Overview & Reviews

Owned by General Motors, Buick is one of this country's oldest brands, with a rich tradition of innovation that dates back more than a century. Though long known for catering to retirement-age customers with its full-size sedans, the automaker's lineup now includes SUVs and sport sedans designed to bring younger buyers into the showrooms of Buick dealers.

The company was founded in 1903 by David Dunbar Buick, a Scottish industrialist. He built his first car in 1904; called the Model B, it had a two-cylinder engine with an advanced-for-its-time overhead-valve cylinder head design. In 1907, Buick unveiled its first four-cylinder production car, dubbed the Model D. The following year, the Flint, Michigan-based Buick Motor Company was bought by William C. Durant as part of a new company called General Motors. By 1914, all Buicks were built with six-cylinder engines and purchased primarily by upper-class professionals, thus earning the nickname "doctor's cars."

The manufacturer proved itself a trailblazer in the early 1920s when it introduced four-wheel brakes. This technology had been seen before on custom-built cars, but Buick was the first to figure out how to successfully apply it to mass-produced vehicles. Eight-cylinder Buick cars emerged in the 1930s and became immensely popular; these advanced engines received steady improvements for several years. The '30s also saw Buick's introduction of the industry's first rear turn signal to use a flasher.

Models such as the Estate Wagon and the ever-popular Roadmaster kept Buicks happily ensconced in driveways all across the nation in the 1940s. In 1948, Buick introduced Dynaflow, the first torque converter-type automatic transmission offered in U.S. passenger cars. The 1950s and 1960s witnessed Buick continuing to zoom ahead of the curve; it was among the first to offer vehicles with power brakes and steering, and 12-volt electrical systems. The marque was also behind the introduction of the first American V6 passenger car engine and introduced the Riviera personal luxury coupe in the early '60s.

On the whole, though, Buick had made its name as a manufacturer of stately land yachts such as the Electra 225. To meet the changing times, the automaker downsized its full- and midsize models during the 1970s and began offering compact and midsize sedans for the 1980s. During the latter period and into the '90s, Buick changed things up by introducing the Regal Grand National muscle car and Reatta luxury coupe and convertible. But its core product continued to be luxury sedans aimed at an older audience.

Today, Buick specializes in sedans and crossover SUVs and is modifying its philosophy in the hopes of attracting younger buyers. Luxury and class are still common themes, but newer models have European influences in their handling and ride dynamics. As such, many modern Buicks, such as the compact Verano sedan provide a more entertaining drive and more contemporary styling than people might expect from this "old" nameplate.

User Reviews:

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  Buick Encore big failure - 2013 Buick Encore
  By Lorie - April 8 - 5:58 pm

  I have a 2013 Buick Encore. I really liked it for the first few years. Now at 75,000 miles is it falling apart. In the last 12 months it have had; an electrical issue, corroded wiring to transmission control,that caused the car to be unresponsive, would not move when started. Had it repaired for $150.00. Then the reduce engine speed system was active, in traffic, could not go more than 2 miles an hour, very dangerous and scary. Next 4 gasket leaks, valve cover, exhaust gasket, cam phaser seal, oil pan, and needed to replace engine oil cooler and ignition coil, repairs on those $1200.00. Now I have to pay for repairs on a cracked turbocharger, $1000.00. I bought a Buick because they are supposed to be safe and reliable. I am stuck with a crappy car and frankly scared to drive it any distance for fear I will get stuck somewhere, especially in the winter. Oh, dealership and GM absolutely not help. This is ridiculous. I will never, never by a GM car again or go to Zimbrick for a car. Very disappointed.

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  Do Not Buy a Buick - 2011 Buick Enclave
  By Leaks - December 16 - 12:56 pm

  2011 Buick Enclave with 113,000 miles: A/C has never worked properly, the car body leaks water into the interior when it rains, the suspension is noisy, the car has been in the shop multiple times with less than crappy support from the local dealer but I see where that customer care support comes from when I called the Buick hot line and was a given a number to document our call with no resolution to the problem.

