Buick Regal (older generation) Midsize | Compact
Buick Regal (older generation) Midsize | Compact
[Mar 17, 2002]
Mike
Model Reviewed:
/ Buick Regal GS
Strength:
Engine performance is awesome. The stock supercharged engine pulls strong! Makes lots of power (240 HP) at low revs where you can use it most. I’ve added some performance goodies like a smaller diameter supercharger pulley (for a little higher boost), and insulated the air box and installed a K&N air filter. Current HP is approximately 270. I also added an adjustable electronic shift kit and a transmission oil cooler to take on the extra power. Lots of performance goodies available for this car through Pontiac GTP and Regal GS performance web sites. Both are GM cousins that share the “W” chassis and the same 3800 series-II supercharged V6. Other performance aspects like the 4-wheel disc anti-lock brakes and traction control are also nice. The transmission has a dual shift mode “standard” and “performance” shift for crisper shifts if you are inclined. Leather seats are very comfortable and creature comforts are plentiful. I like the Driver information Center (DIC) It displays your MPG, S/C Boost PSI, and Range (miles to empty)among other things. The stock stereo is worth keeping unlike all other stock systems I’ve had, the steering wheel radio controls are excellent. Climate perfo
Weakness:
The stock Good Year tires are probably the worst thing Buick did to this car (some come with Firestone). The low performance tires are responsible for the 108 MPH governor, average handling in the corners, and added road noise. Traction is fair at best in the corners and its way too easy to spin the tires off the line even with the traction control turned on. When these wear out I’m going to definitely spend a few extra bucks on some decent rubber. I wished they had better skip control on the CD player though, it occasionally skips on a bumpy road. Climate control is quirky. The dual control for the passenger is nice but the basic controls were very poorly designed. Buick should get rid of the “Auto” (automatic) button and replace it with an “AC” or “Compressor” ON/OFF button. I don’t care for the compressor coming on erratically, nor the fan defaulting to a hi-speed setting when you switch to a different mode like “Defrost” or “Air-condition”. It would be nice if after the windshield were defrosted for example, the controls would allow a default back to the previous settings. Instead GM has made it very difficult to turn off the “Auto” mode that it always defaults back to. . . A very nice car over all, with few things to complain about. I’d recommend this car for anyone looking for comfort, performance and decent economy. Motor-heads will like this car, the conservative yet clean styling makes it the perfect “sleeper” . . . a wolf in sheep’s clothing. It’s loaded! I got every option except for the butt warmers, passenger side electric seat, Monsoon stereo and chrome wheels. Similar Products Used: 1988 Pontiac Bonneville, It had the earliest vertion of the 3.8 liter V6 engine. Nice but not as refined as the current 3800 series-II V6. |
[Feb 09, 2002]
rudedog71
Model Reviewed:
Regal GS
Strength:
Looks good, has loads of power, seats are comfortable.
Weakness:
Poor Quality, extreme excess repairs, and they are all expensive. Average working class person cannot afford this vehicle. I maintained this vehicle exactly to manufacturers recommendations and did not abuse the vehicle and still have had numerous problems. Well over 14 days in shop in past year, and still more repairs needed. This Vehicle has 87,000 miles on it. GM brags that you won''t need a tune up for 100,000 miles, but you will need everything else. Manufacturer will not offer any cost assistance beyond the 36,000 mile warranty period. Look elsewhere for a quality vehicle. The weaknesses far outweigh the strengths of this vehicle. Very poor quality, no back up from manufacturer. I have spent over $4000 in repairs to this vehicle in the past 15 months just to keep it on the road. Still need over $2000 to get it all corrected. Have replaced Magnasteer Rack unit 3 times, steering loss without warning, won''t turn left. Had numerous leaks, oil pan, both valve covers, rear main seal. Eats up tires at an unacceptable rate, about every 30,000 you need a new set. Windows Power regualtors are garbage. Had driver door replaced once, other 3 now inoperative, and they cost over $400.00 each to replace them. Can''t roll down any windows. Exhaust leaks. Twice idlers for the serpentine belt have siezed and broken the belt loosing all accesory power. Supercharger Idler broke off, and fell out of engine compartment. I am just sick with this car, and cannot afford to get another one. Still owe more than its worth, and keep sinking money into it. I will NEVER buy a new vehicle again. I have in the past driven older vehicles from the 70''s and 80''s. That is what I will do from now on. Too many gadgets and expensive components. Figure on spending an additional $200.00 per month above your payment to maintain this vehicle. |
[Jan 14, 2002]
geobikegolf
Model Reviewed:
Regal LS
Strength:
The 3800 series II engine is smooth & powerful,great tranny.Visibility is great from the large side mirrors.I expect at least 200,000 miles from this car!Beautiful leather interior.
