MM Test-Drive: 2012 Buick Verano
#31
Lexus Fanatic
Thread Starter
I test-drove another Verano a couple of days ago....this time with the leather package, which includes the engine-start/stop button and a few other niceties. The full-leather seats were not only noticeably more comfortable, cushion-wise, than the earlier cloth/leatherette seats I tried (they are the same as the top-line LaCrosse leather seats), but also more-adjustable for a person my size...I could get into a better driving position than with the base cloth seats. The ride quality, for some reason, also seemed smoother....though a small amount of road noise, as with the cloth-seat model, filters in on coarse-pavement, and the exhaust makes some muffled-noise on acceleration. Otherwise, it is like a tomb inside....just the way I like it.
Folks..........I think I'm falling in love.
If I don't get another Subaru, this car is now first on my shopping-list. No, the reliability has not been proven (I'm aware of that), but, on the surface at least, it appears to be much more solid and better-built than other American-market Buicks....and, of course, from the Opel platform, has some German features to it. And recent German Opels, despite a less-than-perfect past, have been improving in reliability.
Folks..........I think I'm falling in love.
If I don't get another Subaru, this car is now first on my shopping-list. No, the reliability has not been proven (I'm aware of that), but, on the surface at least, it appears to be much more solid and better-built than other American-market Buicks....and, of course, from the Opel platform, has some German features to it. And recent German Opels, despite a less-than-perfect past, have been improving in reliability.
Last edited by mmarshall; 03-12-12 at 08:30 PM.
#32
Lexus Test Driver
Glad you liked it M! Considering your affection for past GM vehicles, it seems like a good fit. They've certainly gotten better and better.
#33
Lexus Champion
I noticed in Consumer Reports that no Buicks are "Recommended", due to low or declining reliability. This includes the Enclave, LaCrosse (AWD & FWD) and Regal. Chevy Cruze (Verano's cousin) is in the same spot. If this information is accurate I hope GM/Buick corrects things. Buick seems to have a lot going for them now and it would be a shame to develop a reputation for questionable reliabilty..
#34
Pole Position
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I test-drove another Verano a couple of days ago....this time with the leather package, which includes the engine-start/stop button and a few other niceties. The full-leather seats were not only noticeably more comfortable, cushion-wise, than the earlier cloth/leatherette seats I tried (they are the same as the top-line LaCrosse leather seats), but also more-adjustable for a person my size...I could get into a better driving position than with the base cloth seats. The ride quality, for some reason, also seemed smoother....though a small amount of road noise, as with the cloth-seat model, filters in on coarse-pavement, and the exhaust makes some muffled-noise on acceleration. Otherwise, it is like a tomb inside....just the way I like it.
Folks..........I think I'm falling in love.
If I don't get another Subaru, this car is now first on my shopping-list. No, the reliability has not been proven (I'm aware of that), but, on the surface at least, it appears to be much more solid and better-built than other American-market Buicks....and, of course, from the Opel platform, has some German features to it. And recent German Opels, despite a less-than-perfect past, have been improving in reliability.
Folks..........I think I'm falling in love.
If I don't get another Subaru, this car is now first on my shopping-list. No, the reliability has not been proven (I'm aware of that), but, on the surface at least, it appears to be much more solid and better-built than other American-market Buicks....and, of course, from the Opel platform, has some German features to it. And recent German Opels, despite a less-than-perfect past, have been improving in reliability.
My opinion , respect yours as always... before anyone asks, due to multitude of events, had to say good-bye to the IS... and a full review is coming on the Optima if I ever get some time...
#35
Out of Warranty
Buick has had a long relationship with Opel since the early '70's when they marketed their cars in the US. I believe it provided an object lesson for GM that was badly needed. I bought a '72 Opel 1900 Rallye and a friend bought a Chevy Vega - both were new offerings that year and the differences were enormous. The Opel was light and nimble while the Vega was a compact tugboat. Chevy was very proud of the all-aluminum 4 cyl engine, but it was pretty much a stone. The car was slow, heavy, poorly finished, and with that new engine, subject to engine failures of a catastrophic nature. The 4-speed manual transmissions were worlds apart, the Opel was light and positive with the softest but most positive (hydraulic) clutch pedal imaginable - the Vega shifted like a dump truck. The Chevy actually made the Pinto, introduced about the same time, look like an engineering masterpiece - and that's a stretch.
