and Toyota. For the price, it's the best! I enjoy the smooth ride and the amazing amount of room. What are you waiting for, Go get one!
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.
good
very good car. the only thing that i dont like about it is there is no child safty latch on the back door. other wise for short I LIKE IT. THE DEALER MADE MY SALE VERY EASY NO HASSLE.
Best car I ever had
Excellent car in this price
Worth Waiting For
I've wanted an Impala LS since 1999 and I'm so glad the wait is over. It's all I dreamed it would be. The Impala LS is roomy and comfortable, user friendly, packed with convenience and power under the hood. I love how safe I feel driving it. Sure, the taillights are geeky and if I had the money for the sport pkg I'd have popped for it. But the new 2003 color Cappucino was my second favorite, so I didn't exactly settle. If I'm disapointed by anything it's the XM Radio. Just like cable, sometimes it's 100 channels and nothing good on.
best of the best
traded a deville for this new 03 impala was not sure at first , but after 10 months i am sure this is one of the best cars on the road , comfort , looks and 36 miles to gal on highway i am still shocked at how good it handles fills in the turns , i go fast , and i like it
100% Satisfaction Guarenteed
I recently purchased my 2003 Chevy Impala and I couldn't be more happier. The quality in terms of driving and design are second to none. I most appreciate the potential to add on in terms of upgrades to the vehicle. I purchased the super-sport edition and am satisfied.
FAMILY CAR
This car is a nice family car. The interior is nice and I especially enjoy the high end stereo system. The car has decent pickup and passing power. The only problem being a thud when the driver window goes up in extra cold (below 40) weather. The best part was, with incentives, I was able to purchase the car for $17,000.
HAPPY ENOUGH
I PURCHASED MY 2003 IMPALA LS 8/2003 AND SO FAR I AM PLEASED WITH THE PERFORMANCE AND IT DEFINITELY HAS LOTS OF PEP. THE INTERIOR COULD BE MORE COMFORTABLE (WHERE IS MY RIGHT ARM SUPPOSED TO GO? YES, GM DESIGNERS MOST OF US HAVE ONE AND IT WOULD BE NICE IF YOU COULD HAVE THOUGHT OF THAT!)AND THERE IS A DEFINITE BLIND SPOT WHEN BACKING UP-BUT OVERALL ITS A CAR I PLAN TO KEEP FOR SEVERAL YEARS TO COME.