2004 Buick Regal Review
Fuel Economy
20 - 21 mpg
Summary
What Edmunds.com says
A competent sedan for the money, but in a category full of excellent competitors, the aging Regal fails to elicit much enthusiasm.
Pros
Powerful supercharged V6 in GS, spacious interior, easy-to-use controls.
Cons
Dated interior lacks modern features, seats aren't supportive, can't match resale value of its competitors.
What's New for 2004
For 2004, the Regal gets only minor cosmetic changes. New wood trim is offered along with a new ETR audio system with speed-sensing volume, RDS and a CD player. The Leather package has been upgraded with dual-zone climate control and a split-folding rear seat. Carpeted floor mats that were standard equipment last year are now part of an options package that must be purchased at additional cost.
Consumer Ratings & Reviews
Grandma Car that isn't for Grandma!
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 9 | Fun-to-Drive: | 9 | Build Quality: | 8 |
| Comfort: | 9 | Interior Design: | 9 | Reliability: | 8 |
| Fuel Economy: | 8 | Exterior Design: | 9 | ||
Vehicle
2004 Buick Regal LS 4dr Sedan (3.8L 6cyl 4A)
Review
One of the best GM cars I have ever owned! Suspension and ride are great for long or short trips and it corners like a champ. Road noise is a but much at times, though. Gas mileage is good. Heated leather seats are terrific in the winter. I was able to get out of deep snow up the hill without any difficulty but had to push my friend in her Jeep! I am just getting around to replacing the original struts and have replaced two wheel bearings so far. Other than regular maintenance there is nothing out of the ordinary with repairs. I have loaded it with 2x4's and am getting a hitch and bike rack next week. Hate to see GM axe the 3.8 v6, though. Big mistake, boys!!!! Big mistake.
Favorite Features
Lots of pep, punch and handles really well. Corners like a champ! Punch the accelerator and it will move. Suspension is great and my back isn't killing after a 4 hour drive on the wonderful Michigan highways.
Suggested Improvements
GM needs to keep the 3.8 v6 engine. They are doing away with the best v6 that is made. Huge mistake, HUGE!!!
Best Car I've Owned So Far
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 9 | Fun-to-Drive: | 10 | Build Quality: | 10 |
| Comfort: | 10 | Interior Design: | 9 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 10 | Exterior Design: | 9 | ||
Vehicle
2004 Buick Regal LS 4dr Sedan (3.8L 6cyl 4A)
Review
I average 28-29 mpg on the highway if I keep it under 65 and city mileage isn't bad either (usually just under 20 mpg). My Regal is comfortable on long and short drives. My only complaint is road noise. It can get loud on grooved pavement. After 40000 miles the body is still tight with no squeaks and rattles. The 3.8 liter engine is peppy for a V6 and acceleration is adequate enough to enter freeways and pass other vehicles on 2-lane highways. I have enjoyed this car and hope to drive it for many more years.
Favorite Features
Peppy V6. Decent stock AM/FM/CD and speakers. Great gas mileage. Comfortable leather seats. Smooth ride
Suggested Improvements
Well since they're not making the Regal any longer I guess there's no sense suggesting that they insulate the car better for road noise.
One Buick Regal GS is not enough
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 10 | Fun-to-Drive: | 10 | Build Quality: | 10 |
| Comfort: | 10 | Interior Design: | 9 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 9 | Exterior Design: | 9 | ||
Vehicle
2004 Buick Regal GS 4dr Sedan (3.8L 6cyl S/C 4A)
Review
After totalling my 1998 Buick Regal GS, I could only find 2 GS' on-line. One in Trenton, NJ area and the other in White Plains, NY. I emailed Coleman and the salesman called the next morning. A pristine condition fully loaded 2004 Black GS just off a three year lease with 42k enticed me to drive over 50 miles to see it. After getting the sticker reduced by over $1000, and seeing the excellent shape of the black paint, I bought it. Now I have a car that I know and love and am making sure that all the tips and techniques that I put into the first will go into the second. I also got an extended 3 year and 36k mile Major Guard Coverage GM Protection Plan, which was mostly paid for by my savings.
Favorite Features
Clearly the Regal, which looks like the family sedan, Century, is what is known as a "sleeper". It does not attract unwanted attention and can out perform 90% of the vehicles out there. And the 10% it cannot out perform, it can out drive because it does not look like the quick car like the others.
Suggested Improvements
As with my old GS, I upgraded the stereo adding a monoblock amp & subwoffer. I lowered the suspension with Eibachs-but I do not recommend it as the sidewalls of the Goodyear Assurance tires cause a bouncing effect on local streets. I added a hood plastic clear bra to protect the paint from chipping.
5 out 5 people found this review helpful
Dated technology, Great car
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 9 | Fun-to-Drive: | 8 | Build Quality: | 10 |
| Comfort: | 9 | Interior Design: | 8 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 8 | Exterior Design: | 10 | ||
Vehicle
2004 Buick Regal LS 4dr Sedan (3.8L 6cyl 4A)
Review
Fantastic driving experience. Handling a little loose compared to Euros and Japanese, but ride so much more elegannt than anything in its price class Styling might be old, but lines are clean and European inspired. Looks a lot like my brother's Mercedes at a fraction of the cost. Great bargain.
Favorite Features
Large seats, comfortable, good support Engine smooth as silk Good turning circle and braking. Excellent audio system
Suggested Improvements
Interior materials could improved on base model
1 out 2 people found this review helpful
2004 Regal GS
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 10 | Fun-to-Drive: | 8 | Build Quality: | 9 |
| Comfort: | 9 | Interior Design: | 8 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 9 | Exterior Design: | 8 | ||
Vehicle
2004 Buick Regal GS 4dr Sedan (3.8L 6cyl S/C 4A)
Review
I love this car! Had a 99 GS, loved it too. Handsome, traditional exterior, roomy & comfortable inside. Nice seats. Lots of power, and a marvelous auto trans. Outstanding MPG on trips, especially considering the power. Quiet, comfortable ride, feels solid, no rattles. Big trunk. Both of these vehicles have been utterly reliable, and very inexpensive to maintain. A lot of folks laugh at the idea of a Buick, but I only need to impress myself. They're welcome to their expensive, maintenance-intensive German ego props. This Buick's a terrific buy, and I'm sorry they won't be making any more in 5 years.
Favorite Features
Engine/transmission integration. Great brakes, big trunk, good gas mileage, OnStar system, good highway cruiser.
Suggested Improvements
iPod compatable audio system.
10 out 10 people found this review helpful
View Pricing for Other Years
- 2011 Buick Regal
- 2004 Buick Regal
- 2003 Buick Regal
- 2002 Buick Regal
- 2001 Buick Regal
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