Impressive Buick lineup is a winner By Scott Burgess The Detroit News General Motors Co. may have decided to keep Buick because of its success in China, but the brand has earned its strong recovery in the United States with a renewed lineup and stylish vehicles. It may still be seen as an older buyer's brand, but Buick has continued to score well in quality and consumer satisfaction studies such as those by J.D. Powers and Associates and Consumer Reports. The revival began in 2007 with the large crossover Buick Enclave and continued with the LaCrosse sedan. This year, the midsize Regal should continue the winning streak. When it comes to product, any brand can have a hit, but three hits in a row suggest a trend. GM's work is far from done, however. As Buick pushes smaller and more efficient, it's likely to become the first GM brand not to offer a V-8; at least if it's smart and discontinues the Lucerne sedan. Looking through its lineup, it's easy to see why Buick buyers are getting younger. 2010 Buick Enclave Price: $36,240 EPA gas mileage: 17 mpg city / 24 mpg highway Notables: Spacious third row and lots of space. Premium features and posh interior make the Enclave an enjoyable experience. You can see why Consumer Reports recommends it. Pros: Solid, quiet ride; 288-horsepower V-6 can tow up to 4,500 pounds and still transport a youth hockey team and two adults. It's exciting, dynamic and inspiring. When was the last time you heard that about a Buick? Cons: May be too big for young families or just couples. 2010 Buick LaCrosse Price: $27,835 EPA gas mileage: 17 mpg city / 27 mpg highway Notables: A breakthrough vehicle for Buick. Stunning exterior and gorgeous interior. Nearly silent ride on the highway and a well-tuned suspension that is never overly firm or too soft. It's just right for this big sedan. Pros: Extremely well thought out interior with lots of room for five adults and their luggage. Details such as the light piping and wood trim are perfectly placed. Later this month, Buick will introduce a 30-mpg four-cylinder LaCrosse for $1,000 less than the current base model. This fills a missing element from this excellent vehicle. Cons: May be too big for some buyers. 2010 Buick Lucerne Price: $29,995 EPA gas mileage: 17 mpg city / 26 mpg highway Notables: Plenty of space; soft ride Pros: An optional V-8 engine is offered. It's the only V-8 in Buick's lineup and also the worst Buick to drive. Cons: This car feels like the Old GM. The four-speed transmission needs to be removed and the interior needs overhauled. This vehicle drags the brand down despite being recommended by Consumer Reports. It also competes with the LaCrosse. Buick doesn't need two large sedans. 2011 Buick Regal Price: CXL model: $26,995 EPA gas mileage: 20 mpg city / 30 mpg highway Notable: The Regal will determine Buick's future in the U.S. Stylish and sporty, the Regal will offer an optional 2-liter turbo a few months after it arrives this spring. With its performance-oriented ride, it has the potential to draw younger buyers. Its unpretentious luxury and high gas mileage at a reasonable price will bring more people to Buick dealerships. This car, quite possibly the third hit in a row for Buick, is GM's first truly global car. And if this is the future of the brand, the future looks very good. Pros: With a European feel and look (it's based on the Opel Insignia) and an American sense of luxury inside, it's the best of both worlds. Offers high-tech performance features and will still come at a reasonable price. Cons: Starting price may push consumers into more mainstream brands, but they will be missing out. What's coming Small crossover: Some families do not need a big sedan or crossover and would like something along the lines of the Chevrolet Equinox. Buick plans to introduce a small crossover in the coming years, though details have not been released. A baby Enclave with only two rows would be perfect. Compact car: Buick intends to eventually build a compact sedan in the coming years. The sooner the better. It could offer high mileage numbers and a sporty ride. A four-door hatchback would certainly redefine Buick, though American carmakers, in general, seem a verse to hatchbacks. What's missing Hybrid sedan: Luxury customers demand green solutions, and a two-mode gas electric hybrid sedan would be ideal in the LaCrosse. A hybrid could push Buick's mileage numbers higher and cut the legs out of eco-complaints aimed at GM. 