   2011 Buick Regal. Click image to enlarge |
Vehicle Type: Mid-size Sedan
History/Description: Some seven years after the moniker was last ditched, Buick brought back the Regal nameplate to inject some sporty and youthful flare into their product lineup with the goal of attracting a younger shopper to the brand.
With European underpinnings, a long list of safety features, sporty suspension tuning and a high-efficiency four-cylinder engine, the Regal had the right stuff for the job. A fresh new cabin helped round out the package.
All models were four-door, front-drive and powered by a four-cylinder engine. Available feature content included navigation, a potent Harman Kardon stereo system upgrade, heated leather, xenon lights, automatic climate control, full multimedia connectivity, Bluetooth and plenty more.
Interesting technologies were available or standard across the Regal lineup, too. For instance, Direct Injection technology was standard, allowing the engine to crank out more power using less fuel. An Interactive Drive Control System (IDCS) was available on higher-end models to help match the personality of the car with the personality of the driver. Normal, Tour and Sport settings could be selected on the fly to instantly alter throttle sensitivity, steering effort, suspension firmness and even transmission shift patterns.
Engines / Trim: In 2011, Regal was only offered in a CXL trim grade. At launch, Regal shipped with a 2.4L direct-injected four-cylinder engine and six-speed automatic transmission as its exclusive powertrain team. This engine is a member of GM’s Ecotec family, features lightweight aluminum construction, variable valve timing, aggressive deceleration fuel cut-off, and is noted for turning in very respectable real-world fuel mileage.
Approaching and entering 2012, several more powertrain options were available. A six-speed manual joined the six-speed automatic transmission in the gearbox roster on select models, and a 2.0L turbo engine was added as well.
This world-class Ecotec Turbo engine generated 220 horsepower in the Regal Turbo, and pushed that figure up to 270 in the high-performance Regal GS. This model came complete with suspension, brake and chassis upgrades to handle the demands of performance motoring.
Finally, an eAssist light electrification system was added to the lineup as well. Giving shoppers a premium option to save fuel, eAssist works like a simple hybrid system, generating power when braking, auto-stopping at traffic lights, and assisting the Regal’s acceleration during sportier driving. The eAssist system was paired with the 2.4L non-turbo engine.
    Buick Regal, 2011–2013. Click image to enlarge |
What Owners Like: Highly rated by owners are the Regal’s handling, ride quality, performance with the turbo engine, noise levels, seats and overall responsiveness. The luxurious cabin appointments, stereo system and powertrain refinement were also rated highly. Overall value seemed to get owners into showrooms, while the driving feel of the new Regal largely sealed the deal. On a past test drive of a 2011 Regal, I noted excellent fuel economy after some 2,000 kilometres at the wheel.
What Owners Dislike: Some owners wish for easier entry and exit, which is likely a function of the shape of the Regal’s sloped roof. Rear space isn’t friendly for larger adults, and performance from the non-turbo engine is frequently rated as adequate and nothing more.
Here’s a list of owner reviews of the Buick Regal
Owner Reviews (autoTRADER.ca)
Owner Reviews (MSN Autos)
Common Issues:
Note that virtually any used Regal you might be considering in the used market will still carry some portion of the brand’s extensive powertrain warranty – though a few checks are still advised.
Any model exhibiting a rough idle should be checked out by a GM-trained mechanic. Initial reports on owner’s forums like buickforums.com are still unclear as to where the issue stems from, but indicate that it is likely fuel-system related – possibly caused by the fuel pump itself.
Here’s a 12-page discussion on stumbly-bumbly idling and stalling that’s been noted by numerous owners. This seems more common on turbocharged models, though the cause appears to be a toss-up at best right now. Some owners say the problems started after they added aftermarket air intakes or air filters, though others report having their Regal inspected to find sensor-related issues causing their rides to die at traffic lights and stop signs.
This stalling issue seems to get worse as time goes on for owners who experience it.
If the Regal you’re considering exhibits any of these issues, a Buick mechanic will likely be familiar with it – so ask their assistance in correcting the problem.
Be double sure to have the computer system of any Regal with the eAssist system scanned for any warnings. Though sales volumes of this new powertrain option are too low to nail down any sort of reliability data just yet, a computer scan can help uncover any potential issues. The eAssist system was recalled over the risk of a battery fire and may not save owners enough gas in ‘real life’ to offset its cost – so skip this powertrain if possible.
Note that drivability-related issues like poor or sporadic performance, hard gear changes and jerky performance could be caused by a computer-related issue. A simple reprogramming of the Regal’s powertrain control modules is often the fix.
If the model you’re test driving has the upgraded stereo system, turn the volume to 20 or higher, and then be sure volume doesn’t self-adjust beyond the parameters of the speed-compensated volume system. Numerous owners have reported issues with the volume control of this stereo system having a mind of its own. Specifically, it may turn itself up to “startlingly loud” levels all by itself.
Some owners have reported premature wear of the factory tires, so be sure to inspect the rubber on your potential new Regal candidate for signs of excessive wear. While you’re outside the car, be sure the remote key fobs, trunk release and headlamps all work as expected, too.
    2011 Buick Regal. Click image to enlarge |
Note that signs of turbocharger issues may include lumpy performance, smoke from the tailpipe at idle when the engine is hot, and excessive oily buildup within the intake system. Though the majority of turbocharged Regals in the used market won’t have enough mileage on the clock to worry about turbocharger wear, shoppers are reminded that frequent, high-quality oil changes are the single most effective way to keep a turbo happily huffing away for the life of the vehicle in question.
Note, also, that the entire Buick Regal engine lineup is direct injected. Though no major problems seem to have surfaced yet, other models using this fuel delivery system have suffered from excessive valve-gunk deposits since there’s no fuel sprayed over the tops of the intake valves to keep them clean. Direct injection valve-gunk issues, which can cause performance and efficiency problems, can typically be combated by using high-quality fuel and engine oil.
Finally, avoid any model with extensive modifications. In particular, be sure the Regal Turbo or Regal GS you’re considering hasn’t been reprogrammed or ‘chipped’ to run higher-than-factory levels of boost from its turbocharger without proper engine management recalibrations and supporting modifications. Turning up the boost on a turbo engine can be a lot of fun – but it can also make your engine spew rods and pistons and bits of its oil pan all over the highway.
The Verdict: Issues related to this generation of Buick Regal, thus far, are largely hard to nail down and mostly appear to be electronic or sensor-related in nature. If the models you’re test-driving don’t exhibit any of the issues mentioned above, opt for the lowest mileage unit you can afford to maximize the protection of the Regal’s lengthy powertrain warranty. Seek out a model with full service records and one that’s been treated to regular fluid changes where possible.
A list of recalls on the Buick Regal.
Crash test results:
IIHS: 2013 Top Safety Pick
NHTSA: 5-Star
