Overview & Reviews

Although the Buick Regal nameplate has been around since the mid-1970s, the most common examples for automotive shoppers will be either the new, European-influenced model or the previous generation that debuted back in 1997. Between the two generations there was a six-year hiatus, and although these cars have the same name, they couldn't be any more different. The current Regal offers sophisticated styling and road manners, while the previous generation is much more in the traditional Buick mold, meaning squishy seats, an isolated driving experience and a roomy but old-fashioned cabin accented by some cheap plastic trim.

The older generation makes for an inexpensive family car, as there are plenty available, and there's even a supercharged version for those who'd like a midsize sedan with some kick. The current Regal's exterior styling combines traditional Buick elements (such as a chrome waterfall grille) with neatly tailored European lines, no mere coincidence considering the Regal is based on GM's European Opel Insignia. The cabin is likewise attractive, with splashes of metallic trim to brighten things up a bit. The latest Regal provides an entertaining drive along with the strengths that Buick has long been known for: a smooth ride and very quiet cabin. As such, this well-rounded midsize sport sedan should appeal to driving enthusiasts who never thought they'd consider a Buick.

Current Buick Regal
The Regal's base engine is a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder rated at 259 horsepower. Front-wheel drive is standard, but all-wheel drive is available as an option. A six-speed automatic transmission is the only choice unless you spring for the GS, which offers an optional six-speed manual with front-drive (the GS AWD is automatic-only). A 2.4-liter four-cylinder with mild hybrid technology called "eAssist" is offered as an option on the Premium I trim. It's good for 182 hp and 172 pound-feet of torque, with shifting duties handled by a six-speed automatic. EPA combined fuel economy with the mild hybrid rates in the high 20s.

The Buick Regal comes in four trim levels: base, Premium I, Premium II and GS. The base Regal's standard highlights include 18-inch alloy wheels, dual-zone automatic climate control, leather upholstery, heated front seats, a power driver seat, Bluetooth, OnStar and a seven-speaker sound system. The Premium 1 trim adds keyless ignition and entry, rear parking sensors and a power passenger seat, while the Premium 2 trim adds amenities like adds automatic xenon headlights, a navigation system, an upgraded sound system and rear passenger side airbags. The Regal GS comes with all of the above along with Brembo brakes, a sport-tuned suspension, front sport seats and unique exterior and interior accents. A sunroof is optional on all Regals, while a touchscreen navigation system and lane-departure, blind-spot and forward-collision warning systems are available in optional packages on certain trims.

In reviews, we've praised the Regal's upscale-looking cabin. The standard front seats provide plenty of support for spirited driving and comfort for long-haul trips, though they may be a bit snug for wider folks. Those riding in back, however, may find the rear seatbacks a bit flat and uncomfortable, and tall adults will likely bemoan the lack of headroom. The Intellilink infotainment system is easier to use than the previous button-heavy interface, and looks better to boot. An abundance of infotainment media options should please technophiles.

On the move, the turbocharged base model is spunky and quick, though there's a slight delay after the gas pedal is floored before the car really hits its stride. However, we'd recommend skipping the 2.4 "eAssist" version. Though it gets decent fuel economy, its acceleration is sluggish for a car in this price range. On a curvy road the Regal displays impressive athleticism, especially in the GS version. Some drivers may find the precise steering too light (except on the GS) and disconnected for their tastes, but for most buyers this won't be an issue. The Regal's ride is hard to fault, as the suspension flattens out bumps and ruts and the cabin remains hushed at highway speeds. The GS also gets adaptive dampers that can firm up the ride or make it comfier at the press of a button.

Used Buick Regal Models
The latest fifth-generation Regal was brought back for the 2011 model year. For that debut model year, trim levels consisted only of the CXL and the CXL Turbo, and there were just two engines offered -- the base 184-hp 2.4-liter four-cylinder (without the hybrid system) and the base turbocharged 2.0-liter good for 220 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque. Standard equipment on these Regals essentially mirrors the current car. The first-year Regal, however, had a rather frustrating interface for the optional navigation system (it looked like a touchscreen but instead used fussy knobs and buttons), which was replaced by a touchscreen for 2012. That year also saw the introduction of the mild hybrid eAssist model and the high-performance Regal GS. While the eAssist is the same powertrain as the current version, the original GS boasted a more powerful turbocharged four-cylinder than today's, with 270 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque.

For 2014, the Buick Regal received a host of changes. A 259-hp turbocharged four-cylinder replaced both the Turbo and GS trim levels' engines, while all-wheel drive became newly optional on all turbo Regals. Other changes included exterior design tweaks, an updated equipment roster (including new electronic safety features) and a redesigned dashboard with a standard 8-inch touchscreen in place of the many buttons that cluttered the dashboards of previous Regals.

The previous, fourth-generation Regal (which was available only as a sedan) was produced from 1997 through 2004. It offered a roomy interior along with peppy, yet fuel-efficient powertrains. This 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.

There were two trims available: LS and GS. Base LS models included keyless entry, full power accessories and a CD player, while GS Supercharged models added a more powerful engine, a trip computer and leather upholstery. A third trim, the luxury-themed LSE, was offered only in 2000. Options included heated seats, OnStar and a power sunroof.

Throughout this generation, LS models had a 3.8-liter V6, while GS Supercharged models packed a supercharged version of the V6. The standard V6 initially offered 195 hp, while supercharged models upped the ante with 240 hp. For 1999, the standard V6 saw a power boost to 200 hp. Both engines were mated to a four-speed automatic transmission.

