Introduction

Buick Regal is a performance-oriented mid-size sedan. And because it's Buick's performance-oriented mid-size sedan, it doesn't wear its performance on its shirt sleeve. The supercharged Regal GS can match Pontiac's nifty Grand Prix GTP stride for stride, sprinting from 0 to 60 mph in about 6.5 seconds. But you would never know it just by looking. The Pontiac is an extrovert on steroids: All exaggerated bulges and air dams, it's like a muscular body in tight T-shirt. Conservative Buick prefers what we might call the 007 doctrine: Pack a powerful punch and a 9mm Walther PPK in the pocket of your tuxedo.

Walkaround

Regal looks clean, nicely proportioned and free of excessive bright trim. Its S-curved belt line and full-width tail lights confirm its Buick identity, even though its horizontal-line grille departs from Buick tradition. Conforming to the current less-is-more fashion, that grille is body-color on the premium GS and chrome on the basic LS. If you have any lingering doubt that General Motors can build dramatically different cars using the same basic chassis, compare Buick's Regal and Century. These two share the same platform (along with the Pontiac Grand Prix and Oldsmobile Intrigue). Aside from basic dimensions, however, they are as much alike as milk and champagne.

Interior Features

The Regal is the sportiest Buick product, a trait that's reflected inside. Although the controls and instrument panel design look tame compared to a Pontiac Grand Prix, it's pretty daring by Buick standards. An attractive cowling curves over the instrument panel and the dashboard, in turn, sweeps nicely into the door panels. Major instruments are readily visible through a large, leather-wrapped steering wheel. Optional 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 houses the driver's airbag. Regal's bucket seats, covered in leather in GS models, don't offer quite as much lateral support for tearing down winding roads as those in the Grand Prix GTP. The Buick's seats are more comfortable for long trips than those in the Pontiac, however. On LS and GS, the driver's seat is six-way power adjustable. Heated outside mirrors are standard on all Regals. Optional heated front seats ($295) would be a welcome addition in the depths of a northern winter. Part of GM's strategy for the mid-size sedan war is packing in more comfort and convenience features than its target competitors. Regal is rolling proof. Even the LS comes with dual-zone air conditioning; excellent audio; power windows, mirrors and door locks; antilock brakes (ABS) and low-speed traction control. And that's just hitting 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 does bear mention here, a warning light to let you know when you have low pressure in one or more tires (standard on the LS as well). Low pressure is the prime cause of reduced tire life and can substantially reduce traction, particularly on wet pavement. Interior room is a major asset of the Regal. 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. Moreover, because the rear seats are slightly elevated, rear-seat occupants have a good forward view, to help them critique your driving. The center seating position isn't quite as comfortable as the outboard spots, and it lacks a three-point belt, but in general, the Regal shames its import competition for rear-seat roominess. The rear seat splits and folds down for hauling long items such as skis and fishing rods. In terms of safety, the Regal stacks up as contemporary, though not outstanding. Anti-lock brakes and traction control come standard. It has the required dual front airbags. A side-impact air bag for the driver's seat is standard on GS and on leather-trimmed LS models, but is not available for the passenger side.