The gas throttle has an electronic control that takes a while to get used to, as it tends to respond to initial inputs more dramatically than other Buicks. The acceleration is good to 60 mph, look for a time around eight seconds, and it has enough energy to easily conquer hills with a full family onboard. The four speed automatic transmission is an excellent unit, but it does need that extra fifth gear to enable the engine to loaf more at speed and increase fuel mileage.
Clearly, the Allure is a step in the right direction for Buick and should quickly make aficionados forget the Century and the LaSabre.
Young working woman's view: This is clearly a Buick in both looks and treatments. Buick has improved the silence in the interior with its "Quiet Tuning." This was accomplished by using more sound-deadening materials and a special Sandwich-construction steel panels that is said to reduce noise, and thicker carpeting. It works, but don't do a back-to-back drive with a Toyota Avalon or you are going to be disappointed. The interior look is an acquired taste, but there is nothing that would detract a potential buyer except for the dreaded chrome strip alluded to by my mother. It is not only a distraction, but out of place in this understated vehicle.
Driving the Allure is quite easy. It responds well, gives you enough road feel, and the car has more than enough speed. The brakes are reassuring with little dive under emergency stopping. I found it easy to park and roomy inside. It would not be my first choice, but owning this Buick owning one would not be embarrassing either and I think that is a credit for Buick in its quest to reach the younger buying demographic.
Young working male's view: My singing career is starting to bud. Just sold 200 CDs to Finland. Who says the Europeans don't know good tunes. Anyway, this Buick is just not in my field of vision and so I give my time to my Grandfather. (http://www.simple-thoughts.net)
Grandfather's, not working and not interested in working view: Didn't like it. Looked like a new old car. There wasn't enough room in back and getting in and out of the front seats had me holding on to the top of the car so I wouldn't hit my head. It wasn't all that quiet inside compared to the Toyota Avalon we just tested, but it was cheaper. You get what you pay for. I expect you read that before. The trunk lid was hard for me to close. My hand kept slipping off the freshly waxed paint and there wasn't any other place to grab it. I liked the Park Avenue much better. It even looked slinkier.
I really enjoyed the XM Satellite radio. I was singing along to all the top bands from the 30's and 40's much to the chagrin of my protégé, Mr. Simple Thoughts. Sort of interesting that I learned electronics by building a crystal radio set and now you get hundreds of stations without any static. Just pay the money. Being a veteran of these tests, this is my second thanks to my hip-hop rapping grandson, I prefer the Sirius satellite offerings more.
Since I have owned a number of Buicks in the past, can you say Roadmaster, I think that this one is quite good for the younger folks. I just felt out of place in it. Maybe progress isn't what I thought it would be.
Family conference: Although we liked the more expensive CXS with its many extra features, we encourage you to look at the less expensive CXS model with it proven 200-horsepower, 3.8-liter (3800) V6 that meets the stringent Super Ultra Low Emissions Vehicle (SULEV) standards if you don't mind the floaty ride. However, if you want the well-optioned CXS prepare to see a sticker price of $33,750 (US) for the heated seats, traction control, side-curtain airbags and XM satellite radio. Either way you get a much-improved Buick, but be prepared to battle that chrome strip reflection and learn to duck your head. For all manufacture websites go to http://www.reacheverychild.com/business/auto/index.html
Clearly, the Allure is a step in the right direction for Buick and should quickly make aficionados forget the Century and the LaSabre.
Young working woman's view: This is clearly a Buick in both looks and treatments. Buick has improved the silence in the interior with its "Quiet Tuning." This was accomplished by using more sound-deadening materials and a special Sandwich-construction steel panels that is said to reduce noise, and thicker carpeting. It works, but don't do a back-to-back drive with a Toyota Avalon or you are going to be disappointed. The interior look is an acquired taste, but there is nothing that would detract a potential buyer except for the dreaded chrome strip alluded to by my mother. It is not only a distraction, but out of place in this understated vehicle.
Driving the Allure is quite easy. It responds well, gives you enough road feel, and the car has more than enough speed. The brakes are reassuring with little dive under emergency stopping. I found it easy to park and roomy inside. It would not be my first choice, but owning this Buick owning one would not be embarrassing either and I think that is a credit for Buick in its quest to reach the younger buying demographic.
Young working male's view: My singing career is starting to bud. Just sold 200 CDs to Finland. Who says the Europeans don't know good tunes. Anyway, this Buick is just not in my field of vision and so I give my time to my Grandfather. (http://www.simple-thoughts.net)
Grandfather's, not working and not interested in working view: Didn't like it. Looked like a new old car. There wasn't enough room in back and getting in and out of the front seats had me holding on to the top of the car so I wouldn't hit my head. It wasn't all that quiet inside compared to the Toyota Avalon we just tested, but it was cheaper. You get what you pay for. I expect you read that before. The trunk lid was hard for me to close. My hand kept slipping off the freshly waxed paint and there wasn't any other place to grab it. I liked the Park Avenue much better. It even looked slinkier.
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Since I have owned a number of Buicks in the past, can you say Roadmaster, I think that this one is quite good for the younger folks. I just felt out of place in it. Maybe progress isn't what I thought it would be.
Family conference: Although we liked the more expensive CXS with its many extra features, we encourage you to look at the less expensive CXS model with it proven 200-horsepower, 3.8-liter (3800) V6 that meets the stringent Super Ultra Low Emissions Vehicle (SULEV) standards if you don't mind the floaty ride. However, if you want the well-optioned CXS prepare to see a sticker price of $33,750 (US) for the heated seats, traction control, side-curtain airbags and XM satellite radio. Either way you get a much-improved Buick, but be prepared to battle that chrome strip reflection and learn to duck your head. For all manufacture websites go to http://www.reacheverychild.com/business/auto/index.html
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