Used 1997 Buick Regal Sedan Consumer Reviews
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Good ole 3800's
teleport, 11/27/2013
updated 05/29/2016
1997 Buick Regal LS 4dr Sedan
4 of 4 people found this review helpful
I bought this car in October 2012 with 160K miles on it for 1300 dollars. It's beat up, neglected, and been abused by it's previous teenage owners. The engine is 16 years old and has never let me down. I replaced the water pump and two faulty coolant elbows. All four struts were pretty shot, and I replaced the rear ones. I did pads and rotors all around. Total spent for parts is under 500 bucks including oil changes. I'm getting close to 170K and haven't touched it since I did the original work when I bought it. I'll do plugs/filters in the spring and let that carry me to 200K. The 3800 series II is easy to work on - I have little mechanical experience. Update: The timing chain stopped being a chain in June 2015. The engine had 201k miles on it. The only work additional work I had done to the car before it's death was regular maintenance like pads/rotors/oil change. I put a lot of miles on this car - 50+ a day commuting, and plenty of driving on the weekend. Until the day the camshaft and crankshaft stopped talking - it never failed me.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
Dangerous
George Connor, 02/10/2003
1997 Buick Regal LS 4dr Sedan
4 of 4 people found this review helpful
In the last 3 months our steering went out on my family twice putting us in a very dangerous position. Did GMC stand behing there product-"no" my vin identification is not within the range of the federal recall. Please do not buy a GMC product if you value your safety. I have my car waiting for its second repair, but i refuse to put my family behind the wheel(or lack of) again. I have a useless Car.
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Harry, 05/24/2005
1997 Buick Regal GS 4dr Sedan
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
I bought this car used with 40K miles on it from a local dealer. I've only had 2 problems with it that required a shop's intervention and it hasn't left us stranded. With over 93000 miles on it, I've only noticed 1 intermittent squeek or rattle, the doors still click closed, the engine still starts with just a touch of the key and I couldn't be happier with it. The supercharger adds that extra kick and the engine isn't hard to modify for those who want some extra HP.
Started Off Bad, Ended Up Great!
Kevin Hoffman, 01/22/2010
1997 Buick Regal GS 4dr Sedan
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I bought my Regal GS used with 58,000 miles. I chose the GS over the LS because of it's sharper handling. Less than a month after my purchase, the supercharger went bad and the car wouldn't start! But it was repaired in less than a week. Shortly after, the front passenger footwell began filling with water after a hard rain. It took the dealership two weeks to remedy that problem. But from then on I had no problems. The car's accelleration is great and ride comfort is excellent. Fuel ecomony with the supercharger isn't great, but could be worse. The stereo system has great sound. Leather seats held up very well. Despite my problems, I would still reccomend the Regal,
I love it so much I'm getting another on
happywithmybuick, 05/24/2005
1997 Buick Regal GS 4dr Sedan
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
We ordered this car new in '97, put 140,000 miles on it with NO problems. We sold it to our neighbor for his college bound daughter and we just bought a used 2004 with 14,000 miles on it. They discontinued the car so I couldn't find a new one. I could not find a car that performed like this one in its price range. I was even willing to spend more and drove the Acura TL. I didn't like the ride nor the performance as well as the Buick. I feel so strongly about this car I had to let people know what a great find it is. Buick did a poor job of marketing it or they would have sold more. Even Consumer Report rates it high. That's unheard of for an American car.
Bought another
Happy GS, 03/08/2006
1997 Buick Regal GS 4dr Sedan
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
After selling our last (97), not my choice, I have purchased another. The car is great to drive always bringing a smile. Comfortable on long trips with good mpg. The only maintence I needed was the normal, belts, brakes, etc. The only other sedan I compare it to is my Cad Seville. For the money it's a really good all around car. My only complant is the drink holder. Now that is cheap.
Rega; GS
fall2696, 04/21/2002
1997 Buick Regal GS 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
The Regal GS is powerful, fun to drive, and a much better value than other sports sedans.
I love my Regal
GWilson, 04/24/2010
1997 Buick Regal GS 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Got my Regal GS back in September. I have been very pleased with this $1900 in every aspect except the fuel usage (of 93 no less). I get an averaged combined of 16 mpg. Its up from the 14.5 I got before I changed the fuel filter, air filter, and added injector cleaner @1500 miles ago. But that is unacceptable considering its rated at 19mpg combined. Also the rear windows dont work. The seats are not particularly comfy and the ac blows heat sometimes. BUUUUUTTT its fast for a big ol granpa sedan. Also its very reliable.
200,000+ miles, still going strong
ihanson, 01/02/2013
1997 Buick Regal LS 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I inherited this car from my parents as they moved on to a newer vehicle (Volvo S60). We've had it in our family for about 10 years now and it's served us well - I just ticked over 201,000 miles this week and the car still runs great. Even though the car is 15 years old, it still has most of what I want in a car: smooth ride, nice pick-up when needed, reasonable MPG (25 combined, 27-28 hwy), leather, sunroof, premium audio (aftermarket), seat warmer (aftermarket) and nice handling in winter weather. One funny note was that I recently visited the junk yard to look for a spare part (armrest) and all of the Regals were newer than mine (1997), hehe. Guess they last if you take care of them!
