I have rented a 2016 Verano for the last 10 days and I am REALLY impressed with it. It is VERY quiet/comfortable with a great ride and it handles surprisingly well. It handles like a smaller car but rides like a much larger one.
I'm one of those customers, too. Former BMW owner, now Buick Regal. And my younger sister traded in a 2012 Chrysler 200 (couldn't stand it for very long) for a Buick Verano. So yep, you're right on!
1) Buick started the whole GM conglomerate 2) Pontiac had one model that was completely its own. Yes buick used platforms and interiors but you can switch out most of the body panels on the G3, G5, some of the G6 and the torrent, the solstice was just a sky. Plus they were having trouble moving the pontiacs out of the showrooms. Buicks were moving....mainly the Enclave but still sales numbers speak for themselves. Also buicks sell really well in china.
This is what we need in the US. More small cars that don't skimp on refinement, comfort, and luxury amenities. If they offered the Verano in a wagon form I'd really be in heaven.
I bought a 2016 Verano back in Oct 2018, I like it, was looking for a used Cadillac ATS and couldn't find what I was looking for at my price range so I started looking at the Buick Verano, car is nice, does well on the freeway , I have taken it on 3 trips already Yosemite , Palm Springs, and Grants Pass Oregon and it did well, rides well for a smaller car. Mine is kind of loaded, no leather, but it has heated seats, navagation, blue tooth, and backup camera , found a it used with 20K on it and a great price
Agreed, remember back in the 80's and 90's when the 3.8 V6's at 165 and 170 HP were considered great for hauling around the full-size GM's? I'd say 180HP in a 2.4 I-4, naturally aspirated, is pretty impressive.
Right, I just looked back at an order guide for the 2013 models and under standard equipment the back up cam is on for the Verano while only optional on the Cruze and Intelilink is standard on the Verano. Guess thats one big differentiator between Chevy and Buick with how they package their vehicles. Also helps to cut the cost incase someone doesn't want the Chevy MyLink system in their car, so not forced to have it.
Good review, its a very nice driving car and one to really consider, though not as effecient as a Cruze it is still good at being over 30 mpg. Even with everyone harping about that magic 40 mark, I'd like to see a comparison of this and the ILX that is coming out.
My aunt is thinking about getting this vehicle. And with her being elderly she feels it's time to trade in her 2001 Toyota Avalon for something smaller and more fuel-efficient. And i think this Verano will fit the ticket nicely. I'm quite impressed with this vehicle kudos Buick.
I think you're right. The Cruze is mainly a city commuter vehicle; the back-up cam will be there if the car has Chevy's MyLink similar to Buick's IntelliLink. And I emphasize the word IF.
Your comment is right on the money ... I don't understand why it's been thumbed down so many times. This is exactly what's going on with GM. Despite making truly better cars, there's still way too much of the old thinking there. This car and it's sister the Cruze remind me of the Buick Skyhawk and Chevy Cavalier ... brand engineering at it's worst and what started the downfall of GM.
There is back-up sensors in this vehicles. My dad said that he's test-driven a vehicle with a back-up camera, and felt that the image from the camera was inaccurate. Remember, that's his opinion. Every other driver has different opinions as well. To me, only vehicles with high beltlines or longer vehicles like an SUV or minivan are the ones best suited for a back-up camera.
Found from Motor Trend that a rear-view camera will come in all 2013 models. Don't know if they're standard or optional (most car makers will need a navigation system/touch screen radio to make it standard).
Its more likely that the back up cam will be standard on Verano and only optional on the Cruze since Verano comes standard with the 7 inch touch screen already.
The turbo model is coming in fall 2012, with a manual transmission. Times are changing my friend, and Buick is going to be at the front of the pack. Have lingenfelter breathe on that 2.0 turbo and you'll have all the power you could want in a 3300 pound car.
Price and gas mileage numbers are good. A paddle shift could fix the transmission and make it a bit more sporty. Can't say I like the angry old man face on the back end. Reminds me to much of the previous market for this badge.
The only reason I see for it is just to get an extra shot of looking out back. It does have a high decklid to it. But I do agree to have a back up camera on such a small car seems a bit off.
GM needs to bring back the Astra to the US. Maybe they should sell it under the Buick this time? That will definitely encourage more younger buyers to the nameplate...
