2014 Buick LaCrosse Earns Five-Star NHTSA Safety Score

Refreshed full-size sedan achieves top overall mark in stringent crash tests

 

The 2014 Buick LaCrosse has received the highest possible 5-Star Overall Vehicle Score for safety as part of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s New Car Assessment Program.

“Safety is one of the pillars of the Buick brand and our flagship continues to echo this essential element to our customers,” said Jeff Yanssens, chief engineer of the LaCrosse. “Not only do we offer advanced safety technologies in the 2014 LaCrosse, but we designed and engineered the core of the car to perform well with respect to crash safety.”

Employing many advanced technologies – including the use of camera and radar – to help avoid crashes, the refreshed full-size sedan offers one of the most comprehensive collections of standard and available safety features in the segment. Helping the driver identify potential crash situations, visual, and audible or where available, seat vibration alerts are initially used by these systems. If a crash threat appears imminent, some systems can even intervene and apply the brakes.

The available safety and convenience features include: 

Safety Alert Seat – A patented General Motors’ technology, the driver’s seat works with many of the advanced safety features, providing seat vibration pulses indicating the direction of a potential crash threat.

Automatic Collision Preparation – Radar technology detects a possible crash threat and alerts the driver. If the system detects that the driver does not apply the brakes, this feature intervenes to automatically trigger the brakes in an effort to reduce crash damage.
 
Forward Collision Alert – If the camera technology detects a possible crash threat, the system will send an alert.

Full-speed-range Adaptive Cruise Control – Radar technology senses traffic in front of the LaCrosse to adjust vehicle speed, including bringing the vehicle to a complete stop and accelerating again upon driver request.

Lane Departure Warning – A camera-based lane detection system can warn the driver of unsignaled lane changes. The camera, mounted near the inside rearview mirror, identifies lane markings, and provides alerts.

Lane Change Alert – Under most driving conditions, the system helps to inform the driver of fast-approaching vehicles in the next lane that are up to 230 feet (70 meters) behind the car. The LaCrosse is one of the first vehicles to offer this technology.

Side Blind Zone Alert – Using radar sensors on both sides of the vehicle, the system scans for other vehicles in the blind zone areas of the LaCrosse and under most driving conditions, indicates their presence with light-emitting diode, or LED-lit symbols in the outside mirrors.

Rear Cross Traffic Alert – Based on the radar sensors of side blind zone alert, it can warn the driver of vehicles in traffic when backing out of a parking spot – including angled parking. Visual, and audible or available seat vibration alerts are triggered if moving vehicles are detected.

Rear Vision Camera – In reverse, the camera provides a view of the area behind the LaCrosse, shown on the display in the center stack infotainment system.

GM Foundation Grant Sends 256 Detroit Children to Preschool

 
The General Motors Foundation is making a quality preschool education possible for 256 children in Detroit’s most challenged neighborhoods through a $500,000 grant in support of the Education Achievement Authority (EAA) of Michigan.

“Early education is a critical factor in the long-term success of our children. This very generous gift from the GM Foundation will make a huge difference in the lives of our children, and we are very grateful for the support,” Education Achievement Authority Chancellor John Covington said.

Established in 2011, the EAA took over and is turning around 15 persistently failing schools in Detroit. The GM Foundation funding enabled the EAA to expand its reach into early learning and create 16 new “GM Foundation Early Learning Classrooms."

“The GM Foundation has made a commitment to fundamentally improve the lives of our children and the larger community,” said Michael J. Brennan, president and CEO, United Way. “This investment will go a long way in laying the foundation for success for some of Detroit’s youngest children. We applaud the type of corporate leadership the GM Foundation has shown time and again.”

An American Hero: The Tradition of Giving

An American Hero.

A little boy’s lesson in business has become an example of holiday giving he has shared with his family and community. Colby Groom, now 14, donated the profits he earned selling tool kits while riding along with his grandfather Mark Stuchel, who owned a Snap-on tool franchise, to purchase toys for other less-fortunate children. Eight years later, Colby’s grandmother, Suzan, and his sisters Cheyanne, 10, Courtney, 12, and Carissa, 8, share in his generosity. The family purchased 296 toys on Black Friday, which they donated to the area Toys for Tots drive. The program has provided more than 452 million toys to more than 209 million needy children since its inception in 1947.

We are still accepting toy donations, which can be brought to any Bob Brown metro location.

2014 Buick Regal Boasts More Power, Greater Efficiency

Power-dense 2.0L Turbo now comes standard

The revamped 2014 Buick Regal now arriving in dealerships features the sport sedan’s most powerful standard engine ever – and increased fuel efficiency.

Producing an SAE-rated 259 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque from just two liters of displacement, the Regal has more standard horsepower and torque than ever before.
 
When compared with the 2013 Regal Turbo, the new 2.0L Turbo produces 18 percent more horsepower and 13 percent more torque while delivering more miles per gallon. Equipped with its six-speed automatic transmission, the 2014 Regal gets an EPA-estimated 21 mpg city and 30 mpg highway, an increase of 3 mpg or 17 percent city economy over the 2013 Regal Turbo.

“Power and fuel efficiency are typically mutually exclusive,” said Mike Katerberg, chief powertrain engineer. “But with our new 2.0L Turbo, we were able to increase both and create one of the most torque rich and fuel efficient combinations on the market.”

New design elements and components work harmoniously to enrich performance, efficiency, acoustics and durability.

In addition to the new standard turbocharged engine, the 2014 Regal turbo models now offer an available advanced all-wheel-drive system with electronic limited-slip differential and HiPer Strut front suspension for added performance and drivability in all types of road conditions.

Browse our current selection by visiting the Bob Brown Buick GMC website.

