Buick Regal Review

2002 Buick Regal LS 4dr Sedan Shown

"Regal" – it seems like an overly ambitious name for a modest family sedan. But it makes more sense when you consider that the Buick Regal didn't get its start in the midsize sedan segment; the car was launched in 1973 as a lower-priced luxury coupe. Similar to the Century, these early rear-drive Regals went through a number of changes and variations, though the focus was typically on luxury and performance.

In fact, the Buick Regal served as the basis for the Grand National, one of the most popular muscle cars from the 1980s, as well as the GNX, a limited-edition Grand National that is already considered a collectible classic.

The Buick Regal that most people are familiar with, however, is the front-wheel-drive midsize sedan version introduced in 1988. With this model, the Regal was stripped of much of the performance potential that had made previous models such a thrill ride. Neither a V8 engine nor the potent turbocharged models were offered. Nearly a decade later, a supercharged V6 became available in the Regal, and Buick's marketers proclaimed the Regal the "car for the supercharged family."

It wasn't supercharged enough, apparently, as Buick eventually discontinued the Regal to consolidate its product line. In our opinion, newer Regals will probably be a satisfactory choice for those looking for a roomy, reliable sedan with a comfy ride.

Most Recent Buick Regal

Unveiled in 1997, this iteration of the Buick Regal (available only as a sedan) enjoyed a reputation for overall competence. Its roomy interior made it a hit with those looking for capacious family transportation. Controls were intuitive and easy to use, and gauges were king-sized and easily read. Best of all, the Regal was available with a muscular supercharged V6, affording buyers the chance to get a sedan that was both sensible and enjoyable.

But the Regal's shine was sullied by a couple of shortcomings. Like some other Buicks of this era, its cabin was archaic in some respects, lacking the amenities necessary to keep in step with the competition; there was also an abundance of cheap-looking fake wood. Additionally, the Regal's seats weren't that comfortable – a notable failing for a family sedan.

In these years, the Buick Regal was offered in two trims. Base LS models offered standard features like keyless entry, full power accessories and a CD player. GS Supercharged models added a trip computer and leather upholstery. A third trim, the LSE, made an appearance for 2000, but this midlevel trim did not return for the 2001 model year. Options on Regals of this era included heated seats, OnStar and a power moonroof.

Regal buyers had a couple of engines to choose from. LS models were powered by a 3.8-liter V6, while GS Supercharged models were, as the name suggests, powered by a supercharged version of the V6. Naturally aspirated Regals built in 1997 and 1998 offered 195 horsepower and 220 pound-feet of torque; supercharged models upped the ante with 240 hp and 280 lb-ft of torque. A performance upgrade took place for 1999 for naturally aspirated models as power went up to 200 hp and 225 lb-ft of torque. Both engines were mated to a four-speed automatic transmission.

Buick's midsize sedan logged a few changes during this generation. In 1999, there were new standard features like a tire-inflation monitor and an upgraded audio system. Steering and suspension were enhanced, and options like a self-dimming rearview mirror were added. In 2000, Regals got new alloy wheels and a split-folding rear seat, along with an optional side airbag on the driver side. Model-year 2003 saw the Regal being stripped of some of its luxury; many features that had been standard the previous year were either made optional or deleted altogether. Production for the Regal ended after the 2004 model year.

Though the Buick Regal stood as a fair choice in the midsize segment, it was surpassed in many respects by the Japanese competition. Still, low resale values make the Regal a very affordable option on the used car market, and for this reason, it's worth considering for those seeking a sedan that delivers when it comes to value. If you are considering a Regal from this generation, get a GS Supercharged version built in 2000 or 2001 to enjoy a model with appealing performance and the best available feature content.

Past Buick Regals

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.

SELECT A SPECIFIC BUICK REGAL MODEL YEAR*

* Edmunds.com maintains vehicle data as far back as 1990.