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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  Best Ever! - 1996 Buick Regal
  By Best Ever - May 5 - 5:55 am

  Bought used with 46,000mi and have 120,000. Has been unbelievably reliable. Outside of new tires and routine brake work, only replaced the belt, a radiator and an alternator. Always starts up like a dream. Most comfortable seats. Great engine. Bought an 01 Regal based on experience with this one, but it doesnt even come close in driveablilty or reliability.

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  Great car! - 1995 Buick Regal
  By bm1979 - April 26 - 11:36 pm

  It had high miles on it when i bought it and I have put many more on it. It now has 180,000 with very little repairs to keep it going. With 3 and a half years and 70,000 miles all I have done to it is two wheel bearings and two injectors and some brake work. Now Im pretty hard on a car becouse I do mainly city driving, so I think thatss pretty darn good. $1500/70000 miles later it still a very dependable car. How many cars can you say that about? I have worked in automotive service for ten years now and I have to say its one of the better cars out there.

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  Satisfied Driver - 2002 Buick Regal
  By Donna Frankson - April 22 - 12:08 pm

  I like this Buick Regal GS Supercharger very much. I have experienced some problems but overall love the car. One thing I have experienced is that when driving at night, when I put on my high beams all the lights on the dash and my head lights go out, I have to hit high beam switch again and all come back on, this has happened numerous times. Also, my Low Coolant light came on, I took to my garage and all was fine, reserve was low but not empty, radiator was full. The light stays on when I am driving saying low coolant, but all if fine, temp. gauge normal on this car stays in the middle. I really like this car.

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  It Feels Like a Vette - 1998 Buick Regal
  By rey - March 15 - 7:38 am

  Great car. I bought this because of the power I hoped it would have and it has proved me right. The gas mileage is OK but the fun of driving the car makes it all worth it.

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  Supercharged Fun - 1999 Buick Regal
  By 69goat - March 6 - 9:56 pm

  A V6 with V8 power and pretty good economy. Its really fun to drive, with great handling. Have a ball at a reasonable price.

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  Buick excellence - 1994 Buick Regal
  By josha - March 1 - 7:48 pm

  My car has over 294000 miles and runs like new. It needs some interior work on the seats(leather) and some shocks but this car is too nice to sell. In ten years the GS will be worth something toa Buick enthusiast.

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  Worst car I have ever owned - 1999 Buick Regal
  By Davidson Man - February 23 - 10:09 am

  I bought this car because I thought that it would last a long time. Boy was I wrong. I bought the car used at a GM dealer and it had about 16,000 miles on it. I started to have isues with the transmission just before the warranty ran out (36000) miles. To make a long story short I replaced a transmission solenoid, rack and pinion steering, and fuel pump at my expense (at various times after the warranty ran out). The headlights started getting hazey at about 60,000 miles by the time I sold the car they were almost opaque. The power rear window regulator went bad and it was going to cost $328 to buy the part. No wonder GM is in such bad shape, I wont be buying any more GM cars.

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  Im keeping it - 1994 Buick Regal
  By litl white thang - February 5 - 6:40 pm

  I purchased my Regal in 1996 and it now has over 130,000 miles. I have been in the market for a new car, each time I went to a dealership and they learned what I was driving, they say "thats a good little car", after hearing that the 3rd time i quit looking at new ones. Today a colleague spoke of selling her 97 Grand Cherokee so I went to Edmunds to check it out. She has offered me a pretty good deal but after reading the ratings on my Regal compared to the Cherokee I will decline her offer. I have had problems with the door handles and have had it painted after the paint flew off the hood and roof but that was just a year ago. This car has been very dependable and enjoyable.

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  The car that lasts forever - 1998 Buick Regal
  By Robert Standen - January 22 - 4:55 pm

  This car has served my family well. For 9 years it has been extremely reliable which I wouldnt expect from a Buick. We have rarely put money into the car. The electronic displays for the heat/ac died a few yrs ago and it was over $600 to fix (we didnt) and the back inside door panels are coming off with very little backseat use. Those are my only complaints. It really is a great car.

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  Awesome car - 1996 Buick Regal
  By none - January 9 - 4:24 pm

  We bought a 1996 Buick Regal for $3000 with only 62,500 miles on it. It is the smoothest car out of our 2 other cars. The engine is a tiny bit loud, but that is because of the age. The sound of the radio of 100x better than our other Buick. Sound quality is superb! I feel very comfortable in this car going 80mph. Although this car is 10 years old, the quality is still superb.