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The 2011 Buick Regal offers midsize sedan buyers a sporty option that can compete with some upscale models.
Buick has been undergoing a renaissance lately, with the redesigned LaCrosse bowing to almost-unequivocal reviewer praise last year. Now, the 2011 Buick Regal is hitting the market, and while it competes for near-luxury buyers with the LaCrosse, reviewers say it's aiming for a very different segment of that market: drivers who like a little sport in their sedans.
While the LaCrosse appeals to buyers who want a quiet touring car, Autoblog says, "For the first time in its history, the Regal is truly worthy of being called a sports sedan."  Not only that, Autoblog, like other reviewers, argues that the Regal can compete with upscale midsize sport sedans like the Acura TSX and Audi A4.
While most critics assert that the Regal lives up to its sporting pretensions, others question if the Buick brand, which is historically known for sedans that handle like yachts and are popular with the early-bird special crowd, is strong enough to pull buyers over from imports. Still, reviewers say that even though the Buick brand may not be strong enough to pull buyers in, overlooking the Regal would be a mistake.
Among midsize cars, the Regal shines with performance that balances fuel economy and power, handling and ride comfort.  Reviewers are impressed with the handsome exterior and comfortable interior. All in all, if you're shopping midsize sedans, reviewers say that the Regal should be on your short list.

Other Cars to Consider

The Regal's price makes it more expensive than most base-model affordable midsize cars, but less expensive than other upscale midsize cars.  With that in mind, if you’re shopping for value, stick to the affrodable midsize car class and make sure you take a look at the Hyundai Sonata.  It starts at $7,000 less than the Regal and gets better fuel economy.
If you're shopping for premium feel, reviewers almost dare you to put the Regal against cars like the Acura TSX, Lexus ES and Audi A4.  All three are more expensive and have more cachet than the Regal -- however, many reviewers say the Regal can take them all on.  That means that if you’re willing to sacrifice brand recognition you can get a better car at a lower price by opting for the Regal.

Details: Buick Regal

2011 Buick Regal

The Buick Regal is an all-new model for 2011.  For its initial rollout, the Regal is available only in its top-of-the-line CXL trim; next year the base CX and middle CXS trims will be available. The Regal enters the market with a 2.4 liter four-cylinder engine, but a 2.0 liter turbocharged four-cylinder will be available in late summer 2010. A performance tuned GS model will be available next year. The Regal is based on the Opel Insignia (which is available only in Europe) and shares some components with the well-liked Buick LaCrosse.  However, the Regal is smaller and sportier than the LaCrosse.

Regal Performance - 9.0 (Excellent)

2011 Buick Regal

Car reviewers are impressed with how the 2011 Buick Regal performance. "General Motors engineers put their sport sedan right in the sweet spot," says AutoWeek "With plenty of nimble handling and good turbo power (220 hp, 258 lb-ft, 7.5-second 0-60 mph), combined with a reasonably quiet and relatively smooth ride."

Regal Exterior - 9.2 (Excellent)

2011 Buick Regal CXL

Most reviewers think that the Buick Regal is a stylish sedan that easily keeps pace with the competition in the looks department. Motor Trend calls the Regal "a terrific-looking car: modern, characterful, sporty, with great stance and artfully sculpted sheetmetal."

Regal Interior - 9.0 (Excellent)

2011 Buick Regal Interior View

Reviewers don't have trouble finding nice things to say about the 2011 Buick Regal's interior. Autoblog says, "Like its exterior, the Regal's cabin is also engaging." That engaging cabin features comfortable seats, high-quality materials, zen-like quietness and a long list of available features.

Regal Safety - 10.0 (Excellent)

Though the federal government hasn’t crash-tested the 2011 Buick Regal yet, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety named it a “Top Safety Pick.”

Regal Reliability - NA

The 2011 Buick Regal is covered by a four-year/50,000-mile basic warranty and a five-year/100,000 powertrain warranty.

2011 Buick Regal Prices: New Models ( for further details see local prices)

2011 Buick Regal midsize sedan