Buick Regal vs Ford Escort
The Ford Escort is more fuel-efficient at 30 MPG combined, against 20 MPG for the Buick Regal. At EPA assumptions that is about $1,100 less in fuel per year. (Comparison uses each model's most efficient version.)
Side by side
| Buick Regal | Ford Escort | |
|---|---|---|
| Complaints (NHTSA) | 303 | 413 |
| Most reported problem | Brakes | Electrical system |
| Crashes and fires | 23 and 7 | 22 and 70 |
| Typical mileage at complaint | 80,000 miles | 128,000 miles |
| Recalls | 6 | 3 |
| Fuel economy, combined | 20 MPG | 30 MPG |
| City and highway | 17 and 28 | 27 and 37 |
| Yearly fuel cost (EPA) | $3,350 | $2,250 |
What the numbers say
NHTSA has 303 complaints for the Buick Regal and 413 for the Ford Escort. Complaint counts depend heavily on how many of each vehicle were sold, so a higher count does not by itself mean a less reliable car.
Safety recalls on file: 6 for the Buick Regal, 3 for the Ford Escort.