2003 Chevrolet Impala Full Review - Consumer Guide Automotive

A side airbag is no longer standard on any Impala, but satellite radio is a new option. Chevrolet's biggest sedan comes in base and uplevel LS form. Both have a V6 engine. The base model comes with a 180-hp 3.4 liter. A 200-hp 3.8 is standard on the LS and optional on the base. Both models have automatic transmission and 4-wheel disc brakes. ABS, traction control, and a tire-inflation monitor are standard on the LS and cost extra on the base. Front bucket seats for 5-passenger capacity or a front bench to accommodate six are available on both. A side airbag for the driver is optional; it was previously standard on the LS. LS also loses GM's OnStar assistance system to the options list for '03, while the base Impala adds remote keyless entry as standard. Newly available for both is XM satellite radio with 100-channel digital receiver. Impala shares its basic design with the Buick Century and Regal, Pontiac Grand Prix, and Chevy's own Monte Carlo coupe.

Competition

Perennial Best Buys Honda Accord and Toyota Camry continue to shine with refinement, model diversity, and comfort. Both offer economic 4-cylinder or sporty V6 power, have room for four adults, and are reasonably priced. Camry was new last year and Accord holds that honor this year.

Recommended models include the import-flavored Chevy Malibu, sporty Chrysler Sebring/Dodge Stratus twins, and the good-looking Pontiac Grand Prix. All come with V6 power, offer lots of standard equipment, and have pleasing road manners that will suit a variety of driving styles. Despite relatively high prices, the refined Volkswagen Passat is also Recommended. Sedan and wagon models are offered with a choice of front- or all-wheel drive and four-, six-, or class-exclusive eight-cylinder power. Budget-level interior materials and assembly disappointments aside, the Nissan Altima is Recommended for its impressive interior room, road manners, and reasonable price.

News

Impala's sales slipped 4.5 percent in 2002 after a 19.5-percent surge in calendar '01. To pump up interest in its family midsize, Chevy adds a sporty Impala SS for 2004. Due to reach dealers this fall, it carries a 240-hp supercharged 3.8 V6, uprated suspension, and high-performance tires on special 17-inch "diamond cut" alloy wheels. The SS comes only in black and sports mild styling revisions slated for other '04 Impalas. Chevy hasn't offered an SS Impala since the much larger rear-drive sedan models of 1993-96. The '04 is part of a planned Super Sport lineup that also includes a Monte Carlo coupe and Silverado pickup. Most Chevy cars and some trucks were available with SS trim from the 1960s through the 1980s. The division hopes that reviving the practice will improve its youth appeal and overall sales now.

Sources say Impala won't be fully redesigned until model-year 2006, when it migrates to the reengineered "Mid Lux" version of today's "W-body" platform. Pontiac's Grand Prix does so for 2004. The basic W-body design dates from 1997.

2003 Chevrolet Impala Road Test

Pros	Cons

Instruments/controls	Rear-seat comfort

	Road noise

Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings

Acceleration

Base, 3.4 V6	LS	Class Average
5	6	5.5

Acceleration is adequate with the base 3.4 V6. The 3.8 gives usefully stronger takeoffs and passing response. Alert, smooth-shifting transmission aids the cause.

Fuel Economy

Base, 3.4 V6	LS	Class Average
5	5	4.6

LS test cars averaged 20.1-22.9 mpg with lots of highway miles. Test 3.4-liter base Impala averaged 19.8 mpg in a city/highway mix. GM recommends regular fuel for both engines.

Ride Quality

Base, 3.4 V6	LS	Class Average
6	6	6.8

Base suspension provides soft but somewhat sloppy ride. LS's sport suspension included with 3.8 V6 tempers much of the float and wallow that plague the base suspension over high-speed dips, but the tradeoff is a sometimes too-stiff ride.

Steering/Handling/Braking

Base, 3.4 V6	LS	Class Average
5	6	5.5

Far from sports-sedan precise, but base suspension furnishes adequate grip, balance, and steering feel. Sport suspension enhances control, reduces body lean. Stopping power good with ABS despite slightly mushy pedal feel, but Chevy should make ABS standard on both Impalas, not just the LS.

Quietness

Base, 3.4 V6	LS	Class Average
6	6	6.3

Low wind noise, but intrusive tire roar on coarse pavement. Engines gruff when pressed, but are quiet at cruise and fairly smooth.

Controls

Base, 3.4 V6	LS	Class Average
6	6	5.6

Not stylish, but convenient, with in-dash ignition switch, high-set stereo, and simple climate controls. Cabin decor bland; even LS-optional leather upholstery lacks richness.

Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)

Base, 3.4 V6	LS	Class Average
6	6	6.9

Plenty of head and leg room, though soft seats furnish poor thigh support. Outward sightlines good. Most rivals provide side airbags for both front occupants; Chevrolet offers one for the driver only, and it's optional.

