2013 Buick Regal — Carivo review carivo.co
Sedan

2013 Buick Regal

Independent review & score by Carivo

Price Range $18,760–$23,947
Fuel Economy 18 MPG
Seating 5 passengers
Category Sedan
Est. Annual Fuel $2,917/yr

Key Specifications — 2013 Buick Regal

Engine2.0L 4-Cylinder
TransmissionAutomatic (S6)
DrivetrainFront-Wheel Drive
Fuel TypeGasoline or E85
City / Hwy MPG18 / 28 MPG
Combined MPG22 MPG
Est. Annual Fuel Cost$3,050
CO₂ Emissions409 g/mi
Seating Capacity5 passengers
Body StyleSedan
Base Price$18,760–$23,947

Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.

About the 2013 Buick Regal

Our scoring places the 2013 Buick Regal at 6.9/10 overall, which translates to a Good rating for this sedan. Its strongest dimension is Safety at 7.6/10, while Reliability at 6.4/10 is where it trails the competition most noticeably. It's a capable but unexceptional sedan — stronger alternatives exist if you're willing to shop the segment carefully.

Reliability and safety are the two dimensions that matter most for long-term ownership costs. Reliability is the weak spot: 6.4/10, under the class average. Review the recall record on this page and price in extra maintenance headroom. The safety score of 7.6/10 is solid mid-pack territory. If advanced driver aids matter to you, compare standard equipment carefully and verify ratings at nhtsa.gov.

Performance scores 7.0/10 — competent for everyday use. Acceleration and handling are adequate for commuting and highway driving, though enthusiasts will want to look at higher-rated alternatives. Technology scores 6.8/10 — the infotainment and driver-assist features feel dated against current-generation rivals. This is worth weighing if you prioritize connected features or modern safety tech.

Priced from $18,760–$23,947, 18 MPG, seating 5, the Buick Regal sits in the budget-friendly tier of the sedan market. The value score of 6.8/10 is a red flag — comparable alternatives offer meaningfully more for the same outlay. Shop the segment before deciding. At 13 years old, resale value, parts availability, and whether a successor model has improved on its weak points are all worth investigating before committing.

Our take: The 2013 Buick Regal is a passable sedan but not a standout one. Weaknesses in value and technology and reliability hold it back from being a strong recommendation. It may suit buyers with specific needs it serves well, but we'd encourage comparing at least two or three higher-scored alternatives before deciding.

Carivo scores are our own editorial assessment, informed by NHTSA safety and recall records, EPA fuel-economy figures, and manufacturer-published specifications. Scores are reviewed periodically and updated when new data becomes available. See our full methodology →

How It Ranks Among Sedans

The 2013 Buick Regal ranks #1118 of 1310 sedans in the Carivo database — better than 15% of the segment. Its 6.9/10 overall score is 0.6 points below the segment average of 7.5/10. Its $18,760 starting price undercuts the segment's median of $27,664 by about 32%.

Rankings are recalculated as new vehicles and scores are added. See the full Sedan ranking →

Which Regal Year Should You Buy?

Across the Regal model years we've scored, the 2013 holds its position — we didn't find an older year that delivers similar scores for meaningfully less money.

YearScoreStarting price (MSRP when new)
2014 7.0/10$19,600 Read review →
2013 (this review) 6.9/10$18,760
2012 6.9/10$17,920 Read review →

Pros & Cons — 2013 Buick Regal

✓ What it does well

  • Strong safety ratings from NHTSA and independent testers
  • Accessible entry price makes it one of the more affordable options in the category

✗ Where it falls short

  • Below-average reliability data — factor in potential repair and maintenance costs
  • Driving dynamics are adequate but uninspiring; not the choice for enthusiast drivers
  • Tech suite is functional but lags behind segment-best options; some features cost extra
  • Fuel economy at 18 MPG is low — running costs will add up quickly

NHTSA Recalls — 2013 Buick Regal (6 on record)

The following recall campaigns have been filed with NHTSA for this model and year. Recall repairs are performed free of charge by franchised dealers; check your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Exterior lighting / Turn signal
04/10/2012 · 12V484000
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2011-2013 Buick Regal and model year 2013 Chevrolet Malibu vehicles. These vehicles are equipped with two turn signal bulbs in each front turn signal. If one of the two front turn signal bulbs burn…
Electrical system
06/05/2013 · 13V173000
General Motors (GM) is recalling certain model year 2012 and 2013 Buick LaCrosse and Regal, and model year 2013 Chevrolet Malibu Eco vehicles equipped with eAssist. These vehicles may have a condition in which the Generator Control Module (GCM) may not…
Suspension / Rear
21/12/2020 · 20V764000
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2012-2013 Buick Regal, 2013 Chevrolet Malibu, and 2010-2013 Buick Lacrosse vehicles sold or ever registered in Connecticut, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine,…
Suspension / Rear
12/08/2021 · 21V633000
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2013 Buick Regal, Chevrolet Malibu, and Buick Lacrosse vehicles sold or ever registered in Connecticut, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts,…
Suspension / Rear
22/12/2021 · 21V00F000
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2010-2013 Buick Lacrosse, 2012-2013 Buick Regal, and 2013 Chevrolet Malibu vehicles sold or ever registered in Connecticut, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine,…

Showing 5 of 6 campaigns — see the full list on NHTSA's site.

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