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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  Lots of Power.Lack of Build Quality. Ok! - 1997 Buick Regal
  By casper90651 - April 24 - 2:00 am

  The most appreciable feature of this Buick is its Supercharged motor. Though, it wouldve benefited greatly with a more modern engine design, Buick stuck with the pushrod design, which naturally has a great low-end torque even without the supercharger, but every bit helps. Its classic Buick with more umph in it. Interior styling is bland as well as exterior. The build quality is low cheap interior parts. Other than that, it rode fine and it charged on!

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  What a nice car - 1998 Buick Regal
  By Buick Driver - April 22 - 2:00 am

  This car is a great comination of style and performance. Only repairs I had to do was replace the alternator at 32,000. I love this car

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  awesome - 2004 Buick Regal
  By todd frank - April 22 - 2:00 am

  this is the best car i ever owned.drives like your riding on air.Its a family car and some what of a sporty car to. Like I said the best car out there today.Its just a great car.looks great,drives great,what more can you ask for in a car

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  My first love. - 1992 Buick Regal
  By MERKURxr4i - April 21 - 2:00 am

  How many 20 year old males do you know, that are dying to own a Buick Regal Gran Sport? This was me, every day, asking my neighbor lady to sell me her car. One day she came home with a new car, & told me where I could find her 92 Regal. For 5K I drove home in my very first car. Ive had that Buick for almost 4 years now, and the only complaint I have is the brakes. All 4 calipers, rotors, lines, & the booster have been replaced. The brake pads wear out every year just like clockwork. No matter what, the brakes always feel weak. Other than brakes & routine mantainence, Ive had no major problems with the car. 126K & still running like a top.

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  Well Built, Understated Bullet - 1999 Buick Regal
  By Dozer - April 19 - 2:00 am

  My99 Buick Regal GS has been spectacular. Until 2003 it was the fastest sedan built in North America, and no one knew - a true sleeper. Fabulous seats for big guys, with enough legroom and headroom for Full-Size Americans even with a sunroof. Lots of glass and an open cockpit. This car has the best ride- handling balance of any in America when driven at 6/10ths - its a beautiful combination of supple and firm. Monsoon stereo is fantastic. Huge trunk swallows 4 golf bags. Flowing exterior lines look great, distinctive. Its been rock-solid reliable so far. The only real minus has been poor gas mileage but I am guilty of leadfooted pleasures.

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  Babe Mobile - 2000 Buick Regal
  By JDFoote - April 17 - 2:00 am

  I only wish that it had an OnStar package option when I bought it. This vehicle has excellent pickup. I am 52" and feel totally comfortable in the seating. (can can see over the wheel and my arms still fit comfortably by my side). Compared side by side to a Lexus 350 LS, mine was the nicer looking twin.

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  2004 Regal LS - 2004 Buick Regal
  By hatessuvs - April 13 - 2:00 am

  This is a co. car-leased-I wouldnt buy it for myself. Drivetrain is smooth and powerful enuf-get about 23MPG combined c/hghwy. Handling is adequate with Gr. Sprt. suspension and 16" tires-the stock suspension and 15"rs must be awfully bad. Ride is good and very quiet on hghwy-just dont take turns too aggresively. Interior layout is good, though 1980s cruise location on left stalk behind steering wheel is old- tech. Leather seats have zero lumbar support-had to purchase aftermarket device to add to seat to save my back! Depreciation on this car is brutal, too. Advice-take your $27K and get an Accord or Camry!

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  The Ultimate Sleeper - 2004 Buick Regal
  By Zippy the Pin Head - April 11 - 2:00 am

  I dont understand why Buick doesnt sell more of Regal GSs. The car has luxury, power, and dignity. Other drivers and consumers may dismiss the car as something a "blue hairs" would have. The GS goes and feels good while moving.

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  Buick Regal - 2002 Buick Regal
  By twhited - April 8 - 2:00 am

  This is the first car Ive owned that wasnt a Toyota Camry. This car is BY FAR a better vehicle than the 1999 Camry I got rid of to buy this. I will NEVER go back to a Camry. This car is very comfortable, has power, mileage with this 6 cylinder is about the same as the Camrys 4 cylinder. You cant go wrong - Consumer Reports named this the most reliable car!!!!!

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  Buick Regal - 1997 Buick Regal
  By mreynolds - April 7 - 2:00 am

  I have been very happy with car