Topic: First Drive: 2011 Buick Regal

[Shnak]

Who in their right mind would compare a Buick 'grandpa-mobile' Regal to a VW Passat and an Acura TSX?

People who understand that the Regal it is NOT your traditional Buick, but literally an Opel Insignia with interchangeable grill and badges.

In Europe, Opel Insignia competes head-to-head with Passat, Accord (TSX), Mondeo and it has been highly praised since its arrival.
Now, if you have proof that the vehicle’s dynamics have been altered despite GM’s claim, that’s a different story. Nobody here drove this car yet (especially the Turbo version) so at this time I would go by what the media (Euro) reports.
What do you go by when you claim this particular car is a 'grandpa-mobile'?

I don't have anything bad to say against the Regal; I'm sure it'll be a nice car... but Buick=old people. It doesn't matter if they came out with a Buick Corvette, it'd still be a Buick.

[sirAQUAMAN64]

Jaeger
I think one has to physical drive the two before deciding if one is worth the increase

Nonsense. Jaeger is able to deem it a failure without seeing one or even getting within several miles of one, just by reading spec sheets. He has 30+ posts in this thread to prove it, too. He seems to be a "quantity over quality" type of guy in more ways than one. And then of course the peanut gallery joins in for the chorus.

Oh stop crying.  What we say makes perfect sense.  Do you disagree that the LaCrosse seems the better value for $32k??  That's all we're saying....

Neither are bad, but I think the Regal is the better value car at $32K. For me, I prefer the appearance (which is subjective), and the interior is less form over function (although smaller, Regal seems to have the basic seating position, dash layout, etc executed better), and higher quality in terms of solidity and materials. Interior lighting is a tad less dramatic, but still present in many places. With equivalent equipment, the LaCrosse is quite a bit more too.

Look at the Regal next to a TSX and you'll be convinced the TSX is overpriced.
Put one next to a Passat CC and they're very comparable.

The Sonata Turbo will be a hot car, but keep in mind it's also undercutting just about every other competitor's price with style, performance, economy, equipment, and value. It's a great car, but I too would stop short of calling it a premium luxury vehicle. It's getting darn close though and with the savings one has to question what they value in a car.

But the Turbo engine is a near requirement for anyone who puts acceleration and driving enjoyment above just a quiet luxurious ride.

[Dante]

@Jaeger:

I'm not a marketing professional by education, but I've had enough exposure to product design and development to know that any marketing plan states the intended market for the product (whatever the product is). Hence my references to the concept. I'm sure there are people on this forum that can confirm and elaborate on this. You can now continue to make ironic comments about this otherwise common sense concept…

GM identified the direct competitors for this car and the intended market and this is the reason I looked at those particular vehicles in order to get an idea how this vehicle is placed relative to them. This does not meant that you, as consumer, are constrained to only look at those particular models.

If GM will be successful to change Buick brand perception by introducing atypical cars for the brand, it's a different story, but only time will tell. Personally, I believe they need a lot of time to do it, mind you to be successful. So far, with only one out 4 models being atypical Buicks, I give them a very slim chance to succeed.

As far as I'm concerned, knowing what I know about this car itself, I would give it a closer look if I were in this market (which I'm not) - premium mid-size sedan. I think this car (2.0T model in particular) belongs to this market given its powertrain, feature set, design, grade and quality and I would definitely compare it with the other cars in the segment as listed.

If, hypothetically, I would like the car enough to buy it versus its competitors, I would change the badges and the grill before the car would leave the dealership. Yes, I would not like to drive a car with the Buick badge for the simple reason I have the same brand perception like you and many others do. Once the badge thing would be out of the way, I would probably enjoy the car for what it is.

It is pretty much similar with what more and more people do with the Genesis sedan.


Disclaimer: Before you label me as a GM fanboy, just so you know I'm not. Even more, I'm not a brand fanboy at all, no brand loyalty, etc.

[Dante]

Who in their right mind would compare a Buick 'grandpa-mobile' Regal to a VW Passat and an Acura TSX?

