Target Audience:
Consumers seeking a comfortable, reliable, and reasonably powerful American-made sedan.
Key Competitors 2000:
Ford Taurus, Chevrolet Lumina, Dodge Intrepid, Toyota Camry, Honda Accord.
Value Proposition:
Offers a blend of comfort, performance (especially with the supercharged option), and a spacious interior at a competitive price point.
Oem Status:
OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) General Motors manual.
Primary Coverage:
Owner's Manual
Specific Topics Listed:
Safety Seats, Seat Belts, Airbags, Instruments & Controls, Pre-driving Checks, Heater/AC, Audio Systems, Starting & Driving, Emergency Procedures, Service, Appearance & Care, Maintenance, DIY, Technical & Consumer Information, Index
Estimated Page Count:
~250-300
Powertrain:
General operation and basic maintenance information for the 3.8L V6 (L36) and 3.8L Supercharged V6 (L67) engines.
Chassis:
Information on brakes, steering, and suspension system operation and basic checks.
Electrical:
Covers instrument panel, lighting, power accessories, and basic electrical system awareness.
Comfort And Convenience:
Detailed coverage of HVAC, audio systems, power windows, locks, and seating adjustments.
Occupant Restraints:
Comprehensive guide to seat belts, child safety seats (LATCH/ISOFIX compatibility mentioned in later models but general principles apply), and Supplemental Inflatable Restraint (SIR) system operation and precautions.
Pre Driving:
Checklists for pre-driving adjustments and safety checks.
Operation:
Guidance on starting the engine, driving techniques, and understanding dashboard indicators.
Maintenance:
Information on routine maintenance tasks, fluid checks, and recommended service intervals.
Emergency:
Procedures for breakdowns, tire changes, jump starting, and responding to warning lights.
Care And Appearance:
Tips for cleaning the interior and exterior, protecting paintwork, and maintaining upholstery.
Level:
Owner-focused; covers operation, basic maintenance, and troubleshooting common issues. Does not include in-depth diagnostic procedures or repair instructions typically found in service manuals.
Engine Code And Description:
3.8L (3800 Series II) V6 (L36)
Displacement:
3791 cc (231 cu in)
Configuration:
Overhead Valve (OHV), 90-degree V6
Bore X Stroke:
3.80 in x 3.38 in (96.5 mm x 85.8 mm)
Horsepower L36:
200 hp @ 5200 rpm
Torque L36:
225 lb-ft @ 3600 rpm
Optional Engine Code And Description:
3.8L Supercharged V6 (L67)
Horsepower L67:
240 hp @ 5200 rpm
Torque L67:
280 lb-ft @ 3600 rpm
Induction:
Sequential Fuel Injection (SFI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline, 87 Octane (91 Octane recommended for supercharged model)
Coolant Type:
GM/Dex-Cool® Long Life Coolant (50/50 mix with distilled water)
Type:
Distributorless Ignition System (DIS)
Transmission Type:
4-Speed Automatic (4T65-E)
Transmission Type Supercharged:
4-Speed Automatic (4T65E-HD)
Modes:
Driver Shift Control (selectable modes like Normal, Sport, or Traction Control depending on trim)
Fluid Type:
Dexron III (or equivalent)
Capacity:
Approx. 10.0 Quarts (9.5 Liters)
Length:
198.0 inches (5029 mm)
Width:
71.4 inches (1813 mm)
Height:
56.5 inches (1435 mm)
Wheelbase:
109.0 inches (2769 mm)
Front Track:
60.0 inches (1524 mm)
Rear Track:
59.5 inches (1511 mm)
Curb Weight:
Approx. 3400-3600 lbs (1542-1633 kg) depending on trim and options
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Gvwr:
Approx. 4500 lbs (2041 kg)
Trunk Volume:
Approx. 15.7 cu ft (444 L)
Standard Tire Size:
P215/60R16
Optional Tire Size:
P225/55R17 (on some higher trims/options)
Wheel Bolt Pattern:
5 x 115 mm
Wheel Size:
16 x 6.5 inches (standard), 17 x 7 inches (optional)
NHTSA Frontal Crash Driver:
4 Stars
NHTSA Frontal Crash Passenger:
4 Stars
NHTSA Side Impact Driver:
5 Stars
NHTSA Side Impact Rear Passenger:
4 Stars
IIHS Frontal Offset Rating:
Good
IIHS Side Impact Rating:
Acceptable
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
Traction Control:
Available Traction Control System (TCS) on some models.
Airbags:
Driver and front passenger airbags (SIR - Supplemental Inflatable Restraint).
Seat Belts:
Front pretensioner seat belts, three-point rear seat belts.
Child Seat Anchors:
Rear seat child seat anchors (precursors to LATCH/ISOFIX).
Oil Change:
Every 7,500 miles (12,000 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first (using synthetic blend oil recommended).
Tire Rotation:
Every 7,500 miles (12,000 km)
Engine Air Filter:
Inspect every 15,000 miles (24,000 km), replace as needed. Replace at 100,000 miles (160,000 km).
Spark Plugs:
100,000 miles (160,000 km) with RTV spark plugs (recommended for L36/L67 engines).
Coolant Flush:
First flush at 150,000 miles (240,000 km), then every 5 years or 150,000 miles thereafter.
Engine Oil Capacity:
4.5 US Quarts (4.3 Liters) with filter change
Engine Oil Viscosity:
5W-30 (preferred for most conditions)
Power Steering Fluid:
GM Power Steering Fluid or Dexron III/VI
Common Problems General:
Intake manifold gasket leaks (plastic design), coolant leaks, oil leaks (valve cover gaskets), power steering pump failure, fuel pump issues, suspension component wear (bushings, ball joints).
Common Problems L67 Supercharged:
Supercharger snout seal leaks, intercooler system issues, spark plug fouling on supercharged models.
Dashboard Lights:
Check Engine Light (CEL) due to various sensor issues (MAF, O2, EGR).
Buick Legacy:
Buick, a division of General Motors, has a long-standing reputation for producing comfortable, well-built, and refined vehicles for the American market.
Regal Lineage:
The Regal has been a staple in Buick's lineup since the 1970s, evolving through various platforms and design philosophies. The 2000 model is part of the third generation of the W-body Regal.
Manufacturing Location:
Oshawa, Ontario, Canada; Lansing, Michigan, USA.
Production Years For Third Gen:
1997-2004