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  Beautiful / Horrible - 2009 Buick Enclave
  By Herb Walstreet - December 1 - 9:58 am

  This car is cursed. We had a Yukon XL for 10 years and never had any issues. We have 80k miles or so on this vehicle and have spent around $10k in various maintenance and repairs. Weve had to replace the transmission 11 months ago and its currently in the shop because of a stutter it has in cruise on the highway (ignition coils?). We know our power steering is going out but its not bad enough that Buick will replace it under the extended warranty. Our heated seats only stay on for about 5 mins then go off. The instrumentation buttons (AC temp control) have worn incredibly fast (replaced them once already), have had a "stuck strut", replaced rotors, replaced the battery and some decorative adhesive molding on the window frames is bubbling up and shredding (looks horrible when you look at the drivers side of the car). All of this and our gas mileage is terrible also (13 in the city and 18 highway). I want to like this car - its really good looking but weve got to get rid of it and well avoid Buick. My recommendation, steer clear!

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  Whyyyyyyyyy? - 2009 Buick Enclave
  By judi - November 14 - 12:00 pm

  Why does everything go wrong with this horrible car? It is never without a problem and is costing me every month for a repair. Has anyone had buick respond?

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  Worst car ever - 2006 Buick Rendezvous
  By Frances G - November 3 - 6:05 am

  This is by far the worst investment I have ever made. It is one thing after another with this car. Once you fix one problem another arises. To start with it was a speed sensor(wheel bearing) then is was the oil sensor. Then it got to the point where EVERY TIME I fuel up the car would not want to start again. I would literally have to wait 2-3 minutes and still press the gas before it would start again (how embarrassing) very inconvenient. And to top it off last night the battery light came on. I know what you r thinking "simple fix" turns out no. I will have to put it I The garage to find out if it is a problem with the computer, transmission, or the engine. I have had it with this car. I will NEVER PURCHASE ANOTHER BUICK EVER!!! All of these problems I am having seem to be common problems if you check other reviews however, there have been no recalls or even attempt to fix these problems. I am done with this vehicle. I also now have a light that says reduced engine power and it will not go more than 30mph.

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  gm marketing for ya - 1992 Buick LeSabre
  By Derek Bilodeaux - October 10 - 2:47 pm

  When I replaced the water pump, gm put the motor mount directly over the pump. Had to jack up the motor and axel at the same time (to keep the axel from slipping out). Nice marketing strategy, build the car so you have to take it into the dealer to spend more money to have it worked on. Cha-ching$$. You Cant get this country boy fixed it and considering sell this hunk [non-permissible content removed]! For another 70s ford truck.

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  Loaded Lemon - 2005 Buick Terraza
  By kyukido - September 29 - 8:40 am

  Weve owned it for about 3 years now. The car came loaded with all the accessories (DVD, electric heated leather seats, electric doors). It does have a good engine, and nice acceleration but other than that, its the worst lemon of a car Ive ever owned. We bought this car used and have had nothing but problems with it. The DVD player stopped working after about two years. The steering leaks, one sliding door doesnt work at all anymore, not even manually! The fob stopped working (even with a new battery), the strap to close the back gate broke, the warning bell that a door may be open goes off when you go over a bump and theres NOTHING you can do to make it stop. The door lock button had to be replaced, the driver side window fell off its track. The catalytic converter needs to be replaced. The rear gate leaks. Climate controls are HORRIBLE. Its impossible to keep the windows free and clear of frost in the winter. God forbid you try to change a headlight or turn signal on this thing yourself. It truly amazes me that I dont see more people complaining about this car.

