A four-door mid-size sedan with a 16.7 cubic foot trunk and split-folding rear seats, standard ABS brakes and dual front-side airbags, leather upholstery, and standard OnStar. Sounds like a perfect family car. And the 2002 Buick Regal plays that role well, especially with four-star crash ratings. But lurking beneath this "family sedan" is a little monster of an engine, a supercharged 3.8 V6 that hits 240-hp with 280 lb-ft of torque, that allows parents to let their hair down and slip below the radar in this unassuming Buick.

This supercharged Regal is the GS, and it also includes a Gran Touring suspension, 16-inch wheels, and traction control. The base model Regal is the LS, which has a naturally aspirated 3.8 V6 that still gets a respectable 195-hp. Both come with a 4-speed automatic. While the LS also comes with traction control, ABS brakes, dual front airbags, power features and a power driver's seat, most of what you get on the GS, including the Gran Touring package and side airbags, are available as options.

The only change to the 2002 Regal is the addition of wood trim and latch child seat anchors on both models. The Joseph Abboud-designed appearance package is still available, and offers special leather seats, wheel-mounted audio controls, a sunroof, and two-tone paint. This package adds much needed zest to the increasingly outdated looks of the 2002 Regal. The bland styling helps disguise the sporty nature of the powertrain. Drivers praise the acceleration power and low-end torque of the GS, but also say the LS is fun to ride, and both offer a smooth, comfortable ride. They also say you get a lot of standard features for a low price. Complaints mention the need for premium gas in the GS, the lack of rear legroom, the cheap-looking interior, and Buick's reputation as an old person's car.