2003 Chevrolet Impala

Still a far cry from Impalas of the distant past, Chevrolet's largest passenger car continues to attract a fair share of buyers. In fact, it's among the top 10 sellers. During 2001, more than 208,000 Impalas went to customers in the U.S., an increase of 19.5 percent.


Long ago, the Impala badge stood tall, exemplifying Chevrolet's role as industry leader. Today's Impala is distinctive in style, if more conventional in execution and operation. Introduced for the 2000 model year, it's a family 4-door sedan that hasn't changed dramatically since.

New 5-spoke, 16-inch aluminum wheels go on both Impala versions. Remote keyless entry now is standard on the base model, and four new body colors are offered.

Once again, two versions can be found at dealerships. A 3.4-liter V-6 producing 180 horses goes into the base sedan. The step-up LS gets a 3.8-liter V-6 that generates 200 hp. Both engines drive a four-speed Hydra-Matic transmission. Engineers claim that the Impala's extruded-aluminum engine cradle, which helps isolate engine noise and vibration, is a "first" for a mass-produced automobile.


For the 2003 model year, XM Satellite radio is newly optional, giving owners the availability of a hundred coast-to-coast digital radio channels—provided they pay the monthly fee, that is. Introduced on a number of models this year, satellite radio is another way of making drivers feel like they're practically "at home" while in the car.


Chevrolet touts the Impala as having midsize exterior dimensions but big-car space. Only a handful of passenger cars seat up to six occupants, but the Impala is one of them—augmented by 18.6 cubic feet of trunk capacity. Separate front bucket seats replace the bench in the LS sedan, for 5-passenger capacity.