Room/Comfort (rear)

Base, 3.4 V6	LS	Class Average
5	5	5.9

Ample leg and head room for 6-footers, though three riders squeeze shoulder to shoulder. Disappointing toe clearance, and seat itself is uncomfortably soft, short, and flat. Entry/exit is big-car easy.

Cargo Room

Base, 3.4 V6	LS	Class Average
6	6	5.8

Flat-floor trunk is roomy, and lid uses nonintrusive strut hinges. But odd-shaped opening is small enough to hamper hauling bulky objects.

Value within Class

Base, 3.4 V6	LS	Class Average
7	6	6.9

A domestic alternative to Ford Taurus, featuring comfort-oriented American style to Taurus's sportier influences. Impala leads in powertrain response, Taurus in safety features and rear-seat comfort. Discounts on this Chevy are readily available, but compromised refinement and low resale value are part of the deal.

Total Score

Base, 3.4 V6	LS	Class Average
57	58	59.8

Scores for all Large Cars

Low Score		54
Average Score		59
High Score		66

2003 Chevrolet Impala Prices & Equipment

Model Prices

Prices Updated: 05/29/2003

Trim Name	Retail Price	Dealer Invoice	Destination Charge

Base 4-door sedan	$21,160	$19,361	$660

LS 4-door sedan	$24,260	$22,198	$660

Pricing Key: Retail prices listed with each report are set by the vehicle's manufacturer. These figures appear on each car's federally mandated window sticker. Most price lists also include dealer-invoice prices. Dealer-invoice prices are what the dealer pays the manufacturer for the car and its factory-installed options. The destination charge is not included in the suggested-retail or dealer-invoice price and must be added to the cost of the vehicle. Car companies change prices frequently throughout the year. If the prices published do not match those on the vehicle's window sticker, the manufacturer has probably altered the price recently.

NA = price note available, NC = no charge.

Rebates and Incentives

There are no rebates or incentives at this time.

Consumer Guide®'s Rebates and Incentives represent a summary of national manufacturer programs available. Regional restrictions may apply, and offerings may vary by model. For a complete list of Rebate & Incentive programs click here.

Standard Equipment

Base

Powertrain

3.4-liter V6 engine, 4-speed automatic transmission.

Safety

Dual front airbags, 4-wheel disc brakes, daytime running lights, emergency inside trunk release.

Comfort and Convenience Features

Air conditioning w/manual dual-zone climate controls, interior air filter, power steering, tilt steering wheel, cloth upholstery, front split bench seat, cupholders, power mirrors, power windows, power door locks, remote keyless entry, AM/FM/cassette, digital clock, rear defogger, variable-intermittent wipers, map lights, visor mirrors, power remote decklid release, automatic headlights.

Appearance and Miscellaneous

Theft-deterrent system, 225/60R16 tires, wheel covers.

LS adds to Base:

Powertrain

3.8-liter V6 engine, traction control.

Safety

Antilock brakes, tire-pressure monitor.

Comfort and Convenience Features

Cruise control, leather-wrapped steering wheel, front bucket seats, 6-way power driver seat w/lumbar adjustment, center console, overhead console w/storage, automatic day/night rearview mirror, illuminated visor mirrors.

Appearance and Miscellaneous

Rear spoiler, fog lights, Sport Touring Suspension, 225/60R16 touring tires, alloy wheels.

Optional Equipment

Major Packages	Retail Price	Invoice Price
1SB Preferred Equipment Group
LS	$725	$645
Steering-wheel radio controls, AM/FM/CD player, heated power mirrors, automatic day/night rearview mirror, cargo net, floormats.

1SC Preferred Equipment Group
LS	$1,450	$1,291
1SB Preferred Equipment Group plus OnStar System w/one-year service (roadside assistance, emergency services; other services available), trip computer, compass, outside-temperature indicator, universal garage-door opener, antitheft system w/alarm.

Sport Appearance Pkg.
LS	$1,495	$1,331
Leather upholstery, unique interior and exterior trim, floormats, special alloy wheels. NA w/front split bench seat.

Custom Cloth Trim
Base	$731	$651
Base w/front bucket seats	$781	$695
6-way power driver seat, additional cupholders, split folding rear seat. Requires Preferred Equipment Group.

Leather Seat Trim
Base	$1,031	$918
LS	$625	$556
Leather upholstery, driver-side front side airbag, additional cupholders (Base), split folding rear seat. Base requires Preferred Equipment Group 1SC, 6-way power driver seat. Base NA w/front bucket seats.

Comfort Seating Pkg.
Base, LS	$445	$396
Heated front seats, 6-way power passenger seat. Requires Leather Seat Trim. Base requires 1SC Preferred Equipment Group.

