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:

• 

  98 Buick Century - 1998 Buick Century
  By Jeanette5241 - September 15 - 2:00 am

  Purchased my second Buick Century and have enjoyed a very easy to drive, comfortable (Mny folks ask "what kind of car is this"after theyve been riding in it awhile because they notice how comfortable it is to ride in.) My Dad drives this as the "errands" care and my 15 year old neice has just started to learn on it -- she prefers it over our mini-van for ease of driving. Very solid and dependable.

• 

  Love the Regal ..... - 2004 Buick Regal
  By nlebanks - September 13 - 2:00 am

  Had a 1999 Buick Regal and loved it..... no problems, thus I went back and purchased another. For a divorced gal that I am I need something that is DEPENDABLE!! I had only 25,000 miles on my previous Buick Regal, but it was time to get a new one. Thank you so much!!

• 

  Overall satisfied - 2005 Buick Century
  By Thm. - September 11 - 2:00 am

  Great all around vehicle, not happy about city gas mileage.

• 

  Pleasantly Suprised - 2004 Buick Rendezvous
  By Krissy L - September 1 - 2:00 am

  Being that Im only 24, and a little younger than the traditional Buick target, I didnt even consider the brand when looking for a new SUV. However, a salesperson managed to convince me to try it out, and I loved it from the minute I stepped foot into the vehicle! It is comfortable, has tons of storage, has quite a smooth ride, and doesnt seem to guzzle gas as much as the other SUVs Ive owned. Definitely a winner!

• 

  Things to Know - 1997 Buick LeSabre
  By BeSteve - August 30 - 2:00 am

  I have owned the LeSabre, for 4 years. I was disappointed that the Trans needed a $1500 repair. The engine had a tube that was in the cylinder head, that went out causing the pistons to fill up with water another$1400. The load leveling struts on the rear have been replaced and after 1 year, failed again. Gas gauge does not work after 105,00 miles. When using the AC, the vacuum will take several minutes before it will open the upper vents. Air blows to feet area.

• 

  Why I Choose The Rendezvous CXL - 2004 Buick Rendezvous
  By E. Jaundice - August 29 - 2:00 am

  My first priority was that the Rendezvous drives and handles like a car rather than a truck which other Suvs I tested did. Its design is unique and most attractive. You sit up nice and high and your view of the road is perfect. The large side view mirrors give exceptional rear viewing although their size leave small blind spots looking forward.

• 

  Disappointed - 2002 Buick Rendezvous
  By Robbie - August 24 - 10:00 am

  This is a new vehicle which I test drove on smooth city streets. When I drove it home via hill country, it turned into a struggling,noisy wimp. The all wheel drive feature makes the noise factor unacceptable. I cant believe they make a trailer package for this s.u.v. What could it possibly pull?

• 

  Does it all - 2002 Buick Rendezvous
  By Stergeye - August 24 - 10:00 am

  Ive got two small kids,a wife, and a dog. So far, Rondezvous handles it all with ease. On trips to the mountains, the AWD worked great. Step-in height is good, and the Rondezvous spaces are easy to access. Ride quality is very good. No complaints thus far. We are pleased beyond our expectations.

• 

  Seems great to me - 2003 Buick Rendezvous
  By KrisB55 - August 23 - 2:00 am

  For the size of the vehicle, it handles really well and is quite comfortable. I have had several SUVs and find this one to have the least truck-like ride. Great vehicle.

• 

  good, very good - 2004 Buick Rendezvous
  By steamer - August 23 - 2:00 am

  Have owned it for just over a year now and have driven it on daily errands as well as long (4 hour +) drives and everyone driver and passengers are comfortable. Terrific pack out, love the optional third row seating (but this kills the pack out). Handles well and gets good mileage. Wife loves the rear assist feature that pings hen she is colse to an object behind her. Leather interior is holding up very well with two kids and a dog frequent riders. Great alternative to the standard mini van.