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Finally drove a Regal

19K views 69 replies 9 participants last post by  SimpsonTide985 
#1 ·
Getting pretty disgusted with Ford's seeming inability to get the brake issue(s) on the Taurus fixed... so I went a drove a Regal the other day. Based on a 10 minute test drive, I'm pretty well sure I would've bought the Regal over the Taurus had they both been available. Smaller all around than the Ford, but very nicely put together. You'll be seeing a lot of these on the road once they get some inventory built up.
 
#3 ·
[quote author=biggee72 link=topic=179109.msg3787504#msg3787504 date=1283731272]
Probably, but a ten min test drive doesn't really tell you anything.
[/quote]

point made.

How long did you test drive the Taurus?
 
#4 ·
Of course it could go all to hell in 1200 miles... but we base decisions on test drives. Probably the only smart way to 'test drive' is to get a rental and spend a weekend in it. I'm not smart, so I've never done that. :shock:

What 'grabbed' me initially was the Taurus interior. To my eye, the Regal is just as nice.

Brake problems aside, I love the Taurus. I'm just saying I would've gone the other way.
 
#5 ·
[quote author=Nuowner link=topic=179109.msg3787877#msg3787877 date=1283781421]
Probably the only smart way to 'test drive' is to get a rental and spend a weekend in it. I'm not smart, so I've never done that. :shock:
[/quote]

:lmao: At least you're honest about it. It is the way most of buy cars. I'd venture to say that there will be just as many Regals in the service bays as there are Taurus'. It's funny how the Lexus service department is just as busy as Ford. :2cents:
 
#6 ·
And to answer the other question, I had 'window shopped' and decided on either the Taurus or LaCrosse. I drove the LaCrosse maybe five minutes... one time around a neighborhood block. It just didn't do it for me. Drove the Taurus maybe 15 minutes on the dealer's 'standard' test route. Up on the interstate, off and around maybe 5 miles of city stop and go. I think that's a pretty standard test drive.
 
#7 ·
Don't hate on the Regal.

I totally will back up the OP on this one. I test drove the Regal for about 15 minutes. :p ...and I was quite impressed yet a little let down by a few minor things.

First off, the interior, right up there with some of the best in the segment, IMO (i.e., CC, TSX,..etc) and I can say that with total confidence because I've actually sat in about a dozen different cars from within the segment over the last few weeks and I was very impressed with the look, and the feel, and the materials shown in the car. I was shocked by the interior, which from the photos, looked really boring, but it's totally different story up-close.

The button layout, seems busy on the console, but it's actually very logically placed, easy to read and touch, and everything felt great. The nav system screen had really great resolution, the steering was very smooth and felt good to the touch, and for the non-sport oriented version of the car, it handled exceptionally well. I mean, check the reviews--they'll all seem to agree about how I felt about this car: Impressive HANDLING...Well, like I said, for a family sedan/non-Sports car anyway. I was surprised by how well tuned the suspension and steering was. I absolutely loved the steering wheel on the Regal and the car itself felt incredibly poised and balanced--its dynamics felt very European (and rightly so), similar to an Audi A4. Also, it felt way more nimble on corners than the CTS (base) and of course the heavier Dodge Charger, and had a ride much more smoother than the Sonata.


Sadly, I was let down by a few things that a car in this class and at this price really should've had, which could be massive dealbreakers. This includes the lack of push button start, rear view camera, paddle shifters, or a panoramic roof option.

The CXL was fully loaded for about $32k or so, which makes it extremely competitive along the likes of the TSX, CC, and even the A4 (all of which I've driven). I'm liking this car tremendously, but I'm waiting for the CXL Turbo. The Turbo should prove to be a great machine.

A few pics from my test drive:










I don't think this car is gonna win many comparison test between the Hyundai Sonata and Kia Optima turbocharged sedans. They both offer more HP, fuel economy, and available features at a lower price--of course Buick may be seen as a high quality and reliable car, so, it'll come down to consumer preference.

Either way, all three turbo cars are among the top of my list of my most favorite upcoming sedans.
 
#8 ·
That centre stack looks awful... So cluttered and so much going on that it's giving me a headache.

And WTF is up with the LOCK/UNLOCK buttons right underneath the screen?

Also, regardless of how nice the car is or looks, if that damn "Passenger Airbag" indicator light is on (beit "on" or "off") I'd absolutely have to walk away. I dont understand why manufacturers need to tell people that the air bag is "on".

Exterior looks nice, its sporty and has some decent curves, but the lack of projector head lights screams cheap to me.
 
#9 ·
[quote author=Canadian_LX link=topic=179109.msg3847708#msg3847708 date=1288734465]
That centre stack looks awful... So cluttered and so much going on that it's giving me a headache.

