Buick is really starting to grow on me

I live in the city and we have small parking spots and I'm not a big guy to begin with. I bought this car wanting to stay with a small car (drove Honda's and Toyotas). As another reviewer said...among "small cars" this car is head-n-shoulders above the rest (small cars). And for a savvy shopper the price for a fully loaded Verano is hard to beat. I suspect many critics have not even stepped foot into one of these little cars. I get many compliments from everyone that steps in my car, including friends that drive German cars (by the way this car is German designed). For 20-something $K this car is very hard to beat. This is not a Chevy Cruze by a long shot. Take it for a spin then come back and tell me it's not a deal for under 30K loaded. I've had the car for over a year and still love it! Classy looking, economical and a pleasure to drive on streets or the highway.

I've never been a GM kind of guy, but Buick is growing on me.

So, 250hp and 260lbs/ft torque in a Corolla sized car. With a suspension that can handle the power. It's a sleeper, a gentleman's muscle car. I don't have an issue with that. Let's say you're blasting along 10mph over the speed limit. You get painted by Police radar. The question is: who's going get blue lighted? Your boring looking little Buick or the teenaged D-bag in the electric green Civic with the open exhaust system?

@armymatt83

6 жыл бұрын

"a gentleman's muscle car" ah no not even close.

@atomm4675

5 жыл бұрын

You mean 3 open exhaust tips 😉😂

@joseoctaviomorenorodriguez9541

3 жыл бұрын

This was one of Buicks first attemptes to attract a younger audience. The other were the Encore and the Cascada Convertible.

Just bought this today, same year and I love it!

Buick has come a long way.

I never liked Buicks. But now that I'm old, this looks great. Especially with a turbo and five speed manual.

@alexissolaris

9 жыл бұрын

+Karl Piepenburg 6 Speed Manual.

@doodlemoodle9113

7 жыл бұрын

Karl Piepenburg ...unfortunately, the 6-speed manual sucks and the better choice here is the automatic.

@evang3943

4 жыл бұрын

@@doodlemoodle9113 You've driven both? The MT experience is crap?

@robertt3551

4 жыл бұрын

I test drove the 6 speed manual and it was a hoot. No power loss through the torque converter. The dealer wanted $8500 for this 20k mile car (in 2018). I didn't buy it because it was a salvage title, but regret it now. The manual tranny Verano is almost impossible to find for sale.

@ashtinofoster9525

3 жыл бұрын

I own the 2014 six speed manual and absolutely love and enjoy driving it around

Buicks 2018 cars look so damn good. Also this car was ranked above the Honda Civic in reliability

Nathan, you're literally the size benchmark when I shop around for cars. When you don't fit behind yourself, I ignore the car. Just saying that I appreciate the seating space segment of your review.

I own one,and it's great,don't have to give it much gas,it takes off smooth!!!I love this car!!

I would seriously consider this car if I could afford it. I’m a single guy in my mid-50’s with no kids, that wants a comfortable car that has good performance and gets reasonable MPG. It’s important to me that it’s built in the USA, even though I understand no car is entirely American made these days. Are there better cars available in the class? I suppose so, but this one offers everything I’d want in an entry level luxury car. You have to admit, Buick has certainly improved it’s line up in the last few years, and is moving in the right direction.

It's a german car being sold under the Buick brand. Actually it's an Opel Astra. Opel is a german GM Manufacturer.

@felixkube3238

8 жыл бұрын

America would never build a good car by itself

@AightBro123

7 жыл бұрын

Disasterhannes gm owns Opel...

@doodlemoodle9113

7 жыл бұрын

Disasterhannes I like German made cars...

@coolguy6233

6 жыл бұрын

There were other Buick branded vehicles in North America that were also sold as Opels and Vauxhalls in Europe. The Buick Encore is the North American version of the Opel Mokka and the Vauxhall Mokka, and the Buick Regal is the North American version of the Opel Insignia and the Vauxhall Insignia.

@yunuspalabyk9241

3 жыл бұрын

Opel astra j sedan

Considering this car is below $30,000, it is a very good buy. GM finally put together a good package that is nicely built, with a powerful turbo 4, and nice handling. Not much more you can ask for.

Well I love my Verano and I'm 18. I'm glad I traded in my 2012 ford focus sel cause it messed up after 5 months.

It's a Astra J. It's like half price in Europe but with a smaller engine (which we think is good as you never get to use too much power unless you drive at the Autibahn). The inside is an exact copy of the Astra.

@tdli80ac59

8 жыл бұрын

yes,this car is opel astra j.

