🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Buick

Model:

Regal

Year:

2004

Platform Code:

W-body

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Mid-size Sedan

Target Audience:

Individuals and families seeking comfortable, reliable, and stylish transportation, often with a preference for American brands and a balance of performance and economy.

Key Competitors:

Ford Taurus, Chevrolet Impala, Dodge Intrepid, Toyota Camry, Honda Accord, Nissan Altima

Vehicle Highlights:

Comfortable ride, spacious interior, refined styling, available V6 engine, good value proposition.

📋 Manual Details

Covered Regions:

North America (USA, Canada)

Estimated Page Count:

150-250 pages (typical for owner's manuals of this era)

Type:

Owner's Manual

Language:

English

Format:

PDF Download

📖 Manual Coverage

Powertrain Systems:

Engine operation, cooling system, fuel system, exhaust system, ignition system, lubrication system

Drivetrain Systems:

Transmission (automatic), drivetrain components (drive axles, differential)

Chassis Systems:

Braking system (ABS, traction control), steering system, suspension system, wheels and tires

Electrical Systems:

Battery, charging system, lighting, wipers, horn, power accessories (windows, locks), instrument panel and controls, basic fuse identification

Comfort And Convenience:

HVAC system, audio system, seating, interior controls, keyless entry, cruise control

Safety Systems:

Airbags, seat belts, child restraint systems (LATCH/ISOFIX), vehicle security system

Routine Maintenance:

Checking fluid levels (oil, coolant, brake fluid, power steering fluid, windshield washer fluid), checking tire pressure, replacing wiper blades, basic cleaning procedures

Do It Yourself Activities:

Jump starting the vehicle, changing a flat tire, checking and replacing fuses, adding windshield washer fluid

Safety Considerations:

Safe driving practices, emergency procedures, parking brake operation, hazard warning operation

Towing Information:

Towing a trailer (weight limits, trailer wiring, hitch recommendations, trailer braking requirements), towing the vehicle itself (flat towing, dolly towing, recreational towing)

Depth:

Covers essential owner-level information for operating, maintaining, and understanding vehicle features. Not a comprehensive service or repair manual but provides guidance on routine checks and basic tasks.

📊 Manual Specifications

Digital Format:

PDF (Portable Document Format)

Printability:

Printable on standard home or office printers. High-resolution text and diagrams suitable for printing.

Binding:

N/A (Digital download, no physical binding)

Paper Type:

N/A (Digital download, no physical paper type)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Type:

Naturally Aspirated V6

Displacement:

3.8 L (3800 Series II)

Engine Code:

L36 (Naturally Aspirated)

Horsepower:

200 hp @ 5200 rpm

Torque:

230 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm

Fuel Delivery:

Sequential Port Fuel Injection (SFI)

Fuel Type:

Unleaded Gasoline

Block Material:

Cast Iron

Cylinder Head Material:

Aluminum

Valvetrain:

Overhead Valve (OHV), 12 Valves (2 valves per cylinder)

Compression Ratio:

9.4:1

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type:

4-Speed Automatic

Transmission Code:

4T65-E

Optional Transmission:

None for 2004 Regal (V6 models exclusively used 4T65-E)

Transmission Features:

Driver Shift Control (manual shifting capability), lock-up torque converter for improved fuel economy

📐 Dimensions

Length:

197.3 inches (5012 mm)

Width:

71.4 inches (1813 mm)

Height:

56.2 inches (1427 mm)

Wheelbase:

110.5 inches (2807 mm)

Passenger Volume:

Approx. 100 cubic feet

Trunk Volume:

Approx. 15.1 cubic feet

Curb Weight:

Approx. 3400-3600 lbs (depending on trim and options)

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:

Approx. 4500-4700 lbs

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Front Impact Driver:

5 Stars

NHTSA Front Impact Passenger:

5 Stars

NHTSA Side Impact Front Driver:

4 Stars

NHTSA Side Impact Front Passenger:

4 Stars

NHTSA Side Impact Rear Passenger:

4 Stars

IIHS Moderate Overlap Frontal:

Good

Traction Control:

Traction Control System (TCS) - Standard on some trims, optional on others

ABS:

Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) - Standard on all models

Airbags:

Frontal airbags for driver and front passenger, optional side-impact airbags

Seat Belts:

3-point seat belts with pretensioners and load limiters for front occupants, 3-point seat belts for rear occupants

Child Restraints:

LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren) system in rear seats

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Standard AM/FM stereo with CD player. Optional premium sound system (e.g., Monsoon) available on higher trims. Cassette player was also common.

Climate Control:

Manual climate control standard, optional dual-zone automatic climate control.

Cruise Control:

Standard cruise control

Auxiliary Input:

No standard auxiliary audio input (3.5mm jack) or USB ports. Bluetooth connectivity was not a factory option for this model year.

Keyless Entry:

Remote keyless entry system often standard or optional depending on trim level.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 7,500 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first, with synthetic blend or synthetic oil. Consult manual for specific oil type.

Tire Rotation Interval:

Every 7,500 miles

Coolant Flush Interval:

First flush at 100,000 miles, then every 50,000 miles thereafter (Dex-Cool coolant specified).

Transmission Fluid Change:

Check at regular intervals, typically recommended around 100,000 miles or as needed based on driving conditions (consult manual for specific recommendation).

Engine Oil Spec:

SAE 3.8L V6: SAE 5W-30 (API certified)

Coolant Type:

GM P/N 12378515 (Dex-Cool Extended Life Antifreeze/Coolant)

Transmission Fluid Type:

Dexron VI Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF) (Note: Earlier models may have specified Dexron III, but for 2004, Dexron VI is often backward compatible and recommended for optimal performance).

Power Steering Fluid:

GM P/N 1050017 or equivalent (Dexron III ATF can often be used).

Common Problems:

Upper intake manifold gasket leaks (especially on 3800 Series II engines with the plastic intake manifold), power steering pump leaks or whine, accessory drive belt tensioner failure, occasional window regulator issues, PCM (Powertrain Control Module) failures.

Common Problems Cont:

Spark plug and coil pack issues on Series II engines, early transmission solenoid issues.

📚 Vehicle History

Brand Legacy:

Buick, established in 1899, is one of America's oldest automotive brands, known for its focus on comfort, quietness, and premium features within the mainstream market.

Regal Lineage:

The Regal has been a consistent model in Buick's lineup since 1973, evolving through several generations and body styles, often serving as a more sporting or upscale alternative within Buick's sedan offerings. The 2004 model is part of the seventh generation (2000-2004) of the Regal, based on GM's W-body platform.

Manufacturing Location:

Oshawa Car Assembly, Oshawa, Ontario, Canada

Production Years:

The 2004 model year Regal was produced from late 2003 through mid-2004.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Safety Awards:

Received good safety ratings from NHTSA and IIHS, as detailed in the safety section, indicating a well-performing vehicle for its time.

Consumer Reviews:

Generally praised for its comfortable ride and quiet cabin, though criticized for dated interior styling and some powertrain options by reviewers in its class. Reliability was mixed, with the 3800 V6 engine generally being robust, but certain components could be prone to failure.