2001 Buick Regal Review
2001 Buick Regal Review





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Used Regal for sale
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Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Powerful supercharged V6 in GS, comfortable front seats, uncluttered looks.
Cons
- Elderly-buyer image, uninspired interior design, leather has low-buck feel.
What’s new
The "Car for the Supercharged Family" gets new rear-wheel house liners for a quieter ride, a standard trunk entrapment release and two new colors, Graphite Metallic and White. An Olympic appearance package is now available and OnStar in-vehicle safety, security and information service is standard on GS models.
Edmunds says
Regal is ready for a re-do. But for now, it still provides an enticing combination of feature content and performance for a relatively affordable price.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2001 Buick Regal LS 4dr Sedan (3.8L 6cyl 4A) 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 $3.11 per gallon for regular unleaded in Virginia.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Virginia
$177/mo for Regal LS
Regal LS
vs
$170/mo
Avg. Midsize Car
Vehicle overview
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 boasts an even 200 horses. 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. With a starting price of around $25,000, the suave, speedy Regal GS makes an excellent argument against purchasing any other sporty midsize V6 sedan.
Basic design is shared with the lower-rung Century. Regal has a unique front fascia, but barely different rear styling. LS versions are distinguished by a chrome-accented grille, while GS models have a body-colored grille and P225/60 radials mounted on 16-inch alloy wheels (chrome is an option).
Inside, a comfortable interior beckons, which features a split-folding rear seat to make hauling long items such as skis and fishing rods easier and more convenient. A 220-watt Monsoon audio system with eight speakers is also optional on GS models. Heated leather seats are again available, and with leather comes the option of a side airbag for the driver.
One thing this Buick offers that few in its class can is the availability of OnStar, an optional mobile communications system formerly available only on Cadillac models. The system is standard on the GS model and optional on the LS. OnStar provides a hands-free link to real-time, person-to-person in-vehicle safety, security and information services from GM's 24-hour, seven-day-a-week OnStar Center. The three-button system eliminates the need for a customer to buy separate cellular phone service to access OnStar services.
The Regal GS comes equipped with full-range traction control, which uses the ABS and engine controls to reduce traction loss on slippery surfaces. Engine modulation provides traction-control assistance on LS versions. Four-wheel antilock disc brakes are standard on both models. An exceptional array of standard features and option packages make the LS a smart choice among premium midsize sedans.
Despite recent efforts to establish 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 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 gracefully styled and import-oriented. So where does that leave the conservative Buick Regal? Buick officials say the Regal is targeted at 40- to 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 Camry is plainly styled, like the Regal. The Camry is a roomy, safe car, 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 and continued refinement, 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, the GS model easily gets our nod.
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 2001 Buick Regal.
5 star(55%)
4 star(33%)
3 star(6%)
2 star(6%)
1 star(0%)
33 reviews
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
4.75 out of 5 stars
Worth the Money
laura04, 03/14/2011
2001 Buick Regal LS 4dr Sedan (3.8L 6cyl 4A)
It maybe an older car but sure has everything i need and shocking it is great in the snow.
Ive had no issues with except the chairs are kinda uncomfortable.
So taking long trips ends up hurting my back in driver or passenger seat but could just be my car.
3.75 out of 5 stars
Still Going Strong
Dan, 10/13/2009
2001 Buick Regal GS 4dr Sedan (3.8L 6cyl S/C 4A)
I bought my used 2001 Regal GS one year ago with 113K miles for $4K and could not be happier with my purchase. I don't know of any other used car that can be had for $4K that would be nearly as nice as this one. The supercharged engine, the Monsoon audio system, the cushy leather seats, overall balance of sport/comfort/reliability. Only fixes needed after 1 year are a couple of worn … out wheel bearings and my ABS sensor acts up now and then. Other than that, this car still feels very strong and believe it will last another 100K if kept up properly. I've owned 9 cars in my lifetime and this one is faster and more comfortable than any of them, not to mention by far the most inexpensive!
4.5 out of 5 stars
Good car
john, 03/24/2010
2001 Buick Regal LS 4dr Sedan (3.8L 6cyl 4A)
Had to replace passenger window regulator. did it myself for 100 dollars,was easy to do. car has 50,000 miles and runs very good. The seats are very nice and the car rides very good. The four wheel disc brakes stop the car very well, and In the rain the traction control works well, and so did the brakes when i had to make a quick wet stop. Overall i am impressed with this car.
3.88 out of 5 stars
...Not a bad car, but ......
Bureaucrat, 01/14/2010
2001 Buick Regal LS 4dr Sedan (3.8L 6cyl 4A)
..purchased (used) in March, 2005, at 18,100 miles; BTW, this car was made in Canada, not the U.S.A. Was a single- owner vehicle. Now has over 90,800 miles - has had two major electrical failures; now on its third rack-and- pinion assembly; vent. fan assembly conked out in the first month; ignition switch broke after fourth year; oil pan leaked badly and cost almost $300 to fix (a … support strut has to be removed first!) Fuel economy is so-so; nothing spectacular. Transmission has been serviced every 30,000 miles and looks and acts like new. Seats are the most comfortable of any car ever owned. Overall, not a great car, but a good one. Will keep it until it "croaks" for good!!!
2001 Regal Highlights
LS
Base MSRP | $22,965 |
---|---|
Engine Type | Gas |
Combined MPG | 21 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $177/month |
Seating | 5 seats |
Drivetrain | front wheel drive |
Warranty | 3 years / 36,000 miles |
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 RestraintPoor
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