When it comes to Buick, ideas of the brand’s direction seem to be all over the map. Should it stick to tradition and be a soft-spoken luxury brand? Should it be the “premium” niche brand between Chevrolet and Cadillac? Or can it perhaps operate in the same level of luxury as Cadillac, albeit with a totally different product portfolio?
While direction is one thing, nothing can be achieved without the proper products. So, we’re asking the ever-growing GM Authority community: what do you want to see from Buick?
Comments
Great question! I love the direction they’re going in now. Equal level of luxury as Cadillac, just simply not as edgy. The one thing the portfolio is missing is the 2 seat roadster or convertible. Something rather sharp but elegant like the rest of the lineup. There doesn’t seem to be too many standout convertibles at this time. Wake some people up even more about what Buick truly represents! Whatever you do, keep doing what you’ve been doing in the last few years!!!!
When I was growing up, my parents drove Buicks and Oldsmobiles. I once asked my mother why she never got a Cadillac (it was the early 70’s) since we could clearly afford one (they each got new cars every 3 years); her response was quick and without question – “Oh no, Cadillacs are for showy people, and we’re not showy people.”
My parents are well-educated (both have graduate degrees) New England WASPs, and both my grandfathers drove Buicks.
I’m not sure if “understated elegance” still exists in America, but that is always the role I have seen Buick and one I’d love to see it return to. Sadly, since the 70’s (and up to recently) Buicks have been nothing more than chromed out Chevys. I’m very happy to see they _seem_ to be returning to their roots, and would love to see ONE unique Buick car in the lineup, maybe a modern day Reatta or Riviera.
I agree with the understated luxury thing.
A more powerful engine as its baseline engine with better gas mileage. I have a 2012 Regal Turbo and I am satisfied with having gotten the turbo engine. The baseline 2.4L is too weak and I think the new 2.5L will still be that way. The turbo engine gives me decent power while offering good gas mileage (19mpg city, 29 mpg highway). I like everything else Buick is doing with their vehicles. The baseline engines need to be improved both power and [performance while maintaining a higher mpg rating.
Let Buick be “first” at something again, rather than also ran, hand me downs that are designed for China or Europe then “also sold here”. How about a new coupe and retractable hard top conv. based on the stretched Alpha platform that the new CTS will use? Call it whatever you want? Cadillac can have a new CTS sedan/ wagon and as many versions of the ATS as it wants, but throw Buick a bone?? The Enclave has been very good for Buick here and when it arrived there was no Chevy or Cadillac version to fight with,Traverse came later.
It would be nice to see a larger Buick sedan bigger than LaCrosse because that car is
not large and a car with a bigger trunk. It would be nice to see a personal luxury expression ( a Riviera) as well. I would like to see Buick get some direction from GM and stick with it and move forward. If it is going to become more Opel like and international, become the best doing that. It also needs to move away from Chevrolet and Cadillac in execution.
AWD available on Regal Turbo and GS.
I’d like to see Buick go away and Holden/Pontiac slot in between Chevrolet and Cadillac. GM doesn’t need more luxury, especially now that we have the ATS and the CTS will be re-sized. Buick does nothing for me and I always thought they should have gone away instead of Pontiac.
Buick *can’t* go away??? I disagree. I would just start offering more package options on the current Chevy models that could fill the shoes of the Buick nameplates.
– Verano -> Cruze
– Regal -> Malibu
– Lacrosse -> Impala
– Encore -> Captiva or just stick with the ‘Nox
– Enclave -> Traverse
Give me Holden/Pontiac with a limited lineup:
– Performance compact to go up against a VW GTI and Civic Si (a Sonic SS if you will)
– Midsized performance sedan (Cruze sized)
– V8 Sport coupe (read: a home-made, completely new GTO)
– V8 Sport sedan (read: Chevy SS/Commodore)
– And, of course, a Sport Ute!
All of the Holden/Pontiac cars should be PERFORMANCE oriented. No base level trim. You have to pay to play, or you can get a Chevy instead.
Sorry, I now feel like I randomly hijacked this thread, but I had to get it off my chest. I really don’t understand Buick at all and am obviously still morning the loss of Pontiac. 🙁
Also, how about adding light titanium as an interior color choice along w/the black and tan that are the only offerings now. (in the regal).
