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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  Beautiful car - 2006 Buick Lucerne
  By hugh - November 12 - 11:52 am

  Im retired so I can hardly wait to find some place to go so I can drive our Lucerne. We love the ride, handling, power, controls and I guess there isnt anything that we dont like. We live in the mountains of north central PA where we have no city driving and avg 22.5. Went to Baltimore, MD last weekend and driving 70mph for 250mi.I got 26.4mpg

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  Perfect car fort worth tall seniors - 2016 Buick Encore
  By Michael OHara - November 9 - 1:38 pm

  Overall great crossover SUV, one of best out there. Oozes Buick quality. Saddle leather interior is gorgeous. Two shortcomings: garage door opener missing in all models and auto door lock has to be manually set each exit of car. Easy for tall person to get in and out with high roofline and interior headroom.

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  none - 2004 Buick Rendezvous
  By aretha - November 8 - 2:00 am

  easy to drive, not too big for a small woman and enough leg and head room for a 66" male. very surprised at the quality.

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  The Drivers Car... Buick? - 2007 Buick Lucerne
  By D Waters - November 7 - 7:11 am

  I love cars and I am considered a car nut by everyone that knows me. I have owned over thirty cars and have driven countless more in my persuit of the perfict one for me. I never make a purchase without very extensive investigation. If anyone ever told me that my favorite car would be a Buick, I would instantly recommend they seek professional counseling! The 2007 Buick Lucerne CXL is dollar for dollar pound for pound the best inexpensive (23,000) car I have ever owned. There is nothing on the market today that even comes close for the price. I know because I drove everything in the price range of under 30,000 including Nissan, Toyota, Honda, Chevy, Ford and Chrysler. The car is irresistable

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  Best Buick ever - 2008 Buick Lucerne
  By Gene Lander - November 6 - 8:01 pm

  The Buick Lucerne CXL is the best Buick or car that we have ever had. The quality of the fit finish is outstanding. A super quite ride with none of the road noise gives you a refreshing finish after driving it daily or on a long trip. We have 9 vehicles one other 2007 and 5 restored colector cars that have all one best of show or peoples choice.

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  happy with ole Bessie - 1997 Buick Park Avenue
  By toquinn55 - November 5 - 2:30 pm

  We bought this car from our neighbor. He had bought it used. I love this car. It drives like a dream. I has given me very little trouble. (Battery, plugs, tires, etc.) The only complaint that I have is the paint on the trunk has flaked off. Other than this, I love it.

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  2005 Buick Lacrosse - 2005 Buick LaCrosse
  By Mike Hamburg - November 2 - 7:33 pm

  A great addition to the Buick line. Its something Buick should have done a long time ago. Its not my fathers Buick. Its roomy, stylish, very ecomical, quiet,smooth riding, comfortable, and a real joy to drive. The cushiony ride and quietness of the road was what sold me the first time I drove a Lacrosse. Drive one you will love it.

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  I love my 2008 Enclave! - 2008 Buick Enclave
  By Bob Jennnings - October 31 - 8:10 pm

  I had a 2005 Escalade..hard to beat for over all luxury and performance. This Buick has more leg room in a smaller cross over. The Escalade was difficult if not imposible for large people to get into the rear seats. This new car gets very good gas mileage. On a trip to Phoenix I got 21 MPG and that is averaging 75 mph! Being a S Californian I calibrated up to 31 miles per gallon going from Beaumont Ca, to Onterio airport Ca about 50 miles. Every time the freeway: Hwy 10 was going down hill I put the car in neutral. You cant even tell when it is coasting or not! That way I save the expensive gas and it runs on regular. It has so many luxury items I have not learned them all. Move over Lexus

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  Wonderful Car - 2002 Buick Rendezvous
  By mardat - October 31 - 12:08 pm

  I bought my CXL new in 2002 and have put over 100,000 miles on it during the past 5 years. The comfort level is great, even for back-seat passengers. I love the parking aid, the leather seats, and the driver-information center. This car has been extremely reliable. Gas mileage depends on who drives it. I get about 20-21 mpg. My husband gets 18-19. This is on the hills and curvy roads near our home.

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  God bless the GM 3800 - 1993 Buick LeSabre
  By Dan - October 25 - 8:00 am

  Its so comfortable to drive, roomy and reliable, that after 175k miles, I just cant convince myself to trade it in on something new. Its been absolutely reliable only breaking down once needing a new water pump. Its really nice on long road trips as the seats are like sitting in a Laz-E- Boy or something. Never had parts of my anatomy fall asleep or anything. Perfect carpool car as there is tons of room in the back seat for even the largest of adults. Gas mileage has been respectable averaging about 17-20 mpg in the city. Ive had 3 carseats across the back seat for the last two years and theres plenty of room. Huge trunk for double stroller and all the other kid supplies.