Topic: CD Article: Buick Allure, 2005-2009

[Autos_Editor]

         
Used Vehicle Review:


The Buick Allure received average and above average reliability ratings from Consumer Reports, but there are two things to look out for: intake manifold leaks in the 3.8-litre engine, and brake issues, says Contributing Editor, Chris Chase.
 More: All the Used Vehicles

[Greg B.]

Chris, I have to give you a fail on this article. A little research would have revealed that the Allure uses the 3800 Series III engine, which uses an aluminum, not plastic, intake and which has addressed the leakage issue associated with the earlier version. So much for the “the company’s failure to admit to and then fix design flaws” comment.

Interesting that this, by all accounts a very well-built and reliable vehicle from GM, gets a lukewarm review along with some unnecessary commentary about the cause of the company’s woes, while last week’s Z-car review, which had a list of issues as long as that of a 70’s British car that anyone would deem unacceptable in this day and age, got a positive writeup. Bizarre.

[Jaeger]

Yeah Greg - once again, you're right - it's all part of the massive conspiracy.  Couldn't just be the writer's honest assessment of the car, could it?  Nah...  And it sure couldn't be that the tone of the review reflects the relentless mediocrity of the vehicle in question, could it?  Nah...

Jaeger

[Honda Owner]

I saw a lot of Allures on my recent road trip. They were all rentals.

That said, I have driven many Allures. They are a good car. The handling is a little on the soft side and the interior a little dated. The things also have a heavy gasoline habit. I am sure a clean and cheap Allure would be easy to find. This is what GM did best.

A little research would have revealed that the Allure uses the 3800 Series III engine, which uses an aluminum, not plastic, intake and which has addressed the leakage issue associated with the earlier version.

Perhaps you should read the article a little more closely, Greg. The author made a specific mention of this:

The Allure used the Series III version of GM’s mechanically-bulletproof 3.8-litre V6; while older examples of this engine have been susceptible to the intake manifold gasket issues that plague other GM V6’s, the use of a new, aluminum intake manifold (replacing the old plastic design) is said to reduce the likelihood of gasket issues down the road.

[Greg B.]

I saw a lot of Allures on my recent road trip. They were all rentals.

That said, I have driven many Allures. They are a good car. The handling is a little on the soft side and the interior a little dated. The things also have a heavy gasoline habit. I am sure a clean and cheap Allure would be easy to find. This is what GM did best.

A little research would have revealed that the Allure uses the 3800 Series III engine, which uses an aluminum, not plastic, intake and which has addressed the leakage issue associated with the earlier version.

Perhaps you should read the article a little more closely, Greg. The author made a specific mention of this:

The Allure used the Series III version of GM’s mechanically-bulletproof 3.8-litre V6; while older examples of this engine have been susceptible to the intake manifold gasket issues that plague other GM V6’s, the use of a new, aluminum intake manifold (replacing the old plastic design) is said to reduce the likelihood of gasket issues down the road.

Perhaps you should read the comments under the article a little more closely, HO. The author admits that he got it wrong originally and had to revise the article -- thanks to my comments posted earlier.

You're welcome.

[Greg B.]

Yeah Greg - once again, you're right - it's all part of the massive conspiracy.  Couldn't just be the writer's honest assessment of the car, could it?  Nah...  And it sure couldn't be that the tone of the review reflects the relentless mediocrity of the vehicle in question, could it?  Nah...

Jaeger

No, it couldn't be, actually. Read the comments section. He revised the original version of the article which contained some gratuitous comments about the car and the company along with a number of factual errors. You know, sort of like the kind of stuff you post.

[Shnak]

I rented one of these for a little work trip a while ago... great highway cruiser, plenty of power, comfortable ride, seats were ok but not great, mileage was great from what I remember...

I might buy one in about 50 years... 

[Jaeger]

I rented one of these for a little work trip a while ago... great highway cruiser, plenty of power, comfortable ride, seats were ok but not great, mileage was great from what I remember...

I might buy one in about 50 years... 

No doubt it's a great grandpa car.

Jaeger

[Honda Owner]

In my experience these GM sleds get excellent fuel economy when cruising down the highway at 120 km/h with the speed control on. It is what they were designed to do.