I was skeptical of Buick at first, since it only had 3 models at the time of the bancrupcy, but they’ve really picked it up! I’m fond of the LaCrosse, LOVE the Regal, and though I don’t really like the Verano itself, it’s getting great reviews and bringing in customers, so I love it for that.
I like the general direction Buick is heading. Compete with the luxury demographics that Cadillac can’t reach. Target Lexus, Lincoln, and Acura. Also, I think Buick is doing a great job beating those brands in pricing, while maintaining all competitive features. Keep it up!
If I were to add one thing, I would add performance OF COURSE! The Regal GS looks great, but what about Verano? It’s grabbing young people, but to some it kind of seems like a weak car. Just adding a little boost could go a long way with the performance enthusiasts.
Saying goodbye to Buick is not the answer and going with Holden/Pontiac. There is a certain group that wants a certain level of luxury that doesn’t want to pay above the $40K mark. Let’s face it, all the Cadillac models are above $40K. I know they list the base models below that, but you add the slitest thing to the base models and you are up past the $40K range. I know I have a 2011 Cadillac SRX and a 2012 Buick Regal Turbo. I want something on the luxury side, but I don’t want to have to take out a mortgage for it. Buick fits that niche. Pontiac competed too much with Buick, Chevy and Olds. Hence, Olds and Pontiac had to go. There was too much redundancy. And if you are wondering, I had my share of Pontiacs as well. GM had too many brands. Buick makes an affordable luxury car around the $30-$35K range (give or take a couple of thousand dollars). You get rid of buick and GM is right back to having another customer base that will go elsewher to buy this style (luxury brand) of vehicle (i.e. less expensive LEXUS, BMW models).
Is Buick really competing with low-end Lexii (??) and BMWs? Again, I truly don’t understand the marketing and where GM execs think Buick fits in the auto industry, but I personally see them as a second-class citizen in the lux brand category, along with the likes brands like Acura and Chrysler. If Buick is taking IS and 3-series customers and putting them in Veranos and Regals, God bless them. I just see it happening the other way around more often than not.
The Verano is a good looking car for a Buick, but it still lacks any kind of passion. I think if you’re goal as a brand is to land in the middle and be the best at being mediocre, then you’ve already failed. If GM went through another re-org, Buick would be gone and very few would miss it.
A friend of mine (from work) has a BMW and road in my Regal. Guess what his next car is going to be? I’ll give you a hint..It’s not going to be a BMW. He is buying it later this year.
Again, IMHO, I believe he is in the minority. I think if someone is looking to leave BMW, *most* would leave in two directions:
Up: Mercedes or Audi (depending how you view them in comparison to BMW)
Down: Infiniti, Lexus, Acura, or of course, Cadillac (I’ll upgrade them to “Up” after I drive an ATS or the new right-sized CTS 🙂 )
I agree with you I can’t imagine someone leaving BMW for Buick. One of my buddy’s has a Infiniti G35x and he was thinking of going to BMW. I need to convince him to test drive the ATS 🙂
I currently have a verano as a rental. Amazing little car, i used to sell at a buick cadillac store and really miss it. I think that Buick should consider coming out with a small two seat roadster coupe/convertible. Something reasonably priced to start with but can be maxed out pretty well. RWD, similar in size to the verano or solstice.
Make the new Buick the old Cadillac! Cadillac is becoming more like BMW, and less like the big, soft, wallowing Cadillacs of old. That’s fine, wonderful even. Make Buick the brand that makes soft floaty cars.
Buick was always an aspirational brand, just a little nicer and slightly sportier than Oldsmobile. With Pontiac dead (and I mean DEAD guys – gone, gone really gone so give it up already), Buick owes the market a premium sport-luxury spot that Acura and others seem to own. What about the old T-Types that lend more sport and power to the models for those who want it?
I agree it needs a signature model – bring back a personal luxury Riviera or a Reatta and attract true youthful attention to the brand. Buick has its own identity, but it has more leverage to fill the gap between Chevy and Cadillac.
If any division should go, it should be GMC: Totally redundant and wasteful badge engineering.
