MotorMouths

The Buick Verano seems to be a compact luxury car without the key appeal of its segment, namely competitive fuel economy. As the saying goes: great landing, wrong airport.

The Buick Verano is a small car with impressive cabin tranquillity. But I think many of the faux-premium materials are actually less premium-feeling than straight-up plastic would be. I am also slightly alarmed at the fit and finish of our test car.

The Buick Verano is a pleasant car, even surprisingly so in some areas (quietness, suspension tuning), but not an outstanding one. Its ride is comfortable, with admirable composure over rough pavement.

Think of the Verano compact sedan as the new Buick’s poster child. Its mission is to take the pain out of small-car, high-efficiency driving.

Despite our quibbles about the Verano’s aesthetics, you could — and we would — easily recommend it to friends and family. Buicks don’t have to be big, but they do have to be good.

If the Verano’s value, comfort and especially its seats deserve an ode, the car’s styling deserves a eulogy. This is where the car fails. This exterior design takes precisely zero chances and reinforces the notion that a Buick is only for people who buy Ensure by the pallet.

The all-new 2012 Buick Verano is a well-rounded entry-level luxury sedan that is worth considering, especially if you’re on a budget.

The Verano is worth checking out if you’re considering a premium sedan with solid engineering and a comfortable demeanor.

The 2012 Buick Verano delivers all the attributes that you expect of a Buick yet in a way that seems modern, not retro. The Verano definitely provides a feeling of quality and substance both in the way it looks and the way it drives.

There’s no doubt that the Verano is a well-built car that packs impressive performance. The question is, who will find the luxury of the Verano worth the extra dough?

In a segment with few competitors, the Verano arrives as a solidly built, good-looking and well-performing choice over the import soup sure to flood the gates soon.

The technology-packed Verano is a nice surprise in both refinement and sophistication and well worth a look when cross-shopping.