1998 Buick Regal Review
1998 Buick Regal Review
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Used Regal for sale
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Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Powerful engine, comfortable front seats, good looks
Cons
- No folding rear seat, dull interior
What’s new
Regal LS gets a new standard four-speed automatic transmission, and three new exterior colors are available. Dealers will install an OnStar Mobile Communications system if the buyer desires, and second-generation airbags are added.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 1998 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. Sales were limited to die-hard Buick buyers and rental fleets.
Now, Buick has released a new Regal sedan. The slow-selling coupe has been excised from the lineup, leaving LS and GS versions of the four-door. The new Regal is larger in nearly every dimension, and is manufactured to reduce squeaks and rattles by tightening the structure of the car with one-piece side panel stamping and cross bracing behind the instrument panel. A full load of standard equipment and reasonable prices make the new Regal very competitive, and should entice buyers who might normally limit themselves to Toyota or Nissan showrooms to at least visit a Buick store.
Think of the new Regal as Park Avenue Light, or Century Deluxe. LS models are powered by GM's tried and true 3800 Series II V6, which puts 195 horsepower to the ground via the front axle and a new-for-1998 four-speed automatic transmission. Move up to the GS, and you're getting a real sport sedan equipped with a supercharged V6 making 240 horsepower. Buick says the GS will be the focus car of the lineup, and with good reason. At a starting price lower than $25,000, the suave, speedy Regal GS is an excellent argument against purchasing a Honda Accord V6.
Another argument in favor of buying the Buick is the availability of OnStar, an optional mobile communications system. Designed to allow occupants safe access to the outside world in the event that the driver gets lost in an unfamiliar neighborhood, of a mechanical failure requiring roadside assistance, or of an accident that requires medical help, OnStar was formerly available only on Cadillac models.
Basic styling is shared with the lower rung Century. Regal gets unique front styling, and barely different rear styling. LS models are distinguished by a chrome accented grille, while GS models get blackout trim and sharp 16-inch alloy wheels. Inside, an attractive interior beckons. Heated leather seats are optional, as is an integrated child safety seat. Both cars get traction control, but the system on the GS works at all speeds rather than at lower speeds like the unit on the LS.
Good things are happening at GM. However, sharing platforms between multiple divisions is likely to continue to be a problem, despite recent efforts at establishing strong brand identities for each division. 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. Intrigue is conservatively styled and import-oriented in focus. So where does that leave the Buick Regal? Mark Hines, assistant brand manager, says Buick is focusing on 40-49 year-olds with families who want a blend of performance, dependability and safety. Basically, Buick is going after buyers who snap up thousands of Camrys every year.
The current Camry is plainly styled, just like the new Regal. The current Camry is a safe car, just like the new Regal. The current Camry also has an outstanding reputation for reliability and resale value. Can the Regal compete in this arena as well? Time will tell. For now, we can only say that the Regal is an excellent value, and with 240 supercharged ponies under the hood, the GS model is our recommendation.
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 1998 Buick Regal.
5 star(73%)
4 star(27%)
3 star(0%)
2 star(0%)
1 star(0%)
45 reviews
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
5 out of 5 stars
Loved this car!
laeli_, 05/29/2013
1998 Buick Regal GS 4dr Sedan
Got this car from a relative at 100,000 miles. It was by far my favorite car that I've owned. It was well maintained, and never gave me any problems at all. The driver window motor did eventually go out, but that was really the only problem I ever had. It felt like a luxury car, and the supercharger made it really fun to drive. I put 30,000 miles on it in a year, but it drove like brand … new. It got pretty good mileage (I averaged about 23 MPG) It was a safe car too, someone rear-ended me on the freeway doing 50 and pushed me into the car ahead of me. Unfortunately, this totalled my car, but my passenger and I walked away without a scratch. I'd buy this car again in a heartbeat.
4 out of 5 stars
1998 Regal GS
vamadman, 03/18/2013
1998 Buick Regal GS 4dr Sedan
We bought this car new in 1998 at a dealership in Phoenix and it is loaded.
We liked the styling and comfort along with the sporty feeling it has.
Over the years we have had to replace the alternator, plugs, wires, HVAC head, front rotors twice, blower motor and steering rack.
These items are minor to me and do not sway how I feel about this classic cruiser.
Love the supercharger and … handling.
It is in the body shop right now getting a new paint job as the water based paint from factory was peeling off on all of the horizontal surfaces.
Can't wait to get our rocketship home again.
It is worth putting the money into fixing as new car payments are outrageous.
Great road car.
Update....still going strong with 178,000 miles. Still love this car and it is still like new inside and out. I get lots of compliments on it and even a few offers to purchase it from me. No way.
5 out of 5 stars
Grandpa Speed
collegekid, 09/29/2006
1998 Buick Regal GS 4dr Sedan
This has been a great car. I bought it at 130,000 miles, and put on another 30k. The drivetrain is awesome. Good styling inside and out. Surprisingly quick for a big sedan. I'm also getting good fuel economy with an average of 23 mpg, and almost 30 mpg on the highway. Very smooth ride. Warning, flush dex-cool out right away. If not flushed, it will slowly rot out intake gaskets. It's … not severe but your gasket will start to seep if you never change your coolant. If you maintain this car, it will be a great car. I'm very satisfied with this car. In my opinion, it's just as good as all the more expensive imports.
4.88 out of 5 stars
'98 Regal- Great!
Cole, 09/09/2010
1998 Buick Regal LS 4dr Sedan
I'm 18, so you don't see many people my age driving this car. However, I needed something with more legroom than my Camry that I had. I've owned it for 8 months,and other than the window regulator needing replaced, no problems. Just took it on a 600 mile trip and the car does not have a single rattle or shake anywhere, cruise control and comfort of the seats on that long trip were … amazing. This car still drives like a new one, and Buick has made a lifelong customer out of me, don't miss the Toyota at all, this car is just better in all aspects. MPG is not bad for a car of this size, about 28 on the highway.
1998 Regal Highlights
LS
Engine Type | Gas |
---|---|
Combined MPG | 21 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $203/month |
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 17.0 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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