1999 Buick Regal Review
1999 Buick Regal Review
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Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Powerful supercharged engine, comfortable front seats, uncluttered looks.
Cons
- Cheap leather, no folding rear seat, uninspired interior design.
What’s new
Performance-oriented changes, such as more power, sporty tweaks to the steering and suspension, firmer motor mounts and the addition of a strut tower brace underhood, lead the news for the '99 Regal. Other changes include enhancements to the ABS and traction control systems, as well as the addition of a tire inflation monitor, perimeter lighting and the Concert Sound II audio system to Regal's already long list of standard equipment. New options include a self-dimming electrochromic outside rearview mirror, redesigned 15-inch alloy wheels and the eight-speaker, 220-watt Monsoon audio system. And that's all in addition to a new exterior paint color, Auburn Nightmist.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 1999 Buick Regal LS 4dr Sedan and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.50 per gallon for regular unleaded in Ohio.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Ohio
$203/mo for Regal LS
Regal LS
vs
$181/mo
Avg. Midsize Car
Vehicle overview
In 1990, Buick released a sedan version of the Regal coupe to do battle with the Ford Taurus, Toyota Camry and Nissan Maxima. Shortsighted in terms of design and engineering, the Regal sedan won few converts from established domestic and import nameplates. Tight times delayed replacement of Buick's lame duck, and by 1996, the Regal's main selling point was a strong 3800 Series II V6 engine. Not surprisingly, sales were limited to die-hard Buick buyers and rental fleets.
Back in 1997, Buick released a new Regal sedan. The slow-selling coupe was dropped, leaving LS and GS versions of the four-door. This new Regal was larger in nearly every dimension, and was designed to reduce squeaks and rattles by increasing structural rigidity with one-piece side-panel stampings and cross bracing behind the instrument panel. A full load of standard equipment and reasonable prices have made this front-drive Regal competitive, and it continues to entice buyers who might normally limit themselves to Toyota or Nissan showrooms to at least visit a Buick store.
Think of the Regal as Park Avenue Light, or Century Deluxe. LS models are powered by GM's award-winning 3800 Series II V6, which at an even 200 boasts five more horses than last year, thanks to a new, low-restriction air cleaner and a larger induction system. Move up to the GS, and you're getting an honest -to-goodness sport sedan equipped with a supercharged 3.8-liter V6 putting 240 horsepower through a heavy-duty version of Regal's four-speed automatic transmission. At a starting price of around $25,000, the suave, speedy Regal GS is an excellent argument against purchasing any other midsize V6 sedan.
Basic design is shared with the lower-rung Century. Regal has a unique front fascia, but barely different rear styling. LS models are distinguished by a chrome accented grille, while GS models have blackout trim and P225/60 radials on sharp 16-inch alloy wheels (chrome is an option). Inside, a comfortable interior beckons. Heated leather seats are optional, as is an integrated child safety seat.
One thing this Buick offers that few in its class can is the availability of OnStar, an optional mobile communications system. Designed to secure assistance in the event of a mechanical failure, an accident or merely just a need for directions, OnStar was formerly available only on Cadillac models.
A new steering intermediate shaft, along with the addition of a strut tower brace (long an autocrosser's favorite modification) is the secret to more precise road feel and better steering response this year, which has never been Buick's strong suit. Underneath, stiffer bushings and a much fatter rear stabilizer bar (17.2 millimeters, up from last year's 14) dial out much of the float and roll in Regal's suspension. While we applaud firming up the footprint of a front-driver pounding out 240 ponies to the pavement, the idea of a more sporty feeling Regal leaves us wondering, where is Buick trying to go with this car?
