I'm looking to get one soon after my dad made a joke about buicks lol but I like it better than any other cars I've looked at! definitely seemed underrated
@@annaarrigoni2779 in europe they are called opel insignia and the haldex has problems, maybe you need to do a timing chaing on high mileage cars. Reliability is the main problem of this car
@@Chris-hw4mq Every body complains about the 3.6 timing chain but in reality it almost never fails I have had multiple 3.6 cars including a 2012 police package impala with 180k still on the original timing chain and you know that thing saw alot of abuse
@@Chris-hw4mq he is right there are some problems at a early age seems to be the same for everyone. Some guys drive this car hard to like its some sports car and they do mods to it but if you drive it like an old man it will go the distance of life alot of buicks have a good rep for reliability but sadly the re branded regal the opel insignia is known for some issues BUT not the end of the world just sad to see these issues like i said at the cars early age i see it happen alot 60k-80k miles 100-120 it depends but it happens
I own a car that was built at that GM plant. But GM screwed over the America taxpayers as well as Canadians. Not only did GM close the Oshawa plant but they got a loan from the Canadian government which GM never paid back
we own one ...the AWD and a set of Blizzaks make this one very good snow country car. i think the interior design/color choice in tans looks better than the all dark black and wood look that comes in the graphite exterior. the brakes are good - with the car's weight they could be better. entry into the front is fine ...entry to the rear seats is a bit compacted. i would have cut some trunk for more rear seat room. we've had 0 problems with our Regal. a well made car.
I have a used 2012 Regal, had for 3 years now, best car I’ve ever owned. Never needed servicing for anything other than the normal oil changes. It drove through one of the worst ice storms our state had seen in a long time like a champ, 40 cars in the ditch throughout 30 miles, my Buick just kept chugging!
I'd enjoy one of these as a used purchase. You know the people buying these, for the most part, aren't beating the crap out of them. Trundling to church and work in the nicest Buick they could find, trading it in or returning it on lease.
I have a 2012 GS (manual) I've made a few changes: Trifecta Custom Tune (advantage) K&N Cold Air (Cone) / ZZP Cold Air intake Turboback exhaust(3"with no neck downs) Uppipe/Downpipe/Turbo inlet hose/lightened main crank pulley/fuel pump/headers/Intercooler hose/spark plugs Forge Bypass/diverter valve... I UPSET M3's and S4's ALL DAY LONG...I mean...not even close...I slow down to let them catch up, they want to go again...same story...LOVE IT
The weight of the Regal is what makes it so quiet and comfortable. There is a shit ton of sound deadening materials, and extra thick glass coatings, to keep all the noise out. If there wasn't so much gravel on the road, you would've fallen asleep. It's an old man's car, and I love when I get to use one as a company car or rental when I go out of town for work.
Indeed, but I wish they were actually vents if they're going to look like vents. I'm glad modern muscle cars have gone away (for the most part) from fake hood scoops.
Good video. Buick loaded this car - very impressed considering its size. Don't think it was meant to be a BMW killer. Buick wanted quick 1/4 mile times while the driver had hi tech features and a boulevard cruise. Buick hit the mark. As to whether their PR dept can convince consumers to buy a Buick and not a competing Toyota, Ford or German import,....
I have a 2014 Buick Regal GS, front-wheel drive, 6spd manual. 0-60 times don't tell the performance story of this car. The car is heavy, (great for highway cruising), but the manual gives you a lot more control in shifting for yourself. Get the revs up to about 2800 rpm and the turbo kicks in nicely. Get it right coming out of a corner, passing, or merging on the highway and it's magic! The 20" wheels and summer rubber corner well, and as you mention, the car has no lean. Unlike in some other cars, (costing a lot more), an automatic transmission and all-wheel drive are not the enthusiast's pick for the GS.
I have a 2012 GS(manual)Trifecta Custom Tune (advantage) K&N Cold Air (Cone) / ZZP Cold Air intake Turboback exhaust(3"with no neck downs) Uppipe/Downpipe/Turbo inlet hose/lightened main crank pulley/fuel pump/headers/Intercooler hose/spark plugs Forge Bypass/diverter valve I upset M3's and S4's ALL DAY LONG...the ultimate sleeper!
The "engineering explained" guy doing a late model regal gs review. Just one word: awesome!! I just hope he covers the manual tranny version of car...just starting the video now...can't wait. :)
Matthew Mers It tends to get bit colder in Sweden, shame Saab went under. Ridiculous as some of their inventions were, they did try to innovate their hearts out.
I FELT YOUR COMMENTS WERE HARSH. I REALIZE THE BUICK IS NO PORSCHE. I TEST DROVE THAT CAR AND CAME AWAY IMPRESSED. BUICK HAS COME A LONG WAY IN PRODUCING A DECENT CAR TO OWN. IN ANY CAR-I STILL LOVE YOUR VIDEOS
This car has the potential to be so much more than it turned into. Hopefully the Avista will see production as the next-generation Regal. If that happens, we may finally have a modern Buick worth buying.
+patriotbarrow More like a Opel Isignia body with a Saab 2.0T engine and Saab/Haldex co-developed AWD. Except Saab was smart enough to us a 2.8T for most of their AWD models
+Matthew Mers It's not a Saab engine. This is an Ecotec engine it was a co-development between Opel, GM Powertrain and Saab. It replaced all other engines including the Saab H engine. The development of the engine was also assisted by Lotus. How much I don't know because at that time Lotus was sold by GM. Basically GM in 1994 rounded up all of the best engineers to make a new inline 4 cylinder engine.
