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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  Fine auto for a young family - 2010 Buick LaCrosse
  By LaCrosse Owner in NC - November 30 - 8:01 pm

  Wife and kids liked the Lacrosse better than the Lexus. Great looks that is enjoyable to drive too. A luxurious car without having to spend a fortune.

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  My dream car is now my nightmare - 2007 Buick Lucerne
  By My Dream Car - November 30 - 11:42 am

  Door handle fell off drivers side when I went to open it. Had it replaced. My main problem is that I am riding down the road and it just cuts off. Sometimes it will crank back up but most of the time I have to have it picked up by a wreaker. This has happen 4 times in the last 3 months. The dealer cannot find out what is causing it because when they get it will not do it again. I pick it up and drive it for two weeks and it happens again. Love my car but am very frustrated with it. I am afraid to go on a trip at all.

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  This is not your Pops Buick - 2006 Buick Lucerne
  By David - November 25 - 5:13 am

  Finally, the American market can rejoice over an American designed and built car. The styling, performance and attention to detail is superb. I have had numerous very positive comments from friends and people checking out the car. People have slowed down next to me just to look at the car. Thanks GM.

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  Exceptional in every way............ - 1996 Buick Regal
  By Dean - November 23 - 3:51 pm

  Bought this car from private elder couple who never smoked. Interior well laid out, engine 3.1 v-6 has plenty of power, and in comparison with foreign makes gets a reliable 29 mpg on the road with 25 in town. Full size seating for 6 with great fuel economy,(I would put it up against Toyota or Nissan any day) Handles great, very reliable with minimum maint. and above all very good fuel economy.

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  not as advertised - 2009 Buick Enclave
  By schomeboy - November 23 - 1:50 pm

  Bought car in "clunker" trade-in deal. My wife fell in love with this car based on the interior and quiet ride. she was correct on both. however, after 4 months we see a couple of issues. first, gas mileage is 15-20 not 17-24 as advertised! No different than the "clunker" we had. took it back to dealer and of course found nothing wrong. had to put foam strips on underside of garage door because rear door lifts too high and bangs on bottom of garage door. ill designed. no clothes hook on second row seats. to hang clothes you have to use hook by 3rd row seats and it is difficult to get to. nice car overall, but I would look at others before investing this much money.

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  Great Looking, But Not Reliable - 2008 Buick Enclave
  By darrenjonesoc - November 23 - 12:59 am

  We love the look of our Enclave and the interior is versatile and attractive and comfortable. However, the car is very unreliable! Our engine had been dropped three times (we only have 28,000 miles) for major repairs. We have been without the car a total of 2 months out of the 24 we have owned it. A number of smaller issues have emerged that are annoying (seat tracks falling apart, exterior apliques falling off in the wind, sensors failing, etc.). I hate to say it, but Consumer Reports is right, GM cars are not reliable. That is a shame, because if the car were well built and reliable, I would love it.

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  where are all the rainiers? - 2004 Buick Rainier
  By myproshop - November 22 - 2:00 am

  Ive had this car for a month now, and i still have yet to see another Rainier on the road. I dont get it! I thought i saw one parked, but when i went up to it, it was a Bravada. Are people not interested in having a great vehicle? It might be a bit overpriced, but its still an awesome SUV! I was deciding between the Rainier and the Volvo xc90, and for the price, the Rainier is definitely the better bang for the buck!

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  2004 - 2004 Buick Rendezvous
  By flanman - November 22 - 2:00 am

  smooth highway ride minimum roll when cornering can seat four adults and two children

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  The Crossover I Was Looking For - 2004 Buick Rendezvous
  By Emmett Gruici - November 22 - 2:00 am

  Its a pleasure riding, comfortable sedan with a main feature that sold the vehicle after our initial test drive. That is, it pleased my wife, especially in room and confort, and overall appearance. It allowed us to trade in two vehicles,our 1998 Buick Century and 2000 Chevy Tracker, and use the 2004 Buick Rendevous for duel purposes.

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  Acceptable SUV - 2008 Buick Enclave
  By SAM - November 21 - 9:43 pm

  I leased this vehicle to replace a Lexus RX 330. With 2 babies on boards I needed a 3 rows Luxury SUV with decent fuel economy. PROS: Any SUV of that size has a V8. The Enclave has A V6 with decent performance and fuel economy (for the size/weight). It is beautiful inside and out. Very comfortable ride and minimal road noise. CONS: Questionable build quality and reliability. I have already been to the dealer for serious repairs multiple times. I do not trust what the dealer did to repair the car. Thank God it is just a lease. My brother just visit me and immediately notice how the SUV is falling apart. On the other hand, 3 years ago, he though my 4 year old Lexus was almost brand new.