In city traffic they burn gas like a 5 ton Peterbuilt.

[toolatecrew]

I've had several of these as rentals for as short as 2 days to as long as 3 weeks. Grandpa car descibes them to a T. The quality was not bad. The reilability might be average to even good (I can't tell from such short rentals). WHat I can say is that the thought of owning one chills my blood. Soft, dated,boring as heck and the looks ..uhhg I'd hate to see one in my driveway everyd day. It doesn't mean its the worst car in the world but it says something to me when my reaction to getting one as a rental is OH NO NOT AGAIN.

[TopGun]

I couldn't find the quote...I thought it was Roger Smith (ex GM CEO) who said GMs entry level vehicle was a used Buick.

These are a steal...a great car for teenager!   

http://www.autotrader.ca/used_cars_Cars_details/PORT+HOPE_Ontario_2005_BUICK_ALLURE+CX_1996387.html?srcid=5793918&source=27&pgno=6&srt=70&CompanyID=ON20070704162451603&r=ontario

[toolatecrew]

I couldn't find the quote...I thought it was Roger Smith (ex GM CEO) who said GMs entry level vehicle was a used Buick.

These are a steal...a great car for teenager!  

http://www.autotrader.ca/used_cars_Cars_details/PORT+HOPE_Ontario_2005_BUICK_ALLURE+CX_1996387.html?srcid=5793918&source=27&pgno=6&srt=70&CompanyID=ON20070704162451603&r=ontario

Are they on crack? 15 K for an 05? A quick search of 15-16K cars reveals all kinds of 07 and 08s in that price range with similar KMs. How about an 07 MKZ with only 37K? Maybe an 09 Corolla Sport with 33 K? Need a bigger car like the Allure? How about an 08 Impala with 51K for the same price?

[Greg B.]

I've had several of these as rentals for as short as 2 days to as long as 3 weeks. Grandpa car descibes them to a T. The quality was not bad. The reilability might be average to even good (I can't tell from such short rentals). WHat I can say is that the thought of owning one chills my blood. Soft, dated,boring as heck and the looks ..uhhg I'd hate to see one in my driveway everyd day. It doesn't mean its the worst car in the world but it says something to me when my reaction to getting one as a rental is OH NO NOT AGAIN.

Is your GTI in the shop so much that you need rentals all the time?

I cannot imagine a GTI owner liking this type of car. I used to own a GTI back when I wanted that style of driving experience. But not everyone does. This is a good vehicle, certainly superior to the 4-banger plastic-wheelcover Camcords you see everywhere. But in todays New World Order, such transportation boxes are considered the ne plus ultra of automotive design while a quiet, comfortable car such as this is considered dated and soft. Go figure... 

[Honda Owner]

This is a good vehicle, certainly superior to the 4-banger plastic-wheelcover Camcords you see everywhere.

You know, Greg, the next time I am flogging my Accord to it's 7100 RPM redline on highway three coming out of Oosoyoos, I will have to bang my hand to my head and exclaim, "Ugh, I could have had a Buick!"

But you know, nothing could really compare with the the sky blue mouse fur interior of the last Allure I rented.

[safristi]

..do they come wif a "V8".........apples & Oranges too..............GTI/ALLURE......i say tomato U say tomatoe..............

[toolatecrew]

I've had several of these as rentals for as short as 2 days to as long as 3 weeks. Grandpa car descibes them to a T. The quality was not bad. The reilability might be average to even good (I can't tell from such short rentals). WHat I can say is that the thought of owning one chills my blood. Soft, dated,boring as heck and the looks ..uhhg I'd hate to see one in my driveway everyd day. It doesn't mean its the worst car in the world but it says something to me when my reaction to getting one as a rental is OH NO NOT AGAIN.

Is your GTI in the shop so much that you need rentals all the time?

I cannot imagine a GTI owner liking this type of car. I used to own a GTI back when I wanted that style of driving experience. But not everyone does. This is a good vehicle, certainly superior to the 4-banger plastic-wheelcover Camcords you see everywhere. But in todays New World Order, such transportation boxes are considered the ne plus ultra of automotive design while a quiet, comfortable car such as this is considered dated and soft. Go figure... 