Mirror Group
Base, LS	$165	$146
Heated power mirrors, automatic day/night rearview mirror. Base requires 1SB Preferred Equipment Group.

Powertrain
3.8-liter V6 engine
Base	$995	$886
Includes traction control, antilock brakes, tire-pressure monitor, Sport Touring Suspension. Requires 1SC Preferred Equipment Group, 225/60R16 touring tires.

Safety
Driver-side front side airbag
Base, LS	$350	$312
Base requires Preferred Equipment Group.

Antilock brakes
Base	$600	$534
Includes traction control, tire-pressure monitor.

Comfort and Convenience Features
OnStar System
Base, LS	$695	$619
Includes one-year service (roadside assistance, emergency services; other services available).

Power sunroof
Base, LS	$795	$708
Base requires Preferred Equipment Group.

Driver Information/Convenience Center
Base, LS	$295	$262
Trip computer, compass, outside-temperature indicator, universal garage-door opener, theft-deterrent system w/alarm. Base requires Preferred Equipment Group, antilock brakes.

6-way power driver seat
Base	$325	$289


6-way power passenger seat
Base	$325	$289
Requires 1SC Preferred Equipment Group, Custom Cloth Trim or Leather Seat Trim. NA w/front bucket seats.

Front bucket seats
Base	$0	$0
Includes center console. Requires custom cloth upholstery. NA w/6-way power passenger seat.

Front split bench seat
LS	$0	$0
Requires Leather Seat Trim.

AM/FM/CD player
Base, LS	$345	$307
Includes premium speakers.

AM/FM/cassette/CD player
LS	$445	$396
Base, LS w/Preferred Equipment Group	$100	$89
Includes premium speakers. Base requires Preferred Equipment Group.

Satellite radio
Base, LS	$325	$289
Requires monthly fee.

Steering-wheel radio controls
Base, LS	$195	$173
Includes leather-wrapped steering wheel. Base requires 1SB Preferred Equipment Group.

Cruise control
Base	$250	$223


Cargo net
Base	$30	$27


Floormats
Base, LS	$40	$36


Appearance and Miscellaneous
Engine block heater
Base, LS	$35	$31


Alloy wheels
Base	$350	$312
Requires 1SB Preferred Equipment Group.

225/60R16 touring tires
Base	$45	$40
Requires 3.8-liter engine.

2003 Chevrolet Impala Specs & Safety

Vehicle Dimensions

Specification	Chevrolet Impala 4-door sedan

Wheelbase, in.	110.5

Overall Length, in.	200.0

Overall Width, in.	73.0

Overall Height, in.	57.3

Curb Weight, lbs.	3308

Cargo Volume, cu. ft.	18.6

Standard Payload, lbs.	--

Fuel Capacity, gals.	17.0

Seating Capacity	6

Front Head Room, in.	39.2

Max. Front Leg Room, in.	42.2

Rear Head Room, in.	36.8

Max. Rear Leg Room, in.	38.4

Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.

Engines

	ohv V6	ohv V6

Size, liters/cu. in.	3.4 /205	3.8 /231

Horsepower @ rpm.	180 @ 5200	200 @ 5200

Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm.	205 @ 4000	225 @ 4000

Availability	Standard	Standard

EPA City / highway mpg

4-speed automatic	21/32	19/29

Engine Key: l/cu in. = liters/cubic inches; ohv = overhead valve; ohc = overhead camshaft; dohc = dual overhead camshaft; I = inline cylinders; H = horizonally opposed cylinders; V = cylinders in a V configuration; W = cylinders in a W configuration; rpm = revolutions per minute; CVT = continuously variable (automatic) transmission; NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.

Safety Features

Antilock Brakes

Traction Control

Antiskid System

Front Side Airbags

Curtain Side Airbags

Rear Side Airbags

NHTSA Crash-Test Results

Test	Chevrolet Impala 4-door sedan

Front Impact, Driver	5

Front Impact, Passenger	5

Rollover Resistance	4

Side Impact, Driver	4

Side Impact, Rear Passenger	4

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury: 5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Side-impact crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%; 1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%; 2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.

Manufacturer's Warranty

Class	Years/Miles	Comments

Powertrain	None/--	--

Bumper-to-bumper	3/36,000	--

Corrosion	6/100,000	--

Free roadside assistance	3/36,000	--

Free scheduled maintenance	None/--	--

Manufacturers may periodically offer additional coverage as a purchase incentive. There offers are not reflected on this chart. The federal government requires two other warranties. The Exhaust Emission Warranty covers corrosion-related parts for 2 years/24,000 miles, plus 8 years/80,000 miles on the catalytic converter and any on-board diagnostic device. The Passenger Restraint Warranty covers seat belts and airbags for 5 years/50,000 miles.

Built in: Canada

Drivewheels: front-wheel drive

< 2003 Chevrolet Impala Photos

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