1985 Buick Somerset Regal review from North America

Interior materials are showing their age with minor cracking and the occasional break.

Two small rust spots have appeared on the right side, but have been treated.

My Buick Somerset is turning out to be a delightful surprise for only paying $1200.

This car has given me no problems, even though I hammer the throttle almost all the time. I use lightweight oil (5w30) and it shows no signs of leaking or burning.

The interior is a win lose situation. The seats are comfortable, even though they sit very low, and there is generally ample leg room even with 4 passengers in this compact coupe. Did I mention it has a nice trunk?

The bad part about this is that the controls require a long reach while driving and the ride is well composed, but stopping and other movements feel uncontrolled.

For being a mid '80s General Motors vehicle it handles quite well, however the 13 inch tires squeal with aggressive movements. The steering feels a tad disconnected and the brakes feel like they were taken out of a car weighing about 1000 pounds heavier.

Acceleration in this 3 speed 4 cylinder car is quite amazing under 35mph and more than adequate up to 65mph. Accelerating beyond 65 is slow and gruesome, which can contributed to only 98hp @ 5000RPM. The kick-down gear is ineffective at any speed over 70 mph. Long grades leave this car trailing in the right lane at about 55mph, and that's with the transmission and engine growling under full throttle. Hot summer days make this car lethargic across its power-band regardless of speed. This car gets between 23 and 33 mpg from its 12 gallon fuel tank.

This car has made a great first car and is a very good in city stop and go vehicle, mostly the latter of the two (stoplights are very fun, especially with the throttle half way and the brake set and ready to let off). :)