Sssshhhhhhh, give saab all the credit. The ecotec LUK which is in this car was mostly developed by GM Powertrain US and Opel, Saab was already kicked out by this point. I did see they have a GM Powertrain in Italy but I think they focused on Diesel engines.
My 2006 Saab 9-3 has the Ecotec 2.0 liter engine and turbocharging with Saab engine controls. The original non-direct injection engine was developed by GM powertrain back around 2000 with turbocharging capability. At that time Saab (which was now fully owned by GM) adopted the engine and was the first to turbocharge it in the 2003 Saab 9-3. The turbocharger first came from Garrett and then switched to Mitsubishi and the engine controls were developed by the Saab engineers in Sweden. GM Powertrain inherited all this technology when Saab finished its development. They kept it when Saab was spun off, along with the Halidex technology. The problem is Halidex was bought by BMW for x-drive so while GM can use the earliest (and heaviest) AWD version, they cannot upgrade it. So that Halidex that Saab used is still used in this "new" Buick Regal. The engine you are correct - it is not the Saab engine. The engine was modernized with direct fuel injection and parts were changed in a newer Ectoec, and the engine controls changed. Still, the roots of this car are the last generation Saab 9-3 ever built even if it is not the exact same engine, that Halidex drive is because of BMW.
this car is supposed to compete with the audi s4. works better in europe with the opel insignia model and crazy recaro seats. watch the top gear vid to find it out ;)
blackcarmafia Yep - look it up. Europeans always like to trash on American cars but many cars they think are European really aren't, or vise versa. Then there are companies like Ford, where half their lineup are designed and manufactured in Europe.
blackcarmafia I didn't say it was an American car, I implied it was American owned (through GM) and therefore there is nothing unusual about seeing this rebranded as Buick. As for the rest of your rambling.... no comment.
+blackcarmafia What exactly had Saab to do with Alfa 159? The Saab 9000 was a collaborative with Fiat and Lancia, but I haven't heard of any relations to Alfa Romeo.
Cool review of a car I really was looking at possibly buying if fate allowed it which it did not. Love the scenic drive you take your cars out on while taping. Reminds me of the drive I take once or twice a year along the Wisconsin River! Beautiful scenic drive 100%
For someone who like tiny bouncing cars , yes this is a heavy car. For people who like comfort with the hit of performance (body kit , wheels , Gs logo) this is a great car. Good review coming from a guy who drives s2000. Figured he'd be much more harsh on it lmao
I test drove the Regal without AWD and loved driving it. For me it has plenty of power for the price and was fun to drive. I was also considering the Acura TLX 2.4 liter but too many people complained about the jerky transmission even after the software updates. What killed the deal for me on the Regal was visibility. This may not be a big deal for a young driver like Jason, but my reaction time is not as good as it was 30 years ago and I like to be able to see clearly out of the windows. I could live with the limited visibility out of the windows but the side mirrors are terrible. The tear drop shape decreases the mirror area and makes one look a little harder to see the traffic. I could just spend more money and get the more expensive model with the blind side mirrors but then the cost would be closer to the base Audi and BMW. The next car I considered was the Mazda 6, but Mazda puts 19" wheels on them and I refuse to buy a car with 19" wheel. I guess no car is perfect.
Why not mention the interior decibel score in this video? I'm betting all the weight is from the acoustic glass and extra sound deadening insulation. It would have been nice to know to compare it to your other reviews. Btw, your work is excellent. Keep it going!
Eagle Fat well nowadays everyone out of Europe gets the tolerable engines and here in Europe the new cars don’t have any option above 210 hp anymore which basically means buying one is equal to wasting between 30 and 60 grand if going any more than 75 mph in that car is what one is after
Needs a V6 engine, I'm not doubting the 2L Turbo's power, but a 4,000 pound car is a lot for a 4 cylinder to keep up for 200,000 miles without failure. I comment a lot about the phasing out of V6's, These cars aren't cheap, and I'm a stickler for reliability and longevity, for example my sister in laws 02 Ford Escape AWD V6 has 360,000 miles on it, and has only required a new fuel pump. If these small turbo's could do that, I'd have no problem with them. My own 1.8L Turbo 4 cylinder car has been excellently maintained, but has been expensive to fix and maintain, and the best mileage it has gotten is 26 MPG.
wish i had a buick. i just realized something. i dont think ive seen a new buick break down on the side of a road . ive seen doges ram .Mercedes. porch cayann .challenger. but never a buick. ... I WANT A BUICK
Carlos Daville .. Maybe you haven't seen a Buick breakdown because there's not too many of them on the road? I still like them over all, but millions of more Toyota's
+ReeSeeR566 More like a Opel Isignia body with a Saab 2.0T engine and Saab/Haldex co-developed AWD. Except Saab was smart enough to us a 2.8T for most of their AWD models
The engine I'm not completely sure about. GM powertrain europe was based out of Trollhatten Sweden and they did a lot of engine work and transmission work. I think they did a lot of the work on the previous 2 engines. The AWD and suspension is though.
Lack of power in a turbo vehicle is easily corrected with a boost controller. Honestly, the best reason to buy a factory turbo car is for the cheap power upgrade. Manufacturers are always too conservative with factory boost settings.
