2012 Buick Verano - Drive Time Review with Steve Hammes | TestDriveNow

[@elementalpuck]

I test drove this yesterday. We went in looking at the Regal, but this thing was awesome. It is a solid car and bank vault quiet. The doors are smooth, thick and solid. I was really impressed with its power and comfort. The cabin is excellent and the base Bose stereo and bluetooth/navigation screen with push button remote start are really cool. All of this for $25,000, I was stunned.

[@socalguy97]

I actually tested both (helping my sister shop). The 6 in the 200 did have a ton of power, but with that of course is the loss of mileage, obviously. She picked the 4 for that specific purpose. But wow was it unrefined. Wasn't even the steering, though I know what you mean. It was overall the whole car. Just so cheapish, even with the updates. She owned it for about 2 months before she couldn't take it anymore (the 200 sum total). Saw the Verano, loved it, bought it. The 4 isn't underpowered.

[@mattrocha123]

it has orange turn signals, but it does not have the rear fog lights. We don't usually get fog where i am in Texas, but when we do, you cant even see 10 feet in front of you so they would be nice. Hope this helps!

[@iwingkitli86]

thanks for the great review steve! long time fan here!

[@76carmel]

I too was impressed when I tested drove the Verano. Who needs a Turbo with 180 hp being plenty of power for its size. (Turbo model comes out next model year with 220 hp motor in the Regal Turbo). I tested the Chrysler 200 with the V6, and I thought the steering was a little heavy for me; the Verano handled quite well for me. Did you test the 200 with the I-4 or V-6?

[@benadamsons]

Odd question for you, Steve. Does the Verano have orange/amber rear turn signal repeaters and - less likely - a rear fog lamp? I ask because I've had the crazy idea of trying to import one into the UK. Love the reviews - keep up the good work!

[@knack0125]

Hey steve, are you going to get to test an ILX at all? I am really thinking its time to buy my own vehicle (not run the parents). So i'm on the fence between this and a Cruze so I guess i'm wondering is how does it stack to the ILX as competition and is it worth the price bump and mpg loss compared to the Cruze?

[@76carmel]

Out of curiosity, which Verano did your sister purchase (base, convenience, leather)? The convenience is still pretty good with leatherette/cloth seats -- and pricewise is good at the $25k.

[@DevPack]

i work at detail for a dealership that has Buick. You will be surprised how many they sold this month!!!. Sold 3 of em yesterday.

[@76carmel]

Currently, the best comparison is the just-released Acura ILX. The "small" feels midsized when I test drove it. Some people thought that the back seat was tight, but I didn't think it was. Some will try to compare the Buick Verano to the Audi A4, but its a wrong comparison -- the Regal compared to that Audi. The Audi A3 is the comparison for those who want to compare; but I only see the new ILX as its comparison.

[@socalguy97]

She went with the leather package because she wanted that chocaccino color, and only the leather equipped models at the dealer where she bought the car had it. BUT--she was totally happy with the base model, and would likely have driven off the lot with base or convenience had they not all been in black or titanium. For her, it was all about color. Btw, the leatherette seemed so good and so soft, it was hard to tell difference from the real stuff. The sticker on her's was a little over 28k.

[@AerialDevKrk]

The interior is identical with European Opel/Vauxhall Astra... I'm curious what about other parts like chassis.

[@76carmel]

I just read something about Motor Trend's website about the new Verano Turbo; they're gonna put 250 hp in that thing; torque steer and turbo lag would be something to worry for some. However, I think they'll play the Verno Turbo as a baby Regal GS. I think the current Verano is plenty powerful and comfortable; and to me, it's a baby LaCrosse, and it ain't bad at all.

[@nrborod1]

OK--so you liked the Verano, but how do you compare it to other cars at this price point--the Sonata, Accord, Camry--etc?

[@nrborod1]

I wonder how smooth and quiet the ILX is in comparison to the Verano--which is VERY--something always missing in Honda Products--I have had 7 Hondas since 1984.....even my 2007 Accord EXL v6 needed more sound proofing.

[@bmwmsport11]

Good video. I think this is up against the Acura ILX and ILX only. I'll just have to test both and see which is better. I like acura's styling, but like the buick's quality...

[@socalguy97]

Really? When do you anticipate that? Considering that sales of all Buick models are consistently up since 2010--Verano sales were up 24% alone (in February I think). They're the oldest existing American upscale brand on the market, and still going very strong.

[@celsorod]

Man its great to see Buick alive and kicking, good job Thats a sweet car for 27k.

[@Jabronie0]

Don't know if I should get this or wait for the Dodge Dart R/T

[@76carmel]

Even if you don't have the leather seats with the base package and convenience package that's offered, still fully loaded at the $25k; not bad.

[@vtec407]

deciding between this and the Acura ILX 6spd

[@ganthc]

I don't think you can call a car luxury unless it has leather on the base model. I do really like the look of the Verano though. I just think that if Buick wants to position its vehicles as competitors to luxury cars, it needs to have leather included in the base price.

[@Jabronie0]

Very good value indeed, the Verano fully load costs the same as a fully loaded Mitsubishi Lancer GT

[@SL_barn]

what about the ILX 2.4?

[@dspill77]

I've had many a high-mileage American and Japanese car-the most reliable among those being a '91 Ford Escort, a 1992 Pontiac Grand Prix and a 1991 Jeep Cherokee, the reliability differences are negligible these days...and do you not remember the quality woes Toyota has found themselves in over the past few years?

