My wife really dislikes the Bonneville replacement found in my sig (2000 Mercury Grand Marquis). She most hates it since only retired people are seen driving them! I can understand that to a certain extent. And, since it'* not my DD, I respect her dislikes!

So, we're talking about a replacement in the coming months. I'd like another Bonneville, but we've had 4 and aren't really wanting to go back down that path. We're considering the following (in no certain order):

Pontiac Vibe
Honda Accord
Buick Regal
Bonneville

I showed a picture of the Regal to my wife and she made a very valid point.. What'* the difference between a Regal and a Century?? Internet searching isn't turning up more than I already know (you can get the L36 or L67 in a Regal, but only the 3100 in a Century). Outside of that, what are the differences between the two?

Personally, I'm hoping we go with a Regal with an L67. But, a lot of this decision is up to her.

Regal FTW.

I'll tell you right now, you will not like the Vibe. My dad drove a brand new one, it was loud and noisy on the inside, and the seats (for me) were uncomfortable.

I've heard the same thing about the vibrators.

I'm still curious what the differences are between the Regal and Century.

The vibe is a very cheap car, and you can sense that once you get into the car. I would personally go with the Century in your case. To me, it'* a lot more like your old SE and the Grand Marquis than the Regal is. I believe it to be a more comfortable car as well. The only way to know which is right for you, though, is to drive both and compare. As for your question, I believe you hit the nail on the head, since they're both W-Bodies.

The Century isn't something we're considering. I'm not a fan of the 3100. So, if we go with another GM car (not compact), I want it to be 3800 powered.

Have you considered the Park Avenue?

I was looking at Vibes new when they came out. I didn't like them. I found the 4 cyl pretty gutlass, and the only way to get the 6 cyl was with the 6 spd and AWD on the GT model. Not sure if it has changed. That being said, i did ride to detroit in one, and the ride wasn't bad, but I was in the back. It did get a little cramped after an hour for me.

Now, Back in 2002 I had a 00 Regal GSE with all the bells and whistles. I LOVED that car. Very comfortable, very easy to drive, and still sporty. The backseat was even comfortable (had the car during the "I just turned 21" era. I did some riding in my own back seat for safety reasons)

That car was very reliable for me. Turning radius was awesome and very easy due to the setting on the rack (probably set for an older person)

2000/2001 was probably the best year for them in my opinion as it had the cup holders and console compartments with the handle to open them, and also had the fold down rear seat. Previous only had press-in ones, and I believe a center pass through (albiet larger than the bonnevilles) After 2002 a couple of the features that I liked were dropped, but I can't remember off the top of my head what they were. I sold the car is 2003, which was one of my poorer choices car wise. 99 and 00 were the only years for the GSE/LSE also. Nothing too special about them. Just an option package meaning they are fairly loaded. LSE had most if not all the GSE features, except the L67. The abboud edition had some nice two-tone leather in it.

As for the century, they have some cosmetic changes from the regal, but the body shell I believe is the same of close to it. They didn't have sunroof as an option, but there was one owner who put a Regal roof on his (whole roof. he was a body man) and it fit perfect. They didn't have many of the luxuries of the regal. CorvetteCrazy could probably share his opinion on his century.

Also, not sure what year accord you are looking at. My father just bought an 04 that is loaded minus the Nav and it is a really nice car. Very smooth and quiet, with some good pickup to it. his had 16k on it now, so nothing really had had a chance to wear except the 4 corners (little only lady owned previously.)

I would say the regal or the accord would be my choice. Probably regal since I know the motor and it'* less expensive to maintain now.

Regal.

Run away from anything 60^ like the plague. They be all poopy and such.

would have never said this months ago... but

x2

I have several friends with Regal GS'* and they are very nice.. but the interior/dash is quiet plain compared to the Bonneville/PA

Unfortunately the PA is not an option since she wants out of the "geriatric" style cars. I don't think I'll ever hear the end of it with the GM.

Excellent info on the Regal. Geoff, for the exact same reasons you stated, I'm hoping to end up with a Regal too. Seems to be a great balance between luxury, performance, and reliability.

The Accord is nothing to shake a stick at either. They're very capable cars in their own rights, too. After having owned the Civic, I would absolutely buy another Honda.