Buick Regal

Name: 2003 Buick Regal
Brand: Buick

EPA MPG: NA

RECALL ALERT: There are 5 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

There are 5 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

RECALL ALERT: There are 5 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

There are 5 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

First Take

The aging Regal is an acceptable car, but nothing special compared with its newer, more advanced competition. Drawbacks include ungainly handling (the optional Gran Touring suspension improves that somewhat) and front seats that become less comfortable the longer you sit in them. On the plus side, the Regal rides well at lower speeds and its cabin is quiet. The transmission shifts smoothly and it's been very reliable. The standard 3.8-liter V6 puts out 200 hp. A 240-hp supercharged version powers the GS model, making it fast though hardly sporty.

Reliability Details

Owner Satisfaction Details

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2003 Sedans & Hatchbacks Reliability

No Data Available

Crash Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap

Acceptable

IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver

IIHS Side Crash

NHTSA Overall Crash

NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash

NHTSA Overall Side-Crash

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Crash Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap

Acceptable

IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver

IIHS Side Crash

NHTSA Overall Crash

NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash

NHTSA Overall Side-Crash

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Buick vs. Other New Car Brands

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Owner Reports

Owner Satisfaction Owner Satisfaction

2000

2001

2002

2003

2004

2005

2006

2007

2008

2009

2010

2011

2012

2013

2014

2015

2016

2017

2018

2019

2020

2021

2022

2023

2024

Driving Experience

Comfort

Value

Buick vs. Other New Car Brands

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Buick vs. Other New Car Brands

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Crash Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap

Acceptable

IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver

IIHS Side Crash

NHTSA Overall Crash

NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash

NHTSA Overall Side-Crash

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2003 Luxury compact cars Ratings

2003 Buick Regal

$3,650 - $3,700

EPA MPG NA

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2003 Audi A4

$3,125 - $4,625

EPA MPG 20 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2003 BMW 3 Series

$3,775 - $4,975

EPA MPG 22 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2003 Infiniti G

$4,250 - $4,875

EPA MPG 22 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2003 Lexus IS

$ NA

EPA MPG 20 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2003 Mercedes-Benz C-Class

$3,325 - $5,675

EPA MPG NA

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2003 Saab 9-3

$3,075 - $3,225

EPA MPG 24 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2003 Volvo S60

$3,325 - $4,350

EPA MPG NA

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

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Features & Specs

sedan

2 front, 3 rear

Front

3.8-liter V6 supercharged (240 hp)
3.8-liter V6 (200 hp)

4-speed automatic

In most cases, automotive warranties are based on the vehicle identification number (VIN), and the warranty will be valid regardless of ownership. The dealership can tell you exactly how much warranty is left.

Read more about extended warranties

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Model History

2018-2020

2018 Redesign Year

2018 brought the Regal Sportback, which had coupelike styling that artfully masked its hatchback configuration. The TourX wagon, also new, had a raised stance similar in concept to a Subaru Outback. Most versions used an energetic 2.0-liter, turbo four-cylinder engine; the sporty GS got a 3.6-liter V6. Front- and all-wheel-drive versions were available. The Regal has a comfortable ride, and road, wind, and engine noise are well-muted. Handling is capable and responsive, but it's less sporty than the previous generation. We found the seats to be comfortable and the cabin well-constructed, although a bit plain. 2020 was the final year for the Regal.

2011-2017

2011 Redesign Year

Before 2011, the Regal was a humdrum car with a floaty ride and rubbery steering. Buick revitalized the Regal nameplate in 2011, basing the model on Germany's Opel Insignia. As such, it conveys a typically European driving experience, with a taut ride, sporty handling, and excellent fit and finish. Firm, supportive seats and tight rear accommodations are another European trait of Buick's mid-size model. Changes for 2014 included more horsepower for the turbocharged engine, a revised interior treatment with simpler controls, more available contemporary electronic safety features and optional all-wheel drive.

1997-2005

1997 Redesign Year

This sedan provided a smooth ride and responsive routine handling in our tests in the early 1990s, but was not very competent in emergency maneuvers. Regals of this vintage have a split-bench front seat and an uncomfortable rear seat. The car was redesigned for 1997, but retained an old-fashioned floaty ride and rubbery steering. Handling is improved somewhat with the Gran Touring suspension package. Acceleration is good with the base 3.8-liter, 200-hp V6, and quicker with the supercharged version, which pumps out 240 horses and makes the Regal quick but not sporty.