Used 2012 Buick Regal GS Consumer Reviews
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What a Surprise!
car_man4, 06/08/2012
2012 Buick Regal GS 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6M)
28 of 28 people found this review helpful
The Buick Regal GS combines perfect blend of luxury and performance in a car. This car makes me look forward to my 1.5 hour commute each way to work. The adjustable suspension between Comfort, Sport, and GS mode make each drive a new experience. This car may not have the "Grand National" engine, but the turbo 4 cylinder with 270 hp with the automatic transmission provides the feeling of endlessly smooth quickness. This car will get away from you quickly. This is the first "American" car that I have had that actual feels like a "German" car. I think GM has a winner in this car. Because these are limited this year, it feels nice being the only one on road with a unique car.
Nice step up from my Subaru
classicgeiger, 08/19/2012
2012 Buick Regal GS 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6M)
15 of 15 people found this review helpful
Wasnt sure that I wanted a Buick for my next car, but had to at least take a look at the GS bc it is a beautiful car. After 1 month of owning the car I love it, handles amazing really gets up and go's when you need it to and is just as nice to sit back and cruise in. Went with all the toys on this, including the 20's. Makes it just that much more of a great car. And the H-K sound system is pretty pretty pretty good. The only reason I didnt give it 5's all the way is bc I have had issues w/ my Navigation and iPod.
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Extremely impressed with the GS
regal_gs, 11/28/2011
2012 Buick Regal GS 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6M)
43 of 46 people found this review helpful
We just picked up our GS last week and we have already put about 600 miles on it. So far the performance, comfort, driving fun and fuel mileage is everything we hoped it would be. The sport modes work extremely well at giving you a choice at how harsh and responsive the car is, the manual transmission is great (one of the main reasons for getting this car), and it looks fantastic. We were actually getting 31-32 mpg on the freeway and I averaged 28 mpg with the first tank (mostly highway). It's just nice to actually get what the epa says it will do.
Regal GS has exceeded my expectations!
canamman, 07/02/2012
2012 Buick Regal GS 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6M)
10 of 10 people found this review helpful
I have been researching the Regal GS for the past month. Made several test drives with the manual and automatic versions. I ended up purchasing the auto due to the majority of city driving I do. So far I have put over 300 miles in just the first 3 days. I am very impressed with this car. Very smooth, quiet and powerful when needed. I love how you can select the suspension settings to suit your mood & driving conditions. Stereo control took a little bit to get used to, but now I dont even have to look. The styling, fit & finish are well above what I would expect of a car in this class. If you are on the fence, just go drive one.
Fantastic Driver with some Shortcomings
Josh, 07/22/2015
updated 01/25/2017
2012 Buick Regal GS 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6M)
41 of 46 people found this review helpful
I purchased this car over a year ago to replace a 2010 Mercury Milan Hybrid that had recently surpassed 100,000 miles. I wanted something that would be fun to drive and that had a manual transmission. This car checked (most of) the boxes for my needs, after a year with it, however, this will be my last GM for a while. The good: The turbocharged motor and manual transmission combination is great! Clutch and shifts are smooth and engage easily. The torque band is very wide and pulls the Regal up to (and over) legal highway speeds, quickly and quietly. The interior is quiet and comfortable around town and on long trips. The bad: Trying to use/figure out the buttons on the steering wheel/center console/touch screen is miserable and very confusing. Voice recognition only works for certain functions, much worse than the SYNC in my previous car. No rear-view camera, on a vehicle at this price point trying to compete with entry-level luxury cars, a rear-view camera should be standard. The graphics for the navigation are acceptable, at best. QUALITY (or lack thereof) - my car has been in the shop 6 times in the past year for small repairs, blower motor on the climate control randomly cuts out, 4 rear light bulbs (no access panels in trunk, have to remove carpet surrounding the trunk to replace), sun visor mirror cover shattered apart, and grommets holding the floor mats to the floor sprung apart. The plastics on the interior feel cheap and look cheaper. The lack of storage space for front seat occupants is disappointing. Buick has done a fantastic job with the styling and the performance aspect of this car. It looks and drives fantastic, now if there was more focus placed upon quality and interior components, I'd be fully satisfied. I'm glad I purchased the Regal, but I'm ready to get into something else. Update: 7/23/2016; 67,000 miles. The car continues to disappoint. I've now been through 6 sets of brake pads/rotors (it's a stick shift, I rarely brake hard). Several more tail light bulbs have burned out. The check engine light is on and the car is trying to stall out upon every shift. There's zero power upon acceleration despite the turbo engaging. I've actually sought out and bought another 2010 Milan because I hate this car so much but owe too much on it to get rid of it. This will definitely be my last GM product for a long time. Update: 1/25/2017; Still own this heap due to being underwater (thanks GM depreciation). Up to 75k miles - problems mentioned above were fixed at least GM extended the warranty and covered the issues (exhaust gas sensor, cam sensor, and a couple of other misc. issues). Recently got approved for a personal loan to finance the negative equity - can't wait to sell this car.
