1998 Buick Regal
11/16/1997
Shahed Hussain
Introduction
The Regal is one of the most recognizable names in Buick's model line. Back in the mid-Eighties, Regal established an impressive performance reputation with the turbocharged Grand National and GNX models. When the car was redesigned in 1988, the Regal changed from the traditional rear-wheel drive to front-wheel drive and lost its performance image. The new FWD Regal became known for its comfortable ride and smooth performance. Buick marketed the last generation Regal as a traditional American mid-size family car.
The 1998 Regal (introduced mid-year 1997) intends to carry on the tradition of its predecessor while extending its appeal to new customers that would have never considered the Regal in the past. According to Buick the target customers are Taurus, Sable, and Camry buyers in their 40's. To make the Regal appealing to these customers, Buick has made it more contemporary. For instance, most previous Regals were equipped with bench seats and column-shift transmissions, a combination no longer available. Also, the 2-door body style has been discontinued, leaving the Riviera as Buick's sole coupe.
Facts
General
The 1998 Regal is completely redesigned and shares its platform with the Pontiac Grand Prix , the Oldsmobile Intrigue and its sibling the Century. Two trim levels are available, the base LS and uplevel GS. The new Regal is slightly larger outside. The wheelbase was increased 1.5 inches to 109 inches and the overall length is up 2.1 inches to 196.2 in. This contributes to an increase in overall interior volume from 116.0 to 118.5 cu. ft. Trunk capacity is now 16.7 cu. ft., up from 15.9 cu. ft. To improve handling, front and rear tracks are widened to 62.0 inches and 61.3 inches, respectively.
All Regals are well equipped with features, such as power windows, locks, and mirrors. Even the base LS model comes standard with dual zone air conditioning, keyless entry, ABS, and traction control. The GS comes standard with a performance "Gran Touring" suspension, 16" alloy wheels, leather seating surfaces, and the supercharged 3800 V-6.
Drivetrain
Both the Regal LS and GS are equipped with the sturdy cast-iron 3800 Series II V-6. This smooth, torque-laden OHV engine produces 195 bhp and 220 lb.-ft. in the LS. The supercharged version standard with the GS offers 240 bhp and 280 lb.-ft. Most people will find the normally aspirated Regal more than powerful enough for their needs. The supercharged V-6 is truly fast, reaching 60 mph in less than 7 seconds, which puts it ahead of most competitors.
All Regals come standard with electronically controlled 4-speed automatics. The standard V-6 is mated with 4T60E, the 4T65E heavy-duty transmission is offered with the supercharged engine. Fuel economy for both drivetrains is respectable: 19/30 and 18/28 city/hwy for the LS and GS respectively.
Body and Suspension
The Regal is a standard unibody design with many enhancements to improve rigidity. A cross-car beam behind the instrument panel stiffens the structure. A one piece body side stamping improves fit and finish and dimensional accuracy. Extensive sound deadening work such as triple door seals and improved fasteners reduce unwanted wind noise and squeaks and rattles. The engine mounts have been engineered to reduce intrusive vibrations of the powertrain.
Suspension details are standard-issue FWD sedan: MacPherson struts, coil springs, and stabilizer bar for the front. The rear suspension comprises of struts, coil springs, and tri-link control arms. The "Gran Touring" suspension for the Regal GS includes a larger stabilizer bar and P225/60-R16 all-season touring tires. The LS is equipped with smaller P215/70-R15 all-season tires. Optional P225/60-R16 tires and alloy wheels are also available on the Regal LS.
Opinions
Form
Buick has tried to create a more contemporary interior for the Regal. Gone are the square edges and mismatched trim of the previous Regal. Most interior plastics are smooth and low gloss. The dash is nicely contoured and most controls are easy to reach. Unfortunately, the control stalks still do not operate smoothly, and feel relatively cheap. The gaps between the dash and the door panels are even but are almost 3/8" wide, which points to less than world class assembly techniques.
The digital display in the optional CD/radio is especially large and bright. The steering wheel mounted radio controls are especially handy and the radio plays even when the key is removed, as long as the doors are closed. The secondary radio controls are tiny knobs that are rather difficult to use.
The Regal LS tested came with the optional leather seats, which were very comfortable but without much bolstering. The standard front console keeps sliding around in the seats to a minimum. The rear seats are contoured for two passengers but offer relatively little thigh support. Rear legroom is not especially plentiful, so those over 6 feet tall may want to steer clear of the rear seats.
