After seeing three on Winnipeg streets in the last week, I had a look at a Regal. McNaught GMC has three in stock.
Fabulous. Maybe because I had low expectations I wasn't expecting anything much. I would love to test the Turbo version, but for now let's just say the little 4-banger did a fine job. The transmission shifts quietly and smoothly and never strained to do it's job.
This car is not about the numbers, it's about the total package, and how it just feels right. Without a doubt the best assembled GM vehicle I've seen in some time. All of the body panels line up. All of the stitching in the seats is even, clean and neat. The door shuts with a very nice sound, and the friggin' car is very quiet inside. I can't remember the last time a GM car was this well put together. It's going to score very high on the JD Powers initial quality test for sure.
Sure, the trunk opening could be larger, and it could use more headroom in the rear, and the switchgear could be more substantive, but this is one very competent car.
If the Regal is a sign of what's to come from GM, and Buick, the future looks a little brighter for them. This car will give GM some conquest sales, and I don't think it's going to cannabalize Malibu, Impala or LaCrosse sales as it's a very different car, intead, the Regal should conquest some Acura and Lexus sales.
A seriously good car. GM's best effort on a Buick car in twenty years or more.