I don't think it is. I sat in one and it felt very comfortable. Next move, take a test drive. Sure, it may be dismissed as a fancy Chevy Cruze, but I never felt it. It felt significantly bigger when I sat in the rear seat. Also, its powertrain? Similar to the Chevy Equinox/GMC Terrain; almost matching its hp (180 hp). Not the 1.4L Turbo or 1.8L Naturally aspirated that the Cruze has. And if you need more power? 2.0L Turbo comes in 2013 with 220 hp similar to the Buick Regal turbo.
Affirmative, except for the front and rear Buick identity, it is the twin of the Opel Astra J Sedan (P10) and of course shares the GM Delta II platform with the Chevrolet Cruze (J300). It debuted in Saint Petersburg, Russia in 2012, taking advantage of the Astra J's mid-commercial facelift of the same year. In China, its main market, it was marketed under the Buick brand as the Excelle GT.
Yea about 30% of the customers are over 50, but the rest of them are all middle aged between 30-40 looking at cars like the Verano, Regal, and Lacrosse. Last month we sold the largest number of Buicks in our area.
Isn't this based on the Opel Astra, not the Cruze? Because the Cruze is based on the Astra, and the Verano interior design and side profile looks identical to the Astra.
Terrible blind spots. That's why they're putting backup cameras on small cars. Even the Kia Rio has one now. The keep make the butts taller and the c-pillars thicker. Can see sheet back up.
That 2012 seems a bit slow, I have the 2016 version which included the backup camera and sensors that alert of someone behind you, and sunroof the seats got better as well as the 0-60 is said to be around 7.5 8.0 and my engine sounds very quiet , great car of course they pulled it off the market, grr
@@analystzorncasteel3047 weather air temperature and how I've been driving plays a big role I'd say some days its 8.5 others not even close to that long , i know that's what GM specks are but GM specks aren't end all be all, other sights have it at 7.5 sec which isn't fast
I've honestly never seen one of these that wasn't part of a rental car Fleet. Aside from the Chevrolet Cruze being one of the most unreliable pieces of garbage I guess there were not enough of these sold two of established its own reliability record? Who the hell would pay in the mid-to-upper 20s to buy something like this who's resale value is inevitably going to sink faster than the Titanic? Well I guess an answer to that question not many people did which is why this was one of the biggest Automotive flops.
I personal own this vehicle and I will tell you, it is a luxury version of the cruze. This vehicle is not any faster or better performing. The motor is bigger but because it has all this sound absorbing material (increasing curb weight) it evens out. However, If you want to change this vehicles characteristics put a K&N air fitler and 89octane this will totally change the engine performance. Night and Day!
I doubt an air filter would change much, especially on a modern vehicle. As for octane, if you read the owner's manual, you're supposed to use 87 or higher. And if you know anything about gas, you're better off using the lowest you can. Which in this case is 87.
Yeah. When Marry Barra of GM decided to sell the EU division Opel. Unfortunately that was the end of GM in EU. Their last car was the 2017 Opel Insignia/Buick Regal. Then the plug was pulled for good.
Easy. Pontiac sales were down, right along with Oldsmobile. Buick sales were higher. And with their new product line, Buick sales have been going through the roof since 2010. And in China, Buick is the cash cow for GM. GM would've made a terrible business move killing off Buick.
Love how they think this is good MPG. In 2000 my then new 3.4 V6 Impala with more horse power with a 4 spd tranny got the same MPG and could hold 6 people and 18 CU FT Of Luggage. So, tell me where is the 12 years of advancement here in the MPG?
I haven't driven one of these but I've heard good things about them. I HAVE driven an ILX, this car's main competitor supposedly, and that thing is the worst piece of garbage I have driven in years. Noisy, underpowered, and not much room inside (I was scraping the headliner). It does look better than the Verano, but that's not enough to choose one.
I was in the Market for a used mid sized sedan and tried out ILX with only 15k on it, it was terrible. The ride was very stiff and the car was so underpowered for a 2.4. The ride felt cheap, felt the road and bumps something awful. I wonder how anyone ever bought it . The engine struggled to rev.