2014 Sierra Get Lean and Mean

Like athletes who burn fat and build muscle to become more competitive, the 2014 GMC Sierra 1500 strategically replaced traditional steel with lightweight, high-strength steels for improved capability, safety and fuel efficiency.

High-strength and ultra-high-strength steels make the Sierra’s fully boxed frames and cabs lighter and stronger, helping the trucks deliver the best fuel economy of any V-8 pickup, up to 23 mpg highway. They also have class-leading towing capability of up to 12,000 pounds when equipped with the available 6.2L V-8.

Similarly, making the most of mass also enables Sierras equipped with the 4.3L V-6 to tow up to 7,600 pounds, the highest for any standard V-6 in the segment, with EPA highway fuel economy of up to 24 mpg.

“Our customers tell us they want better fuel economy, but only if it doesn’t come at the expense of capability,” said Jeff Luke, executive chief engineer of the Silverado and Sierra. “By using lightweight materials like ultra-high-strength steel and aluminum for key structural parts and components in our new trucks we were able to improve both capability and efficiency.”

Browse our current selection by visiting the Bob Brown Buick GMC website. 

What does your cars color say about you?

Cars are a huge part of our modern lives. Not only do they provide transportation, but they are also — in a sense — an extension of ourselves. In today's day and age everyone wants to stand out and be unique. The color of your car can be a statement of individuality. Not everyone goes car shopping with color as a major criterion. However, consciously decided or not, your cars color actually says a lot about you.

Black: Power, elegance, control 

19% of people drive black cars. 


Blue: Balance, loyalty, caution

8% of people drive blue cars.


Green: Confidence, awareness, security

Green is the least popular car color.


Silver: Self-assurance, resolute, aloof

16% of people drive silver cars.


White: Resilience, independence

White is the most popular car color.


Red: Energetic, quick-thinking, physical

10% of people drive red cars. Contrary to popular belief, driving a red car does not increase your visibility to police nor does it cost more to insure.


What color is the car in your driveway, and what does it say about you?

To view our current selection of vehicles visit the Bob Brown Buick GMC website.

Construction Reduction Savings

In an effort to transform Bob Brown Buick GMC into a bigger and better version, we're in the midst of a total makeover. Because of the construction we desperately need to reduce our inventory. That translates to a huge opportunity for you to save money!

You can save big on models like the 2013 Buick Enlave, Encore and Verano. On the GMC side we have the 2013 Terrain and Acadia.

You can even save on the all-new 2014 GMC Sierra! One look inside this beautiful truck and you can see how the interior brings comfort, refinement and convenience to a whole new level.

So don't miss out on this great opportunity! Visit the Bob Brown Buick GMC website to view our full inventory.

GM Foundation Donates $150,000 to MADD

Grant will fund community support services and prevention education

 

 

The General Motors Foundation is donating $150,000 to Mothers Against Drunk Driving to expand prevention education initiatives and provide support services to victims of drunk driving crashes and their families.

In 2011, drunk driving killed more than 9,800 people and injured approximately 315,000. To aid in recovery, MADD provides services to one victim every 8.6 minutes at no charge. Last year alone, 61,000 people received help from the organization.

Since 1995, the GM Foundation has donated grants totaling nearly $3.9 million to support MADD’s drunk-driving prevention and victim recovery work, and to raise awareness on the importance of having a designated driver.

“This contribution will help MADD achieve its mission by allowing us to serve more drunk driving victims and prevent underage drinking,” said MADD National President Jan Withers. 

Visit the Bob Brown Buick GMC Website to view our current inventory and available service specials.

Intelligent Entertainment: The New Intellilink Infotainment Center

With the smart-phone revolution having no end in sight, automakers are racing to bring that same type of connectivity directly to the car. Two brands stand out in the race, Chevrolet and Buick. That makes sense as Chevy's MyLink and Buick's Intellilink both stem from General Motors' diligent efforts to provide a seamless integration of automotive performance and entertainment. In this article we'll briefly run through some of Intellilinks features and capabilities. 

In the previous generations of Intellilink, you could sense that maybe Buick had rushed its implementation of the technology. The buttons were bulky and cluttered. The functionality was not intuitive.

The next-generation Intellilink solves all those problems. The user interface is streamlined and natural. The previous 17 physical buttons have been replaced by only seven. The touch-screen icons are large and easily identifiable.

All the magic takes place within a generous 8 inch touch-screen. Take advantage of its superior connectivity with your mobile device. Intellilink uses the same gestures we've become so familiar with. Slide your fingers to the left or right, performing what Buick refers to as a 'Fling'. Drag and drop items. You can also utilize the natural voice recognition to control the system. 

Altogether, these features make it easy to safely perform whatever it is you're trying to do, even at highway speeds.

Intellilink is available on the 2014 LaCrosse and Regal. Browse our selection on the Bob Brown Buick GMC Website.

10 Easy Steps to Winterize Your Car

Fall is here, and it's a good time to start thinking about winter preparation. The cold season can place extra strain on certain parts of the vehicle, especially at temperature extremes. By performing a few simple checks on your cars critical parts, you can ensure that you won't get stranded in the cold this winter.


1. Antifreeze. Naturally, this is important. A 50/50 mixture of distilled water and antifreeze will typically suffice. If you live in areas that have unusually cold temperatures, you may want to increase that ratio a bit.

2. Battery. The cold weather will put more stress on the cars charging system. Cold starts are notoriously difficult for some cars. The last thing you want to do is be stranded in the frigid morning dealing with a dead battery. 

3. Oil & Filter. This is standard maintenance (as are most items in this list). But it is even more crucial in the winter months. Refer to your owners manual for OEM recommended oil type. 

4. Lights & Indicators. Because of the longer days, your lights will have to work harder. All lights on the car are important, but headlights and brake lights especially so. If you haven't replaced them in a few years, it might be a good idea to just proactively do so. It will be much cheaper than getting into a collision because a fellow motorist couldn't see you. 

