Buick didn’t create an all-new platform just for the Reatta but rather utilized the existing E architecture, which also underpinned, among others, the Reatta’s direct predecessor, the Riviera. Other notable features included an independent suspension, four-wheel disc brakes with ABS (which was still fairly new at the time), and pop-up headlights. It was the only Buick to still have this design trait at the time.
Inside, the Reatta was years ahead of its time. Not only did it come standard with 16-way power seats, but also a touchscreen that Buick called the Electronic Control Center. Like present-day touchscreens, this one contained radio and climate control functions, a trip computer, and a vehicle diagnostic system. Unfortunately, the touchscreen was eliminated after the first model year. GM replaced it with regular push-button controls but systems like the trip computer and diagnostics were gone.