In the automotive landscape of the 1980s, a fascinating question arose: what transpires when luxury converges with cutting-edge technology? Buick, a brand synonymous with American comfort and refinement, sought to answer this very question. Just after Cadillac introduced its Italian-designed Allante in 1987, Buick unveiled its own contender in 1988 – the Reatta. This two-door coupe, sharing its platform with the Riviera, emerged as Buick’s unique take on the personal luxury car, equipped with General Motors’ reliable 3800 Series V6 engine and a 4-speed automatic transmission. No other powertrain options were offered, solidifying its intended market position. To truly understand this distinctive vehicle, I spent a few days with a 1988 Buick Reatta, courtesy of CarUnder10K in Dayton, TN, to delve into its character and driving experience.
Exterior Design: A Unique Statement
The exterior styling of the 1988 Buick Reatta often sparks debate. Its distinctive silhouette has earned it nicknames like “UFO” or “Space Ship,” reflecting its unconventional aesthetics. This car is undeniably a head-turner, guaranteed to attract attention wherever it goes. Buick offered the Reatta in both coupe (as tested) and convertible versions. For many enthusiasts, including myself, the coupe’s design, particularly with its pop-up headlights, holds a special appeal. These retractable headlights contribute to the car’s sleek front profile when not in use, adding to its futuristic charm. Ultimately, the 1988 Buick Reatta makes a bold visual statement, ensuring it stands out from the crowd and makes driving it an event in itself.
Technology of the Era: The Touchscreen Pioneer
Buick heavily emphasized technology when designing the Reatta, aiming to position it as a forward-thinking vehicle. It’s crucial to remember this car debuted over three decades ago, in 1988. A standout feature of the 1988 Buick Reatta was its integrated touchscreen display, borrowed and refined from the Riviera of the preceding years. This central screen was a technological marvel for its time, controlling essential vehicle functions such as climate control and the radio. Beyond entertainment and comfort, the screen also provided vital vehicle data, displaying RPM, oil pressure, and battery voltage. However, this technological leap also included a “diagnostic center,” which, while intended to be helpful, could become a source of frustration. This system was designed to alert the driver to any malfunctions with audible beeps. In the test 1988 Buick Reatta, a glitch in the ABS system caused the diagnostic center to trigger randomly, emitting a loud and rather alarming beep, highlighting both the innovation and the potential quirks of early automotive technology.
Interior Comfort and Features: A Focus on the Driver
Beyond its pioneering touchscreen, the interior of the 1988 Buick Reatta is a comfortable and well-appointed space. As a dedicated two-seater, the Reatta offers ample room behind the seats, making it practical for carrying luggage or equipment. During my time with the car, this space easily accommodated camera gear with room to spare. Legroom is generous, especially for the passenger, enhanced by a dashboard design that doesn’t intrude into the cabin. The 1988 Buick Reatta is characterized by a plethora of buttons, indicative of the era’s approach to in-car controls. Dedicated buttons operate the glovebox, trunk, and fuel door, adding a touch of convenience. The seats are electronically adjustable, offering a wide range of customization beyond basic forward and back movement. These adjustments include up and down movement, front and back tilt, and even electronically controlled thigh extensions, ensuring a tailored driving position for optimal comfort.
Among the array of buttons, a particularly unique one is labeled “fuel.” Pressing this button zooms in on the fuel gauge on the digital display, providing a precise reading of the remaining fuel level. This feature catered to drivers wanting to maximize fuel efficiency and know exactly how much fuel they had left. The interior material quality in the 1988 Buick Reatta is noteworthy for its age. While most buttons are made of standard plastic, those located in the center console and on the doors feature a metal finish, adding a touch of premium feel. Remarkably, nearly all interior features and controls in the test car still functioned as intended, a testament to the build quality and durability of components from that era.
Driving Experience: Comfort Over Sport
The driving dynamics of the 1988 Buick Reatta prioritize comfort and cruising over outright спортивности. While visually striking, it’s not engineered for high-performance driving. The GM 3800 V6 engine, while a reliable and respectable power unit, isn’t designed for track-level performance, especially when paired with the 4-speed automatic transmission. The 0-60 mph acceleration is in the 9-10 second range, reflecting its grand touring character rather than sports car agility. The suspension is tuned for a plush ride, resulting in noticeable body roll in corners, further emphasizing its comfort-oriented nature. Therefore, classifying the 1988 Buick Reatta as a sports coupe by today’s standards would be inaccurate.
However, on the open highway, the Reatta truly shines. It provides a quiet and exceptionally comfortable ride, effortlessly gliding over road imperfections and small undulations, embodying the classic Buick “float” experience. While it possesses adequate power for passing maneuvers, it’s not designed for aggressive or rapid acceleration. In fact, the 1988 Buick Reatta‘s relaxed driving demeanor might even discourage road rage, promoting a more serene and enjoyable driving experience. I found myself in a noticeably calmer mood when driving this car compared to my more modern daily driver, highlighting its ability to provide a tranquil and stress-free journey.
Final Verdict: A Future Classic?
Should you consider buying a 1988 Buick Reatta? The answer hinges on your priorities. If you seek a car that commands attention with its unique styling but doesn’t prioritize спортивности, the Reatta could be an intriguing choice. It occupies a similar niche to the Plymouth Prowler – visually captivating but not primarily performance-focused. The touchscreen technology remains a fascinating aspect, although it’s important to note that this feature was exclusive to the 1988-1990 models, discontinued for 1991. In terms of value, Reattas in rough condition can be found for around $3,000-$4,500, while well-maintained examples, similar to the test car, typically range from $7,000-$9,000. Pristine, low-mileage collector-grade Reattas, though rare, can command prices between $10,000-$12,000.
Personally, I believe the 1988 Buick Reatta holds strong potential as a future collector’s item, with values likely to appreciate in the coming years. If you’re contemplating acquiring one, now might be an opportune time to buy. Perhaps, with aftermarket modifications like BBS wheels and air suspension, a 1988 Buick Reatta could achieve an even more striking and personalized aesthetic.
Thanks to Koleton Yoshida for his editing contributions to this review.
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Text & Photos by Ben Battles
