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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  Very sorry we bought this vehicle - 2003 Buick Rendezvous
  By MomofthreePA - December 16 - 5:38 pm

  We purchased our Rendezvous with just 16,000 miles due to our growing family. At 24,000 miles replaced intake manifold (it was out of warranty because 3 years had passed since it went into service). This cost $1,200. 12,000 miles later it had to be replaced again, the dealer charged a "discounted rate" of $800.00. Then a window would not come up, and the cost came to over $400.00. At 51,000 miles the first of two wheel bearings went, now the AWD Disable light is on and we are waiting for an estimate for repair of it and yet another wheel bearing. What a nightmare. The car has 52,000 miles and has cost us thousands in repairs, wrote to GM with no response.

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  Mature Owners Critique - 2010 Buick Enclave
  By Sebert Jenkins - December 16 - 3:08 pm

  Did not care for 20" wheels when I first saw the vehicle, first thought-OMG, they are huge! After 6 weeks and not much choice I like them. Been 9 years since I bought a new car so subjected to lots of techie changes, especially the Navigation Package that had not been updated to my State so getting weird directions. Overall I find the vehicle overpowering with use of Plastic, even the grill Im sure this is done to reduce weight & cost. The interior is where my major complaints are: Cannot position steering wheel for clear view of dash, "Drivers Info Center" no compass or Instant Mileage Indicator, Clock too small, no digital speed, no secure gas cap, no glove compartment lite.

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  great crossover SUV - 2010 Buick Enclave
  By derek - December 16 - 1:55 pm

  We love this car. Did extensive research on minivans, Traverse etc over 1 month of daily reviews and testing. Great upgrade from lower models, better space than 2 row high end costlier SUV such as BMW and lexus. Great if you have 3 kids or more.

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  New Class of World Class! - 2010 Buick LaCrosse
  By Kevin - December 16 - 12:34 pm

  I sold my 2001 TDI Beetle and bought this beauty. I miss the fuel economy but I dont miss the rough ride. Im 46 and the driving experience of this car is fantastic! I look forward to just getting in and going for a drive. The 3.6 V6 has all kinds of power and the 6 Speed Transmission is very smooth! Low RPMS at 65 mpg. This car is very quiet. I cant believe its running when at a stop light. The A frame supports in the front have been getting a bad rap, I personally dont notice them and have had no trouble seeing anything while driving. The high sides & low window profile are an added touch and they make me feel safe. The Sweepspear in the side rearview mirror is awesome!

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  Not your Grandfathers Buick - 2010 Buick Enclave
  By dmck92 - December 15 - 8:57 pm

  This is an awesome car all around. We have 3 children and need the third row. This car has plenty of room, drives quiet and rides like a dream. Real luxurious inside. My brother said it looks just like a Lexus inside. All the needed bells and whistles. My wife was not interested, because of the name Buick. She wanted a Volvo XC90. Then she drove the enclave and loved it. She tells me everyday how much she loves her new car. If your kids are growing and its time to dump the mini, this is a great luxury family car.

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  Not a bad start - 2010 Buick LaCrosse
  By George Orw - December 14 - 6:50 pm

  Got this car a few weeks ago. I am impressed by the design. A major step for quite a while for GM. Kudos to the Chinese team for improving the mold and making this Buick futuristic. As for the rest of the car, Handling is a big stiff and a big slow ended. THe car does not move with the thrust the way the car looks. The transmission is pretty smooth but seems to get laggy between shifts.

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  Amazing Automobile - 2010 Buick LaCrosse
  By Frank - December 14 - 6:41 pm

  I have owned my LaCrosse for about a week. It is a great car and in my opinion, a very big bargain at MSRP, yet alone what I was able to buy mine for. Also, with the help of a great GM dealer, I was able to cash in on some not very well known rebates and get great financing, which I could not get on my own. Yes, the car is is not perfect as there are minor storage and convenience issues, as well as marginal 0-60 performance times. However, what it does well, it does better than any other car Ive driven. It is the most comfortable, best riding and best handling sedan Ive ever been in and Ive been in a bunch. The comfort, ride, handling and features are amazing, especially at its price.

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  Lexus who?? - 2010 Buick LaCrosse
  By edoggy - December 14 - 6:07 pm

  I owned a Lexus IS for some time and it seemed only natural that I would graduate to an ES or GS. I saw this and was visually impressed then I drove it and I was hooked. This thing is very fast and very quiet. I purchased the CXS with every option currently available and never looked back. So far so good. The car is a rocket ship in every sense, fast with lots of buttons and technology to support the rocket ship experience. Note: I dont think one can compare a CX to the CXS, its Night and day. To truly enjoy this car you need to move up to the CXS or at a minimum the CXL. And even, its noon and sunset for the CXL and CXS. Ill let you decide who gets to be sunset. Spend the extra $$.

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  Very nice crossover - 2010 Buick Enclave
  By jl - December 12 - 9:49 pm

  Bought it about a month ago, and so far so good. Took it on a long road trip and it was pretty comfy (18 hour drive). Hwy MPG was around 22, which I think will improve over time. XM radio and OnStar are fantastic. Bluetooth is very convenient. Rear backup camera took getting used to, but love it now. Vehicle is 4800 lbs, has very safe, solid feel. Very quiet inside, beautiful outside.

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  Cheap Always Means "Cheap"! - 2002 Buick Century
  By Roborob - December 11 - 9:00 am

  Weve tried to drive this car for two years, but Ive already spent almost $1,000 in brake work, and now the famous intake gasket is screwing me out of decent trade-in value by leaking water out the tail pipe. This is a hidden leak that some drivers may not be aware of. Check all your fluids regularly. The 3.1 engine is nothing like the two previous Pontiacs weve owned, which gave no trouble at all. It does get the same excellent 27 mpg, though. Save your gas money and buy an import that will last. GM should go out of business.