Market Segment:
Mid-size sedan, targeting consumers seeking a blend of comfort, style, and performance within the GM lineup.
Key Competitors:
Ford Taurus, Chevrolet Impala, Toyota Camry, Honda Accord, Chrysler Concorde.
Unique Selling Points:
European-inspired styling, comfortable ride, available supercharged engine option (for Grand Prix, often shared platforms/engines).
Benefit To Owner:
Empowers DIY repairs, reduces maintenance costs, improves understanding of vehicle systems, ensures correct procedures.
Engine:
Full coverage including diagnosis, repair, overhaul, timing, fuel injection, ignition, emissions.
Transmission:
Automatic transmission service, repair, diagnosis, fluid specifications, and component replacement.
Brakes:
Hydraulic system, ABS diagnosis and repair, brake pad/rotor replacement, caliper service.
Suspension:
Front and rear suspension components, shock absorbers, struts, control arms, wheel alignment procedures.
Steering:
Power steering system diagnosis and repair, steering column, steering rack/gearbox service.
Electrical:
Complete wiring diagrams, component testing, fuse and relay locations, starter, alternator, battery service.
HVAC:
Air conditioning system diagnosis and recharge, heater core replacement, climate control operation.
Body:
Body panel repair, door mechanisms, glass replacement, interior trim removal and installation.
Restraints:
Airbag system diagnosis and service, seatbelt operation.
Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and top-offs, tune-up procedures, tire rotation.
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic flowcharts, symptom-based troubleshooting, common issue identification and resolution.
Repair:
Step-by-step repair instructions for all major vehicle systems, including component replacement and overhaul.
Diagnostics:
OBD-II code interpretation, sensor testing, circuit analysis, using scan tools.
Depth:
Comprehensive coverage from basic scheduled maintenance to in-depth engine and transmission rebuilds, including electrical schematics.
Engine Code And Description:
L36 (3.8L V6 OHV) naturally aspirated
Engine Code And Description Optional:
L67 (3.8L V6 OHV) Supercharged
Horsepower L36:
200 hp @ 5200 rpm
Torque L36:
225 lb-ft @ 3600 rpm
Horsepower L67:
240 hp @ 5200 rpm
Torque L67:
280 lb-ft @ 3600 rpm
Fuel Injection Type:
Sequential Multi-Port Fuel Injection (MPFI)
Recommended Fuel:
87 Octane Regular Unleaded (89 Octane for Supercharged)
Block Material:
Cast Iron
Cylinder Head Material:
Aluminum
Transmission Type Standard:
4-Speed Automatic (4T65-E)
Transmission Type Optional:
N/A for Regal (though similar platforms might offer alternatives)
Transmission Features:
Electronically controlled, driver-selectable modes (e.g., Normal, Sport).
Transmission Fluid Type:
Dexron III (or equivalent/newer specification)
Length:
Approximately 196.9 inches
Width:
Approximately 71.5 inches
Height:
Approximately 56.1 inches
Wheelbase:
Approximately 109.0 inches
Curb Weight:
Approximately 3400-3600 lbs (depending on trim and engine)
NHTSA Frontal Impact Driver:
5-Star
NHTSA Frontal Impact Passenger:
5-Star
IIHS Moderate Overlap Frontal Offset:
Good
ABS:
Standard on all models
Traction Control:
Available on certain trims/as an option
Airbags:
Driver and front passenger airbags standard, optional side-impact airbags.
Seatbelts:
3-point front and rear seatbelts, pretensioners for front seats.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 5,000-7,500 miles or 6 months, using synthetic blend or full synthetic oil.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Approximately 100,000 miles (depending on plug type, e.g., iridium)
Coolant Flush:
Every 30,000-50,000 miles or 2-3 years.
Engine Oil Type:
SAE 5W-30 Synthetic Blend or Full Synthetic
Engine Oil Capacity:
4.5 quarts (with filter)
Coolant Type:
Dex-Cool (Orange) Long-Life Coolant (50/50 mixture with distilled water)
Common Problem 1:
Intake manifold gasket leaks (common on 3800 V6 engines).
Common Problem 2:
Lower intake manifold gasket failures can lead to coolant loss and potential engine damage if not addressed.
Common Problem 3:
Power steering leaks, often from the pump or lines.
Common Problem 4:
Transmission control module (TCM) issues leading to erratic shifting.
Common Problem 5:
Window regulator failures.
Buick Legacy:
Buick has a long history of producing comfortable, refined, and often upscale vehicles, positioning itself as a premium American marque.
Regal Positioning:
The Regal served as Buick's mid-size offering, often sharing platforms with other GM vehicles (like the Pontiac Grand Prix and Oldsmobile Intrigue) for cost-efficiency.
Manufacturing Location:
Oshawa, Ontario, Canada
Production Years For Ln3:
1997-2004
