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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  Super American car - 2006 Buick Lucerne
  By Hy. Lasker - October 24 - 2:16 am

  This an excellent car, fun to ride and handles beautifully. The value is great considering the features that are available in the car. The size is excellent for my needs, no foreign car can match it, especially at this cost. The long term reliability will have to be proven with time. But, I have confidence that it will from what I have experienced so far.

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  Nice wheels - 2002 Buick Rendezvous
  By jo - October 22 - 4:13 pm

  I bought this vehicle in 2001 and have enjoyed driving it. I use it for hauling gardening stuff, crafting stuff and grandchildren and friends. Really like my vehicle.

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  LaCrosse - 2007 Buick LaCrosse
  By Dave - October 17 - 1:38 pm

  I absolutely love this auto. Superior if not equal to the so called fancy imports. The interior design is flawless inside and out. All of the outside and inside panels are a complete match,as a result of excellent quality from GM. I would take this car over an Accord or Camry any day.

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  Excellent car - 2006 Buick Lucerne
  By cxl v8 4dr sedan - October 15 - 12:14 pm

  This is the best Buick I have ever owned. It has a quiet smooth ride, handles well in tight spots, the V8 gives a positive edge to the overall performance of the car. So far very satisfied

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  Very pleased - 2007 Buick Lucerne
  By Mike C - October 15 - 10:20 am

  Dollar for dollar, this car is the best in its class. I purchased a base model for about $23,000 and at that price none of the other vehicles mentioned was even close in ride, power, or equipment. The Chrysler 300 in that price range is incredibly spartan in the interior and has a seriously underpowered 2.7L V6. While the 300 and Toyota handle better, this is clearly due to both vehicles wider stance and lower profile tires, which necessarily create a rougher ride. If the owner simply wants a powerful, quiet, smooth riding car, rather than one which will take exit ramps at 60 mph, the Lucerne is it.

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  Fun to drive - 2003 Buick Rendezvous
  By rick patel - October 15 - 10:00 am

  Fun to drive, loaded with extras for the dollars spent. I like it a lot.

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  98 99 "Thats all folks" - 1998 Buick Riviera
  By pketch - October 14 - 9:45 am

  Just plain love it. Easy to work on. 33 mpg on the highway. Drives like a small car even though it is a monster. Bought it for myself but the wife stole it once I got it home. The sloping hood is what sold her. She has always been afraid of a big car. What sold me was the car and its history. I am so happy with this car that I am now buying a 99 which will replace a 2000 Cadillac Eldo.

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  It suits me just fine - 2003 Buick Rendezvous
  By bigfish - October 9 - 10:00 am

  We were looking for a vehicle that could be used to transport our grandchildren, building supplies for remodeling, haul our boat and small camper, and at least 5 passengers...this one does it all, plus last night I took out the one rear passenger seat and slept in the rear trunk area it at a friends cabin. It was as inexpensive as our Buick Century and actually corners slightly better.

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  A Pleasurable and Performing SUV - 2007 Buick Rainier
  By JMC6 - October 4 - 4:08 pm

  Have been incredibly pleased with all aspects of this SUV. The smooth and quiet of the ride are not like an SUV. Plenty of power in the I-6. Dollar value was outstanding. It is unfortunate that Buick is not continuing the Rainier.

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  2002 Buick Rendezvous CXL - 2002 Buick Rendezvous
  By leshammond - October 4 - 1:30 am

  This vehicile has everything. Best stereo in any car I have had including Cadillacs. Head up display, 3rd seat, leather throughout, OnStar, heated mirrors, 4 driver memory, backup protection and all of the other extras that Buick offered that year and not on some later models. It is a little underpowered, the 4 wheel drive is more for show, high crosswinds at 80 MPH are scary and electronic components are expensive to replace, but overall this has been one our favorite cars along with the Mercedes convertible and the Arizona Edition Cadillac we now own!