1990-1991 Buick Reatta Full Review
Date Published: 2/20/08
Also in the 1990-1991 Buick Reatta Review:
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Buick Reatta Full Review
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Our in-depth review covers everything you need to know about this generation
Buick Reatta. Get the latest news, find a local dealer, and get a free
price quote for this generation Buick Reatta.
1990-1991 Buick Reatta Review
Based on a shortened Riviera platform, the front-drive two-seat Reatta was introduced in January 1988. Buick hoped to sell both coupe and convertible models at a clip of around 20,000 a year. Sadly, the convertible didn't arrive until 1990, and when Reatta production was haulted in 1991 total sales for all years combined was only 21,850. All models rode a 98.5-inch wheelbase, and shared an engine and interior design with the larger Buick Riviera. Styling cues included hidden headlamps and a bubbleback rear window. Sole powertrain was General Motors' 165-horsepower 3.8-liter V6 mated to a 4-speed OD automatic transmission. Four-wheel disc brakes with antilock control were standard. Reatta also inherited Riviera's electronic gauges and Electronic Control Center, which used a touch-sensitive display screen instead of conventional controls for climate, stereo, and other functions. Two options were available: sunroof and 16-way power driver's seat. Initially, cloth and leather interiors were offered, however only leather remained after the first season. Also added for 1989 was keyless entry. The convertible finally joined the coupe in 1990. It had a manual-folding soft top with a glass rear window and was the first convertible offered by Buick since the 1985 Riviera. Though the top was raised and lowered by hand, a power feature snugged it against the hard tonneau cover and the glass rear window had an electronic defroster. Coupes and convertibles got a driver-side airbag as standard equipment and the Electronic Control Center was replaced by conventional controls for the climate and stereo system. At the same time, electronic gauges were replaced by vacuum-fluorescent readouts that mimicked analog gauges.
Year to Year Changes
1991 Buick Reatta:
In its swan song, Reatta saw considerable change. The 3.8-liter V8 was revamped to produce 170 horsepower, and the 4-speed automatic was replaced by a similar unit featuring electronic controls. In an effort to improve acceleration the final drive ratio was shorter and 16-inch wheels replaced 15s. Only 305 convertibles were produced for '91 making it the most exclusive of all models.
1990-1991 Buick Reatta Road Test
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Pros
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Cons
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Acceleration |
Fuel economy |
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Handling |
Ride |
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Antilock brakes |
Price |
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Driver-side airbag |
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Consumer Guide® Road-Test Evaluation
With either engine, Reatta feels energetic. However, the revisions for '91 make it the fastest and smoothest-shifting of the bunch. Fuel economy is ho-hum with one tester averaging 17.2 mpg in a '91 convertible and another just 16.5 mpg in a '89 coupe. Early models suffered from a jittery ride because of their hard tires. The switch in '91 to softer rubber smoothed the ride considerably. However, Reatta's short wheelbase and nose-heavy design result in a lot of body pitching on wavy surfaces, so the suspension feels firm most of the time, but occasionally gets soft and loose. Reatta feels athletic around corners, with well-controlled body lean and good grip from the tires. The standard antilock 4-wheel disc brakes provide short true stops and offer a firm pedal feel. Steering suffers from some torque-steer in hard acceleration but has a natural, neutral feel on the highway. Inside, the luxurious Reatta has a full complement of standard features. Passenger space is good and cargo room is better than most in this class. We could do without the multifunction control stalk and distracting Electronic Control Center. Thankfully, both were remedied for '91 with greatly improved interior controls and gauges. Cowl shake on convertibles is a problem on bumpy roads. Fit and finish of early models is suspect, possibly owing to the car's hand-built nature. However, construction improved over time and many feel that the final Reattas were some of the best cars Buick built.
Value for the Money
Reatta is an attractive two-seater that can sprint to 60 mph in under ten seconds and cruise comfortably among the country-club set. Its faults are limited production and relatively high used-car prices. Avoid the early models with the Electronic Control Center, and search out the much improved 1991 models.
Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings
| Buick Reatta convertible |
Rating |
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| Performance |
5 |
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| Fuel Economy |
4 |
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| Ride Quality |
4 |
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| Steering/Handling/Braking |
6 |
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| Quietness |
5 |
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| Controls/Materials |
5 |
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| Interior Room |
5 |
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| Room/Comfort (rear) |
0 |
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| Cargo Capacity |
2 |
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| Value within Class |
3 |
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| Total: |
39 |
Each vehicle report contains one rating chart for representative model. Consumer
Guide® rates in ten key areas: Performance, Fuel Economy, Ride Comfort, Steering
and Handling, Interior Noise, Controls and Materials, Driver Room, Passenger Room,
Cargo Capacity, and Insurance Costs. These ratings compare the particular vehicle
rated to ALL other vehicles, not a vehicle's standing in a particular class. In the
ratings table, "1" is the lowest rating and "10" is the highest rating.
1990-1991 Buick Reatta Reliability
Trouble Spots
Consumer Guide's® Auto Editors have scoured repair bulletins and questioned mechanics to search
for commonly occurring problems for a particular vehicle. In some cases we also give possible manufacturer-suggested
solutions. In many instances these trouble spots are Technical Service Bulletins posted by the manufacturer,
however, we have our own expert looking at additional vehicle problems.