Yay Nathan! It's hard to look at any Buick and think they'er fun. I like the look and the interior is lovely to look at. Love the "starter" tutorial! My mother is looking at a Chrysler 200 because she likes the interior. I'm going to point her towards the Verano too. Love you guys!!!

Nathan, seeing more and more of these everyday! Did you forget to mention how QUIET it is in the car while underway? I hear this a lot from the new owners, and other reviewers. How does it take the bumps and potholes?

@ETCHeidsSchoolOfMusicalArts

10 жыл бұрын

Nathan was a tad to busy pointing out that a small car doesn't have a huge amount of trunk space and that seat track on it is huge so a extremely tall person can drive the car with ease that of course takes away room froom the back seat..To point out how quiet it is and also how easy and how many features the radio has. ohh and Nathan if you drive a Cruise and drive a Verano they are different cars as far as quality ride and handle . They are not built in the same plant.

@gene978

10 жыл бұрын

I love Nathan, he knows this. I've been filtering them from their beginning.

These things turned out to be very reliable. At least the ones with the base 2.4 liter engine, not sure about the turbo models.

the rear end looks like the "no fear" face... it would be great if you tested the acura ilx. it's n/a, which is better, imo... and it looks way better.

Nathan some of your compatriots complained about the radio interface. They were saying it's too far recessed and the buttons are very small to access. Also the climate control does not display the temperature setting until you turn the knob. And then it disappears all too quickly. So that's an irritation. That is something that should have been sorted out before production.

Since I know that people say that Buick has an image of being more of an old people car manufacturer and that Buick is trying to get that image away and trying to appeal of younger people, like myself. But given that I own a Buick Encore (not a Verano) and I just graduated from high school, I really like it and both inside and outside of my Encore are almost identical with the Verano (including all of the buttons on the center stack, and except both the push button ignition since the Encore uses the key that you put in, the tail lights and the rear side in general since the Encore is a subcompact SUV 🚙 (like the Mini Cooper Countryman and the Chevy Trax) and the Verano is a compact sedan 🚘 (like the Chevy Cruze and the Kia Forte). My point is even though I’m still as young as I am right now, I think Buick’s are very cool looking and nice to drive, despite what other people say about most the vehicles or the Buick brand in general. I also think it’s cool that some of Buick’s vehicles are based off of cars from Opel (which is another GM company, but is German and Opel doesn’t sell cars here in America).

@lincolnparc8897

2 жыл бұрын

I know it's been many years but I I appreciate the decent words about a very good American car co and coming from a youngster like you...well said!!!

I like it and I love the color. My mom looked at the Chrysler 200 but I think this is a better choice. Love you guys!

Bought a used 2014 Premium turbo with a 6-speed manual about 6 weeks ago and like it. 50,000 miles. It's quiet, has a good balance between smooth ride and responsive handling, has great power, is very maneuverable in parking situations, and I'm averaging 30 mpg in commuting. My biggest complaint is the high engagement point on the clutch pedal and engine rev hang in the lower gears. I've been driving manual transmissions since 1978 and have learned how to adjust my shifting rhythm to each vehicle, ranging from Corvettes to HD diesel pickup trucks. I pride myself on being smooth and quick. But this thing really frustrates me. I tend to slip the clutch too much because of high pedal travel prior to clutch engagement, then the 1-2 and 2-3 upshifts require long delay because the engine will not drop rpm quickly enough. I push in the clutch and drop the throttle, but the engine revs just hang where I initiated the shift and take their own sweet time dropping to achieve rev match for the next gear. Nate complained in his review about the Verano being too "Buick" and not having enough zing in the styling. It's a matter of taste. I like the low-key styling, and that the only clue to the high power under the hood is the small T badge on the trunklid. Let the cops pull over the loud Challengers and Chargers while I cruise serenely on at 80+ mph. Middle aged guy in the bland Buick sort of disappears in plain sight.

@eternallogic6394

2 жыл бұрын

Nice. I'm looking to buy one too. How much did you get it for? And i think a tuner could help with the rev hand. They do it with the WRX i believe

@andyharman3022

2 жыл бұрын

@@eternallogic6394 $14000.

@K9Clyde

2 жыл бұрын

Still in the 30 mpg range?

@andyharman3022

2 жыл бұрын

@@K9Clyde If I was running on 93-octane, probably so. But I have been running on blends of 87 octane gasoline and E85 since May. My Verano is flex-fuel. I get about 27 mpg on 50-50 87/E85, and pay $1 less per gallon. Who wouldn't want to run 96 octane fuel at a price much less than premium?

