Buick Regal Best and Worst Years (Top Picks!)

The Buick Regal has gone through many iterations over the years, some of which have received accolades for their dependability and performance while others have drawn criticism for their flaws and problems.

In order to provide a thorough study of the greatest and worst Buick Regal years, this article will delve into crucial elements like consumer feedback, professional analysis, and our own personal judgments.

You can count on a thorough examination that covers both the high points and poor aspects of the Regal’s career in the auto industry as a reader.

Buick Regal Best and Worst Years

The best years for the Buick Regal, according to the search results, are generally regarded as the 2010-2011 and 2018-2020 models. These decades are regarded for their performance and features as well as their high ratings for dependability. The Buick Regal’s impressive powertrain warranty, cargo carrying capability, and technological features make the 2020 model year one of its best. The Buick Regal’s worst model years are 2012, 2017, 2019–2021, which have received the most issues and complaints, particularly regarding the electrical system and brakes. It’s crucial to do your research on the particular model year and trim level you’re interested in purchasing to ensure you get a dependable and well-equipped Buick Regal.

The Best Buick Regal Year

The 2011 model year for the Buick Regal distinguishes out as one exceptional year.

This sedan introduced a sharper look, greater performance, and a well-appointed interior that appealed to a wider audience, marking a key turning point for the Regal. This model, which excelled in the eyes of both Regal fans and brand-new buyers, was a standout in the Buick lineup.

A 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine with 182 horsepower and 172 lb-ft of torque, coupled to a six-speed automated transmission, drove the front wheels of the 2011 Buick Regal.

The Regal’s attractiveness was aided by the powertrain’s strong performance/efficiency ratio.

The 2011 Regal’s interior was elegant, with high-quality materials and an easy-to-use infotainment system. Both drivers and passengers praised the vehicle’s well-organized controls and instrumentation. The ride was silent and comfortable, giving off an air of luxury without costing a premium.

The 2011 Regal offered excellent performance and comfort in addition to a striking outward appearance.

The car stood out in its class thanks to its angular lines, striking grille, and sophisticated chrome embellishments. The Regal was able to successfully compete with other midsize sedans on the market because to its innovative design while yet retaining Buick’s distinctive character.

In conclusion, consumers looking for a chic and dependable midsize car should continue to consider the 2011 Buick Regal. It stands out as one of the best years for the Buick Regal because to its well-rounded performance, plush interior, and striking styling.

Next Best Year

The Buick Regal Sedan made a significant impact on the automotive industry in 1987. With its sophisticated style and potent performance, this attractive sedan won over the hearts of drivers. This model was a standout option for individuals looking for a dependable and cutting-edge vehicle due to Buick’s attention to detail and commitment to quality.

The 1987 Buick Regal Sedan was equipped with a reliable engine that had more than enough power to meet daily driving requirements.

Another appealing feature of this car was its roomy, comfy inside, which was well-equipped with amenities that made every drive enjoyable.

Its affordability was one of the 1987 Buick Regal Sedan’s best qualities.

It was a popular choice for individuals seeking a high-end vehicle at an affordable price since it provided a high level of luxury and performance without breaking the bank. Additionally, because of its long-term dependability and affordable ownership costs, it was an excellent investment for drivers.

With its unique grille, striking headlamps, and overall air of elegance, the 1987 Buick Regal Sedan’s sleek exterior and appealing design were well-liked. It was undoubtedly a standout vehicle that is still a favorite among Buick lovers today.

Other favorable years

While the 2020 Buick Regal stands out as a great option for people looking for a roomy and fashionable mid-size automobile, there are other important years that are well taking into account.

Here are some further outstanding Buick Regal models worth mentioning:

2011 Buick Regal sedan features a chic look and a comfortable ride. The Regal made a significant resurgence thanks to its sporty handling and European-inspired design. The model for this year added amenities such a turbocharged engine choice, plush seating, and superior fuel efficiency.

The sixth generation Buick Regal was updated for 2017, and it featured excellent performance choices. Due to its increased power and responsive handling, the GS variant gained particular popularity.

