The Buick Reatta was a distinctive and innovative car produced by Buick from 1988 to 1991. As a two-seater luxury sports coupe and convertible, the Reatta was designed to blend style, performance, and advanced technology. It represented Buick’s attempt to compete in the luxury sports car market and showcased a variety of cutting-edge features for its time.
The Buick Reatta is notable for its unique position in Buick’s history as a hand-built luxury sports car with advanced technology. It was manufactured at the Reatta Craft Centre in Lansing, Michigan, which focused on low-volume, high-quality production.
The Reatta was ahead of its time with features like the ECC touchscreen interface, which provided controls for climate, audio, and diagnostics, resembling the modern infotainment systems found in today’s cars. However, the touchscreen was eventually replaced with traditional controls due to reliability issues and user feedback.
Despite its innovative design and features, the Reatta faced challenges in the market due to its high price and competition from other luxury sports cars. Production ended in 1991 after approximately 21,751 units were built.
Specifications
Engine/Transmission:
- Type: 3.8-liter V6 (3800)
- Power Output: 165 horsepower (1988-1990) / 170 horsepower (1991)
- Torque: 210 lb-ft (1988-1990) / 220 lb-ft (1991)
- Type: 4-speed automatic (4T60-E)
Performance:
- 0-60 mph: Approximately 8.0 seconds
- Top Speed: Around 125 mph
Dimensions:
- Wheelbase: 98.5 inches
- Length: 183.7 inches
- Width: 73.0 inches
- Height:
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- 51.3 inches (coupe)
- 52.2 inches (convertible)
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- Curb Weight:
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- 3,350 pounds (coupe)
- 3,400 pounds (convertible)
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Chassis and Body:
- Layout: Front-engine, front-wheel-drive (FF layout)
- Body Style:
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- 2-door coupe (1988-1991)
- 2-door convertible (1990-1991)
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Design and Exterior:
- Sleek and aerodynamic design with a low profile and pop-up headlights.
- Available as a coupe from 1988 to 1991 and as a convertible starting in 1990.
- Distinctive styling with clean lines and minimalistic chrome accents.
- Convertible model featured a manual soft top with a glass rear window.
Interior/Comfort and Convenience:
- Luxurious two-seat cockpit with high-quality leather upholstery.
- Digital dashboard with an advanced Electronic Control Center (ECC) touchscreen interface (1988-1989).
- Analog gauges with a driver information center (1990-1991).
- Comfortable and supportive bucket seats with power adjustments.
- Ample trunk space for a sports car, with a pass-through for long items.
- Power windows, mirrors, and seats.
- Cruise control and automatic climate control.
- High-quality audio system with AM/FM radio, cassette player, and optional CD player.
- Keyless entry and anti-theft system.
Safety and Innovation:
- Anti-lock braking system (ABS) for improved stopping power.
- Driver’s side airbag (introduced in 1990).
- Independent suspension for a smooth and controlled ride.
- Advanced electronic systems, including the ECC touchscreen (early models) and later analog instrumentation with comprehensive information display.