@K9Clyde

2 жыл бұрын

@@andyharman3022 thanks for the reply. I'm thinking about buying one but the mpg factor is the main drawback. I forgot about the flex fuel though... My rsx that needs replacing has given me very high expectations for fuel efficient to fun ratio.

Very nice. It's kind of hard to get the old definition of Buick out of my head (big grandpa car), but now Buicks are actually very modern, European, sporty and stylish.

@sic22l

10 жыл бұрын

It's because current Buicks are rebadged (Regal) or restyled (Verano) Opels.

@Trance88

10 жыл бұрын

Yep. Strange that they're selling Opels here in america under a luxury brand.

@sic22l

10 жыл бұрын

Trance88 I don't think it's strange. Americans have dumbed down standards and low requirements about their cars and even people's mover like Opel Astra can be called 'premium'.

Nice car. Well made. Good quality.

You bashed this car for being too small, but it was good to still have some smaller light cars for performance. Now they don't make any.

The automatic transmission with the manual shifting option is fantastic

@CeeStyleDj

8 жыл бұрын

My favorite thing. if you get tired of shifting yourself, slap it in drive.

0:06 - no Nathan, America haven't figured out how to build a proper entry level premium car. Verano is just a rebadged Opel Astra sedan, designed in Europe by German engineers for European customers. And in Europe it's not a premium car, it competes with Focus or Jetta. Verano is the same car with different front and rear. Here's the original car: www.themotorreport.com.au/content/image/2/0/2013_opel_astra_overseas_02a_1-0616.jpg

i'm a fan of this car but if it were my money i would try and come up with more scratch for the regal turbo (or gs) however when i try and come up with small cars that this competes with i can't think of an equal. the jetta GLI starts cheaper but offers little incentives (gm usually sells cars much lower than msrp however) the mercedes CLA starts the same price as the verano and that would be it's biggest competitor! (a buick up against a mercedes!? woah!! good job gm!)

@VIDEO-qm5ix

10 жыл бұрын

yeah your right good job gm that buick would easily win against a mercedes cla!

@USCisgay

10 жыл бұрын

The CLA isnt all that nice... buying the merc badge on that one.

We have a 2012 verano, took a day trip to LA from San Diego and back and averaged 32 mpg. Its economical, and a fun car to throw into a corner or push around an on ramp. Cant say our 07 camry is nearly as nice to drive as this lol. And yes the turning radius is about my only issue with it haha

Please, bring Pontiac back!

I think this car looks great

Lot's of buttons? It's 2015. Does this guy own a smart phone? Where is the start button? How about the button that says "ENGINE START" on it. If you buy this car, it might be hard to find the button the first time. The next 10000 times you will probably remember that the button is not in the glove box.

LOL, sorry but I got to the "lot of buttons" part and almost peed in my pants laughing

Great video Nathan! I very, very like it!

Opel/Vauhhall Astra with a trunk... Buick became a re-used cars brand. Now you don't drive a Opel, Chevy, Buick, Holden... you just drive a GM. When they are not the same car with just a logo changed, they use so much common parts, it feels like the same cars. Even a Camaro id loosing it's identity (not it's caracter don't be confused). When Ford had Volvo, they didn't look the same. A Fiesta is built on a Mazda 2, but inside, and the drive are very different. Come on GM let your brands have theyre own identity!

@1guyin10

10 жыл бұрын

You will see more of it. Basically the same car will be Opel/Vauxhall in some markets and Buick in North America and China. The cars will be upmarket from Chevy for the most part. Who knows what they will do with Holden - my guess is it becomes the Australian Chevy.

How does this compare to the 2014 Dart Limited with the 2.4? In performance, comfort, economy etc. Which would you get, The Fast Lane Car ? Or would you choose something else entirely?

Woah I finally get to see his eyes without glasses!

This is a vauxhall opel astra J series. Why are you not using the more powerful greener 1.6 turbo

The manual has that no-lift-shift feature. Why didn't you give your reasoning for why you think the automatic is better? What about ride quality/cabin noise?

I'm considering a pre-loved Verano or something similar as a daily driver car

If not for this car I'd be uhhh. Dead and not typing this right now. FROM Mad experience I vouch first hand on safety I barrel rolled on the interstate going 75mph w/ NO seat belt and I was only lacerated moderately on my arm and knocked unconscious briefly. So I immediately sought out, found and bought a entirely different new buick verano. 2nd chance at life for me and my car 🚙

How many miles might this car go before the transmission needs rebuilt? Is a 2016 with 90,000 miles on it at $15,000 a good buy?