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My favorite car, but...
db1162, 07/19/2012
2012 Buick Regal GS 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6M)
7 of 7 people found this review helpful
I purchased a Carbon Black Metalic Regal GS Automatic brand new three weeks ago. There are many things that I love about this car and concur with the other reviews. However, there are signficant quality control issues. One week after I got it, the paint is coming off of the driver side door! There are two dime sized paint chips down to the metal on the driver side door. My dealer thinks that it was prepped wrong and it needs repainted. Also, the passenger side door speaker rattles so bad that you can't have any bass on the sound system. This also needs completely repaired. I love this car, but I'm concerned about how it was put together and how it is going to hold up over the years.
GS=Great Surprise
nodrums, 02/11/2012
2012 Buick Regal GS 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6M)
7 of 7 people found this review helpful
Ad a owner of a high end sports car it was difficult to find a 4 door that was fun. Many reviews and two test drives latter I plunk down my money quickly. Fantastic brakes. Check. Manual transmission smooth as butter.Check. Quiet and comfortable. Check. Point and shoot with finesse and feeling. Check. Enough HP to get into and out of trouble Check. This car was the biggest shock Laden with technology and adjustable suspension setting will never get me bored. Thank you GM for giving me a reason to be both practical and fun while doing it comfortably, without spending a ton of cash.
A good effort but flawed
smerdyakov, 03/19/2014
2012 Buick Regal GS 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6M)
10 of 12 people found this review helpful
I traded a 2011 Audi A4 for this car. At first I liked the Buick much better, but, as time went on, problems made themselves evident. The engine was quite powerful but, in spite of the much-hyped HyPer strut front suspension, torque steer was very pronounced under hard acceleration. In addition, the driver's seat, although comfortable on short jaunts, became a source of torture on long highway runs. The bottom bolsters seemed to be too tight, causing intense hip pain. In addition, the three driving modes (normal, Sport and GS) seemed to have little effect on performance, although the letter did stiffen the suspension significantly. The controls also feature a plethora of pushbuttons.
Even my wife loves it.
tfh, 06/29/2012
2012 Buick Regal GS 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6M)
4 of 4 people found this review helpful
Great looking auto. We purchased it in Red, with an automatic. Fantastic Brakes, great acceleration and handling. 20 inch wheels really set it off. Mileage is about 24 mpg overall. 2 months and 2000 mi. Even had an older woman stop me in a store's parking lot and drool and ask about it. Looks like Buick is taking up the Pontiac slack......
Couldn't Be Happier
kmw8770, 07/31/2012
2012 Buick Regal GS 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6M)
8 of 10 people found this review helpful
First new vehicle. I have been watching this vehicle from the point it was in the prototype stage, and when they entered production I knew I had to get one. White Diamond, 6-Manual, 20's, Brembos, LED/HID Headlamps, Intellilink System, Sunroof. Car is loaded. Has an unbelievable amount of power for a 2.0L and the six speed manual makes it a joy to drive. Not to mention the car handles incredibly and even with the 20's and low profile tires it rides very smooth. Personally I have had a slew of GM cars and those manufactured in Oshawa, ON Canada have always had the nicest paint and most solid build quality; this Regal certainly holds up to that standard. Love this car. Take it for a test!
Needs AWD, and better Infotainment controls
sa_greg, 01/02/2015
2012 Buick Regal GS 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6M)
10 of 13 people found this review helpful
Love the exterior looks and wheels. I chose this over an Audi A4 Avant Quattro (wagon). My choice was based on (#1.) cheaper oil changes and overall maintenance costs vs. Audi's $250 oil changes, (#2.) more horsepower/torque over Audi, (#3.) more aggressive look than Audi, and (#4) Not too many GS models on the road = kind of exclusive. Love the car but sacrificed the pre-requisite of an All-Wheel-Drive car (Audi) for the horsepower / looks in the GS. The almost uncontrollable torque steer is annoying & almost embarrassing when you want to stomp on the gas. Also, very upset that I can't stream Pandora to Samsung Galaxy S5. Have to resort to using Aux input. Cheap interior materials.