V6, but still, that car just didn't suit her at all. And the V6 was ridiculous. Plenty of power indeed. It was like stuffing a V8 into a riding lawn mower. Some people, I'm sure, find that appealing. I didn't. Neither did she. The I4 in the Verano has the right amount of thrust. Very punchy. The 200, it was like you jumped off the line, torque steer and all, and had to take care not to wipe out pedestrians, the cars in front at a stop light, or ruin tires. And the 4 in the 200 is AWEFUL!
What a stupid financial plan. Who spends $25,000 to save a couple hundred of bucks a year in fuel when the other car is already bought and paid for? While she is at it, maybe she should buy a bridge to save on tolls?
As a former Pontiac owner, I just dont see what is appealing about this car. It means to me that GM just polished up its act a little, it just shined it up. A "sporty" Buick is this: a nerd in a bandana with shades is a nerd just the same. What I have been trying to say is that Buick can't escape what it is in the same way GM can't escape that it sacrificed loyal owners for any semblance of profitability.
Oh, I do. I just don't subscribe to GM touting this car as anything but what it is. It's only #1 because there is a huge number of passionless drones who drive. Who do you think is running the company now, anyway?
I watched it because i used to be blindly loyal to GM. Not anymore and not in its current state. I didnt say u were a drone. When i said passionless drone i referred to the vermin in suits who run the company 'cause i'm sure they drive.
No selling points really? Fully loaded for under 30k with heated steering wheel, seats, navigation, and passive entry. If you can find another car like that I will gladly kiss you on the mouth, tounge or no tounge its your choice. And the majority of customers car trading in BMWs, Audis, and Honda/Acura cars for this one.
Cash cow or not, this is why GM has no right to ask for another bailout. an overpriced, tarted-up, hideous-looking Chevy Cruze clone doesn't sound like a resurgence to me. The "new GM" is this: Chevy- What the company revolves around Cadillac- Earning every opportunity to become more respectable within the industry Buick- Gets all the crappy FWD cars GMC- Money pit which is nothing more than a trim level of Chevy
I love how the rear of the car looks angry.
yes , it says "back off Jerk!"
I have rented a 2016 Verano for the last 10 days and I am REALLY impressed with it. It is VERY quiet/comfortable with a great ride and it handles surprisingly well. It handles like a smaller car but rides like a much larger one.
I'm one of those customers, too. Former BMW owner, now Buick Regal. And my younger sister traded in a 2012 Chrysler 200 (couldn't stand it for very long) for a Buick Verano. So yep, you're right on!
I can't stop laughing at the cameraman's creative choices LOL
1) Buick started the whole GM conglomerate
2) Pontiac had one model that was completely its own. Yes buick used platforms and interiors but you can switch out most of the body panels on the G3, G5, some of the G6 and the torrent, the solstice was just a sky. Plus they were having trouble moving the pontiacs out of the showrooms. Buicks were moving....mainly the Enclave but still sales numbers speak for themselves. Also buicks sell really well in china.
where did you get the different grill?!
Makes me proud to say I'm a Verano 1SL owner. Same color and everything. Love my girl. Just wish it had the turbo.
Awesome video. Just did one of my own on this version of the car we got in South Africa. The Opel Astra J sedan.
This is what we need in the US. More small cars that don't skimp on refinement, comfort, and luxury amenities. If they offered the Verano in a wagon form I'd really be in heaven.
I bought a 2016 Verano back in Oct 2018, I like it, was looking for a used Cadillac ATS and couldn't find what I was looking for at my price range so I started looking at the Buick Verano, car is nice, does well on the freeway , I have taken it on 3 trips already Yosemite , Palm Springs, and Grants Pass Oregon and it did well, rides well for a smaller car. Mine is kind of loaded, no leather, but it has heated seats, navagation, blue tooth, and backup camera , found a it used with 20K on it and a great price
Agreed, remember back in the 80's and 90's when the 3.8 V6's at 165 and 170 HP were considered great for hauling around the full-size GM's? I'd say 180HP in a 2.4 I-4, naturally aspirated, is pretty impressive.
Right, I just looked back at an order guide for the 2013 models and under standard equipment the back up cam is on for the Verano while only optional on the Cruze and Intelilink is standard on the Verano. Guess thats one big differentiator between Chevy and Buick with how they package their vehicles. Also helps to cut the cost incase someone doesn't want the Chevy MyLink system in their car, so not forced to have it.