This is a question that shouldn’t need to be asked or answered because the answer is obvious. I wish GM had the laser like focus they have on Cadillac products on Buick as well. Its really simple, Buick becomes the Lexus killer, no rwd, no performance, no passion, just soft, comfortable, somewhat practical luxury. I know this is not what enthusiasts like us want to hear, but lets face it, were not going to buy a Buick, were going to buy a chevy or a cadillac if we can afford it. Not Buick, so GM really shouldnt worry about the performance club for Buick. Operate on the same level as Cadillac with cars just a few thousand cheaper, so no encore and verano only with a 28k starting price and much more standard features. And no more Buicks without standard leather, I personally dont really like leather, but leather means luxury, and thats what Buick should be.
This dual identity Buick has to stop, its confusing customers and probably creating infighting at GM internally which is always bad for product,
In short, move Buick upmarket, compete at almost the same level as Cadillac with a different product portfolio, no rwd / performance, Lexus killer.
I get it that China is likely more important to Buick right now than the US market, but I’d still like to see you add a (near?) luxury mid-sized convertible, like the old (you pick the year, they were all fun) Skylark. We’re looking for something American like that now!
Another place I think you could make a difference would be in a small luxury car. Mini is working on it now, why NOT Buick?
So you’ll decide if there are enough sales in cars like these to warrant them, but I’d love to see them and would absolutely consider buying one – especially the convertible.
I’d like to see them bring back the Riviera nameplate as a mid-sized coupe. Current GM coupe inventory – Camaro (IMO, too retro hot rod) and CTS (too edgy). Grand Prix was
once a middle level niche until it became sedan only.
Man, how could I have forgotten about the Riv! Yes, there’s a place for the Riv. Couldn’t you use the Camaro/CTS as the basis?
BIGGER! And RWD V-8. GM had abandoned this realm of the market. I’m 6’3″ with a long back. Some of us still need headroom. Some of us miss what Buick was – big near-luxury RWD V-8 powered cars with real room. Cadillac can, should, and is looking after the performance luxury BMW-fighting side of things. But some of us don’t give a damn about ‘Euro’-inspired ‘performance’ crap! I don’t live within 1000 miles of anything remotely resembling an autobahn. I have driven GM trucks for years (Avalanches and Silveradoes) because GM gave up on the BIG RWD V-8 side of things. I miss the old Regencies and Park Avenues. Cadillac won’t do this affordably (if at all), and Chev is stuck in FWD-mode. Make the Chevs for the youth ‘perfomance’ and ‘any old car will do’ market. The shear size of the truck market (most of which are bought because they are spacious RWDs, not because they can or do haul thousands of pounds) should be a glaringly clear indication that the market for this type of car is still there, especially if it can be made BIG and roomy. The Dodge (of all things) Charger is the only American car even remotely resembling what used to be real American cars. And I will walk before I’ll EVER drive anything not made in America (and I’m Canadian).This could truly be Buick’s new niche, both from a heritage standpoint, and simply because NO ONE ELSE IS DOING IT.
The thing is – there already IS an Opel Insignia coupe! This site discussed it as a potential Regal GS coupe back in May of 2010! There is no reason why an already existing car can’t be Buick-ized ala Insignia to Regal and call it a Riviera, or take the Opel Calibra convertible, knock out the back seat, and viola! – the New Reatta. Not only would these be Buick-specific (at least in USA) products, all other coupes by GM now are RWD, and these two are FWD, so NO overlap!
I’d say keep Buick competing against Acura. Sporty cars, for their class, but with a little bit reserved designs, inside and out. Go with more flowing, beautiful designs, i.e. Riviera. So in a way, yes be like an alternate to Cadillac. But make the two cars look completely different, and have some different powertrains or options or something. Stick with small sporty cars, like the Regal GS, not anything like the CTS-V, and just smaller less powerful performance models (Verano GS???). But for the most part, build bigger, softer, comfy good looking cars that have some hidden power to back it up.
OMG BIG V8 AND RWD LOLOLOLOOLLL!!!11!!
Have any one of you who think Buick needs such a car ever stopped and thought why nobody is making them?
