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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  Totally cool, great vehicle - 2003 Buick Rendezvous
  By Sylvester - December 1 - 9:09 pm

  I really dont get all of you complaining about the speed of the vehicle. I can always enter onto any freeway going atleast 65-70 mph. My truck pratically drives it self. My truck is way fast. Yes, side mirrors do cause a blind spot. You just have to double check (all the time) & it might be only a problem for short people. Thank you all & have a great safe life!!

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  Its excellent for college student - 1998 Buick Century
  By Garrick - December 1 - 12:18 pm

  This car has been my main source of transportation and it has been easy to maintain my service. Parts are cheaper than others. Comfortable drive on the highway. I have had a couple of check engine lights come however, it was for a reason such as spark plugs needing to be change. When I purchased the car it had 144,000 miles now it has 183000. Still drives good w/o noise, rattling or nothing. When I brought it i put new shocks and struts and engine mounts & transmission mounts. Thats all. Did regular service such as oil change and throttle body service, change air filter, oil filter after oil change but thats all.

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  Gets the job done - 1996 Buick LeSabre
  By bigpop - November 28 - 3:11 pm

  I like this car. It is very reliable (starts and runs every time), comfortable, roomy, feels solid, and feels safe. I have not had any serious repair issues. The car has about 119K on it. Gas mileage is OK for a car of its size. Smart money drives Buick.

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  Great Value and Under-Rated by Editors - 2007 Buick Rainier
  By RonP - November 28 - 9:13 am

  With over 17,000 miles on my Rainier, there have been zero problems with the vehicle. I purchased the Rainier because the seats in my 2004 LeSabre were so uncomfortable my wife could not ride in it for any distance, even though we had zero problems with it over 85,000 miles and still experienced 32 mpg on the highway and 22 in my commute to work. The Rainiers ride is great, wind noise in minimal, seating comfort is perfect (Im 64" and my wife is 56"), and the towing and carrying flexibility are outstanding. While the mpg averages are less than the LeSabre, I still average slightly over 22 mpg on the highway and a little over 15 mpg commuting to work. This was Buicks best kept secret!

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  99 Buick Park Avenue - 1999 Buick Park Avenue
  By zippy95 - November 26 - 10:00 am

  No repairs other than normal maintenance in 5 1/2 years! Great car, econhomical to drive - about 28 mpg on hwy, 19 in traffic.

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  Buick Encore is the main act - 2017 Buick Encore
  By Ron - November 23 - 2:48 am

  This is a small SUV, but large enough fopr most. Very comforable and easy to get around town. Feels great on the highway also

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  Love my car - 1994 Buick Skylark
  By Monika Wilson - November 22 - 2:37 pm

  I have only had this car for a few months but I have to say that I love it. I have had a problem with the driver side window but that I can live with. I bought this car from a private owner that took great care of it. So far it has been dependable and a joy to drive. No complaints.

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  Noise - 2006 Buick Lucerne
  By back bug - November 22 - 8:08 am

  It was rated as the quietest sedan in it class in 2006. After a few months the wind noise around the two doors was bad and gets even worse during the cold weather up north. We love the car overall as a great car.

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  Rendezvous - 2004 Buick Rendezvous
  By daniel leblanc - November 21 - 10:00 am

  had a ford windstar and the rendezvous rides much nicer, and has a lot of extras which i find very useful. I have gotten a lot of comments from people about the looks of this vehicle.

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  2007 CXL Lucernce - 2007 Buick Lucerne
  By Don - November 21 - 9:50 am

  I have purchased several new Ford Taurus and one used Lincoln LS since 1988. The 2004 Lincoln LS does not have enough leg room in the back and even though it had bumper to bumper, a wheel bearing, drum, and 3 rims were replaced. Also a recall with a problem in the steering column, I lost all confidence and decided to go with GM. We purchased the last new 2007 CXL Lucerne after test driving the 2008 Sable and Taurus. The Buick felt safer and is built better. With the OnStar and other nice features (including the depreciation difference)we are glad to have a well built, comfortable and dependable car.