By Steven D. Gatt, Automotive Editor
Buick is on a roll. The new Park Avenue is a wonderful car, not to mention the recently redesigned LeSabre sedan and Riviera coupe. The Buick Regal, a supercharged version of the Century sedan, is attracting a younger, more affluent generation of buyers. With good reason, too. The Regal is an impressive car with an engine built to move you and a suspension soft enough not to cause back problems.
The Buick Regal is based on the same platform and beneath the skin it's really the same car, as the Pontiac Grand Prix GTP. The differences come from the suspension; the Regal rides higher and has softer springs then the Grand Prix. The Regal GS, evaluated here, rides on optional 16" chrome wheels with 60 series tires; pushed into a corner these large sidewall tires howl.
The key feature of the Regal GS, in comparison to the Century, is the 240 hp, supercharged 3800 V6 that I have sung the praises of so many times before. It is a pushrod motor that doesn't sound as smooth as a overhead cam but it is a clatter that I enjoy.
Most amenities in the Regal were standard equipment; some of those include six way power driver and front passenger seats, cruise control and dual zone climate controls for driver and front passenger comfort. The leather wrapped steering wheel featured duplicate radio controls for the stereo; almost a necessity considering the radio is mounted so far away. The trunk had a convenient storage net and a pass-through for long items. Power windows and heated power exterior mirrors round out the list of major equipment inside and out of the Buick Regal.
Safety features include dual front airbags, anti-lock brakes, daytime running lights, traction control and keyless entry. Mileage is rated at 18 mpg city and 28 mpg highway; yet during my week of hard driving I achieved only 21 mpg.
One thing I would immediately change on the Regal is the placement of the shifter button. In its current location, on top of the lever, it is in the way of a comfortable hand rest. It should be on the side or bottom of the lever where it could not be accidentally actuated. Driving the Regal was comfortable and the power added fun to the daily commute. The sedate styling of this sports sedan won't get noticed cruising through traffic. With a base price of $22,945, and a total as tested price of $25,205; the Buick Regal GS is a sports sedan that isn't too sporty or too pricey.