The hatchback version of the 2018 Buick Regal Sportback combines the benefits of a sedan with the adaptability of a hatchback. The 2018 model was praised for its generous cargo room, lovely design, and user-friendly tech options like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

These models are excellent choices for anyone looking for a dependable and satisfying Buick Regal experience because each one of them adds something distinctive to the table. These years exhibit the best that the Buick Regal has to offer, from elegant appearance to roomy interiors and cutting-edge technology.

Buick Regal’s Worst Year Ever

The 2012 model year of the Buick Regal holds the distinction of being the worst year.

Despite the fact that there were more complaints about the 2011 model, the 2012 model earned its reputation due to the seriousness of the problems and the frequency with which they appeared. Brake failure, a serious safety risk, was one of the most major issues that owners reported.

The 2012 Buick Regal’s lackluster reputation was also a result of its poor fuel economy. Some owners experienced worse gas mileage, which could eventually result in increased gasoline expenses. Additionally, there were occasions when the power window and seat controls experienced electrical issues.

However, it should be noted that not all 2012 Buick Regals had similar problems. The pleasant ride and high-quality interior were enjoyed by many owners, who had positive experiences with their vehicles. 

Other negative years

The 2001 Buick Regal experienced some window regulator problems, which led to numerous complaints. It’s crucial to remember that not all vehicles had these issues, though.

Similar to the 2001 model, the 2002 Buick Regal experienced some window regulator problems. Many owners were nonetheless able to appreciate the vehicle for its excellent qualities despite these small annoyances.

The interior of the 2018 Buick Regal TourX, which features base vinyl seats and harsh plastic, has drawn considerable criticism. A closer look revealed that the external cladding was less durable. While some people might find these worries discouraging, others might not consider them to be as important.

Compared to other Buick Regal model years, these ones stood out as having a few flaws.

Although no car is flawless, it’s important to address these problems from a balanced angle and recognize the advantages that each model has to offer.

Common Issues with Pre-owned Buick Regals

• When considering buying a used Buick Regal, prospective buyers should be aware of the numerous reported difficulties with the model.
• The ignition key getting stuck because of a malfunctioning shifter is one of the primary issues this year.
• You’ll also prevent problems like crankshaft position sensor failure or mass air flow that could cause the car to stall.
• One other frequent issue reported with numerous Buick Regal models is that the power windows stop working, making it impossible to open or close them.
• Always keep in mind that issues can change depending on the particular model year.

How Safe is Buick Regal?

The IIHS and NHTSA are two organizations that have given the Buick Regal high marks for safety. The car contains a number of safety features that can help avoid accidents and safeguard occupants in the case of one. It is significant to remember that safety ratings are predicated on particular model years and may change depending on the kind of crash test used.

Reliability of Buick Regal

Based on the search results, the Buick Regal’s reliability seems to be inconsistent. Although the car is usually thought to be dependable, certain sources claim that some model years might have reliability problems. Before making a purchase, it’s crucial to look into the reliability ratings of particular model years. Regular maintenance, such as oil changes every 7,500 miles, can also increase a vehicle’s longevity. It’s also critical to take into account any prospective maintenance expenses related to owning a Buick Regal.

Tips to Maintain Your Buick Regal

According to the search results, the following advice will help you maintain your Buick Regal:

• Follow the Buick Regal’s suggested maintenance program, which calls for frequent oil changes, tire rotations, and inspections.
• Every 7,500 miles or once a year, or at other suggested intervals, the oil should be changed.
• To guarantee even wear, rotate your tires every 7,500 miles.
• Regularly check the fluid levels in the engine coolant, windshield washer fluid, and the accelerator pedal.
• To stop dirt and debris from building up and hurting your car, keep it clean.
• Every 30,000 miles, change the air filter.
• The cabin air filter should be changed every 15,000 miles.
• Brake fluid must be changed every 45,000 miles.
• Every 30,000 miles, add BG CF5 Fuel System Cleaner/Stabilizer to the fuel.
• To keep your Buick Regal in good shape and to avoid expensive repairs, adhere to the suggested maintenance program.

You can make sure that your Buick Regal runs well and lasts for many years by paying attention to the advice in this article. The secret to avoiding expensive repairs and maintaining the condition of your car is routine maintenance. In order to avoid further damage, it’s crucial to adhere to the suggested maintenance program for your particular model year.