I like that it's understated it's a little sleeper go Buick.

Acura ILX A-Spec or Buick Verano Ti (Turbo)?

Are you guys going to review the mercedes CLA 250? I'd really like to know what it's like because I'm considering buying one ! Thanks !

I have this in Burgandy,😁 and I think it's handsome as all heck!!

A Buick that's not made for my grandpa? Nice!

OH CMON I LOVE THE TAILLIGHTS

I LOVE my mean squinty eyebrows on mine lol

it has a nice interior!

Like the new backround music. :)

European model Opel Astra 1.6 SIDI(a new engine with turbo).Is this 2.0 SIDI engine?

needs dual tailpipes. is the engine better then the vw jetta gli?

This car seems like a great value used, but online listings show how few manuals are out there. I still prefer a smaller car [Accord, Mazda6, Regal are all too big] and would appreciate something with a more compliant ride than my aging '07 S60 T5 6MT. Do wish this car looked more Opel than Buick.

Test drive the q50s Hybrid.. 0-60 in 4.9 seconds with 30 plus gas mileage.. how do you like them apples..

I personaly think GM has made great changes in the 2014, in reality i find the bail out sucked but it made alot of good changes within GM and and this car is not crazy in price for a Buick

fun review, i agree the cheap hood ports and the 'eyebrows' look cheap and take away from its refinement. otherwise great car.

Hi Nathan, I have a question, is Verano really that quiet? Is it quieter than midstream midsize sedan such as Ford Fusion?

@CeeStyleDj

8 жыл бұрын

I imagine that it's quieter inside than a Ford Fusion. Buick puts a lot of emphasis on their quiet tuning and sound dampening and I've watched reviews where they mentioned how quiet it was inside. now I'm sure when you get on the gas with that powerful turbo engine, that changes things a little 😛

Glenn w.ford yes, this car is opel model.

So you can accidentally hit the START/STOP and turn off the engine?

Why do all of your vehicles you test always have car seats in the back?

Screems saturn sps

"Do you think America figured out..." well..not quite.This one 'started it's life' in Europe as Opel Astra and in America it comes with more 'bells and whistles'

make a the fast lane bike channel

"60% of the weight is over the engine" :) Anyway, great review as always Nathan.

@NathanDAdlen

10 жыл бұрын

I know, I misspoke. Sorry =)

Can it get to 60mph?

Same old story, The GM haters again! Wana bet the haters have never seen one of these let alone sat in or drove one. And by the way GM has hit record sales in the last 2 years. Haters keep sending your money to Japan & Korea, That shows your intelligence, keep sticking it to the USA!

Where's emie hall? Been a few weeks and haven't seen her in any videos...

@icemanroyal

10 жыл бұрын

Personally I'm glad she' s gone, i don't feel she was contributing much to the show, but I did notice some tension between her and Nathan and Roman. You could just tell it wasen' t a fit. Also, you could tell Emme was not much of a car connaiseur, as opposed to Roman and Nathan who know their Sh*t. Often it just seemed she was trying to put forth pointless impressions/opinions based on her wanting to fit in and sound like she knew what she was talking about. I m sure she's a great gal, but I think the reviews are best left to Roman and Nathan with Andre sprinkled in.

Shame that GM killed the Verano because it wasn't selling well. I mean I can applaud GM for not letting a low selling line limp on and pouring more money needlessly into it but I almost bought a Verano and would have had I been able to afford it. In the end I bought a nice Cruze that a Chevy dealer was selling new but cheap (it had been an event show car so while never titled it had some miles on it and they were getting ready for the model with the new styling). I think the Verano had potential to get new people into a Buick, and there's been some evidence of new comers to the Buick brand as they've been putting out new vehicles, the quality has improved very much and they've been working hard to shake that elderly persons's image they've had, but I just think the Verano was over priced. The Cruze I did end up buying, it was very nicely equipped and cost me still several thousands less...

Well, the Buick Verano is basically an Opel Astra Sedan with a different exterior. All the rest is the same, an european car designed to compete with the VW Golf/Jetta. I know about this because I'm the proud owner of an Opel Astra. Keep up the good work, I love your videos!

They need to get this engine in the Cruze

@MrOnat89

10 жыл бұрын

ur totaly right

Isn't the mkz a mid size?

But in this buick is the old version of Insignia dashboard? Dont belive there will be another fabia. It is too expensive to have two low mid class cars in production.