Fun car from a horrible manufacture
miami5, 12/25/2013
2012 Buick Regal GS 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6M)
9 of 12 people found this review helpful
The car is a blast to drive and turns heads everywhere. However the service experience at the dealership is horrible. Furthermore Buick Customer Service is a complete waste of resources. My car was in the shop 4 times for the turbo going out, once to have both axils replaced, once it left me stranded because the battery cables fried, once because the radiator ruptured, once because the windshield washer blew, once because all the brake lights went out and once for the center council and sun visors braking. Half of all these problems occurred within my first two months of ownership. My car spent over 30 days in the shop during my first year and GM never offered restitution.
Doesn't stand for "Granddad's Slowpoke"
saegc7, 07/11/2013
2012 Buick Regal GS 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6M)
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
While this isn't a GNX or T-Type of the late 80's, this Buick ROCKS! The 2.0L engine is suprisingly powerful. It doesn't knock your head back with mad torque; instead the power builds quickly and will get away from you fast if you're not careful. I average 30-34 mpg daily and have a 17 mile commute to work which 14 is highway. I get away with midgrade fuel and get better gas mileage than with premium. I would do better if I could get away from the ethanol gas stations. The seats are very comfortable and visibility is great out the windshield. The rear view, is a different story. The rake needs a greater angle or a rear view backup camera. Overall, a great sporty car with decent power.
great American car Buick Regal GS
flyshy1, 06/22/2012
2012 Buick Regal GS 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6M)
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
after 2 weeks and 2000 miles, I enjoy the heck out of this Buick Regal. All systems well engineered and assembled correctly. I have not found any problems or faults... yet.... feels German, because it really is an Opel, German engine and tranny.
GS my dad would love
rodmunch1, 12/31/2012
2012 Buick Regal GS 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6M)
4 of 5 people found this review helpful
traded my 2012 lacrosse tour ed. for the GS. half my friends said i was nuts. the car guys, though, get it. the lax. was great and i miss the extras but the fun factor is now off the charts. the sport mode make shifts as fast as you would expect for a non sports car. brakes and suspension in sp. mode also react instantly. i still haven't figured out what the GS mode does. the ride seems rougher in GS mode than in standard mode. the mall parking lot "GAWK FACTOR" unreal. people really react to this car. every gas station visit someone complements the car. i wish it came with a/s tires instead of summer tires. the reason for not all 5's is the seat is too small for my butt
Buick Regal you mean Beast
Jeff , 06/04/2019
2012 Buick Regal GS 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6M)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
Put 300,000 miles on our Buick Regal. Great reliable car. We bought it pre owned with 20,000 miles and 300,000 miles know and Still nothing major ever broke. My timing belt went last month and cost about 700$ to get it all fixed but I love my Regal and hopefully when it does die I Can afford new Regal
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First American Branded car in 35 years
jbgcrs, 08/22/2014
2012 Buick Regal GS 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6M)
6 of 11 people found this review helpful
I have driven Japanese and German cars with my last being a 2005 C230 Kompressor Sport 4 dr 6spd manual.I followed the GS from the moment the car was announced. Found my 2012 with 4500 miles and a 6spd. Wow! Loaded, this is one of the best cars I have owned. Fun to drive, great head turner and reliable. With over 30k on it the car still feels like it did at 4500. I live in a world filled with 3 series Bimmers and C300 Benzes and I love the exclusivity of owning this car. Amazes me how many young under 30 year olds love this car. Buick got it right and I hope they improve upon this great car
Where do I begin??!!
