TTAC Throwback: 2012 Buick Regal GS

by Tim Healey

January 22nd, 2023 12:54 PM

Today's throwback for your midday enjoyment is a 2012 Buick Regal GS.

I remember driving this car some years ago and found it to be a fun-to-drive luxury sedan -- the kind that has sadly gone bye-bye due to the crossover craze. I'd still like to find a well-kept used one. A stick-shift luxo-sedan with fun moves? Sign me up.

Take a gander at Ed Niedermeyer's thoughts here.

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9 of 34 comments

Robert on Jan 23, 2023

I own a 2017 Buick Regal sport touring, I've had this car since new it has been absolutely trouble free good fuel mileage and its quick for 4cyl. Has a European feel and is very comfortable, did I say it's quick, it will beat the turbo mustang

1 Reply
JMII on Jan 23, 2023

Always thought these were good looking sedans. I remember hearing some of these rebadged Opels had clocks that only displayed 24 hour time due to their European roots. I can imagine that driving US customers nuts.

1 Reply
Arthur Dailey on Jan 23, 2023

Sorry but I find that type of review worthless. I live and drive in one of the largest urban centres in North America. Traffic is always congested. If I get to drive over 50kms per hour, it is on a smooth, flat, divided highway. What I care about are visibility, seating comfort, road noise, cargo capacity, reliability, defrosting capability, road clearance and the maintenance schedule. Not one of which are mentioned in this 'review'.
I prefer manual transmissions but realize that they are 'burdensome' in stop and go urban traffic. In my opinion a 3800 equipped, made in Oshawa, large Buick sedan would be a far preferable ownership experience than the car reviewed.
If 'driving dynamics' were/are so important to consumers why then do SUVs/CUVs and pick-up trucks dominate the sales figures?

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- See 3 previous
- Ajla on Jan 23, 2023
  
  You don't think reviews of vehicles marketed as a sports sedan should focus more on performance?
  It's like complaining that a review of a sci-fi movie focused on special effects or a musical review focused on dancing.
  Obviously buyers weren't especially interested in things like this car because they don't exist anymore. But I still don't think a review of a Regal GS should talk much about road clearance and defroster performance.
  
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- 28-Cars-Later on Jan 23, 2023
  
  "In my opinion a 3800 equipped, made in Oshawa, large Buick sedan would be a far preferable ownership experience than the car reviewed."
  
  Can confirm this is true.
  
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- MaintenanceCosts on Jan 23, 2023
  
  Agree with ajla - if those are your priorities, this is not the vehicle for you. The review addresses the priorities of the intended buyer pretty well. A review of a CR-V would probably focus on the things you talk about, well, maybe with the exception of "defrosting capability," which has been pretty much fine on every vehicle since climate control systems came into the modern era around 30 years ago.
  
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- Arthur Dailey on Jan 23, 2023
  
  @Maintenance costs, you and @ajla make a good point. However there have been many complaints regarding the HVAC/defrost system on CRVs of the most recent generation. And since Honda owners have gone public with these issues, owners of other similar vehicles have voiced the same concerns. From the article linked below: "Honda Canada spokesperson John Bordignon says the 1.5 L Turbo engine was, "designed with efficiency in mind" which means the engine does not produce the "high levels of excess heat" as quickly as less efficient engines". https://www.cbc.ca/news/business/honda-crv-civic-heater-1.5960676
  
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- FreedMike on Jan 23, 2023
  
  Not everyone is after the same "ownership experience." I owned a LeSabre with the 3800 for over 11 years, and yes, it was big, comfy, and low-maintenance. It was also poorly suited for my driving style. A butt for every seat, as they say...
  
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CoastieLenn on Jan 23, 2023

I REALLY want one of these and they don't seem to get ragged out by tunerboiz because #Buick. My only wish is that they came with the V6TT that the Europeans got in their Vauxhall version of this exact same car (same bumpers, wheels, and interior too).

Like Reply
- Stuart on Jan 23, 2023
  
  The Vauxhall Insignia came with the 2.8T V6 (single turbo) that came in the Saab 9-3, 9-5, 9-4X and Cadillac SRX.
  
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