2001BuickRegalBuick Regal2001 Buick Regal LSSedanSedanFWDFor the 2001 model year, 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.Powerful supercharged V6 in GS, comfortable front seats, uncluttered looks.Elderly-buyer image, uninspired interior design, leather has low-buck feel.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 P225/60R16 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. Honda AccordNissan MaximaPontiac Grand PrixVolkswagen Passat336,000336,000336,0006100,000NANANA63.8 litersV6200 hp @ 5200 rpm220 ft-lbs. @ 4000 rpm196.2 in.72.7 in.56.6 in.3438 lbs.109 in.39.4 in.37.4 in.58 in.57.1 in.54.4 in.53.3 in.42.4 in.36.9 in.16.7 cu.ft.StandardStandardNot AvailableOptionalNot AvailableStandardNot AvailableRating = Not TestedRating = Not TestedNot TestedNot TestedNot TestedNot Tested17.5 gal.20 mpg / 30 mpg350 mi. / 525 mi.Insurance costs can vary greatly for this vehicle, depending on such factors as driver age, driver gender, teenage drivers in the household, driving records, theft loss data for your particular geographic region, miles driven per year, and other widely variable factors. Additionally, some companies charge a premium for certain makes and models, while others do not.$20,903$22,8457.35%$610N/A3% of the Total MSRPLS (4A): 3.8L V6 OHV SMPI 12-valve engine; 4-speed electronic OD automatic transmission with lock-up torque converter; battery with run down protection; 690 amp battery, 102 amp alternator; front-wheel drive, traction control, 3.05 axle ratio; stainless steel exhaust with tailpipe finisher; front independent strut suspension with anti-roll bar, front coil springs, rear independent strut suspension with anti-roll bar, rear coil springs; rack-and-pinion power steering with vehicle speed-sensing assist; 4-wheel antilock disc brakes; 17.5 gal. capacity fuel tank; side impact bars; class I trailering; front and rear body-colored bumpers with body-colored rub strip, black bumper insert; body-colored bodyside molding with black bodyside insert, body-colored bodyside cladding; clearcoat monotone paint; aero-composite halogen fully auto headlamps with daytime running lights, delay-off feature; additional exterior lights include cornering lights, front fog/driving lights, underhood light;driver's and passenger's power remote body-colored heated folding outside mirrors; 15" x 6" steel wheels; P215/70SR15 BSW A/S tires; compact steel spare wheel; dual zone front air conditioning, air filter, rear heat ducts; AM/FM stereo radio, clock, seek-scan, cassette player, 6 performance speakers, auto equalizer, theft deterrent, window grid antenna; cruise control; power door locks with 2-stage unlock, remote keyless entry, child safety rear door locks, power remote hatch/trunk release; 2 power accessory outlets, front lighter element(s), driver's foot rest, retained accessory power, smoker's package; instrumentation display includes tachometer, water temperature gauge, trip odometer; warning indicators include oil pressure, water temp, battery, low oil level, low coolant, lights on, key in ignition, low fuel, low washer fluid, door ajar, trunk ajar, service interval, turn signal on, low tire pressure; driver's and passenger's front airbags; ignition disable, panic alarm; tintedwindows, power front and rear windows with driver's 1-touch down function; variable intermittent front windshield wipers, sun visor strip, rear window defroster; seating capacity of 5, front bucket seats with adjustable headrests, center armrest with storage, driver's seat includes 6-way power adjustment, 8-way adjustment, passenger's seat includes 4-way adjustment; 60/40 folding rear bench seat with fixed headrests, center armrest with storage; front height adjustable seatbelts; cloth seats, vinyl door trim insert, full cloth headliner, full carpet floor covering, leather-wrapped gearshift knob, simulated wood door panel insert, simulated wood console insert; interior lights include dome light with fade, front reading lights, 2 door curb lights, illuminated entry; leather-wrapped steering wheel with tilt adjustment; vanity mirrors, dual auxiliary visors; day/night rearview mirror; full floor console, locking glove box with light, front and rear cupholders, 2 seatback storage pockets,driver's and passenger's door bins, rear door bins; carpeted cargo floor, cargo light; body-colored grille, chrome side window moldings, black front windshield molding, black rear window molding and body-colored door handles.
GS (4A) (in addition to or instead of LS (4A) equipment): 3.8L V6 OHV SMPI supercharger 12-valve engine (requires premium unleaded fuel); 770 amp battery; 2.93 axle ratio; touring ride suspension; clearcoat lower accent two-tone paint; 16" x 6.5" silver alloy wheels; P225/60SR16 BSW touring A/S tires; climate control air conditioning; single CD; emergency S.O.S. (OnStar); instrumentation display includes trip computer; seat mounted driver's side airbag; tracker system; leather seats, leatherette door trim insert, carpeted floor mats; rear reading lights; dual illuminated vanity mirrors; cargo net and black side window moldings.