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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  Our 2nd Enclave - 2015 Buick Enclave
  By Gross - September 13 - 1:32 pm

  We had a 2009 Enclave for 6 years, made over 70k miles driving around town and family trips, never had any issues, travelled even long 12 hour trips comfortably, no backpain or soarness, nor excessive exhaustion. We shoped around but always came back to the Enclave. In the end were between waiting for the new generation or going for a new current version. In the end because of the many upgrades done to the current version and finding the exact vehicle we wanted, along with the attractive incentives, we decided to go for it. We absolutely love the ride, the suspension is a little better, the shifting became a little smoother, overall all the improvements, new facia and dashboard along with the color combination and better sound system are just great. We are very pleased with the vehicle and looking forward to enjoy many family trips in years to come. The only complain is GM cutting back on the warranty, which I cant understand on a matured product other than cost cut for increased profitability. If you are looking for a full size family vehicle with lots of space and a firm ride, yes I drive sporty, this SUV pulls it together. Surelly there are other more sporty driving SUVs out there but perhaps not as spacious, quite, and comfortable.

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  1994 Buick LeSabre Expert - 1994 Buick LeSabre
  By Babe - September 10 - 7:42 pm

  This may sound bold however, I consider myself an expert on the 1994 Buick LeSabre, please let me explain. I purchased my 1994 LeSabre Custom, BRAND NEW, back in October, 1994. I live in a suburb of Chicago and this is where my LeSabre has resided, its entire life. The car has always been adult driven, never abused and kept in the garage for the first 10 years of its life. It is September of 2015 and the car currently has 160,000 miles. Engine: The 3.8L (or 3800) is arguably the best engine that G.M. has every produced. As far as my Buick is concerned, the engine was trouble free up to 126,000 miles until it developed a few issues. These included, several things failing at approximately the same time including: Crack Position Sensor failing, brake lines rusting away, alternator malfunction and lower intake manifold gasket failure. Being a pretty good backyard mechanic, I was able to repair all of these by myself. Transmission: Absolutely trouble free. However, I did have the transmission fluid changed every 25k miles. Interior: My cars seats are still in excellent condition. The center consoles lock broke and the hinge failed. I did not fix this. The headliners glue failed and it sagged badly. To fix this I purchased a replacement headliner on eBay for $40 and two cans of spray adhesive for $20. The headliner looks brand new again. The carpeting is still in fairly good condition with me cleaning it regularly. Body: This is the where the problems exist. The rocker panels rusted out. I purchased new rocker panels on eBay for $25/ea., removed the old, rusted one and welded on the new ones. They once again look like new. The subframe is prone to failure. I base this comment on much research on the internet. My car was Ziebarted and I believe this saved my cars subframe. However, my subframe bolts were still impacted with them rusting and one snapping off in the unibody. Bis PITA to get it out! After I did get the broken bolt out, I replaced all of the bushings and bolts. Suspension: I recently replaced the front tie rods, the rear toe links, the front and rear ball joints, the front sway bar links and the bellows boots (which protect the inner tie rods and steering rack). Finally, despite this car having a few issues over the years, I still think this is one of the best cars I have ever owned. I recently gave it to my son, who drove it to college, where it is now.

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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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  This is a GREAT car! - 2015 Buick Enclave
  By C. Ferguson - September 7 - 9:51 pm

  I was shopping around, currently was driving a 2011 Chevrolet Traverse. I liked what I was seeing on the highway in the Enclave so decided to give it a trial. Boy was I pleased! I was offered $7500 off and got exactly what I wanted. This SUV drives like a dream, great acceleration and it is very sporty on the highway. I dont have to let off the gas much going into curves. And what a nice surprise on gas mileage. Averaging 23 mpg on the highway and 21 in town. Electronics work well. A few bugs but not enough to get into a twit about. Great sound. I got a towing package and plan on getting a small travel trailer to do some weekend trips. I am completely satisfied with this car. The only thing I could say negative is the rear seats could be more comfortable for what I paid for the car. Love it!

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  Dont let the looks fool you - 1998 Buick Century
  By Ben Parrino - September 7 - 2:15 am

  She isnt the fastest nor is she the prettiest. But, our 98 Century is holding up remarkably well considering shes about 18 years old. The Odometer went out @ 154k about 9 months ago. These cars are known to have faulty wiring problems, as we have to have the driver door and another door open to control the windows, which is dangerous if you drive off forgetting you had a door partially cracked open. Otherwise, doing regular engine maintenance has kept her running like a dream. The maintenance guy was even like "Wow! Your cruise control still works. A lot of these cars dont have it anymore because they didnt take good care of the engine". So yeah if you take moderately good care of this car it will take VERY good care of you. Our buick gets very very hot in direct sunlight which is great for winter time. Also, if you have decent tires on yours, you can outdrive most AWD vehicles in the snow. And its awesome. We were being told the engine might go soon, so we went out and bought a 2002 Regal LS to have for when this car goes out. But, honestly, since the mechanic fixed her up I think shes gonna make it to 200k hopefully, and we can just have the Regal sit in the parking lot for 4 months and use ole reliable to pay off new reliable.