5. Tires. Good traction in the winter is essential. Inspect the tread, or have someone do it for you. Also, be sure that your tires are inflated to the manufacturers suggested standards. 

6. Windshield. Visibility is key to road safety. You want to make sure that all windows are cleared of ice and snow before hitting the road. Mix de-icer and Rain-X treatment in your washer fluid to avoid chipping away at ice in the morning with a chisel. 

7. Belts & Hoses. Winter temperatures can put extra stress on these parts. Don't let a $10 part get your stranded.

8. Cabin Air Filter. The summer months can really create a build up of dust and particles. If your car is equipped with a cabin air filter, it is wise to change that now. Blasting the heat on full will only embed these contaminants deeper into your cars heating/cooling system. 

9. Exterior Paint. Rain, snow and salt will really eat away at your cars finish. Applying a proper coat of wax will significantly reduce this.

10. Roadside Emergency Kit. This is ALWAYS important. Simple items like Fix-A-Flat, basic tools and extra oil can really save the day. Be sure to keep a few blankets in the car through the winter too, in case the worst happens. 

Connect with us on the Bob Brown Buick Facebook Page to get more great automotive related news.

If you need help getting your car ready for winter, we are at your assistance!

Vehicle Spotlight: The 2013 Buick Verano

The 2013 Verano is a powerful compact luxury sedan, with a quiet cabin, smooth styling, and plenty of standard features. This year Buick introduced the 250-hp 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with the premium trim package. Every Verano comes equipped with the Buick IntelliLink system. Other standard features include: 18-inch aluminum wheels, dual-zone automatic climate control, Bluetooth wireless connectivity, satellite radio, and USB ports.

With a turbo-charged engine, you'd expect some compromise in cabin noise. Not the case, as Verano is regarded as one of the quietest in its class. With the 250-hp engine, there is an optional 6-speed manual transmission.

With attractive aesthetics, improved performance and a plethora of tech features, the 2013 Buick Verano is an all-around winner.

Browse our selection by visiting the Bob Brown Buick GMC Website.

Weekly Car Tip: Music Can Improve (Or Worsen) Your Driving

Most of us listen to some form of music in the car while we are driving. Did you know that, depending on the style and genre, music can have drastic effects on your driving abilities? This study shows that faster tempo music causes the driver to make rash decisions like being impatient at red lights, driving faster and making more mistakes, sometimes leading to accidents. Interestingly, the study also shows that listening to any type of music, regardless of tempo, serves to moderate your heart rate. 

So next time you get in the car, think twice about putting on Slayer or Deadmau5. Maybe try some Chopin? Nora Jones?

NHTSA Gives Highest Possible Rating to Chevrolet and GMC Trucks

The 2014 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and High Country and the GMC Sierra and Sierra Denali 1500 are the first pickup trucks to receive the highest possible five-star Overall Vehicle Score for safety since the NHTSA changed its New Car Assessment Program in 2010!

Both the Silverado and Sierra offer fully boxed frames and extensive use of high-strength steel. In addition, several segment-exclusive safety features are available, including Forward Collision Alert, Lane Departure Warning, and Safety Alert Seat.

To read more about the safety features of these award-winning GM models, read the full press release.

Weekly Car Tip: Stuck Lug Nuts?

Hello there, fans! It's time again for our #WeeklyCarTip! 

This week we'll keep it short and simple. It's the kind of preventative maintenance that you will take for granted 364 days out of the year, but that ONE day when you do get a flat tire, you will be glad that you took action. So without further ado, we present: 

It's safe to assume that just about everyone has had to deal with a stubborn flat tire. You know the one, where you put every ounce of your body weight into loosening one of those forsaken lug nuts — to no avail?

Use some anti-seize compound to keep those lug nuts from sticking. You will thank yourself the next time you're on your way to an important meeting and the worst happens. Keep a can of anti-seize lubricant in the car, as well. That way you'll never have to worry about stubborn lug nuts again. 

Until next time!

The Harsh Truth About Taking Road Trips As an Adult

It's the season for road trips—that perfect time of the year for putting those hard-earned PTO hours to good use. If you happen to be single or married but without children, forget this article. There are no rules or suggestions for you. Well, except one: Enjoy it while you can. 

For the rest of us, the whimsical nature of road trips is a thing of the past. We have to painstakingly plan every moment. What used to be a capricious expedition into the unknown is now more of a NASA flight plan, with each miniscule detail calculated to the second. First, we establish a rough itinerary. Then, to be safe, we develop a contingency plan. We take stock of food provisions and medical supplies. Then, we plan some more.

What's originally intended to be an escape, quickly becomes the same old routine. Worse actually, because the stress levels are much higher when you're somewhere unfamiliar. So how can you prepare well enough for such an event, that you still have the capacity to appreciate the spirit of exploration? Here are some things to keep in mind:

• The obvious way to get a kid to shut up is to fill his/her mouth with something. Snacks are very important when hitting the road with children in tow. Portable and non-messy foods are ideal here. Some good items to bring: Boxes of raisins, string cheese, crackers, grapes, apple slices, juice boxes.
• To maintain a good schedule, you'll want to limit the number of bathroom breaks by limiting the amount of fluid intake. Make a game out of it. Like, "You can't take a drink until you see a blue car."
• Too few breaks can be equally as damaging to you sanity. Think realistically how often you'll need to stop to keep the kids from bouncing off the walls of the mini-van. Plan your schedule accordingly to this. 
• Messes are inevitable. Be prepared for this. Items like zip-lock bags, paper towels, easy-wipes and spill-proof cups are just a few examples. 
• The dollar store is your friend. There are so many great, affordable options available that will provide entertainment. Speaking of entertainment, here are some ideas:
1. Electronic Games
2. Have the kids trace your progress on a map. Buy an extra so they can draw on it with water soluble utensils. (This will also somewhat mitigate the "Are We There Yet?" cliche.)
3. Portable DVD players are your savior!
4. Bribe them with toys! Also, bring along some toy catalogs. This will keep them entertained for hours. Bring some glue sticks and construction paper so they can create a "Toy Wish List".
5. Don't underestimate the power of music. Perhaps some classical music will YOU in the mood while putting THEM to sleep?
6. Of course, there are the old fashioned ways to keep entertained. Games like I Spy, the License Plate Game and Slug Bug are always effective.