It’s not becasue it’s a market “waiting to be tapped by Buick”, and it isn’t “Buick ignoring their heritage”, it’s because nobody wants full-size RWD V8 cars anymore. Period.
all wheel drive standard on all vehicles
A revival of the GNX. That would be an AWD heavily boosted (300+hp) sedan available in any colour you want as long as it’s black.
Let me get a word in. I think GM knows what Buick is supposed to be competing against. I see a lot of people talking about BMW. No, folks. That’s the job of Cadillac. Buick is supposed to be GM’s answer to the lower ended (ie, front drive-based) Lexus models and Acura. Put that in perspective and it makes perfect sense.
I’d like to see a 2-door convertible. Call the luxury version the Skylark and the performance version the Skyhawk.
Call it whatever you want, I’d like to see a G6-like hard top convertible in Buick’s stable
I think Buick is just right where they are right now (Lexus competitor). But as we all see already, Lexus is making everything in their line-up to look like the new GS (sporty looking and being luxurious inside). So I think maybe Buick can add a little bit more sporty looking to their line-up. To me right now, the 2013 Enclave is already looking sporty (it looked like a boat on 2008-2012 but it still very good looking), and so is the Regal and Verano. As of LaCrosse, it can add a little sporty looking as a refresh.
http://www.lexus.com http://www.infiniti.com http://www.acura.com
Make a better version of every model on those sites….
It’s like World War II of luxury….Buick fights the Japanese brands and let Cadillac go to Europe to fight the Germans….Buick needs to go full luxury and don’t skimp on it….no more cloth seats, nothing but luxury and premium everything….
Buick will ultimately be killed off. There is no place for near luxury in the marketplace.
I love the Buicks, I would really like to see buick be the luxury brand than cadillac thats just my opinion. i would really like to see all the Buicks come standard with the safety features like lane/departure,hud, instead of having to add to cost of the car, it should be standard on all gm cars. I would like to see the Park Avenue make a comeback!!! Buick really does not need a large car I think the LaCrosse is just fine!! Of course i would noy buy anything other than a Buick (this is my 3rd Buick) I just think Buicks ride better and are alot more queitier than Cadillacs!! Sorry Cadillac!!
Please offer a High Performence Lineup, LSA and LS3 Engines
If we’re talking about Buick and the U.S. market, you folks are missing a key issue on one side of the equation. The U.S. (and probably Europe) are living on borrowed time. All but a small minority at the top are going to be looking to trim spending. We’re going to have stagnant or declining wages, higher taxes, inflation, or perhaps all of these, but ultimately less buying power in general. That’s a fact, and it won’t matter who gets elected. If you don’t believe that and are not preparing for it you have your head in the sand.
So what does it mean for the automobile market? I think all brands will be looking to trim costs just as their buyers will be trimming spending. Buick should undercut Lexus, which appears to be the strategy. But you can’t trim costs without innovation and speed to market, else the result is loss of market share. That’s the history of GM. If GM isn’t internally different today then the same fate will result. I’d like to see hybrid technology across all models, more practical body styles, engines with direct injection, diesels, more efficient transmissions, etc. But I’m a realist, so I have my sites set low on this one. I’m waiting to see if GM can redesign an armrest, and bring the revision to market without just dumping the issue into a mid-cycle refresh. That will tell me a lot about GM’s organization, and future.
They need to fix the current problem first. As the owner of a 2012 Regal GS, I’m already having transmission and steering component problems. No tune or hard driving on this car. It seems they tried to “market” this car to enthusiasts, but were really hoping bankers in suits would purchase them. It needs a sturdier clutch and beefier transmission components before they start trying to market this car as sporty.
Now, next up, the current line up is fine, however, if GM thinks they can pull the wool over people’s eyes by pushing FWD cars onto buyers, they’re in for an awakening. They need at the very least a mid size RWD car and it wouldn’t hurt to have a high HP RWD car for people who remember when Buick’s had some balls.
I just don’t get it. What kind of buyer chooses a sedan for a sports car, or for “sporty” driving — especially a brand oriented towards smooth, quiet, comfortable driving? I think of sedans as the car of choice for those who need to transport people — kids, carpool buddies, or old folks. But sporty driving? Don’t see it in a car more oriented for passengers. I’d choose a Miata, and dream of it being a Chevrolet made in Tennessee.