Automatic transmission:
4T60E transmissions may drop out of drive while cruising, shift erratically, or have no second, third, or fourth gear, because of a bad ground connection for the shift solenoids. (1991)
Cruise control:
Cars equipped with vacuum-operated cruise control (as opposed to the Electro-Motor Cruise Control) may not maintain the proper speed due to a faulty vacuum servo. (1990-91)
Engine stalling:
Cars with 3800 engines may stall when decelerating or be hard to start due to a faulty idle air control, which must be replaced. (1990)
Oil leak:
Oil leaks may be due to a defect in the oil pan and gasket, and the display may report a false low oil level due to a defective oil level sensor and/or deformed oil pan. (1990)
Oil leak:
The oil-pressure gauge may display an intermittent high reading due to a faulty oil-pressure sensor. (1990)
Transmission noise:
An intermittent rattling noise at start-up is often caused by automatic transmission pump starvation or cavitation, or a sticking pressure-regulator valve. (1991)
Transmission slippage:
Model 440-T4 or 700-R4 automatic transmissions may shift late or not upshift at all. The problem is a stuck throttle valve inside the transmission. (1990-91)
Consumer Guide® Estimated Repair Costs
This table lists costs of likely repairs for comparison with other vehicles. The
dollar amount includes the cost of the part(s) and labor (based on $50 per hour) for the
typical repair without extras or add-ons. Like the pricing information, replacement
costs can vary widely depending on region. Expect charges at a new-car dealership
to be slightly higher.
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| A/C Compressor |
$465 |
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| Alternator |
$265 |
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| Automatic Transmission or Transaxle |
$985 |
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| Brakes |
$230 |
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| Constant Velocity Joints |
$870 |
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| Exhaust System |
$430 |
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| Radiator |
$410 |
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| Shocks and/or Struts |
$1,300 |
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| Timing Chain or Belt |
$225 |
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NHTSA Recall History
1990:
Brake indicator light may not illuminate properly, failing to warn driver of impending brake failure. Body computer module prom must be replaced.
1990:
Forward airbag sensor may have been incorrectly constructed causing a delay in airbag deployment. Senors should be checked and/or replaced.
1990:
Transaxle shift-control cable may disengage causing a loss of gear indicator reference and shift selector operation.
1990-1991 Buick Reatta Prices
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| 1990 |
| Reatta convertible |
$4,600-5,400 |
$3,900-4,500 |
$1,700-2,000 |
| Reatta coupe |
$3,000-3,600 |
$2,300-2,800 |
$700-800 |
|
| 1991 |
| Reatta convertible |
$5,300-6,100 |
$4,600-5,200 |
$2,200-2,500 |
| Reatta coupe |
$3,600-4,300 |
$2,900-3,400 |
$1,000-1,200 |
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This chart details a range of prices in year-by-year listings for vehicles in three condition levels:
Good: a clean low-mileage, solid-running vehicle that needs little or no repair.
Average: a car with normal miles on the odometer, perhaps a few scrapes or dings;
engine might need a minor repair or two, but runs acceptably well.
Poor: might have potentially dangerous problems with the engine and/or body, or
abnormally high mileage; definitely in need of mechanical attention. Valuations
reflect wholesale prices paid by dealers at auction, and retail prices on used-car
lots. Each range covers all trim levels and engine types for a vehicle with a typical
amount of equipment--usually an automatic transmission, air conditioning, stereo,
etc. Fully loaded vehicles may cost more. Average mileage is 12,000 miles per year. Keep
in mind that these are guidelines only. Actual selling prices vary- especially from
region to region.
1990-1991 Buick Reatta Specs & Safety
Vehicle Dimensions
| Specification |
2-door convertible |
2-door coupe |
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| Wheelbase, in. |
98.5 |
98.5 |
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| Overall Length, in. |
193.7 |
183.7 |
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| Overall Width, in. |
73.0 |
73.0 |
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| Overall Height, in. |
51.2 |
51.2 |
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| Curb Weight, lbs. |
3593 |
3392 |
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| Cargo Volume, cu. ft. |
10.0 |
10.5 |
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| Standard Payload, lbs. |
-- |
-- |
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| Fuel Capacity, gals. |
18.8 |
18.8 |
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| Seating Capacity |
2 |
2 |
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| Front Head Room, in. |
36.9 |
36.9 |
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| Max. Front Leg Room, in. |
43.1 |
43.1 |
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| Rear Head Room, in. |
-- |
-- |
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| Max. Rear Leg Room, in. |
-- |
-- |
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.
Powertrain Options and Availability
All Reattas are powered by GM's overhead-valve 3.8-liter V6. The only transmission available was a 4-speed OD automatic. In 1991, both engine and transmission were reworked. The engine got 5 more horsepower and 10 pound-feet of torque and transmission controls were electronic rather than mechanical.
| Engines |
Size liters / cu. in |
Horse- power |
Torque |
Transmission: EPA city/hgwy |
Consumer Guide Observed |
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| ohv V6 |
3.8 / 231 |
165-170 |
210-220 |
4-speed manual: 18/27 |
4-speed manual: 17.2 |
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.
NHTSA Crash-Test Results
Vehicle crash test information not available at this time.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's
worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to
rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury:
5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Side-impact
crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%;
1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover
when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%;
2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.
Built In:
USA
Drive Wheels:
transverse front-engine/front-wheel drive
Also in the 1990-1991 Buick Reatta Review:
6.
7.
Buick Reatta Full Review
8.
9.
10.