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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  Buicks Version of the Opel Insigna - 2015 Buick Regal
  By Jeff - July 12 - 8:09 pm

  This is a GM large European sports sedan it rides stiff and controlled like a Euro sedan should. I dont sit in the back, but it looks cramped. This is a way better car than my 2006 SAAB 2.0LT 6M. Larger, heavier and has a much higher level interior quality. Overall a very well balanced car for the $ refined and pretty fast. Twin Scroll turbo and 6 speed auto are well matched can feel the gears in smooth shifts. My opinion GM still makes the best automatics.

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  Great car! - 2015 Buick Regal
  By frenchguy007 - January 17 - 7:31 am

  Love this car, great value for the money. 4wd is what makes the difference in this segment, hard to find without spending much more. I have had 2 Legacys before this, the brick is much more refined. Only issue is the touch controls for heated seats and temp control, they dont capture the contact if you wear gloves and even with bare finger the touch often requires several taps before it recognizes. It distracts the driver and is therefore dangerous.

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  Needs AWD, and better Infotainment controls - 2012 Buick Regal
  By sa_greg - January 2 - 1:52 pm

  Love the exterior looks and wheels. I chose this over an Audi A4 Avant Quattro (wagon). My choice was based on (#1.) cheaper oil changes and overall maintenance costs vs. Audis $250 oil changes, (#2.) more horsepower/torque over Audi, (#3.) more aggressive look than Audi, and (#4) Not too many GS models on the road = kind of exclusive. Love the car but sacrificed the pre-requisite of an All-Wheel-Drive car (Audi) for the horsepower / looks in the GS. The almost uncontrollable torque steer is annoying & almost embarrassing when you want to stomp on the gas. Also, very upset that I cant stream Pandora to Samsung Galaxy S5. Have to resort to using Aux input. Cheap interior materials.

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  Great drive - 2015 Buick Regal
  By frenchguy007 - October 23 - 7:55 pm

  Love the drive and the look, inside and out. Love that the seat warmers go on when remote start is activated. The one negative is the interior layout of the center console, too tight. There is limited storage room. I describe this as a poor mans Audi A4.

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  Decide for yourself after you test drive this car..... - 2011 Buick Regal
  By prod3 - October 7 - 8:03 pm

  I read reviews when I purchase a car. But I also take the time to drive the cars I am interested in so I can judge for myself. Please take the time to check out a Buick Regal if you are shopping, especially the certified used ones that are available. I just spent two months shopping certified used Accords, Passats, Maximas, and even Mercedes C-Series. My car is a MB E500 and Im a Mercedes fan. But my wife wanted a classy, sporty, good mpg, non-Mercedes car to replace her VW Passat. I thought for sure she would go for the Passat or one of the others. Then we drove a few Regals. Two weeks after driving the first Regal we bought one. Best car I think Ive ever owned! Go drive one.

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  Noise - 2011 Buick Regal
  By budsgrandma - September 16 - 3:57 pm

  Has anyone experienced the noise coming from the air conditioner of the Buick Regal? I have taken it to the dealership several times, but of course, they cant hear it. I asked them to check the air conditioning unit, because when I turn the a/c off, the noise stops. Apparently if it doesnt show up in the computer, they wont do anything. I just want to know if anyone else has experienced this. By the way, I love my Regal, but the noise bugs me.

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  First American Branded car in 35 years - 2012 Buick Regal
  By jbgcrs - August 21 - 9:50 pm

  I have driven Japanese and German cars with my last being a 2005 C230 Kompressor Sport 4 dr 6spd manual.I followed the GS from the moment the car was announced. Found my 2012 with 4500 miles and a 6spd. Wow! Loaded, this is one of the best cars I have owned. Fun to drive, great head turner and reliable. With over 30k on it the car still feels like it did at 4500. I live in a world filled with 3 series Bimmers and C300 Benzes and I love the exclusivity of owning this car. Amazes me how many young under 30 year olds love this car. Buick got it right and I hope they improve upon this great car

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  A lot of Fun - 2014 Buick Regal
  By sabres69 - July 9 - 3:04 pm

  This car has great pick up. I love the fact when in manual mode the car downshifts on its own. I had a stick shift for 10yrs prior to this and like using the manual mode when driving. Just feels really good on the road. Waited a long time for the AWD in either the Buick Regal and Honda Accord. Looks like Buick beat them to the punch. The OnStar app is awesome. Love being able to start car from my desk so interior is warm or cold before I get in. Only had for 1 month so I will have to update after a year. So far I look forward to driving in my GS!

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  Love, Love, and Love - 2011 Buick Regal
  By roserita1 - June 20 - 2:35 pm

  Love love love my Buick! Just purchased a 2011 CLX, the color I was not thrilled about because it was triple black but once inside WOW! Im in my 60s but sassy and this is me all the way. Back in 1972 I had a tan Regal it was sporty as well and then it went to the parent look.. I tell you when I get in this car it makes me feel wonderful, its not to small but not big either, I looked at the Lacross it was much to large for me my children are all grown and on their own so I told the dealer it fit me and my purse just fine. If you have not driven it you own it to yourself to take a test drive you will be sold, another thrilled Buick owner.

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  2003 Buick Regal - 2003 Buick Regal
  By 2003libby - June 13 - 8:14 am

  Never was a GM fan but heard others brag about the 3.8 motor so much thought that I would give it a shot. Let just say this car put the nails in the coffin as far as having GM vehicles in my household. Engine stalled out while going down highway @ 75 mph and had to manual steer the vehicle to the shoulder during heavy traffic was a scare to say the least. After some research, apparently it is a common problem with the 3.8 motor!? I dont know how people are okay with a vehicle can just stall out in any giving time and feel safe having their love ones driving it. I was glad it was me driving it when it stalled out and not my pregnant wife. Got it "fixed" and few days later problem reoccurred.