Hi! New guy here. I'll point out right off the back that I'm currently a Ford man.

So, there'* been a string of nicely appointed midsize sedans hitting the streets recently and also a few game changers on their way to dealers in the upcoming months. Since I've been still procrastinating on buying a new car, I've been spending the last couple of months in the meantime, randomly test driving cars, including the Hyundai Sonata, Audi A4, Volkswagen CC, Cadillac CTS, Acura TSX, and Dodge Charger.

I also checked out the 2011 Buick Regal CXL non-Turbo in November (Stone Metallic):





More pics here:

http://img695.imageshack.us/img695/5...9993710508.jpg
http://img526.imageshack.us/img526/3...3992810508.jpg
http://img696.imageshack.us/img696/9...5995110508.jpg


Back in November, I was surprised by how well tuned the suspension and steering was. The car felt poised and balanced--its dynamics felt very European. Despite its weight, it felt more nimble than the CTS (base) and of course the heavier Dodge Charger, and had a ride much more smoother than the Sonata. I was also shocked by the interior, which from the photos, looked really boring and messy, but it'* totally different story up-close. The fit and finish has a very upscale, yet not gawdy and clean, yet elegant austerity.

I was let down by a few things that a car in this class and at this price really should've had, which could be dealbreakers. This includes the lack of options such as push-button start, a rear view camera, side mirror turn signals, and ventilated driver/front seats as an option. Despite all this, I thought the Regal definitely made it to the Top 5 of my favorite sedans in its segment range.

With this in mind, I kept this car in my sights as I knew in just a short few months, the Buick Regal TURBO would be hitting dealers. I knew I had to test drive one right away when they hit my streets....so, I did--just 3 days after my local dealer got their allocation in, which is what you see here:





It was a fully loaded Buick Regal CXL Turbo. I really wanted to compare the difference between the regular CXL and the CXL Turbo and the available IDCS (Interactive Drive Control System) option, which is basically similar to a feature on some higher-end cars, which allows the driver to adjust the suspension, braking, transmission, responsiveness, and the overall performance of the car between 3 modes (Sport, Standard, & Tour).

Wow, what a difference! After driving the CXL, and two CXL Turbos back to back (one with and one without the IDCS), the choice was clear that if I ever got a Regal, it had to be the Turbo and it had to have the IDCS. The responsiveness and handling was just much more dynamic and the IDCS car was just so much more fun to drive!

This car might be for me! I recommend anyone'* who'* interested in the Regal Turbo to give it a try! I found out recently that it is NADAGuide'* 2011 Car of the Year and a 2011 Motortrend Car of the Year finalist.


Anyone else taken a glance at this car?

I am 60 years old and have driven lots of cars but I must tell you that I will never purchase another Buick. This is the worst guy I have ever owned...Sure it looks nice but looks can be deceiving. The transmission (the only part made in China) shifts extremely abruptly in low gears. It has been back to the dealership twice so far and they all feel the bad shifting but tell me that there is nothing they can do it fix it. That is unacceptable for a $27,000 car.

Of all the Domestic options available in that price range, If I were in the market today, I'd hit the Regal.

X2 but itd have to be the turbo!

I did do alot research on the tranny just now, its seems many experience a "jerky one" some state it went away as the car "learned" All state taking it into Buick got a "it'* a normal thing that goes away". But we would expect that explanation from a Dealer, right?. Now I wonder myself.

I would take the Regal, either turbo or supercharged.

i would like this one, but i need fuel efficiency for the miles i put on
http://www.worldcarfans.com/11102083...ybrid-revealed

I'm 25 years old, but I've worked in various automotive manufacturing facilities in the last 3-4 years. Right off the bat, I can tell that this doesn't appear to be a common problem in the Regals. Just face the reality that issues like this (not specifically this issue) happens to any and every car all the time, regardless of the make or brand. It'* unfortunate that you are having this problem, but I would not let it let you think less of GM or Buick as a car company, nor your perception of value and quality in a $27,000 car.

You should understand that car companies aren't in the business of staying predictable and thrifty. They're in the business of gaining customers by improving their standards and providing exceptional value and quality.

I love the new Regal, and, it'* currently on sale. We have a few at the rental car company I work at here in Phoenix. It'* a really good, well-built car, even though it'* built in Germany. If I could afford one, I'd buy a turbo model...

That will be the next one I own, it will have the six speed standard and not the auto. I was touring one in our local mall and I fell in love with it the moment I sat in it and it will be the turbo model.