🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Buick

Model:

Regal

Model Year:

2003

Platform:

GM W-body platform

Chassis Code:

L36 (3.8L naturally aspirated), L67 (3.8L supercharged)

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Mid-size sedan

Brand Perception:

Buick aimed for a balance of comfort, quietness, and a touch of luxury within the mainstream market.

Key Competitors:

Ford Taurus, Chevrolet Impala, Dodge Intrepid, Toyota Camry, Honda Accord.

Focus:

Comfort-oriented ride, spacious interior, availability of a potent supercharged V6 engine option.

📋 Manual Details

Systems Covered:

Introduction, Instrument Cluster, Entertainment Systems, Climate Controls, Lights, Driver Controls, Locks and Security, Seating and Safety Restraints, Driving, Customer Assistance, Reporting Safety Defects (U.S. only), Cleaning, Maintenance and Specifications, Engine Compartment, Engine Oil, Battery, Fuel Information, Air Filter(s), Part Numbers, Refill Capacities, Lubricant Specifications, Accessories.

Estimated Page Count:

200-300 (typical for this era's owner's manuals)

Type:

Owner's Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Digital PDF Download

📖 Manual Coverage

Powertrain:

Engine operation, fluid types, capacities, basic maintenance procedures for engine oil, coolant, and fuel.

Chassis And Suspension:

Limited coverage on basic checks, tire pressure, and wheel torque specifications.

Electrical And Lighting:

Instrument cluster operation, lighting controls, fuse locations (basic), battery maintenance.

Comfort And Convenience:

Climate control system operation, power locks, security features, seating adjustments, infotainment system basics (radio, CD player).

Routine Maintenance:

Checking and topping off engine oil, coolant, windshield washer fluid; tire pressure checks; air filter inspection; battery care.

Troubleshooting:

Basic troubleshooting for warning lights and common vehicle issues, guidance on when to seek professional service.

Safety Features:

Operation of airbags, seatbelts, child seat installation recommendations, and basic safety advice for driving.

Depth:

Owner-level information for routine operation, basic maintenance, and understanding vehicle features. Does not cover in-depth diagnostics or component-level repair procedures.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Type:

PDF

Searchability:

Likely text-searchable if scanned optically with OCR, or fully searchable if originally digital.

Quality:

Digital reproduction of original factory manual, quality dependent on original scan or creation.

Binding:

Not Applicable (Digital Download)

Paper Quality:

Not Applicable (Digital Download)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Type 1:

3.8L V6 (L36) naturally aspirated

Displacement 1:

3.8 Liters (231 cu in)

Horsepower 1:

200 hp @ 5200 rpm

Torque 1:

230 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm

Engine Type 2:

3.8L V6 (L67) Supercharged

Displacement 2:

3.8 Liters (231 cu in)

Horsepower 2:

240 hp @ 5200 rpm

Torque 2:

280 lb-ft @ 3600 rpm

Fuel Delivery:

Sequential Fuel Injection (SFI)

Recommended Fuel:

87 Octane (for L36), 91 Octane (recommended for L67 Supercharged)

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type:

4-speed automatic (4T65-E)

Transmission Type:

4-speed automatic with manual mode (4T65-E HD for supercharged models)

Overdrive:

Yes

Traction Control:

Available (Traction Control System - TCS)

📐 Dimensions

Length:

198.7 inches

Width:

71.4 inches

Height:

57.0 inches

Wheelbase:

110.5 inches

Passenger Volume:

Approximately 103.7 cu ft

Trunk Volume:

Approximately 15.1 cu ft

Curb Weight Approx Base:

3500-3700 lbs

Curb Weight Approx Supercharged:

3700-3900 lbs

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Frontal Driver Impact:

Good (as per IIHS, NHTSA ratings varied)

NHTSA Frontal Passenger Impact:

Good (as per IIHS, NHTSA ratings varied)

ABS:

Standard (Anti-lock Braking System)

Traction Control:

Available (TCS)

Airbags:

Driver and front passenger airbags, available side-impact airbags.

Seatbelts:

3-point active front seatbelts with pretensioners, rear shoulder belts.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

AM/FM stereo with CD player, optional cassette player, optional premium audio systems (e.g., Monsoon).

Climate Controls:

Manual or automatic climate control systems with single or dual-zone capabilities.

Cruise Control:

Standard

Parking Sensors:

Not available for this model year.

Auxiliary Input:

Not typically equipped; aftermarket solutions available.

Bluetooth:

Not available for this model year.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 3,000-5,000 miles or 3-6 months (depending on driving conditions and oil type, consult manual for specifics).

Tire Rotation:

Every 7,500 miles

Air Filter Replacement:

Every 15,000-30,000 miles (inspect annually)

Engine Oil Viscosity:

SAE 5W-30 (for both L36 and L67 engines)

Engine Oil Type:

API Certified, SG or higher, synthetic or conventional

Coolant Type:

GM Dex-Cool (Orange)

Transmission Fluid Type:

Dexron III or Dexron VI Automatic Transmission Fluid

Power Steering Fluid Type:

GM Power Steering Fluid or Dexron III/VI ATF

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 3

Common Problems:

Upper strut mount bearings, intake manifold gaskets (leaks), power steering pump issues, window regulator failures, spark plug wire degradation.

Supercharger Specific:

Supercharger clutch bearing wear, intercooler leaks (less common).

Air Filter Part No Approx:

AC-Delco A3134C or equivalent (verify with VIN)

Engine Oil Capacity:

4.5 quarts (with filter)

Coolant Capacity:

Approx. 10.0 quarts (with heater)

Transmission Fluid Capacity:

Approx. 3.0 quarts (dry fill), 9.5 quarts (total capacity)

📚 Vehicle History

Buick Legacy:

Buick has a long-standing reputation for comfortable, quiet, and well-built vehicles, often positioned as a premium offering within GM.

Regal Lineage:

The Regal nameplate has been used for various Buick models, including coupes and sedans, evolving through different platforms and styles.

Manufacturing Location:

Oshawa, Ontario, Canada; Fairfax, Kansas, USA (W-body platform)

Model Generation:

This generation of the Regal was part of the fourth generation of the W-body platform, produced from 1997 to 2005.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

IIHS Safety Pick:

The Regal often received good ratings from the IIHS for frontal impact protection in its era.

Car And Driver Best 10:

While not a consistent annual awardee, the Regal GS (supercharged model) was recognized for its performance in its class.