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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  Regal GS - 2002 Buick Regal
  By j_mac - December 4 - 2:00 am

  In the five months since July 2003, I have driven this car on one 7,000 mile and one 2,000 mile trip in every conceivable mix of traffic, road surface and weather (including some high elevation snow). It handles very predictably under all conditions, has plenty of quickly available power to handle passing or mountain driving, and returns excellent gas mileage. On one occasion, I drove just under 1,000 miles in one day, with another driver relieving me for only about 100 miles. The car was comfortable and not tiring, even with the excess miles/day. Fuel economy hovers around 30 miles/gallon on highway trips.

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  My Regal - 1991 Buick Regal
  By Richard Armstrong - November 20 - 2:00 am

  My father bought this car from Mark Combs, and for my sixteenth birthday, he gave it to me.

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  From the drivers seat - 2004 Buick Regal
  By RSD - October 30 - 2:00 am

  I buy a new car every 100,000 Klm. and am interested in a vehicle that requiers very little maintenance during that time, this Buick has been trouble free for 55,000 Klm. to date. I like the room, for ease of entry and excit, and good bucket seats. The automatic heat control works fine. Yes I will buy another one.

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  Buick LS V6 - 2002 Buick Regal
  By Yao Ming4545 - October 24 - 2:00 am

  With the Joseph Aboud package, the Regal LS V6 looks and feels like a Lexus ES, but costs about $7K less.

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  Buick Regal Limited "Roadster" - 1990 Buick Regal
  By RocketCityRam - October 13 - 2:00 am

  Even though Im over 61", I find the car plenty roomy and theres a lot of room in the back as well. The fuel usage is good, the accessories are incredible for a car of this class and year. Its so much fun to drive. The ride is good. My car has 109K and I just put new rear struts on it. Boy what a difference. I cant wait to do the front.

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  Buick Regal - 1996 Buick Regal
  By Jadorf - October 12 - 2:00 am

  Excellent riding, handling, comfort qualities. Extremely good pickup very peppy. Excellent visibility. Best free-wheeling vehicle Ive ever owned.

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  BUICK LS BY RDB - 1999 Buick Regal
  By reddog - October 10 - 2:00 am

  WE WERE OUT TO BUY A TOYOTA CAMRY OR A HONDA CRV. THE DEALER HAD THIS BUICK IN THE USED LOT AND ASKED IF WE WERE INTERESTED WE WERE. DROVE IT AND LOVED IT.I AM 6FT 3INCHES 260 POUND MAN IT FITS ME LIKE A GLOVE.FUEL MILEAGE HAS BEEN 24-25MPG COMBINED MOSTLY IN TOWN.

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  Buick Regal GS Upscales - 2004 Buick Regal
  By Steven Zacharias - October 4 - 2:00 am

  The Buick Regal is a great straight line performer, but struggles when you get into the twisties, yet can still stick em. It out runs mustanges, bmw 3 series, and other performance sedans, and nothing under 30 k can touch it in that department. The interior, and exterior, could use some freshening, but overall looks expensive, with leather, heated seats, premium sound system, and leather steering wheel. The exterior lacks the striking appeal, but it looks good in the burgandy colour, the chrome rims, also add a nice touch.

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  Buick Regal - 1995 Buick Regal
  By jepp5 - October 3 - 2:00 am

  Best car you can buy for the money!

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  I love my GS - 1998 Buick Regal
  By Nate H - September 23 - 2:00 am

  I fell in love with this car the first moment I saw it. With 240 horses under the hood this would be granny mobile can run with most sports sedans/coupes. However how many of those same sports sedans offer heated leather seats, dual climate control, power sun roof, traction control, and the list goes on. On a recent cross country trip from NH to CA I averaged almost 27mpg!!!! Id like to see a competetor boast those kind of numbers. Case in point, this is a great car.