Weekly Car Tip: Car Tire Maintenance

While car tire maintenance may seem like a no-brainer to most people, many basic tasks are overlooked. You may also be surprised to learn about some benefits of making sure that your car tires are in tip-top condition.

Data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration shows that underinflated tires cause more than 600 fatalities and 33,000 injuries every year. So while you may not normally put much thought into where "the rubber meets the road", but it's obviously very crucial to do so. 

So before we go over ways to ensure that your tires are properly maintained, let's highlight the advantages that it will provide you.

First, as already stated, is safety. Even if you manage to escape a blowout situation personally unscathed, there is a good chance that your car (or another car) will suffer damage in an accident. Another benefit is the better fuel economy you get as a result of well-maintained tires. Tires that are in good shape and properly inflated will create less surface area coming in contact with the road, leading to reduced friction and improved fuel economy. Lastly, taking care of your tires will prolong the lifespan of those tires and your car in general. 

So really you can break these benefits up into two categories: health/safety and money saved.

It really is a no-brainer!

So, here are the steps you can take to ensure that your tires are up to par.

1. Check pressure at least once a month and before long trips. Remember to check your tires when they are cool to the touch, to get an accurate measurement of air pressure.
2. To determine the correct air pressure for your tires (measured in pounds per square inch or PSI) check the sticker on the inside of your driver's side doorframe. You can also check the owner's manual or consult your local tire dealer for the proper inflation information.
3. After you remove the valve cap, firmly press a tire gauge onto the valve.
4. Read the gauge to determine if your tires have the correct amount of inflation. If not, add air to achieve the recommended air pressure.
5. If your tire is above the recommended tire pressure or you accidentally overfill it, release air by pushing on the metal stem in the center of the valve with the tire gauge tool, a fingernail, or the tip of a pen. Recheck the pressure until its right.
6. Replace the valve cap when you’re done.
7. Repeat with each tire, and don’t forget the spare. You’ll be glad you checked the spare if you get a flat tire.
8. While you’re checking the pressure, take a moment to give your tires a good inspection. Listen for leaks, check tread wear, check for nails or other objects embedded in the tires, look for cuts or gouges, uneven wear, bulges, tread separation, and other irregularities. These could be signs of potential danger, so contact your local car care professional.
9. Check your tire tread by inserting a penny upside down. If you can see the top of President Lincoln's head, your tire tread is too low.
10. Rotate Your Tires Regularly. Rotating your tires helps achieve a more uniform wear for all tires on your vehicle. Tires should be rotated approximately every 5,000 – 8,000 miles or sooner if signs of irregular or uneven tire wear appear.
11. Balance Your Tires. An unbalanced wheel and tire assembly may create an annoying vibration when you drive on a smooth road and may result in irregular tread wear.
12. Keep Your Tires Aligned. Misalignment of wheels in the front or rear, bent wheels, worn bushings, and other mechanical problems cause uneven and rapid tread wear and should be corrected by a qualified mechanic. 

Be sure to like us on Bob Brown Buick GMC's Facebook and follow us at Bob Brown Buick GMC's Twitter for more great tips and also exclusive offers!

Buick may get 3rd crossover for 2015

The current Buick lineup offers 2 crossover class vehicles. Currently in production are the Enclave and Encore. With the recent success of crossovers in general, the automaker is looking to possibly add a 3rd offering to that list. 

In the past few weeks, sightings have been made of a midsize Buick crossover in testing around the Detroit area. This leads to speculation that something may be in the works, perhaps targeted for Buick's Chinese market where GM could use a model of that type. There has been no official word released from the company as of yet, so the details are unclear. 

If Buick is truly planning to push a 3rd crossover into its lineup, it would make most sense for the specs to fall somewhere in between the Enclave and Encore. The Enclave is currently Buick's top-volume nameplate. 

Weekly Car Tip: Take It Easy On Your Ignition

There are many things to keep in mind when trying to maximize the life-span of your new car. This week we're focusing on the ignition with a simple trick that will greatly extend its longevity. The ignition switch alone will cost you upwards of $200 to replace, not including labor charges. Many failed ignition switches can be avoided, or at least postponed significantly, by simply lessening the load that the keychain places on the switch itself. 

A lot of people like to load up on keys, keychains and other accessories that make easier work of finding your set around the house or nestled deep within your purse. It makes sense, but think about the stress that it's putting on the cars mechanical parts while you're driving. The heavier your keychain is, the quicker it will wear down the ignition switch. And if you drive often along particularly bumpy routes, that will quickly compound the effects. 

So remember this simple tip for getting the most out of your new car! A lighter keychain will save you money down the road.

Buick Encore A Different Beast

In recent years, Buick has done a nice job subtly changing its image from The Official Car of Old People to a purveyor of high-quality, premium automobiles. The full-sized Enclave is one of the best crossovers out there, the Opel-derived Regal GS is an excellent, fun-to-drive sports sedan and the Lacrosse has proven to be a competent rival to the Lexus ES and Acura TL — all good things.

But the Encore is a wholly different beast, a compact utility vehicle based on the same platform as the humble Chevrolet Sonic subcompact sedan. The Encore is a foot shorter than a Toyota RAV-4 and half a foot shorter than a Volkswagen Tiguan, making it a very compact vehicle indeed.