But this Regal's shine was dulled by a couple of shortcomings such as a rather archaic cabin that 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. Though this Buick stood as a fair choice in the midsize segment, it was surpassed in many respects by the Japanese competition. Still, low resale values and a good reliability history make this Regal a decent choice for midsize sedan buyers on a tight budget. If possible, we'd suggest narrowing your focus to 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.

Previous to the '88 redesign, the Regal was, for the most part, a rear-wheel-drive luxury coupe (though a sedan was offered sporadically). Performance enthusiasts will note that the mid-1980s were the high point, as the Grand National, a blacked-out Regal sporting a turbocharged V6, made its mark by being quicker than most muscle cars of the '60s and '70s. There was also the GNX, a limited-edition, even more powerful version of the Grand National.

The Buick Regal started out in 1973 as a lower-priced luxury coupe based on the midsize Century. A sedan debuted the following year and this generation ran until 1978, when the Regal was substantially downsized. A redesign took place for 1981 and that generation lasted through '87.

User Reviews:

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  Excellent quality and reliability - 1993 Buick Regal
  By AAA - February 13 - 5:19 am

  I didnt actually buy this myself, it was a hand me down from my Grandfather, but he was the original owner. The car has about 191,000 km (118,700 miles) on it, and has had a very good life. It is still in pretty good running condition today, with minor problems here and there. No major repairs were needed, and the car has been very reliable throughout the entire time my family has owned it. It has been an extremely pleasing vehicle, and I would definitely recommend Buick to potential car purchasers!

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  Fantastic car - 1998 Buick Regal
  By Bucksinnc - February 12 - 8:29 am

  I sold my Trans AM just in time for another Ohio winter and wanted something with good power, luxury options, and something that would get me through the snow safely. What better than a fully loaded supercharged V6 FWD vehicle? Fast forward just over five years and nearly 100,000 miles (putting it at around 160,000 miles total) Ive found this car to be everything I couldve hoped for and much more! Other than some minor electrical problems this car has been a dream mechanically. I dread my upcoming family vehicle purchase because this one really has spoiled me... but its done so well were keeping it as a daily driver to/from work, 200,000 miles here I come!

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  Basic GM - 2001 Buick Regal
  By jim - January 2 - 7:37 pm

  Bought the car used. Wife used it in sales. Replaced tie rod ends at 30,000 miles. warranty covered. Most GM cars have front suespension problems. I too have had power window problems. One time it is the motor then the switch. I think that is a dealer scam or lack of training. Changed transmission fluid at 50,000 miles. No tran problems at 117,000. Still gets over 30 MPG on highway. Always used mobile one motor oil. Just replaced O2 sensor. Uses no oil.

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  Exceptional reliability - 2003 Buick Regal
  By Species8472 - December 20 - 12:16 pm

  Ive had this car for 5.5 years. I have not had a single problem with it since my purchase. In comparison, my wife drives a Lexus 330 RX 2004. Weve had numerous problems and it has been a far less reliable car. I highly recommend the Buick Regal 2003.

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  Im sold on Buicks now! - 1993 Buick Regal
  By Imani Odufuye - December 8 - 8:50 am

  I currently own many cars Ford, Chrsyler Chevy, but the b\Buick GS is my daily driver and I absolutely love it. I dont agree with many of the owners, in terms of performance,(170hp? are you kidding?) however it can get out of its way. GM addressed this issue with the 3800 series 2. The interior is nicely layed out with the console and gauges. The transmission is silky smooth, the reliability approaches the likes of Honda or Toyota. The 93 Buick was clearly one of the best cars of the dismal 90s

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  Good car, but expensive to fix - 1998 Buick Regal
  By Shadow - December 2 - 12:37 pm

  I bought my car in 2007 and at the time of buying I did not know it had all the problems it does. I have to get the turn signal switch fixed ($700), brighter headlights ($100), sway bar (200) and an alighment ($70). And now Im having another problem where sometimes it stalls out and yesterday it wouldnt start for me and when I did get it started I had to turn off the radio and the security light was on. Many problems but an overall good car.

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  Regal is a great deal if well maintained - 2000 Buick Regal
  By Syd - November 23 - 5:59 am

  This is my second Buick with the push rod 3.8. Good power and decent fuel economy. Buicks always feel more substantial than most Chevys and Pontiacs. These cars are a good used buy if you can buy from a caring original owner.

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  Love this car! - 2000 Buick Regal
  By K.L. - November 16 - 11:06 pm

  This car is great because of its quick acceleration, good size, and most importantly, its reliablity. The only problems Ive ever had are the windows - 3 of 4 of the windows have malfunctioned and would go down without rolling back up. My only other complaint is the mileage isnt great - average of city and highway driving would be about 20 mpg. But I have not had a single problem with the way it runs. I love this speedy grandma car and will miss it when its gone!

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  Good car - 2001 Buick Regal
  By RTS - October 2 - 6:22 pm

  I bought the car at 120,000 miles and it now has 166,000. Very nice car. Two minor issues: 1) the right rear window hasnt rolled down in two years. The fuel gauge quit at 135,000 miles buy the DIC shows the fuel economy and the trip odometer works so I havent bothered to get it fixed. Otherwise nothing but rutine maintenance for 166,000 miles. Comfortable car which get >30 MPG at 70+ on the freeway. Overall I have gotten 22.7 MPG for the last 45,000 miles with mostly city type miles.

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  Great car, reliable - 1996 Buick Regal
  By Jigs Jorgensen - September 29 - 10:57 am

  Going on 116,000 miles! Powerful engine, smooth riding just like a Cadillac. Shines like new still! Seat are not that comfortable, coils are shot, feels like I am sitting in a hole! Great sound system. Showing very minor lower body rust.