I know they're trying to break this image, but Buicks, historically, are popular (and synonymous) with old people. And if there's one thing old people love, it's new technology. Especially stuff like touchscreens that don't respond the first six times you touch it. Good thing their younger target audience is willing to tolerate all kinds of crap that doesn't work often and costs a ton to replace every year or two.
Its not that bad, its just the type of touch screen, all you do is lightly tap it but people try to smash it down like a mechanical button, hint pushing harder does nothing but cause it to disregard the input. just like a smart phone.
I missed the technical review of the suspension and the engine bay, as well as the trunk space, legroom and headroom in the back :/ Those things were pretty unique of your reviews!
The burning question is.. when was the last TRUE Buick built? I am thinking we need to go back to the 1970's at the newest, and even then it was just a Chevy / Pontiac / Olds with different trim and sheet metal.. and an actual Buick engine. For the Elecra/Park Avenue (and Olds 98) they were just a lower priced Cadillac DeVille.
I find it kind of funny he says the car doesn't have enough power to kick out the rear, while 102hp is plenty to get the rear out on my BMW E30 (when it's wet, like in the video).
Some feedback on some of your recent videos that i would like to point out is that I enjoyed them,they are well put together,presented and overall a good package to watch but please slow down on your dialog and maybe take a bit more time of showing the in and outs of the car. I know you want to get 'in and out' and over with but it just starting to ruin the experience. Keep up the good work.
C'mon... those aren't "hood vents", those are the modern adaptation of the standard, Harley Earl-inspired, Buick "portholes" that are on almost every Buick in the last 70 years. Surprised you missed that.
+Engineering Explained Yeah, I really envy you, just imagine that here in the old continent the best-selling engines of car manufacturers like Audi, BMW, Mercedes are 2.0L diesels... efficient but sad. One thing is for sure, my next car will make 0-60 mph under 7s :D
+Jesus G. I have a 97 Buick Regal GS that does 60mph in 5.8 seconds. That's with aftermarket headers and exhaust. Although, it gets poor mileage. about 16/17mpg city, 20mpg highway. It's a fun car to build, as the 3800 has a huge aftermarket scene and it's GM's most reliable V6. Easy to service and cheap to buy parts for. Great "sleeper" cars. Puts a funny face on the kids I race against with modded VW's, Hondas, and mustangs.
Hey +Engineering Explained! I love your videos, and I would really like to see a review of the 2016 Audi A5 Premium Plus! That would be fantastic! You're the best!
Dude, its a BUICK not a GTR or CORVETTE, It is a premium sedan with a lot of sport qualities and a lot of road luxury car amenities and a extremely competitive price considering its direct competition.
I watched this today and also worked on my '98 Buick Regal GS. I wish Buick with come out with a GN or GNX model. My mom even told me she would buy one if a GN model came out!! It really looks like a nice well equipped car, but a sportier model would be nice. In black.
I like how car enthusiasts always complain about the price of a new car but never buy the car new... newest I ever bought was the car with 4K miles I saved 13k dollars and it was only 2 years old this Buick he drove I have it still it was suppose to be a temporary car but just never died on me I got the 2013 Regal Gs for 8k 0-60 with the manual was yeah about low to mid 6sec range idk how he got 7.5 maybe a bad turbo?? But yeah I just tune and mod the car now I was thinking about pushing the limits for the whp even tho I’ve never purely tuned for only performance but the car got to 170k miles without any major problems and I don’t use it and my gf doesn’t know how to use a manual so it mostly sits there now :/ and I don’t want to sell it it’s a good car but poor resell value in the states
That looks very much like the Vauxhall Insignia, Would like the car but only if theres a VXR version. The Vauxhall Insignia I do believe has the VXR version.
I want to like this Regal GS so bad, I really do. Problem is I've driven the Cadillac ATS 2.0T. That car is based off a RWD platform, MUCH lighter but uses a even more powerful 2.0T engine. While the GS is a better car than say an Accord or Camry to drive, it is no BMW-beating RWD sports sedan.
It's an old european Opel/Vauxhal Insignia, with some Buick badges and bumpers attached. So freakin heavy car, compared to competition. Those stronger versions have a little bit nicer front suspension compared to weaker ones, but still - due to it's weight it realy drives poorly and burns a lot of fuel.
Brembo brakes on a Buick? Huh Never thought I would see that. Only buick I've ever liked was the Grand National. This isn't bad. I'm kind of biased because I hate my wife's Buick Encore haha. I'm 6'4" so I feel trapped in it even though it actually has decent headroom. Good review
+777PharmD777 Good to know. God knows the navigation on my '08 Caliber SRT-4 is pretty darn bad and I never use it except the real-time (outdated) map ('08 DVD based)
+Kristopher Tope I'm not holding my breath, but I'd love for GM to prove me wrong. The marketing people need to understand using the GN or dare I say GNX name would sell cars (assuming they have the balls to back up the name). If Buick wants to sell to the younger market, they need to bring back the Grand National.
Great video Jason! I can't wait till Apple allows wireless CarPlay, that would make it the ultimate phone integration in my opinion. I liked the Regal GS a lot, but there's stiff competition at it's price point (even within GM with the ATS and SS). It's a cool package nonetheless and I'm just glad Buick brought this car here!
