Making the transition from mainstream brand to luxury marque sometimes means committing to a larger cash outlay than what some car buyers prefer. On the other hand, the Buick brand provides an intermediary step between the two choices, something few nameplates can claim. In effect, Buick makes it possible for Chevrolet owners to ease in to luxury before deciding whether Cadillac or some other high-priced make is right for them. Buick Regal Competition and Model History Buick’s competition has faded in recent years as Ford’s Mercury brand is gone and Chrysler now competes with Chevrolet. At the same time, Acura and Lincoln products are fair game, offering a premium feel much in the same way that Buick does. The Buick Regal is one such model …show more content…
It offers room for five, but the back seat is tight. Nevertheless, the sedan should appeal to a young executive, perhaps one with a spouse and small children. Otherwise, the growing family may find the Enclave SUV more to their liking. The Look The Regal GS comes with a thickly padded, leather-wrapped steering wheel. Behind that wheel is a three-analog display featuring a tachometer, speedometer and fuel/oil displays. At the top of the center stack is a set of six switches — it is easy to overlook them, but you don’t. Besides the lane departure warning switch, you’ll find the GS’s interactive drive control system. Pay special attention to the two switches on the outside of the row as they contain “GS” and “Sport” drive modes. Both modes adapt ride and handling, especially at high speeds; GS mode provides the highest level of handling enjoyment. Credit Buick with developing a model that is very comfortable for the driver. Leather-appointed seating, heated front seats, and a 12-way driver’s seat is at the ready. The only feature lacking is a seat extender, usually included in such driver’s cars as the BMW 3 …show more content…
Soon, the turbo spools and begins to deliver the full measure of its 295 foot-pounds of torque, enabling the GS to zip down the road with authority. The all-wheel drive system includes a four-wheel independent suspension with wheel-slip management and an electronic limited-slip rear differential enhancing handling. A HiPer Strut front suspension is also at work, limiting torque steer. You’ll feel confident on twisty roads, but you’ll also sense the difference between the Buick and the higher-end European sedans. Whereas a 3 Series always feels poised and planted, the Regal GS subtly reminds you that without all-wheel drive at work, it would be just another pricey sedan. The Regal GS is the sportiest Buick model of the millennium, although it doesn’t go far enough for people who would like to see the brand flash its performance side for the first time in nearly 30 years. That may be left up to a new model based on the Avista concept, a rear-wheel drive coupe with Grand National or Riviera