Buick Regal Review

"Regal" — it seems like an overly ambitious name for a modest family sedan. But it makes more sense when you consider that the Buick Regal didn't get its start in the midsize sedan segment; the car was launched in 1973 as a lower-priced luxury coupe. Similar to the Century, these early rear-drive Regals went through a number of changes and variations, though the focus was typically on luxury and performance.

In fact, the Buick Regal served as the basis for the Grand National, one of the most popular muscle cars from the 1980s, as well as the GNX, a limited-edition Grand National that is already considered a collectible classic. Through the 1990s, the Regal was stripped of much of the performance potential that had made previous models such a thrill ride. There was a supercharged Regal at one point, but interest waned and Buick discontinued the Regal after 2004 to consolidate its product line.

However, the Regal has been reborn and this time it's sporting a new, European-inspired personality. Based on the Opel Insignia, the latest Regal gives the old tri-shield division something it never had -- a well-rounded midsize sport sedan that should appeal to driving enthusiasts who never thought they'd consider a Buick.

Current Buick Regal
Brought back for the 2011 model year, the Buick Regal takes a much different tack than in years past. Based on the European Opel Insignia, the Regal, available in CXL and CXL Turbo trims, is as much sport sedan as family sedan. Even with its chrome waterfall grille, the Regal's exterior styling is tastefully restrained. Inside it's the same theme, as the cabin reveals its European lineage via a clean and functional design aesthetic, though splashes of metallic trim brighten things up a bit.

Engine choices consist of a 2.4-liter inline-4 with 182 horsepower and a turbocharged 2.0-liter good for 220 hp. And while most Regals will have a six-speed automatic transmission, a six-speed manual is available with the turbocharged engine. The Regal is front-wheel drive.

The Regal CXL comes standard with 18-inch alloy wheels, dual-zone automatic climate control, leather upholstery, a power driver seat, heated front seats, a seven-speaker stereo (with CD/MP3 player, satellite radio, iPod/auxiliary audio jacks and steering-wheel-mounted controls) and Bluetooth connectivity. Options include a sunroof, rear parking sensors, a hard-drive-based navigation system with digital music storage, a nine-speaker Harman Kardon premium audio system and a power passenger seat. The Regal CXL Turbo adds a turbocharged engine as well as rear parking sensors and a power passenger seat. Exclusive Turbo options include 19-inch wheels, xenon headlights and an Interactive Drive Control system with Sport, Tour and Standard modes.

In reviews, we've found that the Regal's precise (if a bit light) steering, responsive handling, well-shaped front seats and firm but compliant ride allow the car to live up to its sporting promises. Considering the Regal's curb weight of 3,600 pounds, though, the base engine is rather taxed despite its respectable output. The turbocharged mill is a better choice and provides effortless thrust whether tooling around town or jetting up a freeway on-ramp. Inside, we like the clean, no-nonsense dash design, but the available navigation system is fussy to use -- it looks like a touchscreen interface but isn't and instead requires one to fiddle with various buttons and knobs.

Used Buick Regal Models
Unveiled in 1997 and produced through 2004, the previous generation of the Buick Regal (available only as a sedan) enjoyed a reputation for overall competence. Its roomy interior made it a hit with those looking for capacious family transportation. Controls were intuitive and easy to use, and gauges were king-sized and easily read. Best of all, the Regal was available with a muscular supercharged V6, affording buyers the chance to get a sedan that was both sensible and capable of giving a little thrill, at least in a straight line.

But the Regal's shine was dulled by a couple of shortcomings. Like some other Buicks of this era, its cabin was rather archaic, as it was dressed in cheap-looking fake wood and lacked some of the amenities provided by the competition. Additionally, the Regal's seats weren't that comfortable — a notable failing for a family sedan.

In these years, the Buick Regal was offered in two trims. Base LS models offered standard features like keyless entry, full power accessories and a CD player. GS Supercharged models added a trip computer and leather upholstery. A third trim, the LSE, made an appearance but only for the year 2000. Options on Regals of this era included heated seats, OnStar and a power moonroof.

Regal buyers had a couple of engines to choose from. LS models were powered by a 3.8-liter V6, while GS Supercharged models were, as the name suggests, powered by a supercharged version of the V6. Naturally aspirated Regals built in 1997 and 1998 offered 195 horsepower and 220 pound-feet of torque; supercharged models upped the ante with 240 hp and 280 lb-ft of torque. A performance upgrade took place for 1999 for naturally aspirated models as power went up to 200 hp and 225 lb-ft of torque. Both engines were mated to a four-speed automatic transmission.

Buick's midsize sedan logged a few changes during this generation. In 1999, there were new standard features like a tire-inflation monitor and an upgraded audio system. Steering and suspension were enhanced, and options like a self-dimming rearview mirror were added. In 2000, Regals got new alloy wheels and a split-folding rear seat, along with an optional side airbag on the driver side. Model-year 2003 saw the Regal being stripped of some of its luxury; many features that had been standard the previous year were either made optional or deleted altogether. Production for the Regal ended after the 2004 model year.

Though the Buick Regal stood as a fair choice in the midsize segment, it was surpassed in many respects by the Japanese competition. Still, low resale values make the Regal a very affordable option on the used car market, and for this reason, it's worth considering for those seeking a sedan that delivers when it comes to value. If you are considering a Regal from this generation, get a GS Supercharged version built in 2000 or after to enjoy a model with appealing performance and the best available feature content.

The third-generation Regal was built from 1988-'96. It held the distinction of being the first front-wheel-drive version of the car, and was offered as both a coupe and sedan. Regals of this era came in a host of trims. For example, in 1996 sedans could be had in base Custom, Olympic Gold, Limited and top-of-the-line Gran Sport trims; coupe buyers had less to choose from, with just Custom and Limited trims.

Custom Regals built in the mid-'90s offered a 3.1-liter V6 good for 160 hp and 185 lb-ft of torque, while Limited, Olympic Gold and Gran Sport models were motivated by a 3.8-liter V6 that offered 205 hp and 230 lb-ft of torque. A supercharged engine wasn't offered.