U are missing on the best engine for this car: 2.0l CDTI BiTurbo diesel :) 195HP and 7l/100km (40 british MPG, which is like 34 US MPG) A very good engine. It has amazing range of usable revs from 1 000 to 4 800 rpm, quick throttle response, linear character and it is quite powerful Check vedeo on YT called: Opel Astra 2013 CDTI BiTurbo - acceleration , see 6th gear acceleration
I really enjoy your videos, but for the people outside of the US I would like to get the the numbers in the metric system. Nm instead of ft lb would be nice :)
Ahh - The Opel Insignia.... Slap a Buick badge on it, but it's the same machine. The Opel engineers worked with HOLDEN to get this car on the road. The engine is a little on the underdone side though. It still lets you know that it's an engine from the 1990's (XE20/C22SEL) when the head gaskets let go.
You can go two routes 1) buy something that you can afford to keep comfortably (Maintenance, fuel, insurance, etc.) that provides you with what you need (cargo space, fuel range, durable all year round, big/small etc.) Or 2) buy something you can't afford but think looks good and you really like even tho it sucks money out of your pocket faster than a gold digging ex wife's alimony....
The more I see this car on the road, the more I fall in love with it. I'm 23 years old. Definitely not an old persons car
I'm looking to get one soon after my dad made a joke about buicks lol but I like it better than any other cars I've looked at! definitely seemed underrated
@@annaarrigoni2779 in europe they are called opel insignia and the haldex has problems, maybe you need to do a timing chaing on high mileage cars. Reliability is the main problem of this car
@@Chris-hw4mq Every body complains about the 3.6 timing chain but in reality it almost never fails I have had multiple 3.6 cars including a 2012 police package impala with 180k still on the original timing chain and you know that thing saw alot of abuse
i have one its a nice car it does have a good pull pretty touchy on the pedal on the FWD you press it down shes gone once the turbo kicks in shes gone
@@Chris-hw4mq he is right there are some problems at a early age seems to be the same for everyone. Some guys drive this car hard to like its some sports car and they do mods to it but if you drive it like an old man it will go the distance of life alot of buicks have a good rep for reliability but sadly the re branded regal the opel insignia is known for some issues BUT not the end of the world just sad to see these issues like i said at the cars early age i see it happen alot 60k-80k miles 100-120 it depends but it happens
I work at Oshawa assembly where we build these, very cool under rated car
I own a car that was built at that GM plant. But GM screwed over the America taxpayers as well as Canadians.
Not only did GM close the Oshawa plant but they got a loan from the Canadian government which GM never paid back
I love my 2016 AWD GS. Just picked it up last October and I'm in love. I hope it lasts me for many years to come.
we own one ...the AWD and a set of Blizzaks make this one very good snow country car.
i think the interior design/color choice in tans looks better than the all dark black and wood look
that comes in the graphite exterior.
the brakes are good - with the car's weight they could be better.
entry into the front is fine ...entry to the rear seats is a bit compacted.
i would have cut some trunk for more rear seat room.
we've had 0 problems with our Regal. a well made car.
I have a used 2012 Regal, had for 3 years now, best car I’ve ever owned. Never needed servicing for anything other than the normal oil changes. It drove through one of the worst ice storms our state had seen in a long time like a champ, 40 cars in the ditch throughout 30 miles, my Buick just kept chugging!
I'd enjoy one of these as a used purchase. You know the people buying these, for the most part, aren't beating the crap out of them. Trundling to church and work in the nicest Buick they could find, trading it in or returning it on lease.
I have a 2012 GS (manual) I've made a few changes:
Trifecta Custom Tune (advantage)
K&N Cold Air (Cone) / ZZP Cold Air intake
Turboback exhaust(3"with no neck downs)
Uppipe/Downpipe/Turbo inlet hose/lightened main crank pulley/fuel pump/headers/Intercooler hose/spark plugs
Forge Bypass/diverter valve...
I UPSET M3's and S4's ALL DAY LONG...I mean...not even close...I slow down to let them catch up, they want to go again...same story...LOVE IT
what are your 0-60 times and 1/4 mile? I asked because I recently purchased a 2017 gs AWD.
The weight of the Regal is what makes it so quiet and comfortable. There is a shit ton of sound deadening materials, and extra thick glass coatings, to keep all the noise out. If there wasn't so much gravel on the road, you would've fallen asleep. It's an old man's car, and I love when I get to use one as a company car or rental when I go out of town for work.
Hood vents have been a Buick styling cue for a century.
Indeed, but I wish they were actually vents if they're going to look like vents. I'm glad modern muscle cars have gone away (for the most part) from fake hood scoops.
Yeah, I'd still just like to see more of a clear identity beyond the vent styling though too, but not sure it will ever happen outside of China.
Something about fake hood vents makes me cringe
Good video. Buick loaded this car - very impressed considering its size. Don't think it was meant to be a BMW killer. Buick wanted quick 1/4 mile times while the driver had hi tech features and a boulevard cruise. Buick hit the mark. As to whether their PR dept can convince consumers to buy a Buick and not a competing Toyota, Ford or German import,....
if it had a v6 turbo it would have caught the eye of all the old turbo buick guys
I have a 2014 Buick Regal GS, front-wheel drive, 6spd manual. 0-60 times don't tell the performance story of this car. The car is heavy, (great for highway cruising), but the manual gives you a lot more control in shifting for yourself. Get the revs up to about 2800 rpm and the turbo kicks in nicely. Get it right coming out of a corner, passing, or merging on the highway and it's magic! The 20" wheels and summer rubber corner well, and as you mention, the car has no lean. Unlike in some other cars, (costing a lot more), an automatic transmission and all-wheel drive are not the enthusiast's pick for the GS.