Under the hood is GM’s 1.4-liter Ecotec turbocharged four-cylinder engine, which connects via a six-speed automatic transmission to your choice of either front- or all-wheel drive. Buick says that the Encore seats five, but it’s happier with four people, as are most small cars.

In terms of shortage, always critical in utility vehicles, the Encore has 18.8 cubic feet of space behind the rear seats or 48.4 cubic feet if you fold the back seats down. The bottom line is you can comfortably carry two people and a lot of stuff or four people and a more modest among of luggage or groceries.

One of the first questions that people ask when they see a car this small is: How safe is it? The answer is very safe. The Encore is an Insurance Institute for Highway Safety 2013 Top Safety pick, with the all-wheel drive variant earning a 5-star Overall Vehicle Score for safety from the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration. The front-wheel-drive model earned a 4-star rating.

There are four trim levels available in the Encore, with our tester being a top-of-the-line model with the premium package known as the 1SN group. For an as-tested price of $31,475, including a $750 destination charge, our test car was loaded with options.

Among the myriad features were 10 airbags, Stabilitrak-stability control, four-wheel anti-lock disc brakes, forward collision alert, lane departure warning system, rain-sensing windshield wipers and a rear vision camera.




The Buick Encore is very safe. (Photo: General Motors) On the comfort and convenience side of the ledger, there were heated leather seats, with the driver’s-side seat part of a memory package that also remembers settings for the outside mirrors, audio system and air conditioning. The steering wheel was nicely wrapped in leather, there was a-120 volt power outlet, a Bose premium audio system, and a navigation system with 7-inch diagonal screen and USB port and input jack. In other words, everything any sane person would ever need to feel like he/she was driving a luxury car.

In the real word, a couple of things stood out about the Encore. First, and most critically if you have family, it truly seats four adults comfortably. I’m 6’4” and my 5’9” son and I both had plenty of room with me driving and him right behind me.

Secondly, the Encore felt a lot more like a Buick than it did the Chevrolet Sonic it shares so much of its basic architecture with. If you look carefully at the Encore’s interior, it’s exactly what you would expect in any Buick: High-quality materials with intelligent design and ergonomics and outstanding build quality. There are no corners cut because this is a smaller, less expensive Buick than, say, the bigger Enclave.

To that end, the Encore ranked highest in the Sub-Compact CUV segment in a recent J.D. Power and Associates Initial Quality Study.

After just a few miles on the road, I was pleasant surprised by how quiet and sure-footed the Encore was and how much like a Buick it truly felt. Granted, with 138 horsepower, acceleration is leisurely and gets more so as you load up with people and cargo. But that was one of the few complaints I had with the car. And for that, the tradeoff is 28 miles per gallon combined in city and highway driving, which is excellent.




The Buick Encore has 18.8 cubic feet of space behind the rear seats or 48.4 cubic feet if you fold the back seats down. (Photo: General Motors) On the highway, I was again surprised by the Encore. It didn’t blown all around in crosswinds and it didn’t feel like you were going 20 mph faster than you really were, a common complaint with very small cars. The Encore was impressively stable at highway speeds.

Certainly, not everyone wants or needs a car as small as the Buick Encore. And let’s be realistic, as practical as the Encore is, it won’t replace a family minivan or big SUV/crossover in many situations.

But if you were one of the people who do value compact, affordable vehicles, the Encore would be an excellent choice. It would be particularly appealing in an urban setting, where space is at a premium, and it would also be an excellent second car in the ‘burbs, or perhaps for a teen driver.

Buick officials said nearly half of the Encore’s early buyer came from brands outside of General Motors and it’s easy to see why: If you can keep an open-mind about what a subcompact is supposed to be and what a traditional Buick is supposed to be, you will be very impressed by the new Encore. I know I was.

VEHICLE TYPE: Five passenger, four-door CUV, front-wheel drive.
ENGINE: 1.4-liter Ecotec turbocharged four-cylinder, 138 horsepower, 148 pound-feet of torque.
TRANSMISSION: Six-speed automatic.
WHEELBASE: 100.6 inches.
OVERALL LENGTH: 168.5 inches.
CURB WEIGHT: 3,190 pounds.
EPA MILEAGE RATING: 25 city, 33 highway.





Source: speed.com

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Two Positive Reviews on Cars.com!

Our two latest reviews from Cars.com rave about our ability to communicate and really listen to what the customers' needs are.

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PleasedCustomer Urbandale, Iowa Jun 06, 2013

Andy Brecht at Bob Brown has always been great about getting right to my car for service, communicating with me about the issue and progress, and is very great at customer service/satisfaction! If it wasn't cheaper to get an oil change/regular maintenance with my local mechanic, I would go to Bob Brown each and every time.

 

GinaIA Des Moines, Iowa Jun 06, 2013

Debbie Williams was great. She listened to what options I was interested in and never once tried to talk me into something I didn't want or need. She was very polite and just great to work with. Aaron Logan was also very friendly and he understood my situation and made this experience great. This was my first vehicle that I have purchased on my own and I was a little scared about making this decision and the compassion from both Debbie and Aaron made it less stressful. I would and have recommended them both to other co workers and will to friends as well.

 

Entire 2014 Buick Lineup to Get Active Safety Suite Technology as Standard Equipment

If you want to have your brand considered “premium,” you have to do more than just make your cars look pretty and turn up the chrome level to 11, as Buick is finding out. Buick, the comeback kid of the American auto industry, is further differentiating itself from the rest of General Motors by offering its active safety technology as standard across its lineup for 2014, from the smallest Encore to the largest Enclave and everything in between.

Buick’s technology includes forward collision alert, lane departure warning, rear cross traffic alert, blind spot warning, and a backup camera. All of that’s going to be standard equipment from now on.

