Limited DIY tasks as specified by the manufacturer
Safety Considerations:
Seat belt usage, airbag system, child restraint systems, emergency procedures
Towing:
Towing recommendations and precautions
Technical Depth
Depth:
Owner-level operation, basic checks, and preventative maintenance. Does not cover in-depth diagnostics or repair procedures typically found in a service manual.
📊 Manual Specifications
File Format
File Type:
Portable Document Format (PDF)
Searchability:
Likely text-searchable, assuming a scanned document with OCR or a natively created PDF.
Print Quality
Printability:
Printable on standard home or office printers.
Binding Type
Binding:
N/A (Digital Download)
Paper Type
Paper Type:
N/A (Digital Download)
⚙️ Engine Specifications
Primary Engine
Engine Code:
L36 (3.8L V6)
Engine Type:
Naturally Aspirated Overhead Valve (OHV) V6
Displacement:
3.8 Liters (231 cubic inches)
Horsepower:
205 hp @ 5200 rpm
Torque:
230 lb-ft @ 3000 rpm
Performance
Acceleration 0 60:
Approximately 8.0 - 8.5 seconds
Fuel Economy City:
Approximately 17-19 MPG
Fuel Economy Highway:
Approximately 26-29 MPG
Fuel System
Fuel Delivery:
Sequential Port Fuel Injection (SFI)
Recommended Fuel:
87 Octane Unleaded Gasoline
Engine Details
Block Material:
Cast Iron
Cylinder Head Material:
Aluminum
Ignition System:
Distributorless Ignition System (DIS)
🔧 Transmission
Standard
Transmission Type:
4-Speed Automatic (4T65-E)
Optional
Optional Transmission:
None for the standard 3.8L V6
Features
Shift Modes:
Driver-selectable modes (e.g., Normal, Performance, Winter - often indicated by button on shifter)
Fluid Specifications
Transmission Fluid Type:
Dexron III (or Dexron VI as a compatible replacement)
Fluid Capacity
Fluid Capacity Dry:
Approximately 10.5 Quarts (9.9 Liters)
📐 Dimensions
Exterior
Length:
Approximately 197.5 inches
Width:
Approximately 71.4 inches
Height:
Approximately 56.3 inches
Wheelbase:
Approximately 110.5 inches
Interior
Passenger Volume:
Approximately 103 cubic feet
Cargo
Trunk Volume:
Approximately 15.7 cubic feet
Weights
Curb Weight:
Approximately 3300-3500 lbs (depending on trim and options)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
Approximately 4450 lbs
🛡️ Safety Features
Ratings
NHTSA Frontal Crash:
5-Star (Driver and Passenger) for 2003 model year
NHTSA Side Impact:
4-Star (Front Passenger) - Varies by configuration
Active Features
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
Traction Control:
Optional Traction Control System (TCS)
Passive Features
Airbags:
Driver and front passenger airbags, optional side airbags
Seat Belts:
Three-point active seatbelts with pretensioners
Child Restraints:
LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) system
💡 Technology Features
Infotainment
Audio System:
Standard AM/FM stereo with cassette and CD player, optional premium sound system with amplifier and steering wheel audio controls.
Climate Control:
Manual or optional dual-zone automatic climate control.
Driver Assistance
Cruise Control:
Standard cruise control system.
Connectivity
Auxiliary Inputs:
N/A (No standard aux input; aftermarket solutions may exist).
🔧 Maintenance
Service Intervals
Oil Change Interval:
Every 7,500 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first (under normal driving conditions). Refer to manual for severe conditions.
Tire Rotation:
Every 7,500 miles
Coolant Flush:
Every 100,000 miles or 5 years for initial service, then every 50,000 miles or 5 years.
Spark Plug Replacement:
100,000 miles (if equipped with original iridium plugs)
Fluid Specifications
Engine Oil Type:
SAE 5W-30 Synthetic Blend or Full Synthetic
Engine Oil Capacity:
4.5 Quarts (4.3 Liters) with filter change
Coolant Type:
Dex-Cool (Orange) Extended Life Antifreeze/Coolant
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3
Known Issues
Common Wear Items:
Wheel bearings, suspension bushings, front struts/shocks, O2 sensors.
Engine Specific:
Lower intake manifold gasket leaks (on certain GM 3800 V6 engines, though less common on the L36 than earlier iterations), occasional power steering pump noise.
Transmission Specific:
Occasional shifting issues or solenoid problems in the 4T65-E transmission if not properly maintained.
📚 Vehicle History
Brand Heritage
Brand Identity:
Buick, a division of General Motors, historically known for comfort, quietness, and luxury.
Model Evolution
Platform:
Based on GM's W-body platform, shared with Chevrolet Impala, Monte Carlo, and Pontiac Grand Prix.
Generation Context:
This generation of Regal (third generation) ran from 1997-2004, with this 2003 model representing a late-stage iteration.
Production
Manufacturing Location:
Oshawa, Ontario, Canada
Production Years For This Generation:
1997-2004
🏆 Awards & Recognition
Recognitions
Jdpower Initial Quality:
Regal models from this era often received respectable initial quality scores, reflecting Buick's focus on refinement.
Ratings
Consumer Reports:
Generally rated average to above average for reliability and owner satisfaction, particularly the powertrain.
Certifications
Emissions Certification:
Meets all applicable U.S. Federal Emissions Standards for model year 2003.
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