Love my verano
I agree, just so everyone knows, its not an option of Buick's, its an E&G Classics grill. Just in case you guys didn't realize it.
Good review, its a very nice driving car and one to really consider, though not as effecient as a Cruze it is still good at being over 30 mpg. Even with everyone harping about that magic 40 mark, I'd like to see a comparison of this and the ILX that is coming out.
My aunt is thinking about getting this vehicle. And with her being elderly she feels it's time to trade in her 2001 Toyota Avalon for something smaller and more fuel-efficient. And i think this Verano will fit the ticket nicely. I'm quite impressed with this vehicle kudos Buick.
this is the car we just had.. sadly we were in a car accident (January 15th 2020) horrible crash to the passenger seat
You guys okay? I know I’m late but thought I’d ask.
I think you're right. The Cruze is mainly a city commuter vehicle; the back-up cam will be there if the car has Chevy's MyLink similar to Buick's IntelliLink. And I emphasize the word IF.
Your comment is right on the money ... I don't understand why it's been thumbed down so many times. This is exactly what's going on with GM. Despite making truly better cars, there's still way too much of the old thinking there. This car and it's sister the Cruze remind me of the Buick Skyhawk and Chevy Cavalier ... brand engineering at it's worst and what started the downfall of GM.
Looks Exactly Like My Verano :)
This car is really nice looking and a really good value.
There is back-up sensors in this vehicles. My dad said that he's test-driven a vehicle with a back-up camera, and felt that the image from the camera was inaccurate. Remember, that's his opinion. Every other driver has different opinions as well. To me, only vehicles with high beltlines or longer vehicles like an SUV or minivan are the ones best suited for a back-up camera.
Found from Motor Trend that a rear-view camera will come in all 2013 models. Don't know if they're standard or optional (most car makers will need a navigation system/touch screen radio to make it standard).
Its more likely that the back up cam will be standard on Verano and only optional on the Cruze since Verano comes standard with the 7 inch touch screen already.
Whoa whoa whoa..... that mesh grill is very nice, how come i've never seen it before?
The turbo model is coming in fall 2012, with a manual transmission. Times are changing my friend, and Buick is going to be at the front of the pack. Have lingenfelter breathe on that 2.0 turbo and you'll have all the power you could want in a 3300 pound car.
post road test of VERANO TURBO!!!
It's actually an Opel/Vauxhall (Europe)with added American 'bells&whistles'
The nave screen says it's July 27th and the temp is 43? Also no leaves on the trees. I'm going to guess the date is not set right. :)
I found out about next year's Verano Turbo and it'll be a baby Regal GS with 250 hp and quite a bit of torque.
It's based on the Cruze, which is based on the Astra. You answered the question yourself. ; )
Price and gas mileage numbers are good. A paddle shift could fix the transmission and make it a bit more sporty. Can't say I like the angry old man face on the back end. Reminds me to much of the previous market for this badge.
The only reason I see for it is just to get an extra shot of looking out back. It does have a high decklid to it. But I do agree to have a back up camera on such a small car seems a bit off.
GM needs to bring back the Astra to the US. Maybe they should sell it under the Buick this time? That will definitely encourage more younger buyers to the nameplate...
I don't think it is. I sat in one and it felt very comfortable. Next move, take a test drive. Sure, it may be dismissed as a fancy Chevy Cruze, but I never felt it. It felt significantly bigger when I sat in the rear seat. Also, its powertrain? Similar to the Chevy Equinox/GMC Terrain; almost matching its hp (180 hp). Not the 1.4L Turbo or 1.8L Naturally aspirated that the Cruze has. And if you need more power? 2.0L Turbo comes in 2013 with 220 hp similar to the Buick Regal turbo.
The Verano is like a 21st Century Cimmaron but a lot better much better than the Cruze
no it's not 'based' on the Cruze, it's a rebadged astra sedan.
I thought it was based on the Astra?
Many of the interior parts are the same as my Astra.
Affirmative, except for the front and rear Buick identity, it is the twin of the Opel Astra J Sedan (P10) and of course shares the GM Delta II platform with the Chevrolet Cruze (J300).
It debuted in Saint Petersburg, Russia in 2012, taking advantage of the Astra J's mid-commercial facelift of the same year. In China, its main market, it was marketed under the Buick brand as the Excelle GT.