I have a 2012 GS(manual)Trifecta Custom Tune (advantage)
K&N Cold Air (Cone) / ZZP Cold Air intake
Turboback exhaust(3"with no neck downs)
Uppipe/Downpipe/Turbo inlet hose/lightened main crank pulley/fuel pump/headers/Intercooler hose/spark plugs
Forge Bypass/diverter valve
I upset M3's and S4's ALL DAY LONG...the ultimate sleeper!
Buick has really made a comeback with this and the verano
The "engineering explained" guy doing a late model regal gs review. Just one word: awesome!! I just hope he covers the manual tranny version of car...just starting the video now...can't wait. :)
firmens up ... the weight ... of the steering - firmens my new favorite word
+Scot Mcphee Haha us engineers were never learned English good.
vauxhall insignia. nice
*opel
+Bart Van Riel vauxhall in uk, opel in euro. buick in USA
+Bart Van Riel *Vauxhall *Opel
UgenixK I know
+UgenixK Holden?
That Buick Regal looks. Only a mother could love
so basically it's a low-power version of insignia opc with unnecessary sensor buttons
+o3tomas Whoever thought about putting heating controls on sensor buttons never had to cold start a car in the middle of the winter..
+ydin9 Good thing my 07 Saab 9-3 starts the heated seats automatically when the temp inside the car is below a certain level
Matthew Mers
It tends to get bit colder in Sweden, shame Saab went under. Ridiculous as some of their inventions were, they did try to innovate their hearts out.
I FELT YOUR COMMENTS WERE HARSH. I REALIZE THE BUICK IS NO PORSCHE. I TEST DROVE THAT CAR AND CAME AWAY IMPRESSED. BUICK HAS COME A LONG WAY IN PRODUCING A DECENT CAR TO OWN. IN ANY CAR-I STILL LOVE YOUR VIDEOS
Glad you posted this review. I'm a Legacy owner and always curious about the alternatives. Don't think I'd switch in this case.
What a gorgeous and fun looking road to drive down.
This car has the potential to be so much more than it turned into. Hopefully the Avista will see production as the next-generation Regal. If that happens, we may finally have a modern Buick worth buying.
For a daily driver, I think this car would be more than adequate. I really like it!
2016 Opel Insignia AWD, more like it.
+patriotbarrow More like a Opel Isignia body with a Saab 2.0T engine and Saab/Haldex co-developed AWD. Except Saab was smart enough to us a 2.8T for most of their AWD models
+Matthew Mers And Saab Suspension
+Matthew Mers It's not a Saab engine. This is an Ecotec engine it was a co-development between Opel, GM Powertrain and Saab. It replaced all other engines including the Saab H engine. The development of the engine was also assisted by Lotus. How much I don't know because at that time Lotus was sold by GM. Basically GM in 1994 rounded up all of the best engineers to make a new inline 4 cylinder engine.
Sssshhhhhhh, give saab all the credit. The ecotec LUK which is in this car was mostly developed by GM Powertrain US and Opel, Saab was already kicked out by this point. I did see they have a GM Powertrain in Italy but I think they focused on Diesel engines.
My 2006 Saab 9-3 has the Ecotec 2.0 liter engine and turbocharging with Saab engine controls. The original non-direct injection engine was developed by GM powertrain back around 2000 with turbocharging capability. At that time Saab (which was now fully owned by GM) adopted the engine and was the first to turbocharge it in the 2003 Saab 9-3. The turbocharger first came from Garrett and then switched to Mitsubishi and the engine controls were developed by the Saab engineers in Sweden. GM Powertrain inherited all this technology when Saab finished its development. They kept it when Saab was spun off, along with the Halidex technology. The problem is Halidex was bought by BMW for x-drive so while GM can use the earliest (and heaviest) AWD version, they cannot upgrade it. So that Halidex that Saab used is still used in this "new" Buick Regal. The engine you are correct - it is not the Saab engine. The engine was modernized with direct fuel injection and parts were changed in a newer Ectoec, and the engine controls changed. Still, the roots of this car are the last generation Saab 9-3 ever built even if it is not the exact same engine, that Halidex drive is because of BMW.
Glad you reviewed this car.
That Engineering Explained jacket is pretty sweet
It took me waaaay too long to realise this is an Insignia. Can confirm: unexpectedly good.
I can only think of one production turbo Buick worth doing a review over.
If this car was RWD, (it has a manual option), and about $10,000 cheaper, I'd get it when I could afford it.
this car is supposed to compete with the audi s4. works better in europe with the opel insignia model and crazy recaro seats. watch the top gear vid to find it out ;)
top gear had a video on this?? i must have forgotten
buick grand national?
+Lajcsi Vagyok u mean shit gear?
Do you people not know that Opel and Vauxhall are owned by GM?
+Peter Schmidt Really?
blackcarmafia Yep - look it up. Europeans always like to trash on American cars but many cars they think are European really aren't, or vise versa. Then there are companies like Ford, where half their lineup are designed and manufactured in Europe.
blackcarmafia I didn't say it was an American car, I implied it was American owned (through GM) and therefore there is nothing unusual about seeing this rebranded as Buick.
