Segment:
Mid-size Sedan/Coupe
Brand Perception:
Positioned as a comfortable, well-equipped, and slightly more upscale offering within General Motors' portfolio.
Key Competitors:
Ford Taurus, Chevrolet Impala, Dodge Intrepid, Toyota Camry, Honda Accord.
Comfort And Ride:
Known for its smooth ride quality and comfortable interior, characteristic of Buick's brand identity.
Interior Appointments:
Often featured higher-quality materials and more amenities than its GM siblings.
Engine Options:
Offered a choice of robust V6 engines providing a balance of performance and efficiency.
Primary Coverage:
Owner's Manual for Buick Regal 2003
Secondary Coverage:
Maintenance, Service, Operation, Safety
Estimated Page Count:
Approximately 300-400 pages (typical for this model year and manual type)
Instrumentation And Controls:
Detailed explanation of dashboard indicators, warning lights, switches, and controls.
Safety Features:
Operation and limitations of seat belts, airbags (SRS), child restraint systems, and LATCH anchors.
Comfort And Convenience:
Operation of HVAC system (heater, air conditioner), audio system, power windows, locks, and mirrors.
Driving Operations:
Starting and stopping the engine, gear selection, parking, and basic driving techniques.
Emergency Procedures:
Procedures for flat tires, jump-starting, overheating, brake failure, and other critical situations. Includes location of spare tire and tools.
Service And Maintenance:
Recommended maintenance schedule, fluid level checks, tire pressure, and basic do-it-yourself tasks.
Appearance And Care:
Information on cleaning, protecting paint, interior care, and addressing minor cosmetic issues.
Technical And Consumer Info:
Vehicle identification number (VIN) location, tire information, warranty details, and consumer assistance information.
Pre Driving Checks:
Step-by-step guide for performing essential checks before driving (fluid levels, tire pressure, lights).
Maintenance Tasks:
Guidance on checking and topping off engine oil, coolant, brake fluid, windshield washer fluid, and changing wiper blades.
Troubleshooting Basics:
Identification of common warning lights and basic actions to take.
Depth:
Owner-level, focusing on operation, routine maintenance, and basic troubleshooting. Does not include in-depth repair procedures or diagnostic codes.
Engine Code:
3.8L V6 (L36, naturally aspirated)
Displacement:
3.8 Liters (3800 cc)
Configuration:
Overhead Valve (OHV), V-configuration
Horsepower:
Approximately 205 hp @ 5200 rpm
Torque:
Approximately 230 lb-ft @ 3600 rpm
Fuel Economy Est:
EPA estimated 18 MPG city / 28 MPG highway (Varies with transmission and driving conditions)
Fuel Delivery:
Sequential Central Port Fuel Injection (SCPI) / Multi-Port Fuel Injection (MPFI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline, 87 octane recommended
Optional Engine Code:
3.8L V6 Supercharged (L67)
Optional Horsepower:
Approximately 240 hp @ 5000 rpm
Optional Torque:
Approximately 280 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm
Length:
Approximately 196.9 inches
Width:
Approximately 70.3 inches
Height:
Approximately 56.5 inches
Wheelbase:
Approximately 109.0 inches
Passenger Volume:
Approximately 100 cubic feet
Trunk Volume:
Approximately 15.1 cubic feet
Curb Weight:
Approximately 3400-3600 lbs (depending on engine and options)
NHTSA Front Impact:
Likely received 4-star or 5-star ratings (specific data may vary)
NHTSA Side Impact:
Likely received 4-star or 5-star ratings (specific data may vary)
IIHS Ratings:
Check Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) for specific crash test results.
Airbags:
Driver and front passenger airbags (SRS). Side-impact airbags may be optional on some trims.
Seat Belts:
Three-point active front and rear seat belts. Pretensioners and load limiters for front seats.
Child Safety:
LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) system for child seat installation. Child safety rear door locks.
Brakes:
Front disc, rear drum brakes standard. Front and rear disc brakes available on certain trims. Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) typically standard.
Traction Control:
Traction Control System (TCS) often available, particularly with the supercharged engine.
Audio System:
Factory AM/FM stereo with CD player. Optional premium sound systems, cassette tape player, and/or CD changer available.
Climate Control:
Manual or optional automatic climate control (ACC).
Cruise Control:
Standard cruise control system.
Anti Theft:
Factory anti-theft immobilizer system.
Aux Input:
No standard auxiliary audio input (typical for this era). Aftermarket solutions may be available.
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 5,000 to 7,500 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first, using synthetic or synthetic blend oil.
Tire Rotation:
Recommended every 7,500 miles or as part of oil changes.
Coolant Change:
Initial change at 100,000 miles, then every 50,000 miles or 5 years.
Spark Plugs:
For the 3800 V6 (L36), typically replaced around 100,000 miles (often platinum or iridium type).
Engine Oil Type:
SAE 5W-30 (API certified, meeting GM standard)
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approximately 4.5 US quarts (4.25 liters) with filter change.
Coolant Type:
GM Dex-Cool (Orange coolant), 50/50 mixture with distilled water.
Transmission Fluid Type:
Dexron VI (or Dexron III/IIE if VI is not specified, consult manual for exact spec)
Power Steering Fluid:
GM Power Steering Fluid or Dexron compatible fluid.
Intake Manifold Gaskets:
Potential coolant leaks due to deterioration of the plastic intake manifold gaskets on the 3800 Series II V6 engines.
Window Regulators:
Common wear item, leading to windows not operating correctly.
Transmission Hard Shifts:
The 4T65-E transmission can sometimes develop issues with hard shifting or solenoid problems.
Maf Sensor:
Mass Airflow (MAF) sensor can become dirty, leading to performance issues and check engine lights.
Buick Legacy:
Buick, established in 1899, is one of America's oldest automotive brands, known for its emphasis on comfort, quietness, and a refined driving experience.
Regal Lineage:
The Regal nameplate has been used by Buick for various models over several decades, often representing a sportier or more personal luxury offering than the LeSabre or Park Avenue.
Manufacturing Location:
Primarily assembled in North America by General Motors (e.g., Oshawa Car Plant, Ontario, Canada; Lansing Car Assembly, Michigan, USA).
Model Generation:
The 2003 model year belongs to the 5th generation of the Buick Regal (1997-2004), which was a facelifted version of the GM W-body platform.