You don’t get it because you’re closeminded. The answer to your question is some people have families to include children, but still want to have a sporty ride. I gave up my MINI Cooper S for my Regal GS, which is marketed as a “sports sedan.” And just on the offset you didn’t hear, this is the new Buick. Long gone is the floaty ride cloud machines of yesteryear.
Offer a turbo in the LaCrosse, I seen reports where others are saying the e-assist is sluggish. I’m considering a Regal or LaCrose this yr but want a car with spunk.
I doubt they will offer turbo in LaCrosse. Because that’s where V6 comes in and Lexus only have V6 on ES350. But it’s possible that they can put turbo 4 on midlevels…
GM needs to shed some weight on these Buicks if they insist on these turbo 4s.
The LaCrosse is somewhat heavy in weight, it does need power, but the current V-6 gives poor gas milage.
A coupe would be great…….more standard items…..lumbar, power seats, etc in base Verano for a start……
Ever missed a Buick Road Master? well Buick was never in the same level as Cadillac even with Road Masters or Rivieras. BUT they were still Buicks. not Chevrolets not Cadillacs, but Buicks. long time ago Buick meant something. Buick WAS a character. but now it means almost nothing. It cant compete with Mercedes, BMW, Audi or even Lexus, Infiniti, Acura. the game has changed but Buck has not. nobody even follows the Buick news! you wanna know why? cause when you buy a Buick you cant say that I chose it between BMWs or Lexuses. you can only say that chose it between Buicks! it almost competes with nothing! no one leaves Cadillac, Mercedes (and of course BMW and Audi these days!) for a Buick but it’s OK. just as I said before Buick was never in that Class. BUT people should leave Lexus, Infiniti and Acura for Buick cause that is the class Buick should be in. Cadillac is now seeing better days and they are going to be the best as they were (when BMWs were jokes) and I say Buick must see better days too but in the right direction.
Give Buick back its own brand identity without badge-engineered Opels!!! Opel cars do not fit to the American and Chinese markets.
I think some of the answers have gotten off-track. For Buick to be successful, they have to define who they are in the marketplace. GM used to have the stair-step marketing niches in place back in the day – but most people don’t care about that kind of snobbery any more.
Lincoln is having the same issue: where are they in the marketplace and why should people buy one vs. a Ford?
Bottom line: with only four GM divisions (really 3 plus a redundant truck division of GMC), they have to fill the gap between Chevy, which is basic transportation, and Caddy, high end luxury performance.
It should capitalize on that very gap: more than basic transportation but not redundant, which means premium and sportier options in the near-luxury market space but not as much chrome and flash of Cadillac. Understatement but not as anemic and boring as Olds or Buicks of the 1990s – 2000s were.
I agree. The market for Buick is to undercut Lexus. I don’t see them being successful competing at the same level with the same products. Lexus and the others are too established, already offer considerable variety, and GM would just be playing catch up with Buick when they already have Cadillac anyway. Buick would be most successful capitalizing on what they do well (smooth and quiet). Where they need to improve is in their power-trains.
I think they also need something unique to attract attention. Boring sedans — more of the same — won’t get that done. Everybody offers sedans, so it’s already intensely competitive, and GM’s in particular are overly conservative looking.
When I saw the Envision Concept I thought “That’s It.” The odd, impractical doors one could do without, but the futuristic interior and outward design — that is what Buick needs to attract attention. But, of course, we will probably never see it. Too risky for the conservative thinkers that run GM.
Well, let’s backtrack a bit to figure out how we got here:
Lexus made its name and came to be what it is today by making smooth, quiet, luxurious cars of all sizes and classes. Reliability was also a big factor for its success. But 15 years ago, Lexus was nothing compared to the already-entrenched Benz and BMW. In saying that, I don’t think there’s such a thing as being too established… And if Buick wanted to, it could definitely be successful in eating Lexus’ lunch.
Ironically, the Lexus of today is confused and crazed with seemingly chasing BMW to a point that it has walked away from what made it great in the first place. Today’s Lexus emphasizes performance over comfort, sporting driving over silence. By doing so, it has/will alienate many of those who bought a Lexus because it was NOT a German performance luxury machine. And Buick should be there to scoop up the detracting customers.
