Safety, Features & Styling

With top crash-test scores across the board, the Verano is a Top Safety Pick from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. Standard features include 10 airbags, plus the antilock brakes and electronic stability system required on all new vehicles starting with the 2012 model year. Click here for a full feature list. Being a new car, the Verano doesn't have a reliability trail, but the year-old Cruze does and it stinks. Overall reliability is well below average. GM has work to do.

The Verano starts around $22,500, overlapping the well-equipped Cruze LTZ but undercutting the TSX, C30 and A3 by $2,300 or more. Standard features include dual-zone climate control, faux leather upholstery and a touch-screen, iPod/USB-compatible stereo with Buick's IntelliLink system. Climb the trims and you can get keyless access with push-button start, heated front seats, a power driver's seat, genuine leather, a navigation system and a moonroof. A power passenger seat, however, is unavailable.

Loaded to the gunwales, the Verano tops out around $29,000. That's still short of the base TSX.

    See also:

    Playing an MP3 CD-R or CD-RW Disc
    The radio may have MP3 CD-R or CD-RW disc capability. For more information, see Using an MP3 later in this section. ...

    Fuses and Circuit Breakers
    The wiring circuits in your vehicle are protected from short circuits by a combination of fuses and circuit breakers. This greatly reduces the chance of fires caused by electrical problems. Look ...

    After Off-Road Driving
    Remove any brush or debris that has collected on the underbody, chassis, or under the hood. These accumulations can be a fire hazard. After operation in mud or sand, have the brake linings cle ...