1993 Buick Reatta problems

Common 1993 Buick Reatta problems

The Buick Reatta, produced from 1988 to 1991, was an attempt by General Motors to create a two-seat luxury touring car to compete with European brands. However, the car faced several common problems that affected its performance and popularity.

• Engine and performance: The Reatta was equipped with a 3.8-liter pushrod V6 engine, which was reliable but not particularly sporty. The car offered 165 horsepower, which was less than what many competitors provided. The only transmission available was a four-speed automatic, which further limited the car's performance capabilities.

• Handling and suspension: The Reatta's handling and suspension were criticized for being too stiff for a luxury car and not sharp enough for a sporty car. This made the car uncomfortable for some drivers and limited its appeal to those seeking a more engaging driving experience.

• Fit and finish: Despite its luxury positioning, the Reatta's fit and finish did not always meet the expectations of its target market. This was particularly noticeable in the first few years of production, when issues with paint quality, panel gaps, and interior trim were more common.

• Sales and demand: The Reatta suffered from low sales and demand throughout its production run. The car's initial sales target was not met, and despite efforts to improve the car and its marketing, sales remained disappointing. This led to the car being discontinued after just four model years.

• Electronic Control Center (ECC): The Reatta featured an Electronic Control Center, which was a touchscreen computer display sourced from an ATM manufacturer. This feature was intended to provide a futuristic and convenient user experience, but it was not well-received by customers. After a couple of years, Buick abandoned the touchscreen in favor of a standard-issue Delco stereo and conventional climate controls.

• Depreciation: Due to its low sales and demand, the Reatta has experienced significant depreciation in the used car market. This has made it an affordable option for those seeking a unique and interesting vehicle, but it has also limited the car's long-term value and appeal.

In summary, the Buick Reatta faced several common problems that affected its performance, appeal, and long-term success. These issues included engine and performance limitations, handling and suspension characteristics, fit and finish concerns, low sales and demand, issues with the Electronic Control Center, and significant depreciation in the used car market.

What is the value of a Buick Reatta?

The value of a used 1991 Buick Reatta ranges from $1,784 to $10,203, based on vehicle condition, mileage, and options. Get a free appraisal here.

What is the top speed of the Buick Reatta?

125 mph

The car used a fully independent suspension, 4 wheel disc brakes with ABS, and front wheel drive. Top speed was electronically limited to 125 mph (201 km/h). The Reatta was rated at 18 mpg (13.1 L/100 km) in the city and 27 mpg (8.7 L/100 km) on the highway.

Was the Buick Reatta hand built?

In fact, when the last Reatta was assembled on May 14, 1991, a total of less than 20,800 units were sold over the model's four-year run. Coupled with the low sales, the hand-crafted production process was expensive and difficult.

Is the Reatta a sports car?

The Reatta, Qualman counters, is a good fit because it's not a pure sports car: it's a two-seater done the Buick way. He admits that he had to put his personal carguy preferences on hold to head the project. "We went to the market to ask people what kind of product they envisioned a two-seat Buick to be.

What is the top speed of the Buick Reatta?

125 mph

The car used a fully independent suspension, 4 wheel disc brakes with ABS, and front wheel drive. Top speed was electronically limited to 125 mph (201 km/h). The Reatta was rated at 18 mpg (13.1 L/100 km) in the city and 27 mpg (8.7 L/100 km) on the highway.

Is the Buick Reatta FWD or RWD?

The front-wheel drive Reatta was powered by GM's 3.8L V-6 engine and assisted by a four-speed automatic transmission. The vehicle was equipped with four-wheel disc brakes and anti-lock brakes. The original Reatta was introduced as a coupe with the convertible arriving in the 1990 model year.

Is the Reatta a sports car?

The Reatta, Qualman counters, is a good fit because it's not a pure sports car: it's a two-seater done the Buick way. He admits that he had to put his personal carguy preferences on hold to head the project. "We went to the market to ask people what kind of product they envisioned a two-seat Buick to be.

What engine is in the Buick Reatta?

The Reata was produced with the latest technology available at that time, and that meant the GM's LN 3 3.8-liter V6 – an engine with 165 hp and 210-lb of torque. It was one of the first engines with a counter-rotating balance shaft and port fuel injection which rocketed the car to 100 kph in 9 seconds.

1993 Buick Reatta car problems categorized by type of issue

After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Buick Reatta problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:

• Service brakes problems
• Hydraulic problems

The graph below shows statistics for all 1993 Buick Reatta vehicle components and the number of complaints received.