The forward collision alert and lane departure warning use a single forward-facing camera to detect when traffic in front isn’t moving as quickly as the Buick, or to detect when the driver is easing outside the lines. It will start beeping and flashing lights to alert the driver. Some cars use radar-based systems for these technologies, while some use cameras. Buick’s rear cross traffic and blind spot warning systems use radar, however.

Consistently, Buick has been upping the level of technology it offers in its vehicles. For 2013, the brand made its IntelliLink infotainment system standard. OnStar has been standard on Buick models for years, and now the safety systems standard across the line is a first for any General Motors brand. Buick hasn’t said how much these are adding to the price of each vehicle for 2014, but all of them add about $1,100 when you step up from the base Buick Verano to the one with the Convenience group of equipment, for instance.

When you’re still an underdog fighting to re-establish your reputation, doing things like this aren’t a bad idea. We wonder what Buick is planning next to further separate itself from the GM pack and its competition.

Source: Buick

10 Best Summer Drives in the Midwest

“Are we there yet?” are four words you won’t hear from your restless backseat drivers (or, more truthfully, you won’t hear those words every five minutes) when you embark on one of the 10 scenic summer drives we’ve outlined for you in the following pages. These routes offer so much to see (and do) that even the most tireless passengers will be speechless.

 

1. STILLWATER

You could argue that the scenic town of Stillwater—located on the Lower St. Croix National Scenic Riverway—is the perfect summer drive destination because it’s less than 30 minutes from the Twin Cities; and you would be right. At least partially right. The short drive and prime location on the St. Croix (one of the last unspoiled rivers in the country within close proximity of a major metropolitan area) are two appealing reasons to visit, but that’s only part of the story. The historic character of the valley’s community is another main draw. Many of the buildings in Stillwater are listed on the National Register of Historic Places—even the Stillwater Lift Bridge, extending over the St. Croix River from Minnesota on the west to Wisconsin on the east, is on the National Register. Drive up into the hills to see the lumber baron’s mansions from the early 19th century before parking your car and wandering down Main Street, featuring several blocks of unique gift and antique shops, then walk along the river before enjoying a malt at Leo’s.

2. UPPER ST. CROIX AREA

Head just 50 miles northeast of the Twin Cities to the sister cities of St. Croix Falls, Wis. and Taylors Falls, Minn. for the wild and scenic St. Croix River, phenomenal hiking trails, music festivals, live theatre, artists of all kinds, paddleboats, waterparks, wildlife, and wineries. Drive from Stillwater north on Highway 95 to Highway 8 before turning north and winding your way down into the valley. “After all these years, I still get a thrill coming down the hill and catching my first glimpse of the St. Croix from the bluffs near Franconia,” says Danette Olsen, a founding member of the St. Croix Marketing Alliance and the executive director of the Festival Theatre in St. Croix Falls. The options for enjoying a summer afternoon in the area are as varied as the steamboats that travel down the river. Visit the National Park Service headquarters and interpretive center, hike the trails in over 2,000 acres of park preserve, go on a riverboat cruise, check out the galleries, shops, live theatre, Franconia Sculpture Park, and the art of wine-making at Chateau St. Croix, zip down a waterslide at Wild Mountain, or dine at a variety of nearly 20 restaurants, many with outdoor seating. Lodging choices include everything from campsite and cabin rentals to hotels and B&Bs. Come on a Friday for music in the park, play a game of mini golf, tour the Folsom House, bike down the Gandy Dancer trail, view domestic and wild animals at Fawn-Doe-Rosa, or board the historic Osceola train.

3. OWATONNA

Drive an hour south of the metro, where the crossroads of Highways U.S. 14, U.S. 218 and Interstate 35 meet, to Owatonna, home to the first Cabela’s World’s Foremost Outfitters store in Minnesota, built in 1998—the second largest tourist attraction in Minnesota only to the Mall of America. Classic, small town charm can be found in the town square, with its picturesque fountain and Central Park Bandshell (featuring outdoor concerts all summer long), downtown shopping, dining, 24 parks, numerous trails, an aquatic center, and three championship golf courses, in addition to being home to the Minnesota State Public School for Dependent and Neglected Children (the only state school orphanage in Minnesota’s history), the Steele County Historical Society’s Village of Yesteryear, and the RAD Zoo, featuring creatures of the reptile and amphibian world. Visit during the Steele County free fair, the largest county fair in the state, Aug. 16-21, 2011.

4. MINNESOTA'S BLUFF COUNTRY

Drive along Highway 52 south of the Twin Cities on to Minnesota’s bluff country. A descent into the Root River Valley comes complete with hairpin curves that feel like you’re in the mountains. Just south of Preston, County Road 16 branches off to the historic town of Lanesboro, one of the prettiest towns around. If you want to continue seeing amazing scenery, get on a bike and ride along the Root River and Harmony-Preston Valley Trails, ranging from level terrain to more challenging trails that opens up to gorgeous vistas. See a play at the nationally recognized Commonweal Theatre, check out the Cornucopia Art Center, tour Forestville/Mystery Cave State Park (a restored historic fur trade center and village) in nearby Preston, visit the Amish community of Harmony, and spend time in the charming shops and restaurants.

5. WATERTOWN, SOUTH DAKOTA

Most people, when thinking of South Dakota, think only of Mount Rushmore—and while that national memorial is truly awesome, there’s so much more to see in this great state.

Watertown, South Dakota—the state’s fourth-largest city—is one of those must-see cities, located on Interstate 29 100 miles north of Sioux Falls and 140 miles south of Fargo. Home of the Redlin Art Center (housing over 150 of world-famous wildlife artist Terry Redlin’s original paintings), internationally acclaimed artist Josh Spies (his gallery is located uptown in the historic Goss Opera House), the Bramble Park Zoo and Discovery Center, the Mellette House, built in 1883 by Arthur C. Mellette and restored as a memorial to South Dakota’s first governor, the Kampeska Heritage Museum, and specialty retail shops in the hip Historic Uptown district, and water recreation on Lake Kampeska and Lake Pelican, Watertown has something for everyone.

