2011 Buick Regal may be the best chance for that. About an inch longer and wider than the current Toyota Camry, the Regal is certainly an alternative to the popular Camry/Honda Accord/Nissan Altima trio, but the Regal is aimed slightly more upscale, in both content and price. It should be available by May.
The Regal is essentially an Americanized version of the Opel Insignia, and the first Regals sold in the U.S. will be built in the Opel plant in Russelsheim, Germany. Later this year production shifts to the GM plant in Ontario, Canada, which is currently building the Chevrolet Camaro.
Yes, General Motors has tried to sell Opel-based vehicles in the U.S. before, most notably the Cadillac Catera. But this time, GM hopes the result is more successful. And after a brief drive in a 2011 Regal that was close to U.S. production specifications, I think it could be a hit.
Styling is attractive, and quite un-Buick-like – gone is any hint of the traditional triple portholes on the front fenders. Inside, the Regal CXL – a base-model CS will be offered next year – comes standard with leather upholstery and a lot of other luxury features. Also standard is most every safety feature GM has, including stability control and OnStar. Base price of the CXL is $26,245, or $26,995 with shipping.
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