As for the rest of your rambling.... no comment.
+blackcarmafia gasoline is cheaper than diesel in the US
That's why there aren't many cars with Diesel engines.
+blackcarmafia What exactly had Saab to do with Alfa 159? The Saab 9000 was a collaborative with Fiat and Lancia, but I haven't heard of any relations to Alfa Romeo.
Really enjoy your in-depth reviews! Can't wait for you to test out the 2016 Ford Focus RS!!
Haha really hope I get the opportunity!
+Engineering Explained lol it's looks really impressive! Hope you get to also
We get the big boy version in the uk, insignia vxr. You should check it out
Cool review of a car I really was looking at possibly buying if fate allowed it which it did not. Love the scenic drive you take your cars out on while taping. Reminds me of the drive I take once or twice a year along the Wisconsin River! Beautiful scenic drive 100%
For someone who like tiny bouncing cars , yes this is a heavy car. For people who like comfort with the hit of performance (body kit , wheels , Gs logo) this is a great car. Good review coming from a guy who drives s2000. Figured he'd be much more harsh on it lmao
I test drove the Regal without AWD and loved driving it. For me it has plenty of power for the price and was fun to drive. I was also considering the Acura TLX 2.4 liter but too many people complained about the jerky transmission even after the software updates. What killed the deal for me on the Regal was visibility. This may not be a big deal for a young driver like Jason, but my reaction time is not as good as it was 30 years ago and I like to be able to see clearly out of the windows. I could live with the limited visibility out of the windows but the side mirrors are terrible. The tear drop shape decreases the mirror area and makes one look a little harder to see the traffic. I could just spend more money and get the more expensive model with the blind side mirrors but then the cost would be closer to the base Audi and BMW. The next car I considered was the Mazda 6, but Mazda puts 19" wheels on them and I refuse to buy a car with 19" wheel. I guess no car is perfect.
Why not mention the interior decibel score in this video? I'm betting all the weight is from the acoustic glass and extra sound deadening insulation. It would have been nice to know to compare it to your other reviews. Btw, your work is excellent. Keep it going!
Those are real nice looking cars. the instructor for my motorcycle safety class had one. I'm surprised they didn't just put the 3.6 in it.
They came to there sense and now have the 3.6L v6 making 310hp
Eagle Fat well nowadays everyone out of Europe gets the tolerable engines and here in Europe the new cars don’t have any option above 210 hp anymore which basically means buying one is equal to wasting between 30 and 60 grand if going any more than 75 mph in that car is what one is after
A simple tune will bring up HP to 310. The sport back GS makes that in certain markets
Needs a V6 engine, I'm not doubting the 2L Turbo's power, but a 4,000 pound car is a lot for a 4 cylinder to keep up for 200,000 miles without failure. I comment a lot about the phasing out of V6's, These cars aren't cheap, and I'm a stickler for reliability and longevity, for example my sister in laws 02 Ford Escape AWD V6 has 360,000 miles on it, and has only required a new fuel pump. If these small turbo's could do that, I'd have no problem with them. My own 1.8L Turbo 4 cylinder car has been excellently maintained, but has been expensive to fix and maintain, and the best mileage it has gotten is 26 MPG.
Informative while not being boring:-) not a lot of engineers are like that.
I love how these cars look
wish i had a buick. i just realized something. i dont think ive seen a new buick break down on the side of a road . ive seen doges ram .Mercedes. porch cayann .challenger. but never a buick. ... I WANT A BUICK
Carlos Daville .. Maybe you haven't seen a Buick breakdown because there's not too many of them on the road? I still like them over all, but millions of more Toyota's
It's an Opel Insignia OPC
+ReeSeeR566 More like a Opel Isignia body with a Saab 2.0T engine and Saab/Haldex co-developed AWD. Except Saab was smart enough to us a 2.8T for most of their AWD models
+Matthew Mers And Saab Suspension
+Matthew Mers What is Saab? Is that some dead man?
+ReeSeeR566 Pretty sure it isn't, at least in 2015 the OPC had a turbo V6
The engine I'm not completely sure about. GM powertrain europe was based out of Trollhatten Sweden and they did a lot of engine work and transmission work. I think they did a lot of the work on the previous 2 engines. The AWD and suspension is though.
Lack of power in a turbo vehicle is easily corrected with a boost controller. Honestly, the best reason to buy a factory turbo car is for the cheap power upgrade. Manufacturers are always too conservative with factory boost settings.
I know they're trying to break this image, but Buicks, historically, are popular (and synonymous) with old people. And if there's one thing old people love, it's new technology. Especially stuff like touchscreens that don't respond the first six times you touch it. Good thing their younger target audience is willing to tolerate all kinds of crap that doesn't work often and costs a ton to replace every year or two.
Its not that bad, its just the type of touch screen, all you do is lightly tap it but people try to smash it down like a mechanical button, hint pushing harder does nothing but cause it to disregard the input. just like a smart phone.
I like these videos!
UNFORTUNATELY ITS OVERLOADED OF ADS. Automatically before, after, all arround.... It ruin the experience 😒
I missed the technical review of the suspension and the engine bay, as well as the trunk space, legroom and headroom in the back :/ Those things were pretty unique of your reviews!
