| Review Notes: Buick Regal 3.8 (supercharged) | |
| Personality | Traditional American luxury combined with modern GM gadgetry and loads of power |
| Quirks | Gadgetry, cruise control, interior design |
| Gas mileage | 18 city, 27 highway on premium |
| Clearly Superior In: | Value, speed |
| Needs Work In: | Handling, key system, amenities |
The Buick Regal is an upgraded Century, with GM's venerable and likeable 3.8 liter V6. The GS has a supercharger which pushes horsepower to 240, and an admirable price under $30,000. The Regal GS can get to sixty in under seven seconds, according to Buick - and that's with an automatic transmission. The engine's power is not limited to the higher revs, so it's always got passing power (unlike some imported high-winders whose engines are designed for high ratings on paper and 0-60 sprints, but don't have oomph on the freeway).
While the Regal isn't quite so good in the curves, it can be thrilling, and doesn't seem fazed by torque robbers such as hills and air conditioning. It also has many more gadgets, including optional OnStar navigation/concierge/emergency services, than most cars in its class.
The touring suspension (which is really needed with the supercharged engine) is fairly well insulated, but it does let pavement imperfections through. Entry and exit are easy. Cupholders abound though the rear ones seem flimsy.
The Regal has no place to toss coins, and the change holder is too far back for the driver to comfortably reach (or see). The usual GM overloaded stalks and impractical cruise control are present, and there is one key for opening all the doors with a second key for the ignition - a system I never did, and never will, understand.
Our test Buick's thermostatically controlled climate control has dual temperature control. The fan is quiet at most speeds, and the air conditioning is powerful and effective. The instrument panel, though not particularly attractive, is easy to read, with a digital boost gauge integrated into the trip computer readout. The automatic headlights can be overridden by the driver. One moderately cool feature is sideways headlights which light up when the turn signals are used.
The Regal is quiet but ready to fly at an instant's notice. However, we did get the impression that this was not a "complete package." The engine is terrific, and feels stronger than that of the 300M, partly because acceleration is more sudden. But the suspension doesn't feel as though it has been upgraded to match. Of course, if you are willing to plunk down some extra cash, GM's excellent Stabilitrak system can change that in a jiffy.
We suspect that the Regal could steal a lot of sales from BMW, Acura, and the like, if more buyers would give it a chance. Find a Buick dealer and take a test drive, and you'll know what we mean.