[@stevehammes]

Or Mercury????

[@no40]

best looking American car that I've seen in.....I don't know how many years......nice job, buick

[@socalguy97]

I don't think they compete as the 200 isn't marketed as luxury; the Verano is marketed as such. Even if they did compete, I'd still go with Verano. Better style (to me). Much higher quality materials. Much more for the money. My younger sister had the new 200 and it screamed "cheap, basic transpo" ... she saw the Verano, bought it and loves it. I drove both of them myself and have to give my vote to the Verano over the 200. The 200 just seemed so unrefined in comparison.

[@NemarusNetwork]

The car is very heavy, and they had to keep costs down. They also don't want a cvt due to drone.

[@76carmel]

There will be the Verano Turbo -- which he will test in the near future.

[@bcrogsnc]

Is it just me, or does it look like it has more rear legroom than the midsize new Malibu?

[@nrborod1]

This car has much more presence when you see it in the flesh

[@1KonArtis]

My 98 Buick Regal is a sports sedan. :D Dat 3800 V6 Engine.

[@theoriginalmikee]

Steve could you make more RV reviews?

[@dspill77]

Hell, I had a '97 Chrysler Sebring JXi convertible with almost 300k miles and I damn near drove the wheels off of it

[@stevehammes]

Verano. Not even a question.

[@todwcampbell]

Very nice! Looks like the Americans finally made another car that will compete on all levels! The interior is very nice also!

[@Kizashi33]

nice review keep up ;)

[@danielpark94]

i could do without the chrome in the back.. otherwise seems like a great little car

[@tommycirrus]

Hey Steve, please tell Jerry Reynolds The Car Pro to get a clue and stop hating on GM; like your review. thx

[@bowmandale0]

I'm soooo getting one!!

[@d0ugz24]

Well done Buick!

[@Vanningirl]

Yeah, I don't care if they're a dead company,The Mercury in my driveway that is a 98 MGM has 174k miles, Not very many problems The 1999 Buick Century in the driveway..has only 64k miles and has had a bad transmission, its very uncomfortable (mom put Continentals on it instead of white walls.MAJOR improvement) I could go on about that buick, but I won't. lol .But I won't mind a Verano,the LaCrosse VERY Nice, I hope they never bring back Centuries. They can't reach 60mph without vibrating crazy.

[@76carmel]

Steve did a preview of the Acura ILX -- check out his KZbin page.

[@matrixloader]

180hp and a 0-60 time of 8.6 sec? this car must be really heavy.

[@76carmel]

Dude, I don't think Mercurys are made anymore.

[@socalguy97]

And that 6 in the 200, to me, seemed tantamount to cramming a 350 V8 into a smart car (ora go cart). It's completely unnecessary. The Verano's 4, from my driving experience, felt turboish. Plenty of get up and go, or at least it 'feels' that way.

[@stevehammes]

Oh my gosh, it's not even close. Buick.

[@PuppetKing]

Is it me or it still looks like the Chevy Cruze?

[@johnsonl3656]

i'll spend a little more money to get the Regal!

[@tylerkuehni2709]

200 is a midsize, but in the same price range

[@TheseSmithers007]

Nice!

[@emilsponga2081]

wow only 27 k for that cimmaron , i mean verano

[@Sanpedranoazul]

Those two eyebrows in the back thou...

[@movadopika]

I can't tell Steve, did you like it... LOL!!

[@mterwill9]

@PuppetKing that's because it is

[@Csubyka08]

Opel(Vauxhall) Insignia! if you know what i mean :D

[@noamzacks3315]

It's not b ased on the Insignia,the Reagle is the Insignia(with added 'bells&whistles for US market).The Verrano is Opel/Vauxhall Astra with added features for the US...

[@stevehammes]

C'mon! You know you love it ;-)

[@Puzzoozoo]

Nice.

[@RetroGamerVX]

Naa, it doesn't look executive at all, it looks like a japanese car. It's a Vauxhall Insignia with a different body, so how can that be defined as luxury? Don't get me wrong, I like the Insignia, but it's not an executive class car. I can never get over how tacky Buick's emblem looks :o(

[@tallen35875]

i'll take a Regal please.

[@emilsponga2081]

the americanized opel engine ? its a four with a battery... so who else is...nvm

[@camaroman101]

Not a class leader? the only competition is the ILX and from what i am hearing most like the Verano more. sounds to me like you're just disgruntled about Pontiac being killed off. you do have my sympathies and hopefully after gas prices keep going up and SUVs stop selling GM will kill off GMC and bring back Pontiac

[@Jahwarrior91]

cut the elevator music next time Steve lol

[@nrborod1]

You call 180 HP and 32HWY/21 CTY MPG OVER-ACHIEVING? C'Mon!

[@TekTrekgamer]

Oh no... not a Mercury...

[@Vanningirl]

I'd still rather drive a Volkswagen or Mercury.

[@ThorMaxx]

Hummers are no longer produced...

[@kalargyi]

it reminds me of the Crappy Suzuki Verona

[@tungol00]

+ AWD

[@alijalab]

like it. ;)

[@Vanningirl]

durrrrrr, That's why I buy used cars.

[@conlazymeo]

look ugly and cheap. i do not want to buy one.

[@JAMAICANTECHDUDE]

Looks very ugly interior and exterior bloated

[@fmmnta]

Looks cheap cruze.

[@molythro]

torsion beam....