Buick Regal reviews

1997 Buick Regal Interior Features

The Regal is the sportiest of the Buicks, a trait that's reflected inside. Although the controls and instrument panel design look pretty tame compared to a Grand Prix, it's pretty daring by Buick standards, with an attractively curved cowling sweeping over the instrument panel and the dashboard, in turn, sweeping nicely into the door panels.

The major instruments are readily visible through a large, leather-wrapped steering wheel, whose upper half is open to afford just such a view. Auxiliary audio controls are built into the upper wheel spokes, and you can honk the horn by pressing on the center of the hub, which also houses the driver's airbag.

The bucket seats--leather-clad in the GS--don't offer quite as much lateral support as those in the Grand Prix GTP, but they're certainly long-haul comfortable, and a definite improvement over the previous Regal. The seats in our test car had the optional heating feature, which was welcome in the depths of a midwest winter; so were the heated outside mirrors.

Part of GM's formula for winning the mid-size sedan wars is packing in more comfort and convenience features than its target competitors, and the Regal is rolling proof.

The Regal LS is well-equipped, with dual zone air conditioning, excellent audio, power windows/mirrors/locks, antilock brakes and low-speed traction control, just to hit the highlights.

The GS is loaded. Rather than detail its contents, we suggest you study the data panel; it'll take awhile, because there's a lot to read. However, one thoughtful item--a warning light to let you know when you have low pressure in one or more tires--does bear mention here. Low pressure is the prime cause of reduced tire life, and can also throw any car's handling out of whack.

Demerits are minor. We wish the Regal had the same dashboard ignition key as the Intrigue, instead of the same old hard-to-find steering column location. And we think the old-fashioned, gathered-leather look of the door panels is out of step with the sporty look of the rest of the interior.

But any quibbles are more than offset by the Regal's roominess. There's plenty of space up front, which you'd expect, and plenty of space in back, which you might not. Three adults can sit back there comfortably, without territorial squabbles or contortions, and they can do so for extended periods of time. And because the rear seats are slightly elevated, they'll have a good forward view, to help them critique your driving.

The center seating position isn't quite as comfy as the outboard spots, and it lacks a three-point belt, but in general the Regal will shame its import competition for rear seat roominess.

The rear seat also features a center pass-through to the trunk, for stowing longish cargo, and the option of an integrated child safety seat.

Speaking of safety, the Regal stacks up as contemporary, though not outstanding. Besides standard ABS and traction control, it has the required dual front airbags, plus side impact protection and, GM's new favorite, daytime running lamps.