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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  Excellent vehicle, very happy - 2013 Buick Encore
  By soulmanencore - September 22 - 5:20 pm

  After purchasing the vehicle new June 29, 2013 and logging approximately 3000 miles, I am very satisfied. After a recent trip of 2850 miles in 10 days through highways, interstates, and the back roads and mountain roads of West Virginia, I am very satisfied. From Indiana to Florida and back, the car averaged 33.2 miles per gallon running the air conditioning all of the time. I was originally concerned that it might lack power in the mountains but I was pleasantly surprised. I was able to pass on hills and the Encore was responsive to quick acceleration. The car was very comfortable. The convex blind spot mirrors take some time to get used to but I am very pleased with the vehicle.

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  Cute ute - 2013 Buick Encore
  By buggin - August 30 - 6:00 am

  This is one small compact crossover. We looked at all of them and I mean all! None of them made us feel the way this little baby Buick did. Its classy, sharp, upscale and cut all in one. True its not going to win a race but it is not mean to nor was it made for that. It has plenty of punch. We only have 385 miles on it and are getting 27 in the city, not bad for an AWD that take regular. Give this vehicle a chance. Buick has touched upon an important market and we are glad they did.

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  Love it!! - 2005 Buick LeSabre
  By rosco1776 - August 26 - 2:11 am

  I got this car from my dad and love it! It only has 27K miles on it and still has the original tires. It rides and runs like a dream. I get a consistent 25mpg combined and up to 32mpg on trips. Ive had quite a few Dodge Neons and they get the same gas mileage as this luxury vehicle. My only regret is its color, silver! I hate silver cars, too blah!

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  Love my Riv! - 1995 Buick Riviera
  By th3fr4nchi5e - August 22 - 6:05 pm

  Ive had my Riv for almost 4 years now. 178k mi on the clock. It was my first car and Ive loved it since the day I got it. It was professionally repainted with some custom touches by my dad and I am asked what it is all the time. Its lightly modded with much more in the future and pulls excellent. My only expense aside from regular maintenance was the original Tranny died at 169k miles. A comment for other owners: I see alot of people having the Supercharger replaced at an expense of $800+. These Superchargers rarely fail. Most often it is a worn coupling which is available new for $30 and most mechanically inclined people could service it themselves. There are many write ups online!

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  Luxury and sport in a tidy package. - 2013 Buick Verano
  By normsky - August 17 - 7:23 am

  The Verano is a delight to drive with the radio off and the climate control turn down low. When on the phone using Bluetooth most dont know I am in the car on the highway. The laminated front glass areas do a great job of eliminating wind noise as most manufacturer wouldnt do. The ride is smooth and quiet yet sporty when you need it. The steering is very quick to response and it matches the responsiveness of the brakes. Highway fuel economy exceeds EPA estimates even with AC blasting. The seats are great on long trips as the foam density is about the best I have recently experienced, yet hugging you for a sporty feel.

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  Love my Buick! - 2006 Buick Rainier
  By missmegs702 - August 15 - 12:24 pm

  After owning many other cars, incl. a Mercedes C230, my Buick Rainier is by far my favorite car, maybe ever. Im in my early 30s, and a few years ago I probably would have scoffed at driving a Buick. In 2011 we were looking for a work SUV for my hubby (trailblazer, etc) and came across it at a dealership and got it for a steal. The next year he bought a truck, and I happily took over the Rainier. It is so comfortable, air ride is fantastic and it drives great. We got an extended warranty and had to have some of the suspension fixed (airbags and sensors) right after we bought it, but really no issues since. Have taken it on several long trips and its just so comfortable! Really a great SUV.

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  Nice upgrade from previous vehicle - 2013 Buick Verano
  By sociallygifted - August 13 - 5:56 pm

  In all I truly enjoy the bells and whistles that Buick has established for my age group 35-40 yr old. I wanted to support america this go around and decided to purchase from an American car maker. Who knows the roads better than the soil that the cars are being manufactured. Im glad that Ive purchased this vehicle! For the price point compared to other vehicle options, I dont believe that you will be disappointed.

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  Great car! - 2000 Buick LeSabre
  By carlover7055 - July 26 - 1:34 pm

  My mother purchased this car in year 2000 right off from a dealership as brand new. Then gave the car to me in year 2010 with 95,000 miles. It was in mint condition because kept in the garage all those years. The only problems we have this car is two rear power windows stopped working. (We did get it fixed) and fuel gauge stopped working, we had that fixed too. Overall it runs like a dream and my friends rode in that car wanted one because it was so quiet and smooth. I love this car and will keep it for a long time. Now it has 140,000 miles and still very dependable with good gas mileage on V-6 engine.

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  Doesnt stand for "Granddads Slowpoke" - 2012 Buick Regal
  By saegc7 - July 11 - 5:05 pm

  While this isnt a GNX or T-Type of the late 80s, this Buick ROCKS! The 2.0L engine is suprisingly powerful. It doesnt knock your head back with mad torque instead the power builds quickly and will get away from you fast if youre not careful. I average 30-34 mpg daily and have a 17 mile commute to work which 14 is highway. I get away with midgrade fuel and get better gas mileage than with premium. I would do better if I could get away from the ethanol gas stations. The seats are very comfortable and visibility is great out the windshield. The rear view, is a different story. The rake needs a greater angle or a rear view backup camera. Overall, a great sporty car with decent power.

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  Made us Buy American - 2013 Buick Enclave
  By cbitman - July 10 - 11:15 am

  This is truly a wonderful car and our first American car in many years. We have three children under 10 and this is by far the most roomy and classy ride that money can buy. It is a quient and very nicely appointed interior. Having the captains chairs was a must for us and this is the nicest car with that option. One complaint is the hazard button is way too sensitive. i hit that all the time when using the radio. Otherwise, love this car!