Buick Regal

The Buick Regal was a mid-sized automobile produced by Buick in the United States between the 1973 and 2004 model years. During this period, Buick also used the Century name on mid-size models and the two frequently shared bodies and powertrains.

Front drive & four doors

A new Regal appeared in 1988 on the GM W platform. This version both departed from and returned to Regal tradition. It was a departure in being the first front-drive model, and in having no serious performance option or edition; there was no V-8 and the V-6 no longer offered a turbocharger. It did return to the original concept, however, in being offered as a coupe only, aimed once again squarely at the personal luxury buyer. The decline in that market, though, was becoming noticeable to all the manufacturers, and in 1990 the Regal again got a four-door sedan version (as did the Grand Prix the same year). This generation ran with few changes for nine years.

Related Topics:
1988 - GM W platform

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

In 1997, Century and Regal became simply versions of the same car, sitting on a revised W chassis that was shared with the Oldsmobile Intrigue, the Pontiac Grand Prix, and the Chevrolet Impala. A four-door was the only model offered, and differences were mostly cosmetic. As the upmarket version, the Regal offered larger engines and fancier trim, and once again boasted a newer version of the 231 (3.8 L) V6. While the Century is mainly a reliable, economy-minded car based upon the W-body, the Regal is fitted with many amenities, including heated seats, full leather, Monsoon 8-speaker surround sound system, dual climate control, and expansive interior space. Few changes occurred during this version's seven-year run.

Related Topics:
W chassis - Oldsmobile Intrigue - Pontiac Grand Prix - Chevrolet Impala

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

This period held the fastest Buick since the days of the Grand National, the Buick Regal GS. This car was now supercharged instead of turbocharged and produced a very respectable 240 hp (179 kW) and 280 ft·lbf (380 N·m) of torque. It has gained a reputation amongst those who know automobiles as a 'sleeper', or a car that performs better than one would expect from its looks.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Engines:

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

• 1990-2004 3.1 3.1 L (191 in³) V6
• 1990-2004 3.8 L (231 in³) V6