Used 2018 Buick Regal Sportback Hatchback Consumer Reviews
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Most impressive car we have owned
Jake, 05/18/2018
updated 12/06/2023
2018 Buick Regal Sportback Essence 4dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 9A)
27 of 27 people found this review helpful
We have had this car for over almost 3years now and there is very little not to like. In terms of value, it seems to beat the big name imported cars hands down. It has a responsive and peppy engine. The instrumentation is logical, though somewhat understated. Mileage on the highway has been much better than expected. We averaged over 30 mpg on a recent 500+ mile trip. Driving comfort is very good. We did have some mistaken potential crash warnings from the crash avoidance systems, especially when making sharp turns at an intersections where we turn into a lane that has a large truck stopped in the turn lane of the street that we are turning into. Wish lists: The car had an automatic closing mechanism for its hatchback opening. The navigation system could be much more user friendly, like the systems offered by Tom-Tom for it's GPS units. GM should really update this as I think this could just need to be a software update. The memory system for who the driver is for seat positioning, sometimes seems to relate to whoever entered the car first, not necessarily to the driver. This could use some tweaking. Likewise with the recognition of which phone it should pair with. Again these might also be a software tweak. The most annoying thing is the key fob’s emergency alarm . It seems to go off easily with any mild pressure against anything when in one’s pocket.
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Over Engineered in the Wrong Places
510man, 04/05/2019
2018 Buick Regal Sportback Preferred 4dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 9A)
32 of 35 people found this review helpful
I own a 2018 Buick Sportback. Overall it's a nice vehicle. Two things that are total crap. 1) They spent WAY too much R&D on the door lock system. So computer geek designed the system and is likely the only one who knows how it works. I can lock and unlock my doors myself. I'm not sure why GM thought all this auto lock stuff is helpful. They need an option to turn all the auto lock off.......but there isn't one. 2) The car needs an Auto Stop override. The fact Buick doesn't give you a button to turn this off on demand like Ford and others do is unfortunate. AC shuts off and blows hot air, which is a problem in stop and go traffic. I can workaround it by shifting into neutral before stopping but that is a hassle to override the computer . I would not have purchased the car had I known I couldn't control these two features.
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This car flys under the radar
davejm, 12/23/2019
updated 12/28/2021
2018 Buick Regal Sportback 1SV 4dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 9A)
10 of 10 people found this review helpful
Really pleased with this car, it deserves to sell in bigger numbers. I wanted something different from the so many Accords and Camrys on the road. So far I have driven 24,000 Km with no problems. Fuel consumption has averaged 6.1L per 100K per the readout, however I checked the last two fill ups and the car does actually use about 10% more fuel than indicated, however it is still excellent. The 4 cylinder engine provides effortless acceleration, especially on the highway. Seating is comfortable for long trips and anyone who has been in the car has commented on the smooth ride. The huge trunk is a big plus. Ride is quiet other than some tire noise on rough roads, I think that the newer Continental tires have foam inserts to minimize this. To my eyes the styling is very elegant. Overall this is probably the most enjoyable car I have owned. 2021, car is now at 46,000 km, there have been no problems, mileage indicated on readout is 6.3 litres per 100 km, actual when measured is 6.8. Mainly small town and rural driving. I have tried premium, mid grade and regular gas and have not noticed much difference in performance or mileage, however I seldom use full throttle acceleration. The hatch back has been very useful for transporting items that would not fit in a regular trunk. I’m still very pleased with this car, pity that people have generally abandoned sedans.
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2018 Buick Bullet
Joe F, 08/22/2018
2018 Buick Regal Sportback Essence 4dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 9A)
11 of 13 people found this review helpful
Car handles and drives like a race car.... only issue so far is with wireless charger doesn’t work with certain phones
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Transmission Issues
Josh, 06/17/2020
2018 Buick Regal Sportback Essence 4dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 9A)
15 of 19 people found this review helpful
I’ve owned my 2018 Regal Sportback for a full year. It was fine for a year. Recently the transmission went out at 28,000 miles. Just something to think about. This was the 9 speed automatic.
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Trigger's Last Car
Trigger, 07/26/2019
updated 02/03/2020
2018 Buick Regal Sportback Preferred 4dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 9A)
8 of 10 people found this review helpful
Bought a leftover new 2018 Sportback Preferred in June 2019 for $19.5K. Love the looks, acceleration, sound system quiet ride and safety features. Really enjoy driving this car. However, the transmission downshifting (not smooth) scares me from a reliability standpoint. As I enter the car, the cushioning is far from adequate. In spite of these items, I got a great deal on most likely my last car.
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interior really missed the mark
JHugh, 11/10/2018
2018 Buick Regal Sportback Preferred 4dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 9A)
13 of 18 people found this review helpful
I wanted to like this car; however, I couldn't overlook the very mediocre interior. It's dated and doesn't compare to cars that are cheaper. For example, the seats and interior in a base level Malibu are better. The car does have some nice safety features like lane assistance, brakes are great and it drove well. Exterior and trunk space are positives. Buick will have to make some changes for it to compete at this price.
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Going to buy ours now that the lease is ending
BJK, 11/04/2021
2018 Buick Regal Sportback Preferred 4dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 9A)
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
We've had this for 35 months, and are at the end of our 36 month lease. Normally I'd never buy a car that I've leased, but this one is different. The combination of the impressive performance (4 cyl turbo) and the huge "trunk" space make it a keeper. Plus, these were built in Germany before being discontinued, so the build quality is definitely there. With the car market so crazy right now, and given we've had zero problems in the first three years, it's an easy choice.
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2018 Buick regal sportback pteferred 2
Michelle, 06/04/2020
2018 Buick Regal Sportback Preferred II 4dr Hatchback AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
Perfect car.. Everything u need.. Power... Reliable... Great handling.. I love it. I have always been a Honda owner.. Until now.. This is a Great car......
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not worth the wait
not wotrh the wait, 06/21/2018
updated 07/17/2023
2018 Buick Regal Sportback Essence 4dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 9A)
11 of 23 people found this review helpful
car has potential for 4 or 5 stars. Software issue reported 3 months ago- still not corrected. Car took long enough time to be introduced. That time should have eliminated flaws, especially since this problem is in other GM cars that have been out for a full year. Also know engine requires premium fuel, other 4 cylinders do not. Back to the drawing board GM The software problem finally fixed(6 months later), however mpg is not good nor is the fact that this engine requires premium gas, the Japanese turbos use regular gas. Also, if you buy the fully equipped model, there is no spare tire- poor design flaw. Reliability is good.
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Almost a Home Run
Mark Allen, 10/31/2021
updated 11/01/2022
2018 Buick Regal Sportback Essence 4dr Hatchback AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I have a 2018 Regal Essence with about 18k miles on it. I have read that it is essentially an Opel Insignia, which has favorable reviews. It was assembled in Germany with a Japanese transmission and an American engine. Probably one of the last sedans Buick will ever make. The ride is quiet, acceleration is excellent, the controls are easy to use, the hatchback gives you a lot of trunk space.The interior is roomy and comfortable. In general, it is a great car despite several flaws: No spare tire. My car came with a useless inflation kit so I had my mechanic install a spare tire . I think later years come with a spare The hatchback has no interior release control and no remote closing control. Despite these two annoying flaws, I am enjoying the car which was well discounted at the beginning of 2019
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Best hatchback by Opel
G. H. Se, 09/12/2017
2018 Buick Regal Sportback Essence 4dr Hatchback AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A)
4 of 22 people found this review helpful
Get an Opel insignia conversion kit
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