Jonnyess, 03/25/2018
updated 04/02/2021
2012 Buick Regal GS 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6M)
6 of 13 people found this review helpful
This is my first "American" car in estimated 1M lifetime miles....Toyota, then Nissan, always had what I wanted to drive...6 speed, coupe, leather, sunroof etc. Well, that all changed in recent years and I didnt want to splurge on an Audi simply because prefer a manual transmission. Doing some research on my next vehicle after my Altima Coupe turned into a money pit at 155k, I stumbled onto Buick and the redesigned Regal with its 6sp turbo. I did tons of consumer research before purchasing, and all indications were favorable. Fast forward 2 years this week, and here's my laundry list: MPG has never approximated the published EPA estimates - Turbo lag is very pronounced in lower gears...-front axle and wheel bearing needed replacing at 30k (CPO warranty covered) - trunk light fixture failed at 30K (not covered)...the GPS SD card fails intermittently, system reboot needed to recover...bluetooth will randomly disconnect from my Android, has actually completely redacted itself from the vehicle on 2 occasions...lack of rear camera is mind boggling at this price point (as others have mentioned)...the rear trunk will randomly fail to open, mechanism finally totally failed at 60k...the OEM carpeted floor mats are comically thin and low quality...the interior lights will randomly fail when opening car doors in a dark garage....the passenger visor tension rod failed at 40K, cannot be repaired: $120 for replacement. The drivers side seat heater has failed at 57k...the stereo IQ reverts to default settings once the car is turned off... And the kicker: received 2 CEL codes accompanied by loss of power, white exhaust, rough idle at 50k...warranty had expired due to date of vehicle initial title...fuel injectors were replaced ($900) and dealer advised "we spoke with GM tech support, and that white smoke from exhaust MAY be due to cracked piston..." !!?? Received 2 different CEL codes within 24 hours, brought vehicle back to local dealer, {who was in the process of going out of business, but checked the vehicle}, advised gratis the problem was not the "throttle body" as indicated, and suggested I bring to another dealer for a deep dive. After 2 days, dealer called and advised I need new engine or complete rebuild, as there "was no oil in pan...it was throughout the system" and the exact cause simply could not be pinpointed. GM refused to extend the expired warranty, despite my arguments re low mileage, finally agreed to meet me halfway and the engine rebuild subsequently cost me $3300, on top of the $900 I had just spent on the initial problem. Unlimited mileage/12 mo warranty. The car now drives beautifully as one might expect after this type of spend. The handling and ride have always been top notch, and the design is clearly a head-turner. GM second-string engineering and failure to stand by their products are the ultimate problem here, and this will be my last purchase, especially with the stellar reviews on the redesigned Mazda6 turbos. UPDATE: 40k later, engine runs beautifully. Recent major issue ABS module replacement, despite the fact that these were designed to last a lifetime of the vehicle from what I've learned. Discovered rear hub assembly also faulty and after the ECU reflash total exceeded $1,200. Vehicle now at 97 K I just cannot imagine what would lie ahead if I decided to drive into my typical 150k range. If GM finally stop swirling the drain and goes completely belly up during my lifetime I will certainly know why. Vehicle was traded in at 97K, but not before the entertainment system would un-pair my cell phone, then when I attempted to re-pair, "BLUETOOTH CAPABILITY NOT INSTALLED ON THIS VEHICLE". After several trial and errors, I found that I had to disconnect the battery to force a cold system boot to fix the problem. I was fortunate to get max trade-in $ for the vehicle, but the relief I feel going down to my garage and not worrying about "what could go wrong today" is a daily triumph.
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#21 is becoming #1
vtannouncer, 07/07/2012
2012 Buick Regal GS 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I've had my license for 21 years, and last week leased my 21st new vehicle - the 2012 Regal GS with 6MT. I had driven both the automatic and the manual a couple of times each before I chose the manual. This is quickly becoming the #1 favorite of all the cars I've owned. The looks are AMAZING, the handling is great, I enjoy the power and performance, and it's very comfortable. I've been in the car business for 10 years, and have my pic of 35 different makes, and I'm very happy with my choice of the 2012 Regal GS.
GS fun
carjunkie41, 04/08/2012
2012 Buick Regal GS 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6M)
1 of 2 people found this review helpful
I purchased the new GS with automatic. The exterior is awesome. The braking and handling is incredible, even better than my Infiniti G. The car does lack the power and would be much better as a rear wheel drive. I also wish the car had a more aggressive exhaust, the current exhaust is quite wimpy. Most people cannot believe this car is a buick and neither can I. I've only had a week now & I've put 450 great miles on the car because it is fun to drive. I have the black on black with tinted windows & 20" wheels, simply incredible look. The interior controls are a little confusing, I think I need to get my Ph.d to figure some of the controls out.