By Rick Popely
Cars.com National April 20, 2001Vehicle Overview
The Regal is built from the same design as the conservatively styled Century, but Buick aims this midsize sedan at younger buyers with stronger engines, front bucket seats and sportier styling.
For 2001, the OnStar satellite-based communication system is a new standard feature for the Regal GS and a new factory-installed option for the LS model. Previously, it was available as a dealer-installed option.
The Regal also is available as an Olympic Edition that has U.S. Olympic team logos, a two-tone exterior paint scheme, taupe leather upholstery, a power sunroof and an eight-speaker Monsoon sound system.
Exterior
A bolder grille and different rear-end styling give the Regal a more aggressive appearance than the Century, though the two are from the same mold and share a front-drive chassis with a 109-inch wheelbase. LS models ride on 15-inch wheels and tires, and the GS wears 16-inch aluminum wheels with wider rubber.
Interior
Front bucket seats, air conditioning with separate temperature controls for the driver and front passenger, a cassette player, tire-inflation monitor, tilt steering wheel, and power windows, locks and mirrors are standard. A split, folding rear seatback augments the 16.7-cubic-foot trunk and allows carrying long items such as skis.
Under the Hood
LS models come with a 200-horsepower 3.8-liter V-6 engine. GS versions use a supercharged version of that engine with 240 hp, enough to turn the Regal into a four-door hot rod that challenges some sports cars. The supercharged V-6 requires premium gas. Both engines team with a four-speed automatic transmission.
Safety
The Regal has more standard safety and security features than some other midsize cars: traction control, antilock brakes, a theft-deterrent system and a seat-mounted side-impact airbag for the driver is included in models with leather upholstery.
cars.com From the cars.com 2001 Buying Guide |
Additional Reviews
Cars.com Expert Reviews
| Rick Popely | Cars.com National | April 20, 2001 |
Affiliate Reviews
| Warren Brown | washingtonpost.com | April 22, 2001 |
| Bob Golfen | AZCentral.com | December 30, 2000 |
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