Safely backing up a car is not about the size of the car, rather it is about the visibility.
Don't know if I should trade in my 2012 focus sel for this Well this car does drive better
Very nice and unique car.
Yea about 30% of the customers are over 50, but the rest of them are all middle aged between 30-40 looking at cars like the Verano, Regal, and Lacrosse. Last month we sold the largest number of Buicks in our area.
Could that Verano that John was introducing a 2013 Verano Turbo? It has a different grille.
Isn't this based on the Opel Astra, not the Cruze? Because the Cruze is based on the Astra, and the Verano interior design and side profile looks identical to the Astra.
larger c pillars make for more difficulties in changing lanes... not just backing up and back-up cameras aren't going to help that.
Its actually coming out with 250 hp and 260 lb ft of torque with a 6 speed manual optional.
I think that says more about the V6. At 3.4 liters, it should make more than just 180hp.
i want to test-drive one but they are a rare car out here in the sticks.
The Verano is yes... But I was talking about the Impala.
Same engine in the 2011 Regal and MW basically called it slow.
i believe a turbo is supposed to show up soon on the verano with 220hp and 260 lb. ft. torque
Is the law mandating the back up cameras to be standard?
Terrible blind spots. That's why they're putting backup cameras on small cars. Even the Kia Rio has one now. The keep make the butts taller and the c-pillars thicker. Can see sheet back up.
That 2012 seems a bit slow, I have the 2016 version which included the backup camera and sensors that alert of someone behind you, and sunroof the seats got better as well as the 0-60 is said to be around 7.5 8.0 and my engine sounds very quiet , great car of course they pulled it off the market, grr
Your car doesn't go to 60 mph anywhere less than 8 & 1/2 seconds, if you don't have the turbo engine.
They are nice cars, though
@@analystzorncasteel3047 weather air temperature and how I've been driving plays a big role I'd say some days its 8.5 others not even close to that long , i know that's what GM specks are but GM specks aren't end all be all, other sights have it at 7.5 sec which isn't fast
Remember, this is only an estimate. The way you drive a vehicle may effect fuel economy.
I've honestly never seen one of these that wasn't part of a rental car Fleet. Aside from the Chevrolet Cruze being one of the most unreliable pieces of garbage I guess there were not enough of these sold two of established its own reliability record? Who the hell would pay in the mid-to-upper 20s to buy something like this who's resale value is inevitably going to sink faster than the Titanic? Well I guess an answer to that question not many people did which is why this was one of the biggest Automotive flops.
I personal own this vehicle and I will tell you, it is a luxury version of the cruze. This vehicle is not any faster or better performing. The motor is bigger but because it has all this sound absorbing material (increasing curb weight) it evens out. However, If you want to change this vehicles characteristics put a K&N air fitler and 89octane this will totally change the engine performance. Night and Day!
bob ferri higher octane does nothing for power, allows higher compression, don't think 89 octane will give u any more power, I know it wont
I doubt an air filter would change much, especially on a modern vehicle. As for octane, if you read the owner's manual, you're supposed to use 87 or higher. And if you know anything about gas, you're better off using the lowest you can. Which in this case is 87.
Trisha Kirk Higher octane is for higher compression.
Depends on what is written in the owners manual. Some of these 2.4L ecotec engines actually do suggest 91 octane for best performance.
Ir was a great looking car but for some reason Buick pulled the plug on them in 2017 (I could be wrong on the year)
Yeah. When Marry Barra of GM decided to sell the EU division Opel. Unfortunately that was the end of GM in EU. Their last car was the 2017 Opel Insignia/Buick Regal. Then the plug was pulled for good.
the back of the car looks like angry birds red bird's face.
I DO not like GM vehicles but this car I would buy 🤫😩
Бьюик, ага!!! Я тоже владелец "Бьюика" , ептеть, только хетчбека!
You're sooooo wrong. The sales on this car are up so high it's ridiculous. Google "Verano sales" ... the consumers have a different opinion.
Easy. Pontiac sales were down, right along with Oldsmobile. Buick sales were higher. And with their new product line, Buick sales have been going through the roof since 2010. And in China, Buick is the cash cow for GM. GM would've made a terrible business move killing off Buick.
And why does this thing have a big N/A 4-cylinder? Bring on Opel's 1.6 Turbo.
