Buick Somerset
Encyclopedia
The Buick Somerset was a compact coupe
produced by General Motors
between 1985 and 1987. Buick
had previously used the "Somerset" name as a trim-level package on the Buick Regal
in the early 1980s.
The Somerset was one of a number of down-sized cars built on GM's N-body
. Destined to replace the Buick Skylark
, the Somerset name badge failed to resonate with the buying public. Initially launched as the Somerset Regal in 1985, the name was shortened to Somerset in 1986, when a four-door sedan version of the car was added under the Buick Skylark
name.
The Somerset did not do as well in the marketplace as the Pontiac Grand Am
which was based on the same platform. The Somerset did have some interesting features such as an all-digital instrument cluster and a surprisingly luxurious interior despite its small size.
Nonetheless, there were some problems with the Somerset Regal. The factory alternator was unable to adequately handle the electricity demands of the all-digital dashboard, often resulting in charging system failure. Another was the awkward design of the radio. Rather than the standard in-dash unit, the radio was mounted on a pod that rose above the heater and air conditioning controls on the center console. This made it extremely difficult and expensive for owners who wanted to upgrade the factory system to an aftermarket one.
Starting in 1988, the Somerset name was discontinued, and all models were called Skylark.
The Somerset was entered in the Trans Am Series using an aftermarket V8 engine.
Coupé
A coupé or coupe is a closed car body style , the precise definition of which varies from manufacturer to manufacturer, and over time...
produced by General Motors
General Motors
General Motors Company , commonly known as GM, formerly incorporated as General Motors Corporation, is an American multinational automotive corporation headquartered in Detroit, Michigan and the world's second-largest automaker in 2010...
between 1985 and 1987. Buick
Buick
Buick is a premium brand of General Motors . Buick models are sold in the United States, Canada, Mexico, China, Taiwan, and Israel, with China being its largest market. Buick holds the distinction as the oldest active American make...
had previously used the "Somerset" name as a trim-level package on the Buick Regal
Buick Regal
The Buick Regal is a mid-size car introduced by General Motors for the 1973 model year. North American production ended in 2004 and began again in 2011. For the 2011 model year, Buick re-introduced the Regal to the North American market, positioned as an upscale sport sedan...
in the early 1980s.
The Somerset was one of a number of down-sized cars built on GM's N-body
GM N platform
The General Motors N platform was a front-wheel drive compact automotive platform produced from 1985 to 2005. The GM N platform replaced the GM X platform....
. Destined to replace the Buick Skylark
Buick Skylark
The Buick Skylark was a passenger car produced by the Buick division of General Motors. The model was made in six production runs. In each run, the car design varied dramatically due to changing technology and tastes, as well as new standards implemented over the years.-1953–1954:Introduced to mark...
, the Somerset name badge failed to resonate with the buying public. Initially launched as the Somerset Regal in 1985, the name was shortened to Somerset in 1986, when a four-door sedan version of the car was added under the Buick Skylark
Buick Skylark
The Buick Skylark was a passenger car produced by the Buick division of General Motors. The model was made in six production runs. In each run, the car design varied dramatically due to changing technology and tastes, as well as new standards implemented over the years.-1953–1954:Introduced to mark...
name.
The Somerset did not do as well in the marketplace as the Pontiac Grand Am
Pontiac Grand Am
The original Grand Am was introduced in the fall of 1972 as a 1973 model. It was based on the GM A platform along with other cars such as the Pontiac LeMans, Pontiac GTO, Chevrolet Chevelle, Buick Century, and the Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme...
which was based on the same platform. The Somerset did have some interesting features such as an all-digital instrument cluster and a surprisingly luxurious interior despite its small size.
Nonetheless, there were some problems with the Somerset Regal. The factory alternator was unable to adequately handle the electricity demands of the all-digital dashboard, often resulting in charging system failure. Another was the awkward design of the radio. Rather than the standard in-dash unit, the radio was mounted on a pod that rose above the heater and air conditioning controls on the center console. This made it extremely difficult and expensive for owners who wanted to upgrade the factory system to an aftermarket one.
Starting in 1988, the Somerset name was discontinued, and all models were called Skylark.
The Somerset was entered in the Trans Am Series using an aftermarket V8 engine.