Buick

Buick Overview:

Buick debuts adds another new model to its slowly expanding lineup for 2013, the compact Encore crossover.

Last year, the new kid on the block was the Verano, which was the first compact car Buick has offered in over a decade. It even comes with similar styling to the Regal and standard 18-inch wheels. Inside, the materials are upscale and features like acoustic glass and triple-sealed doors make for a quieter, more comfortable interior space than expected for a car of this size and price. For 2013, the Verano adds a turbocharged model with 250-hp.

Next up is the midsize Regal sedan, which is also offered as the performance-oriented Regal GS and the the Regal eAssist. The GS gets a tuned version of the Regal’s turbocharged four-cylinder that outputs 270-hp and also features more aggressive styling. But if you are looking for more efficiency, the eAssist adds a small 15-hp electric motor to aid in acceleration and bumps fuel economy up to 36 mpg/highway.  

The midsize LaCrosse is the flagship sedan for Buick. It also added an eAssist trim in 2012 which uses a system similar to the one found in the Regal to get 36 mpg/highway as well. If you want more power, the available direct-injected V-6 gets a bump this year up to 303-hp and can also now take E85 ethanol instead of gas. All-wheel drive is available as an option.

The new Encore is a rather small five-seat crossover that is characterized by its short front and rear overhangs. It gets good fuel economy for a near-luxury crossover, at 33 mpg on the highway.

Rounding out Buick’s lineup is the three-row Enclave crossover. The power liftgate comes standard, a welcome convenience feature, while heated and cooled front seats and a navigation system are optional, as is all-wheel drive.