Love how they think this is good MPG. In 2000 my then new 3.4 V6 Impala with more horse power with a 4 spd tranny got the same MPG and could hold 6 people and 18 CU FT Of Luggage. So, tell me where is the 12 years of advancement here in the MPG?
gene978 your v6 impala back in 2000 did not have more horsepower
I haven't driven one of these but I've heard good things about them. I HAVE driven an ILX, this car's main competitor supposedly, and that thing is the worst piece of garbage I have driven in years. Noisy, underpowered, and not much room inside (I was scraping the headliner). It does look better than the Verano, but that's not enough to choose one.
I was in the Market for a used mid sized sedan and tried out ILX with only 15k on it, it was terrible. The ride was very stiff and the car was so underpowered for a 2.4. The ride felt cheap, felt the road and bumps something awful. I wonder how anyone ever bought it . The engine struggled to rev.
V6, but still, that car just didn't suit her at all. And the V6 was ridiculous. Plenty of power indeed. It was like stuffing a V8 into a riding lawn mower. Some people, I'm sure, find that appealing. I didn't. Neither did she. The I4 in the Verano has the right amount of thrust. Very punchy. The 200, it was like you jumped off the line, torque steer and all, and had to take care not to wipe out pedestrians, the cars in front at a stop light, or ruin tires. And the 4 in the 200 is AWEFUL!
At the beginning, the car has the wrong grille.
Cool Cruze, brah.
naaa.. Buick has a lot of customers. Trust me I work at a Buick dealership. It's such a shame they got rid of Pontiac and Saturn they were great cars.
Intellink confusing?? Lol let me write your reviews then_ there’s nothing ‘too much’ about the control panel on this car.
What a stupid financial plan. Who spends $25,000 to save a couple hundred of bucks a year in fuel when the other car is already bought and paid for? While she is at it, maybe she should buy a bridge to save on tolls?
As a former Pontiac owner, I just dont see what is appealing about this car. It means to me that GM just polished up its act a little, it just shined it up. A "sporty" Buick is this: a nerd in a bandana with shades is a nerd just the same. What I have been trying to say is that Buick can't escape what it is in the same way GM can't escape that it sacrificed loyal owners for any semblance of profitability.
Since when is 21 MPG city a "stellar" rating for ANY four cylinder vehicle?????
On paper, at least. I guess it depends on what #1 means to you.
1:52 the "eyebrow" isnt aligned properly
Opel Astra
Except for that ugly grill, it's not a bad looking ride.
Rudy F The grill isn't ugly.
Verano GS with 260 hp at $30k or less would be nice, otherwise no deal. They should also remove the ugly rear "eyebrows" while they're at it.
Oh, I do. I just don't subscribe to GM touting this car as anything but what it is. It's only #1 because there is a huge number of passionless drones who drive. Who do you think is running the company now, anyway?
Opel astra J
haha no lol. things have changed dramatically in the last few years for Buick.
Also the engines, sound deadening, looks....
senior citizen eyebrows
Chrome on the back lights just looks fugly
Cat should be quicker ... I cannot understand it.
I watched it because i used to be blindly loyal to GM. Not anymore and not in its current state. I didnt say u were a drone. When i said passionless drone i referred to the vermin in suits who run the company 'cause i'm sure they drive.
Why are you drawn to buying cars with terrible blind spots? LOL
Illogical. I can shoot myself in the foot, but doesn't mean I'll do it just because I can.
LMAO
This is made to compete with AUDI??? with an engnie putting out less than 260 hp?? Def not competeing with audi
No selling points really? Fully loaded for under 30k with heated steering wheel, seats, navigation, and passive entry. If you can find another car like that I will gladly kiss you on the mouth, tounge or no tounge its your choice. And the majority of customers car trading in BMWs, Audis, and Honda/Acura cars for this one.
Cash cow or not, this is why GM has no right to ask for another bailout. an overpriced, tarted-up, hideous-looking Chevy Cruze clone doesn't sound like a resurgence to me. The "new GM" is this:
Chevy- What the company revolves around
Cadillac- Earning every opportunity to become more respectable within the industry
Buick- Gets all the crappy FWD cars
GMC- Money pit which is nothing more than a trim level of Chevy
That motor sounds horrid!!
its a Buick lol