6. BEMIDJI

The Great River Road from Lake Itasca (the source of the Mississippi River) east to the Chippewa National Forest makes for a memorable drive up North to the Bemidji area, a cultural oasis in the heart of the wilderness. The drive to Bemidji is a good four hours, so plan accordingly.

While visiting the area, stay at Ruttger’s Birchmont Lodge on the northwest shore of Lake Bemidji. Accommodations include lakefront rooms, suites, townhomes, a romantic whirlpool suite with a fireplace, and cottages with anywhere from one to four bedrooms, all spread out along 1,700 feet of natural sand beach. Check out the Camp Rabideau historic site, a Civilian Conservation Corps camp built in 1935 to house the men that constructed fire towers, bridges, roads, and trails in the area. Four of the camp’s 15 buildings have been restored and are open to the public for touring during the summer. Other attractions include the interpretive Bog Walk in Bemidji State Park; the famous Paul Bunyan and Babe the Blue Ox statues; the Paul Bunyan Playhouse; excellent biking and hiking trails; and phenomenal golfing and horseback riding.

7. NORTH SHORE

Built into a steep, rocky hillside, Duluth, two and a half hours north of the metro, overlooks the sparkling blue waters of Lake Superior. Most visitors see the vista unfold as they crest the hill of Interstate 35, and what a view it is.

“You never get tired of watching the lake and it’s many personalities,” says Gene Shaw, director of public relations for Visit Duluth.

The town is full of outdoorsy activities: You can skip rocks along the shoreline, walk along the Lakewalk, get an overview of the scenery from Enger Tower, tour the grounds at the historic Glensheen Mansion, or visit Leif Erickson Park. Perhaps one of the most unique Duluth activities is watching the Aerial Lift Bridge and the massive ships coming into port.

Continue cruising along Scenic Highway 61 to Lutsen, a drive that takes about 10 minutes longer than the Expressway, but definitely worth the extra time. Rather than just a drive, Highway 61 is a destination in itself. As you approach the Lutsen–Tofte area, the scenery begins to shift. The ancient Sawtooth Mountains signal your arrival.

Whether you’re seeking solitude, family time, recreation, or romance, Bluefin Bay on Lake Superior, in the Lutsen–Tofte area, has the right ingredients for the perfect North Shore vacation. Once you arrive at Bluefin Bay, enjoy a plethora of outdoor recreational opportunities ranging from high-adrenaline mountain biking to kayaking on Lake Superior to guided Lake Superior fishing charters to endurance hiking along the Superior Hiking Trail. Other attractions include the family-friendly Lutsen Mountain alpine slides, golfing at Superior National Golf Course, or naturalist-guided wildlife viewing excursions in Superior National Forest.

“But the real star of any vacation at Bluefin Bay is the greatest of lakes herself, and the way you feel when you’re this close to Lake Superior. That’s why we consider our lake-inspired spa treatments, lakeside campfires, summer Saturday night barbeques, and romantic lakewalk to be absolute musts for every North Shore vacationer,” says Lori Schaefer, marketing director for Bluefin Bay on Lake Superior. “We provide the views, the warm and friendly hospitality, and the umatched natural surroundings, and then we leave it up to our guests and let them define the perfect vacation—and they do.”

8. GRAND MARAIS

Stay along Minnesota 61 until the road leads you deeper into the wild boreal forest. With Lake Superior stretching off into the distance and the Sawtooth Mountains rising in the background, a trip to Grand Marais feels like a trip to the sea shore. “After the first glimpse of Grand Marais from the Cutface Creek overlook, you’ll understand why so many people consider Grand Marais the ‘Jewel of Lake Superior,’” says Kjersti Vick, events and communications coordinator for the Grand Marais Art Colony.

Grand Marais is an arts destination with numerous galleries and arts organizations encouraging visitors to get involved. Visit the Grand Marais Art Colony, Minnesota’s oldest colony, for a tour of the campus, or better yet—sign up for a visual arts, ceramics, glass, printmaking or plein air painting class (available year-round for all skill levels). Complete the day with the outdoor activity of your choice and dinner at one of the eclectic locally owned restaurants. Visit July 9–10 for the 21st Annual Grand Marais Arts Festival, when over 70 local and regional artists will set up by the sparkling shores of Lake Superior to showcase their unique handcrafted work, and August 26–September 2, 2011 for the Plein Air Painting Competition & Exhibition, when artists move from the studio to the great outdoors to celebrate the unique beauty of the North Shore landscape.

9. DOOR COUNTY, WIS.

Quick quiz: What has thousands of acres of cherry orchards, vineyards and farms, 300 miles of shoreline, more than 100 art galleries, studios and museums, over 50 beaches, 19 county parks (and excellent camping), 10 lighthouses, five state parks, plenty of outdoor recreation, an old-fashioned drive-in, a world class fishery, eclectic local cuisine (hint: think fish boils), and glorious waterfront sunsets? If you answered Door County, Wis., you are correct. As a result of the area’s numerous tourism-related amenities, Door County was named by Money magazine as one of the top 10 vacation destinations in North America, and it’s less than a six-hour car ride away.

10. BAYFIELD, WIS.

Thanks to Madeline Island, located near Bayfield, Wis. (about a four-hour drive north of the Twin Cities) it is possible to have an island vacation without booking a flight to Hawaii. Madeline Island, a ferry ride from Bayfield to LaPointe, Wis. is one of 22 Apostle Islands and the only island not part of the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore, meaning it is the only developed island of the bunch. This means more opportunities to golf, visit museums, charter a sport fishing boat, sailboat, sea kayak, or canoe, and plenty of shopping, dining, and lodging options. The Madeline Island Ferry Line provides daily transportation to and from the island every 30 minutes during the summer.


