Buick Regal

The redesigned Buick Regal takes on a striking profile, as it adopts coupe-like styling and a convenient hatchback. It weighs in at about 200 pounds less than the previous-generation sedan. With the wheelbase extended more than 3 inches, the proportions provide more passenger and cargo space. This new Regal will be offered in front and all-wheel drive and powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine. A 7-inch infotainment system is standard, while an 8-inch will be offered. Both get Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, a five-year subscription to OnStar Basic, and they are equipped with OnStar 4G LTE WiFi capabilities. Most advanced safety features are optional, with the notable exception of a pedestrian-protecting active hood. The new German-built Regal goes on sale late 2017.

This well-honed and satisfying sports sedan has a European feel, thanks to its Opel roots. It is the antithesis of the whitewall-tired Buick of old. With its agile handling, quick steering, and a taut, steady ride, the Regal is one of Buick's best offerings. The 259-hp, 2.0-liter turbo four-cylinder delivers strong performance and 24 mpg overall. High-quality materials are used throughout the cabin. The front seats are firm and supportive, though the rear seat is quite snug. The large trunk is a bonus. Infotainment system controls are mostly simple, and all-wheel drive is available on all trim lines. Overall, this is a highly capable yet understated car. The GS is a sportier version with a tauter suspension. A redesign that consists of a hatchback version and a raised AWD wagon arrives in the fall.

Before 2011, the Regal was a humdrum car with a floaty ride and rubbery steering. Buick revitalized the Regal nameplate in 2011, basing the model on Germany's Opel Insignia. As such, it conveys a typically European driving experience, with a taut ride, sporty handling, and excellent fit and finish. Firm, supportive seats and tight rear accommodations are another European trait of Buick's mid-size model. Changes for 2014 included more horsepower for the turbocharged engine, a revised interior treatment with simpler controls, more available contemporary electronic safety features and optional all-wheel drive.

This sedan provided a smooth ride and responsive routine handling in our tests in the early 1990s, but was not very competent in emergency maneuvers. Regals of this vintage have a split-bench front seat and an uncomfortable rear seat. The car was redesigned for 1997, but retained an old-fashioned floaty ride and rubbery steering. Handling is improved somewhat with the Gran Touring suspension package. Acceleration is good with the base 3.8-liter, 200-hp V6, and quicker with the supercharged version, which pumps out 240 horses and makes the Regal quick but not sporty.