2012 Buick Verano Review

Despite its commuter-car roots, the 2012 Buick Verano drives and feels more like a luxury car, which makes its starting price all the more attractive.

Parent company GM sunk big cash into developing the smash-hit Chevrolet Cruze, but wringing a Buick from the same platform seemed dubious. A Toyota Corolla with leather, after all, does not a Lexus make. But here's the difference: To begin with, the Cruze is no Corolla; this Buick is no Chevy clone, and GM's latest whack at the below-$30,000 luxury piñata could pay off.

The front-drive Verano sedan comes in Base, Convenience and Leather trims, with the Base trim level's price overlapping Chevrolet's top-of-the-line Cruze LTZ. An automatic transmission and four-cylinder engine are standard. We tested a well-equipped Verano Leather.

See also:

Easy Exit Driver Seat
This feature moves the seat rearward allowing the driver more room to exit the vehicle. To activate, place the ignition in OFF and open the driver door. If the driver door is already open, pl ...

Where to Put the Restraint
According to accident statistics, children and infants are safer when properly restrained in a child restraint system or infant restraint system secured in a rear seating position. We recommend ...

Headlamp Aiming
The headlamp aiming system has been preset at the factory. If the vehicle is damaged in an accident, the aim of the headlamps may be affected and adjustment may be necessary. It is recommend ...