Since my January 2002 purchase of a brand new
Chevrolet Impala LS, I have suggested the large-sized sedan to every car buyer willing to listen. Finally, shock of all shocks, somebody took my advice. My mother now drives her own
Chevrolet Impala LS in a slightly different color.
Of course the first thing I wanted to do was compare her car to my own and see if Chevy had made any changes in the design over the past year. The only immediate difference was in the fact that my mother didn’t get the leather package and her new car has a spoiler (mine does not). Aside from that, the two cars are enormously similar. As with my own slightly older car, the design is sharp and the edges are precise. The
Chevy Impala is a pleasure to look at as compared to similarly equipped sedans like the Ford Taurus. But the perks don’t stop at the good looks. This car is safe, nicely equipped, comfortable, fast, and reliable. What more could a new car shopper want from a vehicle?
Value, of course. The
Chevy Impala LS is decently priced at under $25,000 for most models with most options. It is classified as a “large” sedan and as such falls into the same category as competition like the aforementioned Ford Taurus, Dodge Intrepid, Buick LeSabre, and Chrysler Concorde. Of course the LeSabre and Concorde are somewhat more costly, but don’t think that Chevrolet has skimped on features. The Taurus and Intrepid on the other hand are of comparable price but of lesser quality in my experience (especially in the case of the Taurus).
Safety
The mentioned safety ratings are also a bonus. The
Impala rates “good” overall on all safety scales a feat not always common amongst American cars. With only slightly lower marks in the leg area for crash tests and obviously no roll over worries drivers can be assured that they will be protected in the case of an accident by the safety features (all of which are standard on the LS model) including: anti-lock brakes, daytime running lamps, driver-side airbag, front airbags, and a frame that includes what GM refers to as “safety cage construction.” Basically safety cage construction is a steel cage that has built in crush zones and certain reinforced areas. It is easy to see why the
Impala has earned 5-star ratings in US Governmental tests. As a comparison, the similarly priced Intrepid is considerably less safe with major issues reported with restraints and foot and leg injury.
Exterior
So you want style in a vehicle also? Well, the
2003 Chevy Impala LS delivers! I’ve been keen on sharp lines and angular dimensions for a long time, and the
Impala definitely fulfills those expectations on the exterior. The auto boasts 16” tires with bolt-on aluminum blackwalls. These tires, while not crossing over into the “pimp” category, are nonetheless sharp. Also included are heated side mirrors, an optional sunroof, foglamps, and the LS comes with a spoiler (unless, as in the case of my year-old car it is specifically requested to not be included). The windows are large and bright, the lights are distinctive although not peculiar looking. The
Impala LS is an all-around stylish ride.
In 2003, the
Impala is available in nine colors. The previous dark green has been replaced with Cappucino Frost Metallic (the color of my mom’s car) and the previous dark blue has been replaced with a teal by the name of Superior Blue Metallic. The other colors are: Galaxy Silver Metallic, Sandrift Metallic, Black, Berry Red Metallic, Bronzemist Metallic (the color of my car), Victory Red, and finally White. As with all cars it’s best not to get the darker shades if you’re going to be driving a lot of dirt roads…they show every speck of dust and debris.
Interior
But the beauty doesn’t stop at the exterior. The interior can be gotten with a bench front seat (as in the case of my car) or bucket seats (like my mother’s). The split folding back seat is standard in the LS model, and adds a great deal of space to an already large trunk. How large is the trunk? Well, get this…it easily holds four large suitcases with room to spare. Not to mention the fact that the optional bench front seat makes it possible to carry six adults (believe it or not). These seats come in either cloth or leather surfaces with the leather coming with heated driver and passenger seats for those cold winter days.
The
Chevy Impala LS has generous cup holders for both the front and back. They hold most beverages, though not necessarily the monster coffee cups sometimes available at gas stations. There is an auxiliary outlet/plug for powering devices like a cell phone mounted in the dash. On the interior roof, drivers will notice a message center that alerts them of temperature, compass direction, average miles per gallon, instant miles per gallon, and miles traveled among other things. In addition, drivers also have a very visible digital center on the dash that will alert them of low gas, oil changes, door ajar, low washer fluid, and the like. So if there’s something wrong with your car, you will know!
Dual temperature controls and easily adjustable standard gauges allow for a comfortable ride. Not to mention the fact vents in the back portion of the car warm that rear passengers. No longer will the driver be blasted by heat or air because passengers are unable to get warm or cold. Of course the
Impala LS also features power windows, power locks, power brakes, tilt steering, power seats, and various other perks. Also rating in the power category is the self-dimming rear-view mirror, a wonderful and convenient feature for nighttime drivers.
Another safety feature is the optional OnStar. This system has boasts a bevy of uses ranging from calling 911 in the case of an accident to simply acting as a hands free cell phone system. The antenna for OnStar is mounted in the upper corner of the driver’s side rear window.
Finally, it’s a must to talk about the stereo system. There are actually four separate options when it comes to preferences. There is the standard system that features just a cassette player. But even this most basic model still includes RDS technology. RDS is a system by which news, weather, traffic, and even song names can be transmitted to your car stereo. It’s a nifty way to discover your favorite kind of station while in a strange part of the country. The next step up adds a 200-watt amplifier to the six channels and six premium speakers. It also includes a CD player. The next step up includes all the aforementioned features with both the CD and cassette decks. Finally, new in 2003 the
Impala can come with factory installed XM radio capabilities. GM is the first automaker to offer this option in their new, factory direct cars.
Engine & Performance
The
Chevrolet Impala is available with two engines. The base model can be gotten with either the 3400 V6 or the 3800 V6 while the LS comes equipped with the larger of the two engines. I’ve only had the privilege of driving
Impalas with the bigger engine, so I cannot comment on the performance of the smaller. But the performance of the 3800 is impressive. The engine has been around for years and has proven itself time and time again as both reliable and long-lasting. Not to mention the fact that it gets this spacious car up and running at 200 hp at 5200 rpm in addition to 225lb-ft torque. GM also boasts that this model has better gas mileage than the smaller Toyota Camry. The
Impala rates at 29 MPG for highway driving and 19 MPG for city. The highway number is accurate, but I’ve found that I get better than nineteen in the city.
A sport-touring suspension comes standard with the
2003 Chevy Impala LS. The car rides comfortably over any road surface, almost as though you are floating. This is a result of the four-wheel independent suspension.
Final Thoughts
I admit it. I am in love with the
2003 Chevrolet Impala LS. It is a beautiful car with abundant features and such good safety ratings that it is hard not to recommend it to everybody. The price may be a bit high for some families looking to buy, but if you can swing it take a look at the
Impala. It’s large enough for a family but sporty enough to make the driver feel young at heart.
Highly, overwhelmingly recommended for 2003.
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Review of the 2002 Chevrolet Impala LS
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