Nope I had those rentals before the GTI. They were all work realted as I travled to Toronto, Vancouver St John's NL. Not sure if its meant to be a shot at GTI ?

My main vehicle at the time (that I would have compared the Aluure with) was my 1999 Maxima GLE. Not exactly a sports car eh? I much prefered the 10 year old Maxima to the Allure. I prefered the Ford Fusion, I prefered the Chev Malibu. Its not a case of Allure vs a GIT. I've had Dodge Intrepids.  The Allure is a grandpa car. Its a big soft dated boat. If that is what you want that's fine. If its a good deal then go for it. I simply gave my opinion. Have YOU driven an Allure?

[Honda Owner]

Have YOU driven an Allure?

Well, I have. I found the easy storage for a walker and oxygen tank excellent features.

[Seafoam]

I've had several of these as rentals for as short as 2 days to as long as 3 weeks. Grandpa car descibes them to a T. The quality was not bad. The reilability might be average to even good (I can't tell from such short rentals). WHat I can say is that the thought of owning one chills my blood. Soft, dated,boring as heck and the looks ..uhhg I'd hate to see one in my driveway everyd day. It doesn't mean its the worst car in the world but it says something to me when my reaction to getting one as a rental is OH NO NOT AGAIN.

Is your GTI in the shop so much that you need rentals all the time?

I cannot imagine a GTI owner liking this type of car. I used to own a GTI back when I wanted that style of driving experience. But not everyone does. This is a good vehicle, certainly superior to the 4-banger plastic-wheelcover Camcords you see everywhere. But in todays New World Order, such transportation boxes are considered the ne plus ultra of automotive design while a quiet, comfortable car such as this is considered dated and soft. Go figure... 

Nope I had those rentals before the GTI. They were all work realted as I travled to Toronto, Vancouver St John's NL. Not sure if its meant to be a shot at GTI ?

My main vehicle at the time (that I would have compared the Aluure with) was my 1999 Maxima GLE. Not exactly a sports car eh? I much prefered the 10 year old Maxima to the Allure. I prefered the Ford Fusion, I prefered the Chev Malibu. Its not a case of Allure vs a GIT. I've had Dodge Intrepids.  The Allure is a grandpa car. Its a big soft dated boat. If that is what you want that's fine. If its a good deal then go for it. I simply gave my opinion. Have YOU driven an Allure?

He owns one
 

[toolatecrew]

I've had several of these as rentals for as short as 2 days to as long as 3 weeks. Grandpa car descibes them to a T. The quality was not bad. The reilability might be average to even good (I can't tell from such short rentals). WHat I can say is that the thought of owning one chills my blood. Soft, dated,boring as heck and the looks ..uhhg I'd hate to see one in my driveway everyd day. It doesn't mean its the worst car in the world but it says something to me when my reaction to getting one as a rental is OH NO NOT AGAIN.

Is your GTI in the shop so much that you need rentals all the time?

I cannot imagine a GTI owner liking this type of car. I used to own a GTI back when I wanted that style of driving experience. But not everyone does. This is a good vehicle, certainly superior to the 4-banger plastic-wheelcover Camcords you see everywhere. But in todays New World Order, such transportation boxes are considered the ne plus ultra of automotive design while a quiet, comfortable car such as this is considered dated and soft. Go figure... 

Nope I had those rentals before the GTI. They were all work realted as I travled to Toronto, Vancouver St John's NL. Not sure if its meant to be a shot at GTI ?

My main vehicle at the time (that I would have compared the Aluure with) was my 1999 Maxima GLE. Not exactly a sports car eh? I much prefered the 10 year old Maxima to the Allure. I prefered the Ford Fusion, I prefered the Chev Malibu. Its not a case of Allure vs a GIT. I've had Dodge Intrepids.  The Allure is a grandpa car. Its a big soft dated boat. If that is what you want that's fine. If its a good deal then go for it. I simply gave my opinion. Have YOU driven an Allure?

He owns one
 

Ah that explains it.

[Honda Owner]

He owns one

What? And oxygen tank?