2003 Chevrolet Impala LS review from North America

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.

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.