2003 Chevrolet Impala Review

Specifications

Quickest Car in Canada?

Depending on when you grew up, the type of car you learned to drive in will vary. Some reading might have started way back in a Model T Ford, while others perfected their driving skills behind the wheel of a Willys Jeep during the Second World War. Still more might have found themselves starting out in a circa 1950s Chevy Bel Air or even an early 60s Impala. Wouldnt you like to have that classic now?

While the 1976 Malibu coupe, that I incidentally first failed and then some time later passed my drivers license road test in, isnt as collectible as the cars previously mentioned, it feels a lot like Chevys new Impala, which was a bit surprising but pleasantly welcome.

Of course, after 27 years the 2003 Impala is measurably better than the old steed that I punished so regularly in my youthful abandon. Its seats are more comfortable, features more plentiful, steering more direct and grip much more adhesive. Even the engine, while missing two cylinders compared to the old cars 305 cubic inch V8, is more powerful while the front wheels spin under full throttle instead of those at back.

The new Impala is actually fun to drive. I was testing an LS with the optional Sport Appearance Package that adds a stainless steel exhaust tip, embossed front license plate frame, front lower fascia extension, heated front bucket seats, special floor mats, graphite interior trim, leather seats, diamond cut alloy wheels, and the best part of all, its Corvette-style rear tail lamp treatment.

The plastic façade does a good job masking an otherwise ungainly taillight bar, probably the largest of its kind on the planet, while the rear decklid spoiler gives it a sporty look. The current Impala grille has never done much for me from a styling perspective, or possibly it has more to do with the negative connotations it gives off in relation to the models popularity among police cruisers. Just looking at it gives me the willies.

The flip side of that coin made the Impala perfect for intimidating dawdling left lane hogs into moving over. I think people who buy these cars must get some sort of twisted high out of scaring other motorists on a regular basis. Driving the Impala gave me a new appreciation of how well behaved surrounding drivers must look from a policemans view of the road. As soon as they saw the car everyone snapped to attention and followed the road rules to perfection, even if I happened not to be doing so.

And that was easy with my test cars 200-hp 3.8-L V6 raring to go. Its overhead valve architecture is not particularly sophisticated but 225 lb-ft of tire screeching torque is the result, and an impressive 23 mpg in the city and stellar 38 mpg on the highway. The base 180-hp 3.4-L V6 gets even better fuel economy, at 26 mpg in the city and an amazingly frugal 42 mpg on the highway - the latter rating is better than the Honda Accord!

But how can it be so thrifty with only a 4-speed automatic transmission? Everyone knows that 5-speed automatics, currently all the rage, are better for both performance and fuel economy. Possibly theres more marketing spin in that premise than reality, as the Impala beats the odds. Its a nice transmission too, reacting to the throttle with immediate downshifts followed by quick but smooth upshifts between gear intervals.

What about handling? Actually the Impala LS with the upgraded wheels isnt too bad around the corners. But then again the seat leather is a little slippery and theres not much side bolstering to hold smaller bodies in place, causing me to slide from side to side in my chair while trying to negotiate a set of tight curves.

While disconcerting I managed to hold on, gripping the steering wheel with my left hand and passenger seat with the right, but it was hardly art in motion. I think the Impalas broad seats are best for someone with a larger frame than I, and there are plenty that tower over my 58″ height so it should have no shortage of prospects. The rest of the cabin is as large, especially the rear seating area that is roomy enough for three adult criminals to relax in comfort.

From a styling perspective the interior is a little anachronistic, lost somewhere in the eighties. But hey, people have said the same about me so I can hardly be critical. But while Im a little soft around the middle the Impalas plastics are a little too hard giving it the perception of lower quality, while its switchgear doesnt exhibit the solid feeling of confidence associated with Impalas of yesteryear.

With this in mind its important to remember that this car is on its last legs, so to speak. Chevy is expected to replace it with a new, fresher model fairly soon that will no doubt remedy the current cars fit and finish foibles.

But its quiet. Even at highway speeds wind noise and engine vibration are kept to a minimum. This latter item is partially due to a fairly rigid structure overall, enhanced by a magnesium dashboard bulkhead that stiffens the car side to side while clamping the steering column onto the cars sub-frame.

While 4-wheel discs come standard I was disappointed to see ABS brakes only as optional equipment, but to be fair this is the case with the majority of the Impalas competitors. It would be nice to see a major automaker take the lead on this feature and make ABS standard equipment across its line - everyone but the bean counters would win. My test car, an LS model, included standard ABS and delivered decent brake feel and fairly quick response.

While my moms 76 Malibu didnt come near the Impala for braking, it probably had about the same interior space. In base form the new Chevys front bench seat allows room for six, but Ive got dibs on a window seat. Optional seating for five adds a front center console, improving the look while adding an armrest and handy storage bin. The massive 18.6 cubic foot trunk is more than adequate for most hauling, especially when factoring in the added luggage space provided when the 60/40 split/folding rear seatbacks are dropped forward.

While a bit of a throwback to simpler days, the Impala can hold its own against the majority of imported competitors in some very important categories. A few attributes, such as fuel economy, seating capacity and luggage space, leave the rest of the pack far behind while its a little weak in fit and finish, interior ergonomics and mechanical refinement.

Still the Impala boasts better than average reliability and the chance to feel like a cop everyday. And I dont know about you but that last one is priceless. The fact that it clears the left lane so quickly might make it the quickest car from A to B in the nation.