So, Lexus doesn’t need competing with. It will erode its own loyal customer base without help from a competitor. Buick needs to do what Lexus did in the 90s and early 2000s: soft, quiet, luxurious, reliable, comfortable vehicles that have class. The kind of car you take to the Opera house… The kind of car a soft-spoken CEO would choose to drive.
Now, the question of styling is interesting. Buick doesn’t need outlandish styling, but it doesn’t need to be conservative either. It needs to be just right — simply beautiful and classy. Not brash and bold (Cadillac), but warm, elegant, and tasteful. That should describe the entire brand.
Finally, when we talk about the GM products we see today, let’s remember that they were all started at the Old GM (with the exception of the ATS). So until we see the wave of products that were started and finished by New GM, it’s not fair to characterize the people who run the company as conservative… or otherwise.
Well said Alex!
Agreed!! I beleive this is why Hyundai is getting successful. They’re not afraid to put out cars like the Veloster. Then again, after the Aztek fiasco, maybe this is why GM is afraid to experiment. Whatever the case, Buick needs to really take it up a notch.
Buick stayed when Pontiac died because Buick consistently was profitable for GM and Pontiac lost money as in major deficits. Buick customers are the most loyal and the brand makes money year after year. Also its quality of product was better with far fewer customer complaints. If all the rest of GM had operated as well as Buick there may not have been a bankruptcy. Now, for the other side of the coin…there is really no reason why Buick cannot have RWD or AWD performance coupe to replace the old GTO, such a Stage 1. It could have a ram-air twin turbo V6 or supercharged V8 similar to the ZL1 Camaro. Bring back the functional fender vents like the Regal GNX.
A Riviera GS sports coupe with similar power options would be a real statement that Buick can cover all the bases for its expanding customer base. Since Cadillac is going to have a flagship model, why not consider a new Roadmaster or Park Ave at the top.
This all cannot happen at once but continue with new models and use cylinder deactivation/stop start to save fuel with V6’s for Buick. Limit the 4’s to base engines as Regal GS needs a turbo V6 and there should be a LaCrosse GS with turbo V6 too. My first car was a 1967 GS400 with the star-wars air cleaner, it was totally unique just like the 67 Riviera GS. I want Buick to get back to being something special and unique to keep new buyers interest. Its not impossible for Buick to offer cars like Pontiac made so long as done gradually with emphasis on quality.
Where is the Buick Electra with the Volt powertrain?
I completely agree with Tim Rosser, Buick needs to stick with high-er performance RWD sedans. A mid-size could be a Buick version of the Code 130R. I don’t think they need to do super performing vehicles, like a CTS-V, but more of like what they have right now, not super fast, but fun to drive, lightweight, and unique powertrains, like the GNX. Also, Buick needs a really special car. A modern day Riviera. Something big, bad, and beautiful.
None of you who are suggesting that Buick should be making performance vehicles are saying WHY they should do this. I suspect that the posters on this site are driving enthusiasts who want these types of vehicles, but I doubt that you are representative of the broader market, at least not the types who have been Buick customers in the past, people who Buick needs to retain. My guess is that this group longs for Pontiac and just wants to see Buick take its place. Buick will probably focus on cars that suit China first, and bring them to the U.S. if they perceive a market. I personally think there will be fewer enthusiasts in the future because money is going to get tighter. Growth will be in cars that are designed to be practical. Just my 2 cents.
Pretty much.
The same people that demand RWD for the sake of RWD seem to forget that the majority of people don’t care about the drivetrain. FWD hasn’t stopping cars from selling in the past, and FWD cars far outsell RWD cars in all but performance segments.
Buick doesn’t need a ‘V-series’ or to reserect it’s short lived “Super” line. It doesn’t need to harp on the sport image that it’s buyers aren’t even interested in the first place.
And the last thing Buick need is to bring back uncompeditive relics from 80’s and 90’s, garbage like the Road Master, Riviera, and Park Avenue. Sure, the people on THIS site might remember those cars, but average joe public doesn’t care about cars your grandfather drove, or what you personally feel Buick should embody.
They want the best now, not rehashed cars from 20 years ago.