Buick has done an excellent job of restyling the Regal to promote a modern, integrated look. The previous Regal looked like the greenhouse styling was done with no regard for the rest of the car. The new look of the Regal conveys the impression of quiet, restrained style. The grille and front fascia are cleanly designed with restrained chrome trim on the LS, and blacked out trim on the GS. The side profile is inoffensive and quite conventional looking with smooth lines that rise toward the rear deck. Oval, full width taillights ensure that the Regal looks like a Buick. Paint quality of the white test vehicle was good, with no obvious flaws. All exterior panels fit together well with even gaps between panels. The overall look is quite handsome and is simultaneously sleek and muscular.
Headlights are the currently fashionable clear lens type. Like many other cars with this kind of headlight, there are noticeable areas of patchy illumination, caused by less than perfect reflector dispersion. This can be somewhat disconcerting at night when bright, even lighting is preferred. Integrated fog lights are standard on all Regals. Unlike some other GM cars, the standard daytime running lights use the amber turn signals instead of the headlights. At night, the "Twilight Sentinel" feature turns the headlights on and off automatically.
Function
Driving the new Regal is an experience similar to its predecessor. No one will think that they are in anything but a Buick, because the Regal has a smooth, creamy ride and very low wind and tire noise. Granted, the car tested was the Regal LS, which is not overly sporting. However, the suspension felt considerably underdamped when traversing potholes and bumps. The steering is light and accurate, but lacks road feel. The standard tires are designed for low noise and comfort, without much regard to handling.
Aggressive driving in the Regal results in a lot of pitch and sway, but the car hangs on quite well. The Regal LS is better suited for quiet, relaxed interstate cruising. The powerful, torquey V-6 provides satisfying low-end grunt that is lacking from most of the 4-cylinder import competition. The 3800 Series II engine is remarkably quiet, making a pleasant subdued growl under hard acceleration. The Regal LS is the rare mid-size sedan, which honestly does not need more power from the standard engine.
Specifications
General
1998 Buick Regal LS
Front engine/Front-wheel drive
5-passenger, 4-door sedan
Price Range: $21,000-27,000 (est.)
Price as tested: $24,000 (est.)
Measurements & Capacities
Curb Weight: 3473 lbs.
Width: 72.7 in.
Height: 56.6 in.
Overall Length: 196.2 in.
Wheelbase: 109.0 in.
Ground Clearance: N/A
Fuel Capacity: 17.0 gal.
Engine
90-deg. V-6, liquid cooled, iron block, iron heads
Valvetrain: OHV, 12-valves, hydraulic valve lifters
Fuel Delivery: Sequential port fuel injection
Displacement: 231 cu. in./3.785 L
Bore X Stroke: 3.80 in. X 3.40 in./96.5 X 86.4 mm
Compression Ratio: 9.4:1
Power (SAE net): 195 bhp @ 5200 rpm
Torque: 220 lb.-ft. @ 4000 rpm
Max. Engine Speed: N/A
Fuel: Unleaded Regular, 87 octane (R+M)/2
Oil Capacity: 5.0 qt.
Emission Controls: N/A
Transmission
4-speed automatic, electronically controlled converter clutch
Ratios: 2.92/1.57/1.00/0.71
Final Drive: 3.05:1
Suspension
Front: Independent, MacPherson struts, twin-tube shock absorbers, coil springs, L-Shaped lower control arms, stabilizer bar
Rear: Independent, Tri-link, twin-tube shock absorbers, coil springs
Steering
Power assisted (Magnetic variable effort) rack-and-pinion
Steering ratio: 15.2:1
Steering Turns (Lock-to-lock): 2.76
Turning Circle: 37.5 ft.
Brakes
Front: 10.3" X 1.3" vented disc, vacuum-assist, ABS
Rear: 10.7" X 0.4" solid disc, vacuum-assist, ABS
Wheels & Tires
Wheels: 15" X 6" stamped steel
Tires: P215/70R-15 All Season BSW
Fuel Economy
Highway: 30 mpg
City: 19 mpg
Interior
Head Room F/R: 39.3/37.4 in.
Leg Room F/R: 42.4/36.9 in.
Hip Room F/R: 54.7/53.4 in.
Shoulder Room F/R: 58.0/57.1 in.
Interior Volume: 118.5 cu. ft.
Trunk Volume: 16.7 cu. ft.
Restraints
Front: Driver and passenger airbags, 3-point belts
Rear: Outboard 3-point belts
Summary
The Regal is an important car for Buick as it seeks to expand its customer base. The nearly identical Century has been relegated to the traditional buyer who seeks comfort and value. The Regal is fighting for the customers who would also consider Japanese imports such as the Accord and Camry. Frankly, the Oldsmobile Intrigue is better suited to woo those buyers. The Regal LS is more like an updated American family sedan, with traditional virtues of comfortable, quiet ride and V-8 like torque. The Regal GS ups the ante with the 240 bhp supercharged engine, but it may not be enough to convince buyers looking for a true sports sedan.