4 years later...
Nick D, 01/06/2006
1997 Buick Regal GS 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Posted previous review on 5/15/03. Four years after purchasing w/56K mi I've come to appreciate my GS more. Now has 130K mi and since 12/01 my GS has had no mechanical problems except for 2 pwr window motors going out. Only needed tires, belts, and fluids. Amazing, really. Brake noise still there; looks not too appealing (like another reviewer said, looks like a Buick); interior just ok. But an extremely reliable car. Wife wants a BMW 525. I want another GS!
5 point what? Oh?
Garrett M. Benson, 03/25/2004
1997 Buick Regal GS 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This is a powerful little car! My wife and I have this and a 98 Park Avenue. The Park lacks the Supercharger, and I do mean lacks. This minute powerhouse can spank 4.6 liter mustangs, and put other pony cars to shame! The only thig we have owned that was faster with comfort was a 96 Eldorado ETC, ($48K new sticker!) and I had a 98 Z28 Camaro! (As fast, but back pain-inducer) Pass it on that an oversized pulley on your SC, and a K&N filter ups the HP to almost 300!For the money, this car is a real screamer!
Lots of Power.Lack of Build Quality. Ok!
casper90651, 04/24/2004
1997 Buick Regal GS 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
The most appreciable feature of this Buick is it's Supercharged motor. Though, it would've benefited greatly with a more modern engine design, Buick stuck with the pushrod design, which naturally has a great low-end torque even without the supercharger, but every bit helps. It's classic Buick with more umph in it. Interior styling is bland as well as exterior. The build quality is low cheap interior parts. Other than that, it rode fine and it charged on!
Overall Best GM Before 2000
BuickEnthst, 01/05/2005
1997 Buick Regal GS 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Bought this vehicle after owning an 85 Buick. This car provides me with generous torque and really moves around town when the super kicks in. I was expecting a little bit softer ride from a Buick, but the comfortable seats compensate well. This car is no light kitty in the corners but the wide tires stick incredibly well on on/off ramps and in long sweepers. I'm gradually developing small quibbles over the traditional American build quality, but nothing that taints my overall happiness with this vehicle. Mileage could be better, but the supercharged power is worth the sacrifice. These cars are hard to find used with low miles, but if you can find one jump on it immediately!
Tiger in sheep's clothing
Art, 11/25/2005
1997 Buick Regal GS 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Bought this car for my high school- bound son. We test drove it and he immediately asked me to buy it for him. Good student, good grades etc.. so I purchased the vehicle. Fast and comfortable, his friends are now wanting to purchase one. Wish I had purchased for myself and wife as she prefers to drive it more than her 2005 GTO, says it is more roomy and comfortable.
Let me tell you a little secret...
Eric, 05/13/2006
1997 Buick Regal GS 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
After exhausting research for a third round vehicle (~100K, well maintained, clean), I decided to go with the Buick GS. For $4300, I stole this car. (Which, by the way was the private party value). Fully loaded and fast as heck, I couldn't be happier. Read these reviews, they are true. For a 1997 that has the same styling as a 2004, I have what others think is a newer car, 36mpg at 55mph, 240HP on tap, incredibly comfortable seating, and a record of superior reliability and safety. I turned down Camrys, Accords, Volvos, and countless others. I pay $298/year for 250/500 insurance in NY (no collision), and found this to be the most cost effective, fun to drive foreign or domestic vehicle
Not your dad's Buick
forestgump14, 05/15/2003
1997 Buick Regal GS 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This has been a very reliable vehicle and is for those not familiar with the GS version will be shocked by the get up and go of the super-charged engine. The only thing I have replaced in this car besides tires and brakes, is the water pump. I am not sure that there is a better combination of performance, comfort, price and bells and whistles in its class
Ok, with speed
nick D, 05/15/2003
1997 Buick Regal GS 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Purchased used w/56K in 9/01. Transmission went out, as did power window motors (both w/in 4K miles) but all covered by extended warranty. Have had recurrent brake-rotor noise that apparently cannot be remedied. But, not one other problem in nearly two years. Would highly recommended purchasing extended warranty for any Regal.
Ok, with speed
Nick D, 05/15/2003
1997 Buick Regal GS 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Purchased used w/56K in 9/01. Transmission went out, as did power window motors (both w/in 4K miles) but all covered by extended warranty. Have had recurrent brake-rotor noise that apparently cannot be remedied. But, not one other problem in nearly two years. Would highly recommended purchasing extended warranty for any Regal.
Buick Regal
mreynolds, 04/07/2004
1997 Buick Regal GS 4dr Sedan
0 of 1 people found this review helpful
I have been very happy with car
I love this car!!!!!!
Tony,WI, 05/11/2004
1997 Buick Regal GS 4dr Sedan
0 of 1 people found this review helpful
What a sleeper and a great find. We bought this car new and it now has 120,000 miles on it. The only repair was a waterpump at 95K. Buick is making a big mistake by taking this car off the market. They should have done a better job marketing the GS. It's a power house. I wish I could buy another new one. If you like performance and comfort. This is the car.