The Envista is the first GM made product that feels more than the sum of its parts, and I think that is a big compliment. It is fairly well tuned for its class, NVH is surprising and while it is not a pocket rocket it does the job, runs all day on regular unleaded and on not much of it. The tech is solid as well, better than on some supposed "luxury" brands. The best thing however is that price tag, and GM often has fairly good incentives from time to time and depends if you work for a company they offer corporate discounts. In an age where a Camry has a waiting list of 3~6 months and retails above $35k+, this Envista is a breath of fresh air.
It needs a 4 banger and 180 hp. Add $1,500 to the MSRP and it remains a FANTASTIC value. I think Buick dropped the ball mechanically. It's a great entry car into the brand, but a 3 banger??? Also question long term mechanical reliability (if a purchase).
Removing brand name, country of origin, etc - purely styling and impression, this feels a genuine notch "above" Toyota/Honda/Ford/etc. It could pass as a near-premium product. The fact that it's "cheaper" than those, is interesting. And while I would not compare it to Toyota/Honda in terms of genuine quality and reliability, I would tend to trust this a bit more than Hyundai/Kia products, being a global GM platform. And actually, the new logo and rebrand for Buick goes a long way (which, thinking of the Grand National era - is not a total lost cause for being desirable). I'd drive this before a lot of other things. Glad to see Buick/GM playing ball.
My only complaint with it (other than missing the AWD option which would easily increase sales) is that they picked the 1.2 engine. If it used the 1.3, which is the optional upgrade engine in the Encore Gx and Trailblazer that this vehicle shares a platform with, i'd much more happily recommend it. The 1.2 uses a wet timing belt, the 1.3 doesn't, ignoring the small but noticeable power difference, that's my only real complaint with the car
Speaking of $25-30k being the "Floor" of the current market in the US... With the discontinuing of the Forte GT, the increase in price of the Civic Si, Miata Sport, and Jetta GLi, there are now NO Enthusiast cars that start at under $30k*! :O (*Destination included, and the base Mini excluded... It starts at like $45 under $30k)
Kia is not discontinuing the Forte GT. The GT-Line & GT-L Turbo will fill the gap while the GT is moving up to Elantra N level with the new 2.5t engine.
They look fine and all, but you find the cost-cutting pretty quickly when you have a look under the skin and see the materials used in the engine bay and underneath. Personally, I would purchase a Japanese competitor over this and feel very comfortable with that decision.
I was pleasantly surprised how much I liked this thing when I first saw one. I wish it were more adequately powered or available with a 2.0t upgraded for say 35k but still, so much better than expected. So much more interesting than a Honda chr, Kona, etc.
Cheap cars like this are so much more interesting that expensive ones. Of course a 75k car 'should' drive and handle well and have the latest tech and be comfortable, but what can be done for $25k these days is astonishing. Coming from the days where the cheapest cars were manual everything, plastic fantastic, cloth seats only, a basic radio being an option, to now getting a massive touch screen as standard, faux leather seats, a decently quiet and controlled ride, good styling, etc.
Spot on, I’m ridiculously hard to please or impress. I swore off ANY new car and I’m buying one of these to replace our 15’ Yukon as the family vehicle. Keeping the Yukon but it’s getting high on mileage and need the size on a lot of occasions. But no way am I ever going to pay the new insane prices on a full size.
I hate myself for loving the exterior. Furthermore, I actually hate that it is not AWD. I could actually see myself buying an AWD Envista (again, if they made one) to not put a lot of mileage on our current vehicles...
Cheap cars are where manufactures get to show what they can do. It looks like the front seatbelt anchors are not adjustable, that stands out as a super cheapout move. I see that in chinese cars here in Jordan.
@@Three60Crusader No. Just another car in the same price range that is about the same size and cost, and considered one of the better compact cars with a drivetrain that is superior to the Buick's. Looking for insight from someone that likely has driven both.
As someone under 25, the Buick brand will forever be pathetic in my eyes. General Motors in general may as well rebrand to Boomer Motors bc that’s all I see when I’m behind one.
What a hunk of crap. That fuel economy is HORRIBLE, 30mpg combined, hahahaha. My 315hp Civic Type R gets 27.3 mpg combined while driving it spiritedly.
Honestly, I would watch an everyday driver "cheap car challenge" of sub $25K car challenge.
The $25k Everyday Appliance?
I would wager the Subaru Crosstrek might own this space.
The Envista is the first GM made product that feels more than the sum of its parts, and I think that is a big compliment. It is fairly well tuned for its class, NVH is surprising and while it is not a pocket rocket it does the job, runs all day on regular unleaded and on not much of it. The tech is solid as well, better than on some supposed "luxury" brands. The best thing however is that price tag, and GM often has fairly good incentives from time to time and depends if you work for a company they offer corporate discounts.
In an age where a Camry has a waiting list of 3~6 months and retails above $35k+, this Envista is a breath of fresh air.
The ST you drove has the 19 inch wheels and sunroof, which means it has the Watts Link rear suspension too.
I just wish the Envista, and GM in general, would use dedicated amber turn signals.
It needs a 4 banger and 180 hp. Add $1,500 to the MSRP and it remains a FANTASTIC value. I think Buick dropped the ball mechanically. It's a great entry car into the brand, but a 3 banger??? Also question long term mechanical reliability (if a purchase).
Agreed. I wonder how this would do with the boost cranked up?