No Grawdaddy, most people on here are not DEMANDING RWD. The concensus is Buick needs at least 1 RWD car. Sure Caddy is GM’s version of BMW, but not everyone can afford a BMW. A high HP, RWD car would entice these people to possibly try Buick. And regarding not bringing back historical names and monikers, well, obviously they brought back the GS moniker to some popularity. Sure, there’s nothing WRONG with FWD, but in typical GM marketing, they promise people one thing, and at the last minute, give us a watered down product. The Regal GS could have at the very least, had an AWD option. So, in summary, Buick needs at the very least 1 RWD car with some serious HP. In the end, it doesn’t matter what the “new” average joe buyer thinks. They’re living off the old man stereotypes anyway. It’s up to Buick to offer something exciting. And this is coming from the owner of a 2012 Regal “Gran Sport.”
Most Buick buyers want luxury, quiet, quality cars….around town and whatever trips when needed….I don’t think a sports car or RWD or super high-tech gadgets are the concern or interest…..a Buick is a very nice car; a step above
On the contrary. If you frequent as many automotive forums as I do, most people would like to see a RWD sports sedan.
Tim, again, you are getting your sample from internet postings. The point is that car forums are likely to be slanted towards an interest in performance variants. It’s an overly biased sample of people. Talk to random people and you’re more likely to find that they are just trying to match the transport of people and cargo with their budget — the budget driving how much they’ll spend on quality and luxury. When I talk to people about cars where I work the #1 topic that they raise is gas mileage, not 0-60. Some drive small cars and some massive trucks, but they’re all buying fuel, and these people are even getting a discount on it.
Ok sure Buick equals Quality and Luxury! If they are selling the Opel Insignia here as a Buick Regal how can I get a Opel Insignia OPC If it will not fit into Buicks lineup? Or is it not worth it to them to offer such a vehicle here in the states. Thanks
I think I am going with a new approach to GM’s lineup. I am only going to complain about the lack of a model or body style if I am willing to purchase it myself. Save myself a lot of headaches lol :-)
It’s worth it Dan, and it would sell. The OPC should have been the top of the line Regal model. The reasoning behind it being a watered down version…..”This is not the image we want Buick to project.” Really? What kind of idiots do GM take us for? They already projected the image by giving us the GS with the OPC’s facelift. We can only hope that the current GS is kind of a “test” GM is doing to see if a sporty Buick is actually wanted. I can’t tell you how many Regal Turbo owners have the Trifecta tune that numbs their HP numbers up to the GS’. There is no reason for a company like Buick to step outside their normal zone and offer up a nice sports package. As stated in the beginning, if the OPC is not the image Buick wants to portray, then they lied, because the OPC’s looks is what they gave us.
Personally, I’d love to see a NEW Zeta-based Buick Riviera. A nice coupe and (and new convertible) from Buick would be a nice ad. Possibly make a Buick Riviera Turbo as well to make a 2-door counterpart to the Regal.
Kris, yes a coupe!!!!!! Maybe a Verno size or even a little convertible would be so fun
And this is where GM could have taken their wonderful Pontiac Solstice package and made it a new Buick Reatta.
Jim/fix armrests
Even on this site there is a biase toward sports related vehicles, I agree most people discussing cars are talking about the practicality of the vehicles they drive on a daily basis. I am one who is interested in both practicality of vehicles as well as sports cars. At the end of the day most of us face specific economical restrictions when purchasing a vehicle.
I want a new full-size Buick! Like a Roadmaster. I currently own a ’93 Roadmaster Limited Sedan, it’s absulutely brilliant. Perfect for road trips, I took it 900 miles and never got uncomfortable once. I want pillow seats back like my Roadmaster has, All new cars feel like the seats are made of stone, and cement slabs. The biggest reason why I don’t buy new cars. If I buy a new car it better be alot better than my Roadmaster, which I haven’t seen one yet. I’d also like a bit more support for older cars. I don’t see cars as disposable objects, if somthing breaks you don’t just throw it away…(seems that you do here in America…) If I had a Volvo, or a Benz, I would be able to go to the dealership, with my 20 year old car, and get any pice it needs. But I can’t get so much as a fastener unless it’s still being used on some new car they are making…absolute rubbish. I think that a New Roadmaster would make a good flagship car for Buick.