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  WORST CAR IVE EVER OWNED - 2009 Buick Enclave
  By Lindsey - September 16 - 8:25 am

  I bought my car in Feb. 2014 with 28k miles on it... A month later the steering wheel started making a whining noise. I took it to the dealership and they said "that is common with those SUVs" and this was when the recall on the power steering came out. So I said ok, what if Im driving down the road and my power steering goes out? They said "then we will fix it." Thats safe! Fix the problem AFTER something bad happens... And shortly after this I had to replace the water pump (@ $385- which was the 2nd time it had been replaced and my car still had less than 40k miles!) Then, on my way to work one day a few months later my car made a terrible noise so I pulled over... The timing chains broke (thats great for the transmission)... So I had those replaced under special policy. A few months after that... my car was running TERRIBLY. The transmission was slipping. I took it to another dealership and they fixed the 3-5-R plate under special policy but then I needed my A/C fixed as well as a coil and spark plug replaced. I ended up paying over $475 this time. A month or so later... 2 more coils and spark plugs needed replaced as well as the front engine mount. I was quoted over $1100 and my car has 62k miles on it currently!! I got the car back after the repairs and the 2nd time I drove it it is saying "LOW OIL PRESSURE. STOP ENGINE!" So I give up. I am trading it. I dont feel comfortable selling it to someone individually! I am SICK that I have to trade because I was planning on driving this for a very long time! I have 2 children and they LOVE the DVD player. I love the back up camera and we couldnt ask for anything prettier or better on the inside! When you have a car that youre going to lose over $10k on it really makes you disgusted with the company! I have contacted GM and they say "I will note your issues" .... Its like oh thanks. Im glad youre taking the time to do that.. how about reimbursing me for all the money Ive spent in repairs, tows, missed time from work because my car wouldnt start, etc. etc.??? I will NEVER buy another GM car! Worst company ever.

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  Love your life - 2015 Buick Verano
  By Casd - September 8 - 10:49 pm

  I was driving my 2015 verano on the highway going about 75 MPH in the fast lane. My car just turn completely off like I had ran out of gas, but I had 3/4 of a tank of gas. It was very scary I had a 18 Wheeler driving behind me blowing his horn thank God I was going down hill. I took my car back to the dealer. They did do a free analysis in my car no codes came back. I was told that nothing is wrong with my car. I told them I didnt feel comfortable in my car. They offer to trade my car in with a $7000 depreciation. Which I just bought 7 months ago. I left there feeling like money was way important then my life.

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  [non-permissible content removed] - 2006 Buick Terraza
  By J.r. - September 1 - 9:31 am

  They say first impressions are everything wrong dont let this lemon fool you! I liked the look features air ride and everything. We have three kids and needed to expand. It caught my eye on a used lot for a week before I looked. I took my family down (after reading aND knowing many electornic issues off the bat. If you have ever owned a Cadillac buick or a gm that has electectronically controlled EVERYTHING knows what I mean, and I am a die hard Gm guy, dont get me wrong so I gave it the benefit of the doubt. Took it for a ride turned out of the dealer made nasty sound from steering and cv joints Which were visibly sealed and OK looking, I came to the stop li b he and major four way intersection the light wenot green I hit the gas , and the transmission slipped so bad in first it made the vehicle stall. I subsequently started it back up continued down the road to the next light when the dash lights bEgan dimming and beeping at me. The light went green I hit the gas it s.lipped from first to second then shredded a serpentine belt in traffic was my entire family. I limped back With an 1/8 in of belt width on the pulley parked it and realized every bad thing I heard about the vehicle just happen we do including the service stability system because the compressor for rear air bags wasnt working. I then looked at a cross over kia rondo with a third row seat drove ito and bought it the next day its the best car Ive owned. For 2k less than the building know this kind walks all over this buick all day long. WORD OF ADVICE, DO NOT BUY OR EVERYTHING CONSIDER A BUICK TERRAZA or you will have it in the shop once a month with every shop unable to find or fix source of electronic issues. Dont let options fool you. BTW this van only had 79,000 MI on it. LEMON