On the subject of instrument panels, I've wondered of late just who lays these things out? Years ago when the conventional "steam gauges" were set into the panel it became evident that the needles should all point either straight up or to the right when all was well under the hood. It was a visual reference thing - you didn't need to read exactly how many pounds of oil pressure you had when just a glance to ensure the needle was vertical gave you the information you needed. This is particularly important when the gauge faces themselves are small and have only a narrow range of movement. However the instrument was calibrated, however it had to be rotated in the bezel, a common position for the instrument needles made them easily interpreted at a glance. If you look at the instrument panels of aircraft, racing cars, or anywhere that critical information must be read quickly, you'll see this convention in place. Normal operation = everything points up, even on the big tach, shift points are just to the right of center. Why then do so many cars today ignore this in favor of "styling"?
I'm with you Mike, visibility of the instrument panel is critical. If the steering wheel rim doesn't block important gauges (and with only a few present, they're ALL important), my hands at 10 and 2 block them quite effectively. It seems the only solution is to adjust the wheel to some odd angle reminiscent of either a fighter pilot or an Italian bus driver, all the way down, or all the way up - with appropriate settings for the seatback. Funny thing is, that with the use of "idiot lights" to warn of everything from a tire going down to the tailgate open, the critical stuff like oil pressure, battery and the like, even the warning lights are being hidden all over the binnacle, with many conveniently hidden out of sight behind the wheel.
One unexpected plus for the interior of our old minivan: two weeks ago, appropriately dressed for our rodeo season, I got into the van with my cowboy hat on. OK, I removed it for entry, but with the chill wind typical of our rodeo season, I reached across the seat and screwed it on my head for warmth. Surprise! I had plenty of clearance (3+ fingers) between the rather tall crown and the headliner. That's unusual today, even in the "cowboy Cadillac" (pickup). I guess because no one but a cowhand or a construction worker wears anything taller than a ball cap anymore, headroom is no longer a consideration, having been given up in favor of a low silhouette.
On the subject of instrument panels, I've wondered of late just who lays these things out? Years ago when the conventional "steam gauges" were set into the panel it became evident that the needles should all point either straight up or to the right when all was well under the hood. It was a visual reference thing - you didn't need to read exactly how many pounds of oil pressure you had when just a glance to ensure the needle was vertical gave you the information you needed. This is particularly important when the gauge faces themselves are small and have only a narrow range of movement. However the instrument was calibrated, however it had to be rotated in the bezel, a common position for the instrument needles made them easily interpreted at a glance. If you look at the instrument panels of aircraft, racing cars, or anywhere that critical information must be read quickly, you'll see this convention in place. Normal operation = everything points up, even on the big tach, shift points are just to the right of center. Why then do so many cars today ignore this in favor of "styling"?
I'm with you Mike, visibility of the instrument panel is critical. If the steering wheel rim doesn't block important gauges (and with only a few present, they're ALL important), my hands at 10 and 2 block them quite effectively. It seems the only solution is to adjust the wheel to some odd angle reminiscent of either a fighter pilot or an Italian bus driver, all the way down, or all the way up - with appropriate settings for the seatback. Funny thing is, that with the use of "idiot lights" to warn of everything from a tire going down to the tailgate open, the critical stuff like oil pressure, battery and the like, even the warning lights are being hidden all over the binnacle, with many conveniently hidden out of sight behind the wheel.
One unexpected plus for the interior of our old minivan: two weeks ago, appropriately dressed for our rodeo season, I got into the van with my cowboy hat on. OK, I removed it for entry, but with the chill wind typical of our rodeo season, I reached across the seat and screwed it on my head for warmth. Surprise! I had plenty of clearance (3+ fingers) between the rather tall crown and the headliner. That's unusual today, even in the "cowboy Cadillac" (pickup). I guess because no one but a cowhand or a construction worker wears anything taller than a ball cap anymore, headroom is no longer a consideration, having been given up in favor of a low silhouette.