And WTF is up with the LOCK/UNLOCK buttons right underneath the screen?

Also, regardless of how nice the car is or looks, if that damn "Passenger Airbag" indicator light is on (beit "on" or "off") I'd absolutely have to walk away. I dont understand why manufacturers need to tell people that the air bag is "on".

Exterior looks nice, its sporty and has some decent curves, but the lack of projector head lights screams cheap to me.
[/quote]
lol. The Lock/unlock buttons in the center is a European thing, and IMO, is an extremely minor thing. I don't remember the last time I ever had to manually lock or unlock my doors by pressing a button.

and like I just said, I was extremely unimpressed by the interior design (check the other older Regal thread), but I promise you, the console looks busy in the pics, but they are no more busy than the center console on the Ford Fusion (2010--), and if you ask me, the Regal's button layout is a lot more logically placed and ergonomic. The buttons aren't all tiny and low like on the Fusion--they are wide and near eye level...Say what you will about the design---The fit and finish is definitely where the Regal shines, IMO. Like, when I drove the Sonata, the center console was more ergonomically correct, but it lacked the quality and the finish that I thought the Regal had the advantage in.
 
#11 ·
[quote author=Canadian_LX link=topic=179109.msg3847715#msg3847715 date=1288735114]
It seems our taste in vehicles and interior designs are very much the same lol.

The interior of a vehicle is what makes or breaks a car for me.
[/quote]
Yeah, I really don't care about the interior a huge deal--I mean, I have no love for the interior of the last generation's BMW 5-Series, but I feel that usually melts away fast once I start driving.. :p Sometimes the steering wheel has made a larger impression on me than the overall interior.
 
#14 ·
[quote author=bigchips link=topic=179109.msg3848157#msg3848157 date=1288765014]
That centre console is brutal!
[/quote]
I drove in a 2010 Fusion Sport the other week and I swore the Fusion has more buttons...I think the Regal looks more busy because the buttons themselves are larger than most...
 
#15 ·
2012 Buick GS:





I'm liking the GS more and more. I think it suits my personality and my driving style/preferences a lot more than a few others in the higher market segment that I've been looking at. It still lacks a lot of weird options that most cars have as standards or at least options, but there are tradeoffs that I've found in the Regal that some of those cars lack (i.e., better visibility, comfort, ride quality..etc).

The one thing I'm still very worried about is the ride quality of a car that size with 20" wheels. I'm assuming those wheels aren't standard, but optional along with some kind of special package, but if not, I hope they don't hinder the ride quality by too much.
 
#17 ·
[quote author=biggee72 link=topic=179109.msg3858963#msg3858963 date=1289769113]
The GS is nice. 30k + for a regal w/ a turbo 4? GM must be joking. I like the looks..but WAY too much money for a regal. You can get a very nicely equipped fusion sport for that kind of money. Even an accord would be a better value.
[/quote]
Yeah, the Turbo starts at $28k and that turbo engine is nothing to squeeze at. GM would tell you that the Regal is not directly competing with those cars. Buick is priced to compete with those closer into the entry level luxury segment..

..and I would consider paying the extra money for a Regal. I've test driven both the Fusion Sport and the Regal, and I think the Regal just has something more appealing to it than some other cars don't. I think the fit and finish is great, the driving dynamics are very fluid, and there is a premium feel that you won't find in the Fusion Sport--but hey, don't get me wrong, I do think that for the price, the Regal is seriously lacking a handful of common features. I even sent several messages to GM asking about if they could think about adding in options for memory seats, rear view camera, or cooled driver seats. Even without those features, I don't think it's blatantly overpriced considering the higher level details that it has.

For me, the true test of value will be to see how much they'll want for the GS and how much power it's really going to have. At the start of the year, they were claiming AWD and 0-60 under 6.0s. Last month, they revised it to FWD only and 0-60 under 7.0s. :squint:
 
#18 ·
The Regal a.k.a opel insignia is a mid size sedan. Hell, it won European car of the year but it still competes w/ other mid size cars. Buick will put it into buyer's heads that it's an upscale car. This gives them justification for the price and makes it more appealing to the uneducated buyer. I'll also bet the GS uses the same 260HP ecotec motor that was in the sky.
 
#19 ·
[quote author=biggee72 link=topic=179109.msg3859044#msg3859044 date=1289775270]
The Regal a.k.a opel insignia is a mid size sedan. Hell, it won European car of the year but it still competes w/ other mid size cars. Buick will put it into buyer's heads that it's an upscale car. This gives them justification for the price and makes it more appealing to the uneducated buyer. I'll also bet the GS uses the same 260HP ecotec motor that was in the sky.
[/quote]
Well, I don't know what you mean by "mid size sedan"--I mean, you can get a brand new mid size sedan for as low as $17k and as high as $100k+. There will always be a variety of levels in between. It is up to the consumer's wants and needs to determine what car has comparable value.

