1990-1991 Buick Reatta: Full Review
Updated: 11/23/08
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Pros
- Antilock brakes
- Driver-side airbag
- Acceleration
- Handling
Cons
- Fuel economy
- Ride
- Price
Vehicle Highlights
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.
Expert Ratings Summary (view detailed report)
| Category | Buick Reatta convertible Rating | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | 5 | |
| Fuel Economy | 4 | |
| Ride Quality | 4 | |
| Steering/Handling/Braking | 6 | |
| Quietness | 5 | |
| Controls/Materials | 5 | |
| Interior Room | 5 | |
| Room/Comfort (rear) | 0 | |
| Cargo Capacity | 2 | |
| Value within Class | 3 | |
| Total Score: | 39 |
Year to Year Changes
Our road test for the 1990-1991 Buick Reatta includes a full evaluation from the inside out. We've evaluated every aspect of the 1990-1991 Buick Reatta and highlighted the vehicle's performance with pros and cons. Use our comprehensive road test ratings to decide if this generation 1990-1991 Buick Reatta is right for you.
Consumer Guide® Road-Test Evaluation
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.
Expert Ratings Summary
| Category | Buick Reatta convertible Rating | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | 5 | |
| Fuel Economy | 4 | |
| Ride Quality | 4 | |
| Steering/Handling/Braking | 6 | |
| Quietness | 5 | |
| Controls/Materials | 5 | |
| Interior Room | 5 | |
| Room/Comfort (rear) | 0 | |
| Cargo Capacity | 2 | |
| Value within Class | 3 | |
| Total Score: | 39 |
Trouble Spots
Consumer Guide® Estimated Repair Costs
| Item Name | Repair Cost |
| A/C Compressor | $465 |
| Alternator | $265 |
| Automatic Transmission or Transaxle | $985 |
| Brakes | $230 |
| Constant Velocity Joints | $870 |
| Exhaust System | $430 |
| Radiator | $410 |
| Shocks and/or Struts | $1,300 |
| Timing Chain or Belt | $225 |
| Prices | Good | Average | Poor |
|
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| 1991 | |||
| Reatta convertible | $4,800-5,600 | $4,000-4,700 | $1,800-2,100 |
| Reatta coupe | $3,300-3,900 | $2,600-3,100 | $800-1,000 |
| 1990 | |||
| Reatta convertible | $4,200-4,900 | $3,400-4,000 | $1,400-1,700 |
| Reatta coupe | $2,800-3,400 | $2,100-2,600 | $600-700 |
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Vehicle Dimensions
| Specification | 2-door convertible | 2-door coupe |
| Wheelbase, in. | 98.5 | 98.5 |
| Overall Length, in. | 193.7 | 183.7 |
| Overall Width, in. | 73.0 | 73.0 |
| Overall Height, in. | 51.2 | 51.2 |
| Curb Weight, lbs. | 3593 | 3392 |
| Cargo Volume, cu. ft. | 10.0 | 10.5 |
| Standard Payload, lbs. | -- | -- |
| Fuel Capacity, gals. | 18.8 | 18.8 |
| Seating Capacity | 2 | 2 |
| Front Head Room, in. | 36.9 | 36.9 |
| Max. Front Leg Room, in. | 43.1 | 43.1 |
| Rear Head Room, in. | -- | -- |
| Max. Rear Leg Room, in. | -- | -- |
|
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
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Powertrain Options and Availability
| Engines | cu. in |
Horse- power | Torque | Transmission: |
Consumer Guide Observed |
| 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. |
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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%. Sideimpact 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%.
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