Last edited by Lil4X; 03-13-12 at 06:55 AM.
#36
Lexus Fanatic
Thread Starter
I noticed in Consumer Reports that no Buicks are "Recommended", due to low or declining reliability. This includes the Enclave, LaCrosse (AWD & FWD) and Regal. Chevy Cruze (Verano's cousin) is in the same spot. If this information is accurate I hope GM/Buick corrects things. Buick seems to have a lot going for them now and it would be a shame to develop a reputation for questionable reliabilty..
#37
Lexus Fanatic
Thread Starter
I'm with you Mike, visibility of the instrument panel is critical.
Normal operation = everything points up, even on the big tach, shift points are just to the right of center. Why then do so many cars today ignore this in favor of "styling"?
#38
Lexus Fanatic
Thread Starter
I test drove this as well Mike (I test everything right? ) and while I agree with your assessments, try an Optima... the only "negative" is size, as it's a bit larger than my previous IS... but better in every other phase, and ranks higher in MPG, power, handling, interior IMO is superior and... higher safety ratings across the board... chose over the Sonata turbo for looks, price, service
My opinion , respect yours as always... before anyone asks, due to multitude of events, had to say good-bye to the IS... and a full review is coming on the Optima if I ever get some time...
My opinion , respect yours as always... before anyone asks, due to multitude of events, had to say good-bye to the IS... and a full review is coming on the Optima if I ever get some time...
#39
Lexus Fanatic
Thread Starter
Most of my prior affection for GM vehicles was WAY in the past...the ones I grew up with in the 60s and early 70s. After that, IMO, most of them, like other American-badged vehicles, became junk, quality-wise....and stayed that way until the last couple of years. The Verano, IMO, appears to be the best small car to come with an American-nameplate (despite its German-derived platform) in literally decades. The Chevy Cruze is also very nice, but somewhat less-so.
Last edited by mmarshall; 03-13-12 at 09:24 AM.
#40
Pole Position
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....I like almost everything about it except for the stiff ride on the SX models and the feedback-centering of the steering weel while cornering. One nice thing that I like, though, about the Optima, is that unlike with most turbo-cars, you can get an EX turbo, (and the same powertrain) without the stiffer SX turbo's suspension (IMO, comfort-wise, that's a BIG selling-point). Most manufacturers force you to get the stiffest suspensions with all of their top-line turbo-vehicles.
#41
Lexus Champion
I agree that other Buicks have questionable build-quality (I've examined all of them). I'm also aware of the Cruze's worse-than-average problem-rate. I also agree that the Verano's reliability, in the American-market, has yet to be proved. But, despite these negative omens, several things, right now, seem to be going in the Verano's favor. First, it uses a number of different parts from the Cruze, in the drivetrain and interior, including a different engine. Second, its overall material-solidness and quality seems to be, on the surface, at least, a noticeable step above other Buicks (and most other GM-badged cars). Third, the Opel Astra, which shares many components, especially inside, already has a very good reputation in Europe.
#43
Out of Warranty
There was a time when Ford was known for producing fireballs, and not the good kind. Prior to the Pinto, they built the early Mustangs in which the top of the fuel tank formed the trunk floor. Drop something pointy in there, or get it bounced around a bit, and BOOM!!! More recently the cruise control fiasco of the mid to late '90's turned Crown Vics and Town Cars into Zippos when parked overnight. Something would short out in the cruise module and you had a major underhood fire. Bad enough on the street, but in your garage it was catastrophic. Worse, if that were an attached garage, it could kill you and your whole family as it burned down your home. Took 'em about three years to issue a recall
#44
Out of Warranty
#45
Lexus Fanatic
Thread Starter
Except possibly for the present-generation Chevy Malibu, the Verano is the first GM product in some years (since the original Saturn S-series of (1990-2000) that I would seriously consider buying. For my tastes, the designers have done an excellent job on this car (though I would miss my Outback's AWD and versatile cargo-space). My only real complaint is the complex stereo/clock video-screen (I like simple controls in a car)......but, hopefully, I could get used to it. (After all, I once flew airplanes, and that takes some practice)
Last edited by mmarshall; 03-14-12 at 08:00 PM.