@sic22l

10 жыл бұрын

No, Verano has the dashboard straight from Astra, not old Insignia. They're similar but that's it. It's from Astra. There will be another Fabia, Rapid is bigger and more expensive, they don't compete with each other.

Yikes. MPG'S suck on this for being a smaller car . I get 24 Mpg on a 97 Lincoln Towncar and 34 on my Hyundai Sonata . Buick needs to step up and make some gas sippers like other companies are . Still a pretty nice lookin car though .

Front reminds me on skoda octavia or fabia, previous model

love u guys so much!!!!!

Just got the wife one of these and it out performes Honda and yota. The Honda sounded like a tin can going down the road and the yota had no hp. Buick has always out done themselves when it comes to this cars

reminds me of the UK Vauxhall insignia car

I think this guy means understeer front wheel drive cars very rarely oversteer. I'm sorry I can't see the rear end breaking loose around the turn in a front wheel drive GM car

nice car not a fan of gm but i do like this car

How come a european family of 4 can fit two weeks of luggage in the boot . What area Americans travelling with?

That's the starter button? It's so nondescript. lol

Sounds like the Verano is basically a European car which was Americanized to make it desirable in this country. Not perfect but arguably fantastic for a Buick, aka the official car of the geriatric set. Buick needs more to appeal to a younger audience but give them credit for knowing their market and satisfying them. Conquest sales are nice but only if you do not lose your core consumers by trying too hard to be all things to all people.

@1guyin10

10 жыл бұрын

Buick is influenced much more by the Chinese market than anything else. Were it not for how well it is established in China, GM would have kept Pontiac instead. For Buicks long term health I don't think it is a bad thing that Buick and Opel are sharing platforms. They need to taylor to the next geriatric crowd instead of the current one.

That review has way to much focus about how it handles corners and weight distribution and there is not a single reference to ride comfort or the Buick quiet tunnig inetrior...

where's the 0-60 of that lil turbo???

Seems like a "nice" small car. Though I think it's more likely to appeal to those living in Dubuque than my neighbors in Seattle. Frankly, I see nothing wrong with GM sharing their European vehicles with the US. It's certainly better than the many years of foisting rental car wannabes off on the American consumer. I suppose I'm the demographic that the Verano is aimed at: 60+ but not quite dead or senile. But I enjoy my GTI far too much to consider it.

@USCisgay

10 жыл бұрын

GTI ??? i hope you are a chick.

@Revolushun1

10 жыл бұрын

USCisgay you're thinking of the Golf, thats a chick car...the GTI and Golf R are more for performance, therefore for men

@USCisgay

10 жыл бұрын

Revolushun1 my sisters best friend has a golf r... totally a chick car.

@stephenhendricks6790

10 жыл бұрын

USCisgay A bit obsessed with gender issues, aren't you, little boy?

@USCisgay

10 жыл бұрын

Stephen Hendricks not at all

never rev a turbo engine before turning it off sais my Volvo owners manual.

I only like this for the interior. I would get it if it had more mpg and made by a japanese company

The back looks like an s class coupe...hahaha

Natan, did you say MKZ is stylish?! Really? Verano is a million times better looking than ugly MKZ.

No, i see it is an insignia interior. And no, i think it reminds on previous fabia, couse they produce now Rapid instead of Fabia.

@sic22l

10 жыл бұрын

You see an Insignia because both Astra and Insignia had very similar interiors. Had because after facelifting Insignia is slightly different now (different than Astra and Verano). You're incorrect, Rapid didn't replace Fabia, it's a separate model between Fabia and Octavia.

I get them wanted to keep the Buick design queues but I could of done a better job of them actually looking good on the car. The bonnet vents genuinely look like tacked on rubbish. Exterior designers over at Buick need to go back to school.

0-60?

@MrOnat89

10 жыл бұрын

/watch?v=6PjaB2tm_C8 last year this car was runned by roman

@chadhaire1711

9 жыл бұрын

MrOnat89 Roman is an idiot

0 60mph in 6.2sec

Aaaaaaaand it`s an Astra. Americans think it`s a quality product because their cars cost a third of what we pay for them in europe, so companies have to cut somewhere

You look like larry the cable guy

I was interested in the Verano turbo last year yet no dealer (more than 10 of them) had them in stock, although they had plenty of non-turbo's they were trying to unload. That's right, not a single one in stock. No way in h*ll was I going to pay full retail price on one of these (or any other car for that matter). And the non-turbo Verano is just horrible, slower than the 1.4L Cruze.

This car is opel astra sedan.

@GlenWFord-ps8ts

8 жыл бұрын

Wrong!

the six speed manual is far better than the auto