Despite recent efforts at establishing strong GM brand identities for each division, sharing platforms between multiple divisions is likely to continue to be a problem. Pontiac's Grand Prix and Oldsmobile's new Intrigue share Regal's underpinnings and basic structure. Grand Prix is obviously the driver's car with a youthful image and the "We Build Excitement'' marketing theme. Intrigue is conservatively styled and import-oriented. So where does that leave the Buick Regal? Mark Hines, assistant brand manager, says Buick is looking at 40-49 year-olds with families who want a blend of performance, dependability and safety. Basically, Buick is going after the kinds of buyers who snap up thousands of Camrys every year.
The current Camry is plainly styled, just like the Regal. The Camry is a roomy, safe car, just like the Regal. The Camry also has an outstanding reputation for reliability and resale value. Can the Regal compete in this arena as well? Given Buick's penchant for award-winning quality, we wouldn't be too surprised. For now, rest assured that the Regal is an excellent value, and with 240 supercharged horses under the hood and its new-for-'99 surefootedness, the GS model easily gets our nod.
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 1999 Buick Regal.
5 star(61%)
4 star(30%)
3 star(5%)
2 star(1%)
1 star(3%)
57 reviews
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
4.25 out of 5 stars
this car saved my life
patrickc1550, 04/30/2011
1999 Buick Regal LS 4dr Sedan
this car is by far the best i have ever owned im looking for my next regal since mine was totaled. at 50+ mph head on collision i walked away with a brused knee and a broken heart to see her like that i only had to keep up regaular maintance the hole time i owned it. before the wreck it had just went over the 250xxx mile mark and still ran like it was brand new i know i could easily got … another 250xxx miles out of her i would reccomend this car to every one for safty and reliability
4.88 out of 5 stars
These owners are preaching the truth!
TG Smith, 02/04/2004
1999 Buick Regal GS 4dr Sedan
My father's generation used to
say, "People with money buy Cadilacs,
but SMART people with money buy
Buicks!" I would update this for my
generation to say, "People with money
buy BMW's (or Lexus or Infiniti), but
SMART people with money buy the Buick
Regal." I have owned several new BMW's
over the years and don't get me wrong,
the Regal GS can't match them in the …
handling department, but overall my
Regal is much more car for the money
than any BMW I ever owned. These other
reviewers are preaching the truth. The
Buick Regal GS is one of the best
values and one of the best kept secrets
on the road.
4.88 out of 5 stars
Tried and True
Ryan, 01/28/2010
1999 Buick Regal GS 4dr Sedan
I think this car has proven to be one of the best cars of the past decade. There are some things I wish had been designed differently but all in all, this car has been a gem. I have about 145K miles on it, and have had a repair or two. This is my third Buick and won't be my last.
4.75 out of 5 stars
Want a new car but can't let go.
MISSY, 07/22/2008
1999 Buick Regal GS 4dr Sedan
Other reviews are pretty on mark, great car. Except little electronic things like windows with 125,000 miles and counting nothing but tires, brakes have cost me. I do notice some jerking with shifting so may need some transmission work, but in optional performance shift no jerking. Highway mpg's around 29-30. Making up for my occasional immature actions at stop lights to let my kids … know their old mom is still cool!
1999 Regal Highlights
LS
Engine Type | Gas |
---|---|
Combined MPG | 21 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $203/month |
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 16.7 cu.ft. |
Drivetrain | front wheel drive |
Safety
NHTSA Overall Rating
The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.
- Frontal Barrier Crash RatingOverallNot RatedDriver4 / 5Passenger3 / 5
- Side Crash RatingOverallNot Rated
- Side Barrier RatingOverallNot RatedDriver3 / 5Passenger3 / 5
- Combined Side Barrier & Pole RatingsFront SeatNot RatedBack SeatNot Rated
- RolloverRolloverNot RatedDynamic Test ResultNo TipRisk Of RolloverNot Rated
IIHS Rating
The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.
- Small Overlap Front Driver-Side TestNot Tested
- Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side TestNot Tested
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – OriginalAcceptable
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – OriginalNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Roof Strength TestNot Tested
- Rear Crash Protection / Head RestraintNot Tested
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