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1999 Buick Regal

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$21,795

starting MSRP

Key specs

Base trim shown

Sedan

Body style

5

Seating capacity

196.2” x 56.6”

Dimensions

Front-wheel drive

Drivetrain

Overview

(12 reviews)

4 trims

Starting msrp listed lowest to highest price

Wondering which trim is right for you?

Our 1999 Buick Regal trim comparison will help you decide.

See also: Find the best Sedans for 2024

1999 Buick Regal review: Our expert's take

By Cars.com Editors

We all know that when it comes to the say about buying cars, women rule the roost.

If you think this only applies to married guys, guess again.

When you’re single, the car you drive says a lot about you as a person. And guys, always trying to figure out and impress the fair sex, listen to what they have to say.

This is what a friend’s sister said about the Buick Regal Grand Sport: “That is a real Harry Highpants kind of car.”

Ouch.

Maybe it is, but this is the car that’s supposed to attract a new younger buyer to Buick. I enjoyed this car, but the minute she said it, I checked my chest to see if it had disappeared yet.

Nope, the chest is still there. So what makes this car seem so fuddy-duddy?

Beats me.

The styling is conservative to be sure, but so is most sedan design these days. The exterior is devoid of chrome, the tires wide, the wheels aluminum. It looks as mean as this car could look. Just make sure you order your Regal in GS, rather than chrome-laden LS trim.

Ordering the GS also gets you a firmer suspension and GM’s supercharged version of the 3800 V-6 engine. This powerplant sees duty in the two-sizes-larger Park Avenue, so the 240 horsepower that it produces makes this car move quickly. No, make that very quickly.

The four-speed electronic automatic clicks off the shifts smoothly. GM thoughtfully equipped it with a performance mode, where downshifts occur even more quickly than they normally would. So you can leave your girlfriend’s Honda in the dust, if you so desire.

All that power uses fuel at a rate of 20 mpg in mixed driving. This engine requires premium fuel.

The Regal shares its platform with the Century, Oldsmobile Intrigue and Pontiac Grand Prix. Only the Grand Prix is lighter. While the Olds feels more alive at highway speed, the Buick is a lot stronger off the line and in around-town situations. The Buick also has the softest ride of the three, but it’s not overly soft.

The steering has been revised, although it felt similar to last year’s, having quite a bit of power boost. But it is fairly quick.

Handling isn’t quite as good as the power. Most maneuvers are handled with ease, although there is a bit of body lean. Trying to hustle this car like a BMW will only yield screaming tires and a screaming girlfriend. (Probably saying something about how much older you seem to be.)

The four-wheel disc brakes with anti-lock are good and the addition of traction control is a reassuring touch. Front heated seats are available as an option.

Space up front is good, with large bucket seats that are comfy for long-distance cruising. The rear seat has about the space and accommodations you would expect. The leather-trimmed interior gave the car an appropriate air for a Buick.

Road and tire noise seemed a little intrusive.

The dash is nicely designed in the current Buick idiom, a sweeping curve that gracefully mimics the coke bottle beltline of the exterior. It f unctions well, with solid-feeling switch gear.

The radio is typical GM, with good sound and easy to understand controls. The optional electronic climate control is the same one used in other Buicks. The difference here is the optional steering-wheel mounted controls have no adjustment for the climate control as it is in other Buicks. There are only switches for the audio system.

But the center console is improved from last year. A storage bin door now has a handle grip, so that it no longer pinches fingers when opening it.

The trunk has good space, all of it usable, as the trunk’s hinges don’t interfere with cargo space.

So go ahead and laugh at Harry Highpants. But you won’t be able to catch him.

>> 1999 Buick Regal GS

Engine: 3.8 OHV V6

Transmission: 4-speed automatic

Tires: 225/60R16

Standard: Four-wheel-disc anti-lock brakes, traction control, tilt steering wheel, Gran Touring suspension, dual air-conditioning with air-filtration, fog lamps, AM/FM Cassette, remote heated side mirrors, rear seat pass-through, power door locks, power windows, auxiliary power outlet, intermittent wipers, electronic information center.

Options: Heated seats, Luxury Package (Electronic dual zone climate control, electrochromatic rearview mirrors, steering-wheel-mounted radio controls, upgraded stereo)

Base price: $24,395

As tested: $25,800

EPA rating: 18 mpg city, 27 mpg highway

Test mileage: 20.7 mpg >>

Consumer reviews

(12 reviews)
Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 4.3
  • Interior 3.9
  • Performance 4.3
  • Value 4.4
  • Exterior 4.2
  • Reliability 4.0
Write a review

Most recent consumer reviews

Very reliable.i have a good friend here

This guy ive known for years.his roommate has one.in dark burgandy.its kinda old.but ive had rides in it.as my friends pickups broken down.he needs it to get him to work & back.i love how the dashboards layed out.very easy for me to see.he says it still runs great.its quiet.still a nice car.

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 5.0
  • Interior 5.0
  • Performance 5.0
  • Value 5.0
  • Exterior 5.0
  • Reliability 5.0
  • Purchased a Used car
  • Used for Commuting
  • Does recommend this car
4 people out of 4 found this review helpful. Did you?
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Solid and sleek

Fun to drive, comfortable for the long haul. Never had leather before but like it. Also, the sun roof is a must and glad I have it.

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 5.0
  • Interior 4.0
  • Performance 5.0
  • Value 5.0
  • Exterior 4.0
  • Reliability 3.0
  • Purchased a Used car
  • Used for Commuting
  • Does recommend this car
0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
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The fastest car I have ever own !

I bought this car new and the salesman saw me looking at it and he knew what it would take for me to buy it and that was drive it once .It has been reliable and still runs quiet and its still quick .

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 4.0
  • Interior 5.0
  • Performance 5.0
  • Value 5.0
  • Exterior 5.0
  • Reliability 5.0
  • Purchased a New car
  • Used for Commuting
  • Does recommend this car
1 person out of 2 found this review helpful. Did you?
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See all 12 consumer reviews

Safety

Based on the 1999 Buick Regal base trim.
Frontal driver
4
Frontal passenger
3
Side driver
3
Side rear passenger
3

Warranty

New car and Certified Pre-Owned programs by Buick
New car program benefits
Bumper-to-bumper
36 months/36,000 miles
Corrosion
72 months/100,000 miles
Roadside assistance
36 months/36,000 miles
Certified Pre-Owned program benefits
Maximum age/mileage
5 model years or newer/up to 75,000 miles
Basic warranty terms
12 months/12,000 miles bumper-to-bumper original warranty, then may continue to 6 years/100,000 miles limited (depending on variables)
Powertrain
6 years/100,000 miles
Dealer certification required
172-point inspection
Roadside assistance
Yes
View all cpo program details

Have questions about warranties or CPO programs?

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