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  Hey Guys...a great small SUV from Germany! - 2015 Buick Encore
  By Mark Hamilton - September 6 - 10:39 am

  Yes its true, this car was designed and engineered by the German Opel division and marketed as an Opel Mokka / for the Europeans and rest of the world and Vauxhall Mokka for the UK. This South Korean made and assembled vehicle is called a Buick Encore for the American market. This mini SUV handles very well in the typical prowess it has been bred with. The eye catching design is what the second generation 166" RAV4 should have evolved to! GM cleverly re-invented a class of SUV that was abandoned about 10 years ago by the main players as they had all grown about a foot! The 1.4L Turbo Encore has very good looks, great interior, optimal usage of space, great economy and very good power for its size and class. A great SUV for younger folk or empty nesters. Critics have stated a lack of power and space, what?? This IS SUPPOSED to be a 168" SUB Compact SUV, not a Porsche, if you want more power and space you can easily jump up into the 180" (15) Compact SUV class! No doubt the best looking and one of the better choices in the Sub Compact SUV class.

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  Second Impressions - 2015 Buick Enclave
  By Paul Horvick - September 6 - 8:40 am

  I wrote the earlier review shortly after we took delivery of the vehicle. It was (and is) a solid vehicle. But...I am downgrading our 5 stars to 3. We apparently did not do a great job in test driving it. In addition to the less than smooth ride noted earlier, the middle row of seats are, for most adults, very cramped and uncomfortable. My wife, about 56", complains that the leg room is really tight when the front seats are all the way back. I tried it also (I am 510") and would never want to ride in the middle row. (Yes, we had the middle row moved back as far as we could). So, couple the relatively harsh ride, the inadequate middle row seating for adults, then this becomes just an average vehicle...one that had we done better due diligence, we would not have purchased. Yes, good looking, quiet, nice technology, ...a solid feeling car....but one that, in hindsight, we should not have purchased. Before buying, do a better job of test driving than we did!

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  very good - 2001 Buick LeSabre
  By lon Wolfe - September 5 - 3:36 pm

  Good all around car had rust removed

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  best car I ever owned. - 2004 Buick LeSabre
  By Chris - September 3 - 11:02 pm

  Second owner, bought this car in 2009 with 55000 miles. Vehicle is extremely comfortable to ride in and loaded with a ton of great features. My favorite features were the seats, heated and adjustable enough to accommodate a driver with very long legs and a short torso, a problem Ive had in all other vehicles was getting comfortable on a long drive. Front bench seating is easier to keep clean than a center console. Interior features were well ahead of its time and comparable to expensive luxury vehicles of the same age. Even with rust and being beaten half to death by being stored outside in one of the worst northern climates in the states and not cared for very well, the paint hasnt faded or lost its gloss she still turns heads with classic styling and a blue soft top. Car handled better through some really nasty winters with cheap all weathers than my old Jeep with snow tires. Vehicle was a steal at $12000. I got my money out of her, and Im very sad to see her go. Car needs significant work any vehicle would after going through what shes been through, but the vehicle is still solid beyond my expectations and capable of another 60000 miles at least. This is a great low maintenance vehicle perfect for a family, and would be a good choice for a winter rat. Gas mileage isnt great, but decent for a full size sedan. My only complaints is that the gear shifts are kind of laggy, sometimes itll hard shift. GMs 3.8 is a tried and true engine, but the four speed transmission makes for a boring ride. Car handles well and is easy to maneuver but the suspension feels a little rough on highways. Dash lights, passenger climate control, and one of the heated seats burnt out. The only repairs I had in seven years besides standard maintenance and rust related repairs were a blower motor going ($200 with a used motor), an ignition problem (estimated $75), an EVAP leak that has engine light on, and a small coolant leak ($180).

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  Cosmetic problems - 2014 Buick Enclave
  By Cynthia Johnson - September 2 - 8:46 pm

  Had several issues with the cosmetics : 1. Defect on the side of the console. Had to have it replaced 2. The seal around the windshield became warped. Had to be replaced 3. The vinyl on the front door is peeling, There seems to be a thin film coating on the vinyl that is peeling. It looks like dead skin. I just continued to peel it all off. There does not appear to be any damage for discoloration underneath the film.