The burning question is.. when was the last TRUE Buick built? I am thinking we need to go back to the 1970's at the newest, and even then it was just a Chevy / Pontiac / Olds with different trim and sheet metal.. and an actual Buick engine. For the Elecra/Park Avenue (and Olds 98) they were just a lower priced Cadillac DeVille.
I find it kind of funny he says the car doesn't have enough power to kick out the rear, while 102hp is plenty to get the rear out on my BMW E30 (when it's wet, like in the video).
+iRaceCroatia A 316i had 185 size tires IIRC, this vehicle has AWD, 4000lbs and huge tires.
YeOldeGamer Mine has 195s. Yeah, I understand it weighs as much as 2 E30s, I was just making an observation.
+iRaceCroatia I had a '81 E21 318i (105PS) once and went over a railroad crossing then turned left while down-shifting into second. That was fun :D
Some feedback on some of your recent videos that i would like to point out is that I enjoyed them,they are well put together,presented and overall a good package to watch but please slow down on your dialog and maybe take a bit more time of showing the in and outs of the car. I know you want to get 'in and out' and over with but it just starting to ruin the experience. Keep up the good work.
well I know Cadillac is keeping the 3.6 twin turbo to itself for the moment . but that is the engine this car needs .
C'mon... those aren't "hood vents", those are the modern adaptation of the standard, Harley Earl-inspired, Buick "portholes" that are on almost every Buick in the last 70 years. Surprised you missed that.
love the vents
As other comments it needs a more descent engine and to make weight lighter. As I live in Canada. I appreciate full time AWD better.
7.5s to 60mph... "it's not that fast to accelerate"... my god, the levels of performance you might be accustomed to! I wish my Opel did those numbers.
+Jesus G. Haha my '99 Integra has those numbers!
+Engineering Explained Yeah, I really envy you, just imagine that here in the old continent the best-selling engines of car manufacturers like Audi, BMW, Mercedes are 2.0L diesels... efficient but sad. One thing is for sure, my next car will make 0-60 mph under 7s :D
Yeah not fast at all my '08 accord coupe 4cyl is faster to 60
+Jesus G. 7.5 seconds with that much torque and HP? That's pretty disappointing. My family's 2013 base model Hyundai Sonata does it in 7.4...
+Jesus G. I have a 97 Buick Regal GS that does 60mph in 5.8 seconds. That's with aftermarket headers and exhaust. Although, it gets poor mileage. about 16/17mpg city, 20mpg highway. It's a fun car to build, as the 3800 has a huge aftermarket scene and it's GM's most reliable V6. Easy to service and cheap to buy parts for. Great "sleeper" cars. Puts a funny face on the kids I race against with modded VW's, Hondas, and mustangs.
I have a 2012 gs fwd with manual. It’s a great car!
Hey +Engineering Explained! I love your videos, and I would really like to see a review of the 2016 Audi A5 Premium Plus! That would be fantastic! You're the best!
Dude, its a BUICK not a GTR or CORVETTE,
It is a premium sedan with a lot of sport qualities and a lot of road luxury car amenities and a extremely competitive price considering its direct competition.
2024 this car is still nice
I would buy this later on in life... like when I'm 60. It's nice but I have trouble not associating the brand to the old stuff they made.
I watched this today and also worked on my '98 Buick Regal GS. I wish Buick with come out with a GN or GNX model. My mom even told me she would buy one if a GN model came out!! It really looks like a nice well equipped car, but a sportier model would be nice. In black.
Your on the road that runs in front of the waterfalls in Oregon off highway 84, I recognize that road.
I like how car enthusiasts always complain about the price of a new car but never buy the car new... newest I ever bought was the car with 4K miles I saved 13k dollars and it was only 2 years old this Buick he drove I have it still it was suppose to be a temporary car but just never died on me I got the 2013 Regal Gs for 8k 0-60 with the manual was yeah about low to mid 6sec range idk how he got 7.5 maybe a bad turbo??
But yeah I just tune and mod the car now I was thinking about pushing the limits for the whp even tho I’ve never purely tuned for only performance but the car got to 170k miles without any major problems and I don’t use it and my gf doesn’t know how to use a manual so it mostly sits there now :/ and I don’t want to sell it it’s a good car but poor resell value in the states
That looks very much like the Vauxhall Insignia, Would like the car but only if theres a VXR version. The Vauxhall Insignia I do believe has the VXR version.
Jason I never realized you say "Hello everyone and welcome👐" at the start of your videos until I watched your very awkward interview with CT
I want to like this Regal GS so bad, I really do.
Problem is I've driven the Cadillac ATS 2.0T. That car is based off a RWD platform, MUCH lighter but uses a even more powerful 2.0T engine. While the GS is a better car than say an Accord or Camry to drive, it is no BMW-beating RWD sports sedan.
Is it really accurate going downhill from the Corbett ramp? I would think a flat stretch of road might be better. Have you compared? Love your videos.
Never forget +JuniorN316's Turbo Regal!
The manual transmission buicks are where its at
It's an old european Opel/Vauxhal Insignia, with some Buick badges and bumpers attached. So freakin heavy car, compared to competition. Those stronger versions have a little bit nicer front suspension compared to weaker ones, but still - due to it's weight it realy drives poorly and burns a lot of fuel.