Source: minnesotamonthly.com

Bob Brown Buick GMC | Positive Review on Google+

"He found us the exact vehicle we wanted at a price we were willing to pay. Wonderful service!"

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GMC Sierra Denali is ready to live the high life

Going on sale this fall, the 2014 Sierra Denali will continue to be the most luxurious pickup truck in the General Motors portfolio, while getting more power and technology than ever before.

Like previous models, the 2014 Sierra Denali stands out from lower Sierra models with a big cheese-grater chrome grille, 20-inch chrome wheels and body-color bumpers. Inside, the Denali gets plenty of leather with contrasting stitching, but this is where GMC really steps up from the Silverado High Country with real aluminum trim and a new customizable eight-inch driver display in the gauge cluster. Standard features will include heated and cooled front bucket seats, the Intellilink infotainment system with Bose audio, while the options list offers a Driver Alert Package (with forward collision alert and lane departure warning), a rear-seat entertainment system and a Z71 Off-Road Package.

As for power, the standard engine will be the 5.3-liter EcoTec3 V8 with its 355 horsepower, and the optional engine will be the new 6.2-liter V8. Although official power figures for the bigger engine aren't in yet, GM is finally putting some estimates on paper expecting around 420 horsepower and 450 pound-feet of torque to go with a 12,000-pound towing capacity. The new Sierra Denali will be available in either two- or four-wheel drive. 

Source: autoblog.com

Bob Brown Buick GMC | Positive Review on Yelp

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Bob Brown Buick GMC | The 2014 Buick Regal

Regal has always been the athlete of the Buick family. There are many exciting changes planned for the 2014 version of the familiar model including All-Wheel Drive, aesthetic improvements and a strong focus on infotainment technology.

Watch as Doug Osterhoff breaks it all down for you.

Fuel-efficient Buicks perfect for summer road trip

LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- In the history of the Buick brand, family-size models were traditionally sedans or station wagons.

But several years ago, Buick got into the family SUV game with the Enclave, a three-row crossover SUV with lots of room inside, but in a body that's not huge on the outside.

It's now updated for 2013 with some new styling and new features. It was a strong seller before, but the segment it falls into is a competitive one.

One of those is a new center airbag between the front seats. This industry first keeps occupants' heads from bumping during a side impact.

The new 2013 Buick Encore, which sells at a $24,200 base price, is Buick's follow-up to the Buick Enclave.

It's a lot smaller in size, but still carries contemporary Buick design themes. From the rear, it can look a little stubby, and cargo space with the back seat up is not plentiful. But for passengers, the size is just right. Compact crossover SUVs from luxury brands are really catching on.

Fuel efficiency is one reason. Recent surveys have shown that most buyers are looking for extra miles per gallon these days, and the Buick Encore delivers. Four cylinders and a six-speed automatic transmission earn a rating of 25 mpg in city driving and 33 highway mpg. The numbers drop a bit if you choose all-wheel drive.

It might be small compared to the Buick Enclave, but it doesn't feel small from the driver's seat. If you don't need all the passenger room, it's a money and gas saver.

But if you do need the room, the Buick Enclave, which goes for $38,445 base price, fits the bill just fine. It's the vehicle that put the words Buick and sport utility vehicle together.

Source: abclocal.go.com

Bob Brown Buick GMC | 5 Star Review on Cars.com

"I found everyone to be extremely helpful."

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Bob Brown Buick GMC | Memorial Day Sales Event

We have some incredible deals planned for this Memorial Day. Check out our latest commercial spot for more info.

Bob Brown Buick GMC | Grand National Misfit

The Grand National was considered the black sheep of the Buick family. These guys remember why.

Bob Brown Buick GMC | Wallpaper Wednesday

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Buick Grand National and GNX Returning In 2015?

You had better buy some new tires, because if Car And Driver is correct and Buick will bring back the Grand National and GNX muscle cars, you’re going to need extra sets of rubber.

The magazine has predicted that both the Grand National and GNX will return to the Buick lineup in 2015, paying homage to two of the most famous sleeper performance cars of all time. For anyone who likes big horsepower, rear-wheel drive and manual transmission – Hint: All of you. – this is great news.

Back in 1984, the Buick Grand National blew the doors of the competition as the turbocharged version of the Regal with attitude. Buick followed that up with the GNX, a limited run of even more intense cars that only came in sinister black and still has a massive following to this day.

Buick has undergone a revival in recent years, with the Regal GS garnering praise from around the industry as a luxurious and dynamic performer with great value. Already with a good product out there, raising the bar with a Grand National and GNX version could be the next step in re-establishing a reputation for Buicks as exciting vehicles.

According to Car And Driver, the 2015 Grand National will likely have either the 2.0L turbo four with 272 horsepower, or the 3.6L V6 with 321 hp in the Cadillac ATS. As for the GNX, expect upwards of 400 horsepower from a twin-turbo 3.6L V6. Manual transmissions will be available, rightly so, and an eight-sped auto will be offered as well.

Some of the biggest questions are about design, body style and drivetrain. The original Grand National and GNX were coupes, but Buick isn’t making coupes anymore. It will be interesting to see whether Buick eschews tradition or stays true to the original two-doors. It may also prove difficult to bring enough attitude to the design of the cars to make them as sinister as the originals. With fuel economy in mind, GM may also order AWD to be available in addition to RWD. This, Car And Driver says, would match the GNX up against performance models in the Audi range – a massive step forward for Buick.

We’ll have to wait quite a while for any details to come out. Until then, let the rumor mill begin!

Source: automedia.com