How Can You Tell Whether Something Is a Lemon?

Purchase a vehicle history report.

There is no better initial step when purchasing a used car than to obtain a car history report. Two well-known services offer this information for little money: Anyone looking to purchase a used car will find the information provided by CarFax and AutoCheck extremely helpful. 

The reports let you know the number of past owners, whether or not it had any accidents, how frequently it required maintenance, and the current title. The final section is among the most crucial since it contains the lemon label, which attests that the car followed the correct legal procedures to be designated as a lemon.

However, in some areas, dealers must inform a customer if the vehicle is a manufacturer buyback, which is a reliable way to determine whether a vehicle has a lemon title. 

However, it is the responsibility of the buyer to conduct a thorough investigation into the vehicle’s history. Therefore, consumers may need help if they accidentally purchase a secondhand lemon because they must inspect it first.

Owner Background

You can view the owner’s history on the vehicle history report, which should indicate whether the manufacturer has purchased the vehicle back. 

While owners can claim a car is a lemon in a legal dispute and ask the automaker to buy back the problematic vehicle, that is a guaranteed technique to determine if the car was labeled a lemon.

 You can also determine if the vehicle was sold or traded before it was given a lemon tag if the prior owner may have missed an issue. It also implies that the car’s persistent issue must be apparent.

Repair Record

Look carefully at the vehicle’s repair record and try to identify any recurring issues. Recurring problems in cars with lemon histories are simple to spot. You can determine whether the issues with the car are minor wear and tear concerns, such as those with the clutch or brakes, or a more severe problem. 

Check to discover if the repairs were necessary or carried out even when the car was brand new. It can assist in determining whether the car is a lemon or if an incident like a collision or modification caused a misdiagnosed issue.

Are the repairs significant or minor? A severe repair would deal with the drivetrain or suspension, whereas a superficial one would address non-driving-related issues like window or seat controls. 

Severe repairs would be more challenging, but handling a car might not be a hassle if a car was considered a lemon for a less severe cause.

The report also shows whether repairs are being made at a dealership or a general shop. Like you would with any used car, examine the vehicle’s general condition and health and determine whether routine maintenance has also been carried out. 

This will assist you in deciding whether or not you should consider purchasing this car.

Inspection before purchase

Is the car still a good investment? You should get a pre-purchase inspection if the flaws are not too concerning or if you believe the automobile may have been incorrectly labeled as a lemon. 

A mechanic can determine whether the problems are repairable and why the car was considered a lemon. 

A technician can assist you in determining whether or not a recurring issue is indicative of more severe problems or worries about the quality of the vehicle.

Their satisfaction with the car might help determine if it is a worthwhile investment or a lost cause.

FAQ on Buick Regal Best and Worst Years

How durable are Buick Regals?

Most Buick drivers claim that their vehicles have between 150,000 and 200,000 miles on them, yet the average lifespan of a Buick vehicle is up to 200,000 miles. It’s not unusual for a well-kept Buick to travel more than the 250,000-mile mark.

A terrible Buick Regal is from what year?

The 2012 Buick Regal is the midsize sedan’s weakest model year, claims CarComplaints. Despite receiving fewer complaints than the 2011 model, it had serious problems, notably the dreaded engine failure. In addition, the problem with the timing chain recurred, frustrating many owners.

What year is the Buick Regal at its best?

Overall, the most dependable Buick Regal year is this one. The 2011 Buick Regal is considered to be the greatest model in the complete lineup by motorandwheels.com. It is still a top pick for anyone looking for a midsize and dependable sedan because of its superb engine, reliable drivetrain, great performance, and comfortable interior.

Is a Buick Regal a trustworthy vehicle?

Overall Reliability Scores: How Reliable Is the Buick Regal? The Buick Regal is fairly reliable with an overall reliability rating of 60.95. The exact rankings of this car in relation to various other cars are shown in the chart below, however as a point of reference, the average overall rating is 57.

Are Buick Regals fuel-efficient?

The Regal sedan’s EPA-estimated highway fuel efficiency is 31 mpg, and the Regal with eAssist gets 36 mpg.