I'm really surprised Buick doesn't use the 2.8L Turbo engine, like in the European model (321BHP 0-60mph 5.6 secs)
now Subaru is not the only one with all wheel drive well if you count Volvo they have to also the option AWD
Brembo brakes on a Buick? Huh Never thought I would see that. Only buick I've ever liked was the Grand National. This isn't bad. I'm kind of biased because I hate my wife's Buick Encore haha. I'm 6'4" so I feel trapped in it even though it actually has decent headroom. Good review
It's the best rental car out there.
but what about android users like me.
+UltraPhaserBlast “UltraPhaserBlast” Most cars with Apple CarPlay support Android Auto in the same system, it might get it later on though.
+Benjamín Valenzuela thank you i can rest assured iOS is not the end all be all in new buicks, because its NOT the end all be all mobile OS!
I know Chevy does both, I would imagine Buick does as well.
+Engineering Explained thank you for reply. :)
+777PharmD777 Good to know. God knows the navigation on my '08 Caliber SRT-4 is pretty darn bad and I never use it except the real-time (outdated) map ('08 DVD based)
Buick needs to really bring back something with real power like the Grand National.
I agree. They really do.
+Rediscover Film I was fully expecting a twin turbo 3.6L version of this to be announced under the GN trim level.
+Kristopher Tope I'm not holding my breath, but I'd love for GM to prove me wrong. The marketing people need to understand using the GN or dare I say GNX name would sell cars (assuming they have the balls to back up the name). If Buick wants to sell to the younger market, they need to bring back the Grand National.
15 MPG city for me, i def drive it aggresive like a GS should be driven
Great video Jason! I can't wait till Apple allows wireless CarPlay, that would make it the ultimate phone integration in my opinion. I liked the Regal GS a lot, but there's stiff competition at it's price point (even within GM with the ATS and SS). It's a cool package nonetheless and I'm just glad Buick brought this car here!
+SourLemonSeed lolll what
U are missing on the best engine for this car: 2.0l CDTI BiTurbo diesel :) 195HP and 7l/100km (40 british MPG, which is like 34 US MPG)
A very good engine. It has amazing range of usable revs from 1 000 to 4 800 rpm, quick throttle response, linear character and it is quite powerful
Check vedeo on YT called: Opel Astra 2013 CDTI BiTurbo - acceleration , see 6th gear acceleration
Smart reviewer 👍
lol when the only thing you have to say is "there are more boring sedans" haha
nice opel insignia now you need the vxr
It's the same car as the Vauxhall Insignia in the UK! :)
Where do you live? I got distracted by the beautiful background forest. :3
Oregon is a beautiful place!
Engineering Explained Yeah! It is beautiful. :)
as an Australian what is a Buick compared to other GM products?
+Camhin1 this car is a Opel Insignia its just rebaged in the us
It goes like this from "cheapest" to "best"
Chevrolet
GMC (trucks, Crossovers, & SUV's only)
Buick
Cadillac
*****
I know m8 :D
+Camhin1 Buick is second to Cadillac. Put it this way
Porsche = Cadillac
Audi = Buick
+Camhin1 Don't worry mate, wait 2 years and this will be the new Holden Commodore. *Cries into beer*.
the best thing about the vehicle is the apple car play?
Those temperature controls would drive me more insane than the fake hood vents.
I do like the Opel insignia....
I really enjoy your videos, but for the people outside of the US I would like to get the the numbers in the metric system. Nm instead of ft lb would be nice :)
What do you think of the chances of you getting your hands on an Audi RS6? I would love you see my favorite reviewer review my favorite car... :D
+ZobedRevolution Audi doesn't send me anything at the moment, but I'm doing my best to change this!
Why no 0-60 with the TCS turned off? At 7.5 I'm betting the computer is pulling all the timing out of it on launch.
I love this
is that actually Opel Insignia?
Ahh - The Opel Insignia.... Slap a Buick badge on it, but it's the same machine. The Opel engineers worked with HOLDEN to get this car on the road. The engine is a little on the underdone side though. It still lets you know that it's an engine from the 1990's (XE20/C22SEL) when the head gaskets let go.
How would this car size up in performance compared to the 2016 Malibu Premier? Thanks for all the great comprehensive reviews and tips.
a semi automatic transmission vehicle you can shift it yourself and automatic I like that kind everyone likes options right
Dafuq? That's a Vauxhall Insignia! And it's an AWD?
+Rabar A Yes even previous insignia opc was awd.
Basically a Vauxhall Insignia VXR :)
+Driven Junkie spot on there mate.
+Ryan Wainwright yup but the vxr is about 300 + bhp if I remember right
+Ryan Wainwright insig vxr has 320 bhp and 430ft pounds of torque and also has a 2.8 turbocharged v6 engine so this is quite a lot worse than the vxr
love that road, when its not full of tourists
We get it.its an opel.moving on.
need something for the snow, thinking about this or an encore.
I got a RWD lexus atm, it's ok with snow tires.
Well I love it I don't have one I would love to have one
I am a first time car buyer and I don't know what car to buy. I'm thinking of getting a used certified car. My limit is 10k with a 2000 down payment
You can go two routes
1) buy something that you can afford to keep comfortably (Maintenance, fuel, insurance, etc.) that provides you with what you need (cargo space, fuel range, durable all year round, big/small etc.)
Or
2) buy something you can't afford but think looks good and you really like even tho it sucks money out of your pocket faster than a gold digging ex wife's alimony....
+Ian Carlos I know that but what kind of car?
Nice reviewI just bought one for $3500. Can't wait to hit the road...
Why does the later model come with less HP?