AUTO RED BOOK REVIEW: 2011 BUICK REGAL

On The Cover Review: 2011 Buick Regal

If the auto business hadn’t imploded, the 2011 Buick Regal would have most likely been the new Saturn Aura.  But Saturn’s gone now, so Buick gets it.  This car does make some sense as a Buick, because it is based on the German Opel Insignia.  Opel, you may recall, sold Opel-badged vehicles during the 1970s through Buick dealerships.  So there is a slight historical connection.  The Regal will be motivated by a 182-hp, 2.4-liter four-cylinder, or a 220-hp, 2.0-liter turbocharged four, expected to get 30- and 29-mpg respectively.  From all indications, the Regal looks like a nice car, but it may answer a question that no one asked.  The stellar Buick Lacrosse is already in showrooms, so is there a need for another new midsized Buick sedan?  Maybe.  The slightly smaller Regal is expected to come in a little cheaper than the Lacrosse.  On one hand, it has the ability to cannibalize Lacrosse sales.  On the other hand, if it is perceived as a bargain, maybe the price and stellar gas mileage will bring in customers that wouldn’t have considered a Buick before.  Could be that younger people start turning to the Buick brand.  And that’s exactly what needs to happen for Buick to stay in business for the long-term.