..and in general, I don't think much justification is needed--Buick has always been a more premium car class company, and it has little to do with car education. I've spent time in over 20 different cars this year and I will back GM/Opel up on their image translated here in North America. The Regal/Insignia delivers on those aspects that promote its price point--but, like I said, I don't completely disagree with you or anything.
 
#20 ·
[quote author=biggee72 link=topic=179109.msg3858963#msg3858963 date=1289769113]
The GS is nice. 30k + for a regal w/ a turbo 4? GM must be joking. I like the looks..but WAY too much money for a regal. You can get a very nicely equipped fusion sport for that kind of money. Even an accord would be a better value.
[/quote]

Agreed. Especially considering the GS was supposed to make 300+ hp and be AWD originally which it no longer is.

As for the 20" wheels, you wont notice a difference.
 
#21 ·
[quote author=Canadian_LX link=topic=179109.msg3859053#msg3859053 date=1289775567]
[quote author=biggee72 link=topic=179109.msg3858963#msg3858963 date=1289769113]
The GS is nice. 30k + for a regal w/ a turbo 4? GM must be joking. I like the looks..but WAY too much money for a regal. You can get a very nicely equipped fusion sport for that kind of money. Even an accord would be a better value.
[/quote]

Agreed. Especially considering the GS was supposed to make 300+ hp and be AWD originally which it no longer is.

As for the 20" wheels, you wont notice a difference.
[/quote]
Well, a Fusion Sport loaded with AWD will run you close to $35k...

If I had $35k to spend and I had to choose between a Regal GS and the aforementioned Sport, I'd probably go with the Regal. But, don't hold me to it. :p I said probably since I haven't tested the GS
 
#22 ·
The regular regal is pushing 35k w/ options so figure the GS to be closer to 40k. You'll see on Ford's site that a well optioned FWD fusion sport can be had right around 31k. Probably less. Even if it does have 300HP and AWD..those numbers are nothing by today's performance standard. Again, not knocking the Buick as a car..it's just too little for too much. If I'm going to spend 35-40k then I'm shopping for a different vehicle.
 
#23 ·
I've priced a Fusion Sport...MANY times, and it can definitely get up to $33k+.

I too think the Regal is a little overpriced, but nowhere near by as much as some of you are suggesting--I mean still, a loaded Fusion V6 SEL easily scrapes $30k+ the last time I checked...

..and to prove my case (to some extent), Motortrend has listed the 2011 Buick Regal as a FINALIST for car of the year, :lol:

http://www.motortrend.com/oftheyear/car/1101_2011_motor_trend_car_of_the_year_contenders_and_finalists/buick_regal.html

If that doesn't help compare it IN SOME WAY to the Motortrend 2010 Car of the Year (everyoe should know what that was), I don't know what does. :p
 
#24 ·
The Regal's fit and finish runs laps around the Fusion's, sorry. Or at least that was my impression after sitting in them at the TX state fair. Not saying I'd pick either car if I were spending that much money, though. $30k for a Fusion? :dur:

That's in prime territory for some very good entry level luxo cars.
 
#25 ·
[quote author=fatabbot link=topic=179109.msg3861966#msg3861966 date=1290017223]
The Regal's fit and finish runs laps around the Fusion's, sorry. Or at least that was my impression after sitting in them at the TX state fair. Not saying I'd pick either car if I were spending that much money, though. $30k for a Fusion? :dur:

That's in prime territory for some very good entry level luxo cars.
[/quote]

The 2010 Fusions fit & finish is considered to be "world class quality". In other words, high enough quality in order to compete with the global market.

I just cant get over that hideous center stack in the regal.. It looks like it was built for an 80 year old half-blind person. Those buttons are massive! :2cents:
 
#26 ·
[quote author=Ckenaan link=topic=179109.msg3861969#msg3861969 date=1290017475]
The 2010 Fusions fit & finish is considered to be "world class quality". In other words, high enough quality in order to compete with the global market.
[/quote]

If that's world class, the world sucks! :lol:

Don't get me wrong, the Fusion's just fine. But let's not make it out to be more than it is. :lol:

Again, I probably wouldn't actually buy either. But if I had to choose between the two (at that price point), it would be an easy decision for me. I'd be perfectly happy with a cheaper Fusion, though. You just start losing value per dollar terribly fast when you talk about loading a Fusion up to $31-33k.

The same with my current car. For the $22.5 I paid for it, it's a great value. Load it up with the H6, leather, sunroof and NAV and pay $33k for it? Not so much.
 
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