People who understand that the Regal it is NOT your traditional Buick, but literally an Opel Insignia with interchangeable grill and badges.

In Europe, Opel Insignia competes head-to-head with Passat, Accord (TSX), Mondeo and it has been highly praised since its arrival.
Now, if you have proof that the vehicle’s dynamics have been altered despite GM’s claim, that’s a different story. Nobody here drove this car yet (especially the Turbo version) so at this time I would go by what the media (Euro) reports.
What do you go by when you claim this particular car is a 'grandpa-mobile'?

I don't have anything bad to say against the Regal; I'm sure it'll be a nice car... but Buick=old people. It doesn't matter if they came out with a Buick Corvette, it'd still be a Buick.

I share the feeling about Buick (and Hyundai Genesis sedan too). The good part is you can swap the grill and the badges, just like Genesis sedan owners do.

[sirAQUAMAN64]

Who in their right mind would compare a Buick 'grandpa-mobile' Regal to a VW Passat and an Acura TSX?

People who understand that the Regal it is NOT your traditional Buick, but literally an Opel Insignia with interchangeable grill and badges.

In Europe, Opel Insignia competes head-to-head with Passat, Accord (TSX), Mondeo and it has been highly praised since its arrival.
Now, if you have proof that the vehicle’s dynamics have been altered despite GM’s claim, that’s a different story. Nobody here drove this car yet (especially the Turbo version) so at this time I would go by what the media (Euro) reports.
What do you go by when you claim this particular car is a 'grandpa-mobile'?

I don't have anything bad to say against the Regal; I'm sure it'll be a nice car... but Buick=old people. It doesn't matter if they came out with a Buick Corvette, it'd still be a Buick.

I share the feeling about Buick (and Hyundai Genesis sedan too). The good part is you can swap the grill and the badges, just like Genesis sedan owners do.

Do you consider Genesis 'old' (I don't... mature, yes because of it's size mainly and wood-ish interior... but not really old), or are you saying Hyundai has lingering brand baggage for many like Buick does? Or that Hyundai is not thought of as offering premium/luxury?

I would say Buick has far, far more to overcome in the minds of buyers than Hyundai. At least with younger buyers, which is the problem in the first place.

[Wheelboy]

Nobody here drove this car yet.

They didn't?  *I* did and I think I said so already.  I'm too lazy to go back and look.  And I think I said I was underwhelmed by everything about the car.  I have no lingering positive feeling compelling me to go back for a 2nd look.  I just saw one on the local qwikie mart parking lot and it was "mehhh".  I told the salesman to give me a call when a turbo comes in.  If I find something else in the meantime I'll buy that.

[Shnak]

Who in their right mind would compare a Buick 'grandpa-mobile' Regal to a VW Passat and an Acura TSX?

People who understand that the Regal it is NOT your traditional Buick, but literally an Opel Insignia with interchangeable grill and badges.

In Europe, Opel Insignia competes head-to-head with Passat, Accord (TSX), Mondeo and it has been highly praised since its arrival.
Now, if you have proof that the vehicle’s dynamics have been altered despite GM’s claim, that’s a different story. Nobody here drove this car yet (especially the Turbo version) so at this time I would go by what the media (Euro) reports.
What do you go by when you claim this particular car is a 'grandpa-mobile'?

I don't have anything bad to say against the Regal; I'm sure it'll be a nice car... but Buick=old people. It doesn't matter if they came out with a Buick Corvette, it'd still be a Buick.

I share the feeling about Buick (and Hyundai Genesis sedan too). The good part is you can swap the grill and the badges, just like Genesis sedan owners do.

Do you consider Genesis 'old' (I don't... mature, yes because of it's size mainly and wood-ish interior... but not really old), or are you saying Hyundai has lingering brand baggage for many like Buick does? Or that Hyundai is not thought of as offering premium/luxury?

I would say Buick has far, far more to overcome in the minds of buyers than Hyundai. At least with younger buyers, which is the problem in the first place.

