2003 Chevrolet Impala LS Sport 3.8 Series II

Summary:

Lots of Power, Great on Gas

Faults:

Nothing.

General Comments:

I really like my Impala. It has lots of power, is great on gas and I always have enough space. I can fit a mountain bike in the trunk!

The best thing about the car has got to be the low end torque, I love the passing power.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 12th February, 2007

2003 Chevrolet Impala Police Package 3.8L

Summary:

Fast and Reliable

Faults:

Had spark plugs and wires replaced when I bought the car.

Drivers side window switch had to be replaced 2 months after purchase.

General Comments:

This is one fast car.

I love the police package with heavy duty everything.

Very roomy huge trunk.

Quiet comfortable ride.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 22nd December, 2006

2003 Chevrolet Impala LS 3.8

Summary:

This is a solid, efficient, reliable car

Faults:

Replaced the battery.

General Comments:

Appearance - This car has the looks for being sporty and needs zero add ons with the Sport Appearance Package.

Performance - 3.8L has enough power to pass the next car. Transmission shifts smoothly.

Handling - Corners well with a little drift at high speeds.

Interior Appearance: The interior has heated leather seats with a stock 200 watt stereo the neighbor kids admire. Leg room to fit anyone 6'4" and 250 lbs. Haven't traveled in the rear seats, but the kids have not started any fights back there! The trunk is spacious and easy to get items in and out.

Overall this car has outperformed the Taurus and Intrepid. Drove many models and found the LS a must. The Sport Appearance Package was a bonus I was unaware of. It definitely changes the interior dullness of the base models. As far as other reviews I read prior to my purchase, the pull knob headlights is not a factor since the lights are automatic and I have not touched the knob since I adjusted brightness of the dash lights. The center console shifter does not have the Park, Reverse, and Drive labeled, its on the dash. This has not created any concerns since I am fully aware of the standard designation for shifting my car into reverse and drive. If a question arises I can look at the dashboard were its clearly displayed. I will update any repairs for future reviews.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 19th November, 2006

2003 Chevrolet Impala LS 3.4L V6

Summary:

Love it - except for these niggling concerns on this and my previous vehicle

Faults:

Direction indicator module replaced at 20,000 km.

Replaced all buttons on steering wheel because printing had worn off at 25,000 km.

Front brake rotors need replacing at 70,000 km.

Front wheel hub bearings replaced at 91,500 km.

General Comments:

Let me start by saying that I've been a Chevy fan since the 1960s, but my patience with the company is wearing thin these days.

With both the 1998 Malibu I owned before this Impala and now with this car, I have had way too many problems with the brakes (especially the rotors) and the front end hub bearings.

Also with the Malibu I had the dreaded intake gasket problem, which was my primary reason for moving to the Impala.

I have really enjoyed the Impala up until now.

I like the look of it, I like its power and comfort and its relatively economical performance on the highway (in the city... not so much...).

But darn it, Chevy really needs to get its act together on these brake and bearing problems.

Same problems on two different, but similar cars? Coincidence? I think not.

Chevy needs to beef up the rotors on the disc brake FWD models, and it needs to come up with more reliable bearings.

Much as I love the car overall, this part disappoints me.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 5th October, 2006

2003 Chevrolet Impala LS 3.8L

Summary:

The best car for the money!

Faults:

At 38,000 miles I was happy to give up my Goodyear tires that came with the car. At the same time I had to have brakes and rotors on all four. My mechanic said it was because of the fast driving and hard braking here in Milwaukee.

I sprung for some high end Coopers and high performance pads and rotors and have not had another problem.

General Comments:

This is the best car I ever owned. How about that MPG! I have a friend with a neon and my boat is doing 3 mpg better than that hot wheels car! I get constant compliments on the looks. I used to trade in my cars every 2 years, but I think I finally found the one I want to be with.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 19th January, 2006

6th May 2010, 21:33

OK. So I wrote this review. I changed my mind. It was a great car up to 80,000 and it went to hell in a handbasket. Tranny went, rack and pinion, struts, cruise, rear axle, tranny again, etc, etc. I serviced this vehicle to every expectation of the manufacturer, and still it fell apart like a cheap suit.

I really thought that because of all the miles being highway miles that I could keep this car to 150,000 - 200,000 miles. Didn't happen. Thanks to GM, I now drive a dodge. Never thought I would say that!