Weakness:
The 70/215 tires seem a little skimpy & there does not seem to be an alternate 60 series tire size.Leadfoot drivers may need a gas card readily available! If you are looking for a solid family sedan,I would look at one of these.My LS came with everything except the grand touring pkg.It has leather seats,anti-lock,traction control...I was looking at a 1999 Malibu for about the same price but you just cannot compare them.There are 25,000 mi. on the car. Similar Products Used: Tested Ford Taurus,Chevrolet Malibu.(Would''nt you really have a Buick?) You bet!! |
[Jan 04, 2002]
john smith
Strength:
powerfull 3.8 v6 sporty smooth ride on hwy good gas milage overdrive
Weakness:
need more leg room in backseats when front seats are pushed back nice car,comfortable sporty 4 door loaded leather seats power sunroof remote keyless entry auto headlights etc. Similar Products Used: none |
[Dec 27, 2001]
claytonr2002
Model Reviewed:
GS
Strength:
Very strong supercharged motor....1 added a smaller pulley from Tresher Performance Products, plus a K&N filter....now have280hp and 315lbs torque...car has been dynoed with 243hp at front wheels, so allowing 15% for driveline lose, 280hp seems pretty close. Have insyalled eibach springs and 17x9 Mille Meglia Evo rims with 245/45 zr17 Dunlop Sport 5000''s. Car now handles better than before and goes like stink. I haven''t taken it to the local drag track, but my buddy has a G-Tech pro and 0-100 kph (or 0-62mph) showed up in 5.9 seconds!!! All this in a family 4 door that''s fully loaded - power sunroof, full leather, dual front seat heaters, big truck with pass through, full speed traction control, etc. GREAT, Great car - easily the sleeper of the decade
Weakness:
Hard to keep to speed limit. Wife now wants to drive more!! Great all round car, lots of great features. Easliy upgradable (wheels, tires, supercharger, airfilter, ETC) Would recommend to anyone. Similar Products Used: 1999 Alero, 1995 Taurus SHO 5spd, 1990 Bonnville SSE 1991 Dodge Spirit R/T, 1986 Lebaron Turbo, 1980 Chev Monte Carlo, 1976 Ford Capri 3.0 Ghia (last car owned in England. |
[Dec 23, 2001]
ajmengr
Model Reviewed:
Regal Custom
Strength:
3800 Engine delivers great power, Ride is smooth, great visibility, four wheel disk brakes. Comfortable seats
Weakness:
Rattles and squeaks. Interior is a bit dull. So far I am quite impressed with the car. The only irritating thing with the car is a rattle from the rear window and a squeak from the right front of the dash when I go over bumps. If anyone has any idea on what the cause of these are and how to fix them...that would be great. You have to be sure you use the parking brake or else the rear calipers freeze up. Similar Products Used: 89 Buick LeSabre |
[Nov 11, 2001]
riehle_a
Strength:
Gas mileage (I still get about 27 mpg), reliablity, comfort.
Weakness:
I have been told the transmission on most Buicks will need to be replaced at about 140,000-160,000 miles. Do it, it is worth it. Other than that I have none. A Buick is a great car. I have a 1990 Buick Electra. My family bought this car used with about 50,000 miles on it for $10,000, approx. 8 years ago. It was my mothers car and lets just say she knows how to put on the miles. Luckily for us, my father was a mechanic when he was younger and knew how to take care of cars. He was big on the regular oil change, and I believe that is the best thing you can do for your car. When the car hit 140,000 miles the transmission went out. My father took the chance and replaced it for about $1,200. That was about 5 1/2 years ago. The car is in my name now. It was given to me as a college graduation present. Within the past week the mileage rolled over to hit 208,000 miles. Who can beat that. I must say that the car hasn''t always been a pleasure to deal with. Since I took over the car and its repairs, I have had to replace the fuel lines twice, the ball joints once, the alternator once, the front breaks twice, and the CV joints once. But I can''t complain. One of my friends has had more problems with her Tercel which only has 75,000 miles. Even now my car is a smooth ride, and has great pick up. With a V6 engine merging in traffic is not a problem, just step on the gas and let it drop into overdrive. I would recommend a Buick to anyone, and buy another one in a heartbeat. Sadly I am currently looking to replace my car. I know that it won''t last forever, but I will keep it until the repairs are just not worth it anymore. I guess you build a bond with a car that you have been driving for 4 years, and hasn''t left you on the side of the road. No matter what your need for a car is, a Buick is well worth the money. Similar Products Used: Pontiac sunbird |
[Oct 27, 2001]
Mark
Strength:
Everything... Look, power, feel, sex appeal.
Weakness:
A little loose in the corners at high speeds. Ok, when you hear that someone in the their 20''s drives a Buick, most people either thing it is a joke, or that I am not really in my 20''s. Well, let me tell you that I am a 25 year old that drives a Buick Regal GS, and I LOVE IT. I looked at other cars like the BMW 3-series, Lexus, and Mercedes C class. I picked this car over them all. This car is very cool, regardless of the reputation Buick has as being an "old mans car." 240HP V-6 Supercharged engine with every option, from sunroof to seat warmers, OnStar and a pretty decent stereo. The only thing that this car was lacking was a CD changer, which I just got installed. Test drive a Regal and I think you will see what I am talking about! Similar Products Used: BMW, Nissan, Mercedes, Lexus |
[Oct 26, 2001]
Ssamuel Mills
Model Reviewed:
GS
Strength:
economy 28-30 mpg, handling-(handles like a sports car), and reliability - in 226,00 it''s only left me sitting once due to a falty computer component.
Weakness:
None I bought this car new in 1989 and have never regreted it. It has been the best car I have ever owned - Has 226,000 miles and runs perfect - uses no oil and absolutely everything works. Similar Products Used: None |
[Sep 19, 2001]
Chris S
Strength:
nice ride. like others said the engine is bulitproof. still runs good.
Weakness:
Bad Bad Bad and Very Bad Brakes!and sunroof,power widows,gauges,seat control, glove box door and console warping.alternator is expectable I suppose 91 Regal: it has 275000km and for 1500000 of them the brakes were slowly quitting. The dealer offered to buy the car for $1000. ya ok?? anyways they said parts and labour to repair is over $5000 yes thats right. needless to say we are using an 89 ford tempo that has good brakes and even drives ok. I say go Ford at least dealer service is exceptable.Too bad for GM. I used to like them Similar Products Used: V6 Ford Contour 97 is very nice. don''t get the 4 |