That's also my sentiment... Hyundai certainly has the 'budget/value' label to battle when it comes to selling premium/upscale vehicles such as the Genesis, but that's no where near as big of a battle as convincing people into buying from a brand who traditionnally catered to 70 year olds, most likely as their last vehicle.

[Dante]

Who in their right mind would compare a Buick 'grandpa-mobile' Regal to a VW Passat and an Acura TSX?

People who understand that the Regal it is NOT your traditional Buick, but literally an Opel Insignia with interchangeable grill and badges.

In Europe, Opel Insignia competes head-to-head with Passat, Accord (TSX), Mondeo and it has been highly praised since its arrival.
Now, if you have proof that the vehicle’s dynamics have been altered despite GM’s claim, that’s a different story. Nobody here drove this car yet (especially the Turbo version) so at this time I would go by what the media (Euro) reports.
What do you go by when you claim this particular car is a 'grandpa-mobile'?

I don't have anything bad to say against the Regal; I'm sure it'll be a nice car... but Buick=old people. It doesn't matter if they came out with a Buick Corvette, it'd still be a Buick.

I share the feeling about Buick (and Hyundai Genesis sedan too). The good part is you can swap the grill and the badges, just like Genesis sedan owners do.

Do you consider Genesis 'old' (I don't... mature, yes because of it's size mainly and wood-ish interior... but not really old), or are you saying Hyundai has lingering brand baggage for many like Buick does? Or that Hyundai is not thought of as offering premium/luxury?

I would say Buick has far, far more to overcome in the minds of buyers than Hyundai. At least with younger buyers, which is the problem in the first place.

No, not at all.

Shnak said the perception is Buick=”old people”, which I share.
The parallel I made with Hyundai is Hyundai=Mainstream, regardless how luxurious two of their nameplates are - Genesis and the upcoming Equus.

I don't give much of a chance to Hyundai to change the market perception about the brand, just how I don't give Buick much of a chance to steer the brand perception away from "old people" brand. Not any time soon anyway.

It’s all about brand perception and it has nothing to do with how good the cars are.

[Dante]

Nobody here drove this car yet.

They didn't?  *I* did and I think I said so already.  I'm too lazy to go back and look.  And I think I said I was underwhelmed by everything about the car.  I have no lingering positive feeling compelling me to go back for a 2nd look.  I just saw one on the local qwikie mart parking lot and it was "mehhh".  I told the salesman to give me a call when a turbo comes in.  If I find something else in the meantime I'll buy that.

I think I was refering to the 2.0T model. This is the model that I believe and I said in my posts that is the one that seems to be competitive as-is.

The 2.4L I4 I would fully expect to be underwhelimg in terms of performance as indicated by the reviews.

[Erik]

Disclaimer: Before you label me as a GM fanboy, just so you know I'm not. Even more, I'm not a brand fanboy at all, no brand loyalty, etc.

Wow. What a weird place this is. Disclaimers need to be put on posts so that people won't think you actually like GM products. What a crime that would be!

[Erik]

Just out of curiosity, has anyone actually seen a negative review of the Regal yet?

[Dante]

Disclaimer: Before you label me as a GM fanboy, just so you know I'm not. Even more, I'm not a brand fanboy at all, no brand loyalty, etc.

Wow. What a weird place this is. Disclaimers need to be put on posts so that people won't think you actually like GM products. What a crime that would be!

I though I would just set the record straight. While I tend to like this particular car and I think it's a competitive product, I'm not a blind supporter of GM and their cars in general.
You've been here long enough to know that it doesn't  take long for some people to call names if you don't share the same opinion.

[Erik]

Disclaimer: Before you label me as a GM fanboy, just so you know I'm not. Even more, I'm not a brand fanboy at all, no brand loyalty, etc.

Wow. What a weird place this is. Disclaimers need to be put on posts so that people won't think you actually like GM products. What a crime that would be!

I though I would just set the record straight. While I tend to like this particular car and I think it's a competitive product, I'm not a blind supporter of GM and their cars in general.
You've been here long enough to know that it doesn't  take long for some people to call names if you don't share the same opinion.

