Brand Perception:
Buick positioned as a comfortable, upscale, and refined American brand.
Direct Competitors:
Ford Taurus, Chevrolet Impala, Dodge Intrepid, Toyota Camry, Honda Accord, Nissan Altima.
Driving Experience:
Emphasis on a smooth, quiet, and comfortable ride.
Interior Appointments:
Typically featured well-appointed interiors with comfortable seating and available premium options.
General Coverage:
Comprehensive owner's information for the 2002 Buick Regal.
Specific Sections:
Safety Seats, Seat Belts, Supplemental Air Bags, Instruments and Controls, Pre-driving Checks and Adjustments, Heater, Air Conditioner and Audio Systems, Starting and Driving, In Case of Emergency, Service and Appearance and Care, Maintenance and Do-it-Yourself, Technical and Consumer Information, Index.
Estimated Page Count:
Approx. 250-300 pages (typical for this model year and type of manual)
Powertrain:
Engine operation, cooling system, lubrication, fuel system, exhaust system.
Chassis:
Braking system, steering system, suspension system, wheels and tires.
Electrical:
Lighting systems, instruments, gauges, power accessories, battery, charging system, fuses and relays.
Comfort And Convenience:
HVAC controls, audio system operation, power windows, door locks, seats, mirrors, cruise control.
Restraints:
Seat belt operation and adjustment, child seat installation (LATCH/ISOFIX), Supplemental Airbag System (SRS) operation and precautions.
Basic Operation:
Starting the engine, shifting gears, parking, driving techniques, fuel economy tips.
Maintenance Tasks:
Checking fluid levels (oil, coolant, brake fluid, windshield washer fluid), tire pressure checks, bulb replacement, wiper blade replacement.
Troubleshooting Basic:
Understanding dashboard warning lights, basic fault diagnosis for common issues.
Emergency Procedures:
What to do in case of a breakdown, flat tire, overheating, jump-starting the battery, basic accident procedures.
Depth:
Owner-level understanding of vehicle functions, basic maintenance, and safety. Does not contain in-depth diagnostic procedures or repair instructions typically found in a service manual.
Engine Code:
L36 (3.8L V6)
Engine Type:
3.8L Naturally Aspirated V6
Displacement:
231 cubic inches (3.8 liters)
Bore X Stroke:
3.80 in x 3.40 in (96.5 mm x 86.4 mm)
Horsepower:
205 hp @ 5200 rpm
Torque:
230 lb-ft @ 3600 rpm
0-60 Mph:
Approx. 7.5 - 8.5 seconds (depending on configuration)
Induction:
Sequential Multi-Port Fuel Injection (MFI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline
Fuel Octane Rating:
87 octane recommended
Supercharged Option Engine:
L67 (3.8L Supercharged V6) - Available on some performance trims (e.g., Super or GTP models).
Supercharged Horsepower:
240 hp @ 5200 rpm (L67)
Supercharged Torque:
280 lb-ft @ 3600 rpm (L67)
Transmission Type:
4-speed automatic (4T65-E)
Transmission Type:
N/A (Automatic was standard across most trims)
Shifting Modes:
Driver Shift Control (Column shifter with manual mode on some trims)
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
Dexron-III (or equivalent)
Automatic Transmission Fluid Capacity:
Approx. 11.5 US quarts (10.9 liters) (total capacity, drain and fill typically less)
NHTSA Front Driver Impact:
Likely 4-star (based on 2002 standards)
NHTSA Front Passenger Impact:
Likely 4-star (based on 2002 standards)
IIHS Frontal Offset Crash Rating:
Good (for models equipped with airbags)
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
Traction Control:
Available Traction Control System (TCS) on some models.
Airbags:
Driver and front passenger airbags, optional side-impact airbags.
Seat Belts:
Front and rear 3-point seat belts, driver's seat belt reminder.
Child Seat Anchors:
Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH) system in rear seats.
Audio System:
AM/FM stereo with CD player, cassette player, and optional premium sound system (e.g., Monsoon).
Climate Control:
Manual or optional automatic climate control.
Cruise Control:
Standard cruise control.
Remote Keyless Entry:
Available remote keyless entry system.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 3,000 - 7,500 miles (or 6 months), depending on oil type and driving conditions. Consult manual for specific recommendations.
Tire Rotation Interval:
Every 5,000 - 7,500 miles.
Transmission Fluid Change Interval:
Every 30,000 - 50,000 miles (or as specified in the manual, especially under severe use).
Coolant Flush Interval:
Every 30,000 - 100,000 miles depending on coolant type (typically long-life coolant is recommended for this era).
Engine Oil Viscosity:
5W-30 (preferred for most conditions)
Engine Oil Type:
API Certified SAE 5W-30
Coolant Type:
GM-specific orange extended life coolant (Dex-Cool compatible) or equivalent.
Power Steering Fluid Type:
GM Power Steering Fluid or Dexron-III ATF
Head Gaskets:
The 3800 Series II V6 (L36 and L67) is generally robust, but head gasket failures can occur, particularly with early versions of the L36 and L67 with specific sealant issues, though less prevalent than in earlier 3.1L engines.
Intake Manifold Gaskets:
Plastic intake manifold gaskets can degrade and leak coolant or cause vacuum leaks on some GM V6 engines of this era; however, this is more commonly associated with the 3100/3400 engines than the 3800.
Transmission Issues:
The 4T65-E transmission can experience issues like solenoid failures or torque converter clutch (TCC) shudder if not properly maintained.
Suspension Components:
Wear on ball joints, tie rod ends, and sway bar links is common with age and mileage.
Buick Legacy:
Buick has a long-standing reputation for comfort, quietness, and a smooth ride, often targeted at mature buyers.
Regal Lineage:
The Regal has been a staple in Buick's lineup, evolving through various designs and platforms, often offering sportier variants like the Grand Sport (GS) or performance-oriented Super models.
W Body Platform:
The 2002 Regal is part of the GM W-body platform, shared with models like the Chevrolet Impala, Monte Carlo, and Oldsmobile Intrigue, which was known for its front-wheel-drive transverse engine layout.
Manufacturing Location:
Oshawa Car Assembly, Ontario, Canada.
Production Years For This Generation:
1997-2004 (third generation W-body Regal)
Jd Power Initial Quality Study:
Buick generally performed well in J.D. Power Initial Quality Studies during this period for its segment, often recognized for its comfortable ride and features.
Ward'S 10 Best Engines:
The 3800 V6 engine family, including the Supercharged variant, was a multiple-time recipient of Ward's 10 Best Engines award, highlighting its refinement and power.