Removing brand name, country of origin, etc - purely styling and impression, this feels a genuine notch "above" Toyota/Honda/Ford/etc. It could pass as a near-premium product. The fact that it's "cheaper" than those, is interesting. And while I would not compare it to Toyota/Honda in terms of genuine quality and reliability, I would tend to trust this a bit more than Hyundai/Kia products, being a global GM platform. And actually, the new logo and rebrand for Buick goes a long way (which, thinking of the Grand National era - is not a total lost cause for being desirable). I'd drive this before a lot of other things. Glad to see Buick/GM playing ball.
Made in China so I’m sure it’s a pos in the long run.
My only complaint with it (other than missing the AWD option which would easily increase sales) is that they picked the 1.2 engine. If it used the 1.3, which is the optional upgrade engine in the Encore Gx and Trailblazer that this vehicle shares a platform with, i'd much more happily recommend it. The 1.2 uses a wet timing belt, the 1.3 doesn't, ignoring the small but noticeable power difference, that's my only real complaint with the car
Speaking of $25-30k being the "Floor" of the current market in the US...
With the discontinuing of the Forte GT, the increase in price of the Civic Si, Miata Sport, and Jetta GLi, there are now NO Enthusiast cars that start at under $30k*! :O
(*Destination included, and the base Mini excluded... It starts at like $45 under $30k)
Kia is not discontinuing the Forte GT. The GT-Line & GT-L Turbo will fill the gap while the GT is moving up to Elantra N level with the new 2.5t engine.
@@JT-fq2bl The K4 replaces the Forte GT and no longer has a manual and no longer has a "Performance" GT trim of any kind in 2025.
They look fine and all, but you find the cost-cutting pretty quickly when you have a look under the skin and see the materials used in the engine bay and underneath. Personally, I would purchase a Japanese competitor over this and feel very comfortable with that decision.
I was pleasantly surprised how much I liked this thing when I first saw one. I wish it were more adequately powered or available with a 2.0t upgraded for say 35k but still, so much better than expected. So much more interesting than a Honda chr, Kona, etc.
Looked at the Envista Avenier and ended up getting the 2025 VW Jetta SEL. Also a great deal of a car!
Cheap cars like this are so much more interesting that expensive ones. Of course a 75k car 'should' drive and handle well and have the latest tech and be comfortable, but what can be done for $25k these days is astonishing. Coming from the days where the cheapest cars were manual everything, plastic fantastic, cloth seats only, a basic radio being an option, to now getting a massive touch screen as standard, faux leather seats, a decently quiet and controlled ride, good styling, etc.
Spot on, I’m ridiculously hard to please or impress. I swore off ANY new car and I’m buying one of these to replace our 15’ Yukon as the family vehicle. Keeping the Yukon but it’s getting high on mileage and need the size on a lot of occasions. But no way am I ever going to pay the new insane prices on a full size.
Hi, from Japan!! $29K for this car is what a good job Buick done. The car is definitely a Macan beater when we consider the price!! Ha ha.
3 cylinder Macan beater?
@TestDrive These are leasing for 2k down 199 a month locally in california. can't beat that deal!
I hate myself for loving the exterior. Furthermore, I actually hate that it is not AWD. I could actually see myself buying an AWD Envista (again, if they made one) to not put a lot of mileage on our current vehicles...
A far cry from the park ave ultra I used to own....
The intro…my brain can’t handle the logic chain 😂
The bottom of the market base model is so rare in youtube reviews. Perhaps an opportunity?
Fun review. If anyone needs a reason to avoid purchasing one. It can be found in the first 45 seconds.
Take a look at the European car market- Chinese EVs are becoming very popular for reasons just like this.
True story. There are so many Chinese EV's I'd rather have than this.
It is good looking and looks like it has a 1" lift.
Dodge/Plymouth/Chrysler K-cars had 2.2 L (and larger) 4-cylinder motors.
GM hasn't used the Daewoo name in nearly 15 years when they officially renamed it GM Korea
More cars like this.
Buick needs to start building hybrids, SUV'S
this car seems to be a commuter city car. now; how do we get the buyer into the Buick showroom, where they do not compete in a commuter car
Cheap cars are where manufactures get to show what they can do. It looks like the front seatbelt anchors are not adjustable, that stands out as a super cheapout move. I see that in chinese cars here in Jordan.
Why would you ever buy this? Gas mileage is terrible given the powertrain and no AWD. Buy a mid trim CX-30 if you want something this size.
Now if GM would offer AWD with another 30 hp for another 2k, they would sell a shitload of these.
Why is 30mpg for a supposedly technologically advanced car good? My dad's 20 year old Corolla gets 30 city
Cars like this show what happens when automakers actually try.
Cupra Formentor competitor?
It looks like it actually wants to tip over.
Would this "car" last for an entire lease term? (36 months and 45,000 miles)
They shouldn't be making Buick in Asia.
Why buy this over something like a Honda civic?
Because you will only buy American.... Oh wait...
Why buy a Honda civic over something like this? Is that supposed to be something special?
@@Three60Crusader No. Just another car in the same price range that is about the same size and cost, and considered one of the better compact cars with a drivetrain that is superior to the Buick's. Looking for insight from someone that likely has driven both.
Looks like a C8 corvette
As someone under 25, the Buick brand will forever be pathetic in my eyes. General Motors in general may as well rebrand to Boomer Motors bc that’s all I see when I’m behind one.
Yeah, as someone who is 45, I agree completely.
It looks like a knock-off Urus.
Made in China so should be a lot cheaper.
What a hunk of crap. That fuel economy is HORRIBLE, 30mpg combined, hahahaha. My 315hp Civic Type R gets 27.3 mpg combined while driving it spiritedly.
Made in Korea car.
Brand targeted for China.
Saved by American tax payer.
Nope.