Sad, but very true. There are definitely "right" and "wrong" brands to be a fan of around these parts. Actually, you don't even have to like something to be a fan of it. You can be called a fanboy of a certain brand or car for just not hating it enough.....

[Not Convinced]

Who in their right mind would compare a Buick 'grandpa-mobile' Regal to a VW Passat and an Acura TSX?

People who understand that the Regal it is NOT your traditional Buick, but literally an Opel Insignia with interchangeable grill and badges.

In Europe, Opel Insignia competes head-to-head with Passat, Accord (TSX), Mondeo and it has been highly praised since its arrival.
Now, if you have proof that the vehicle’s dynamics have been altered despite GM’s claim, that’s a different story. Nobody here drove this car yet (especially the Turbo version) so at this time I would go by what the media (Euro) reports.
What do you go by when you claim this particular car is a 'grandpa-mobile'?

I don't have anything bad to say against the Regal; I'm sure it'll be a nice car... but Buick=old people. It doesn't matter if they came out with a Buick Corvette, it'd still be a Buick.

 
Name associations with the words "Buick Regal"
-squishy velour seats.
-lazy handling.
-steering feel like it's connected to the road through a damp rope.
-bumper stickers proclaiming "My grandchild was student of the month."

Remove the Buick name and things might be different.

[Leviathan]

but Buick=old people.

Buick=Tiger=Cheating/whoring/playboy picking up chicks in his Buick and running amok.

[Erik]

Who in their right mind would compare a Buick 'grandpa-mobile' Regal to a VW Passat and an Acura TSX?

People who understand that the Regal it is NOT your traditional Buick, but literally an Opel Insignia with interchangeable grill and badges.

In Europe, Opel Insignia competes head-to-head with Passat, Accord (TSX), Mondeo and it has been highly praised since its arrival.
Now, if you have proof that the vehicle’s dynamics have been altered despite GM’s claim, that’s a different story. Nobody here drove this car yet (especially the Turbo version) so at this time I would go by what the media (Euro) reports.
What do you go by when you claim this particular car is a 'grandpa-mobile'?

I don't have anything bad to say against the Regal; I'm sure it'll be a nice car... but Buick=old people. It doesn't matter if they came out with a Buick Corvette, it'd still be a Buick.

 
Name associations with the words "Buick Regal"
-squishy velour seats.
-lazy handling.
-steering feel like it's connected to the road through a damp rope.
-bumper stickers proclaiming "My grandchild was student of the month."

Remove the Buick name and things might be different.

Welcome back, John. Nice to see your anti-GM trolling under a different name now.

[Bubba]

Name associations with the words "Buick Regal"
-squishy velour seats.
-lazy handling.
-steering feel like it's connected to the road through a damp rope.
-bumper stickers proclaiming "My grandchild was student of the month."

Remove the Buick name and things might be different.

I guess I'm old enough to have fond memories of some Buicks, especially this one.

[TopGun]

Just out of curiosity, has anyone actually seen a negative review of the Regal yet?

Nope.  Generally, they all seem to praise the handling of it...and we haven't seen the hot-rod version yet either.

Saw a couple today at a stealership.  Goes to show that you don't have to over-style (ahem....rhymes with Sunday) cars to make them look really good on the road.

[Erik]

Interesting tid-bit from the (positive) Car and Driver road test of the new Regal:


Even so, last year Buick astonishingly outsold Audi, Infiniti, and Lincoln in the U.S. To date, which includes no significant sales of the appealing Regal, Buick’s numbers are trending higher than all those, plus Acura. Surprising? You bet. Deserved? More than ever.

[G0dspd]

I've also seen a Regal at the stealership last week, and it was sitting beside a 2010 Lacrosse.  It's more compact than the Lacrosse and it doesn't look like a traditional Buick ... great stance.

Winklovic as a good point.  Buick didn't always make Century(s) and Park Avenues (China as a great Park Avenue based on the G8  ).  I don't see why they couldn't change their "recent" reputation to something like the new Regal.  They just need a few years and one or two new good cars.  Also, stay away from the minivans and just refresh the Enclave.