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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  Its not my Dads Buick, ITS MINE...... - 2010 Buick LaCrosse
  By Steve - November 18 - 3:04 pm

  I recently purchased a 2010 Lacrosse after driving a VW Touareg for the last 5 years, the Touareg finally got the best of my bank account. The Lacrosse is the most comfortable vehicle that Ive owned and those cars have included Audi, Pontiac, Honda, Isuzu and BMW. This car has already been a really enjoyment in so many ways. So far my MPG has been above 23, the performance of the 3.6 V6 is fantastic and I havent found anything that I havent liked. If your in the market for a new sedan stop into your local Buick dealer, it will be well worth your trip.

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  Best 7 passenger ALL AROUND- Hands Down! - 2010 Buick Enclave
  By Mark - November 18 - 2:01 pm

  Looked at many "family" vehicles for 3 kids etc. etc. Never considered Buick until roadsign caught my attention. Drove to dealership and WOW finally they got it right!! Quality, value and convienience right on target. Configuration of seating and comfort is exceptional. Quality of design, function and comfort is far better than crossovers costing $10-15k more. Interior space behind driver is excellent and surprising. Looking at exterior styling you wouldnt think it would be that functional inside. Great job. Have owned many luxury cars/suvs before costing $70-$80k. This one has them all beat. Way to go team GM.. You sold us and we are picky.

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  Great vehicle for your money - 2005 Buick Rendezvous
  By Christine - November 18 - 1:17 pm

  I have normally always had a coupe/ sports car. I needed more room with growing family went looking for a vehicle that had all I needed. I found it in my rendezvous, Space for the kids the groceries and the pets! if needed. Love the excellent smooth ride, I am getting 22.3 mpg city. yes it tells me so that is how I know. with my coupes I always was putting gas in(none were v8) but I dont in my rendezvous Im told it is the larger gas tank which is very nice. I think my stereo is great I was concerned with that and have no complaints even my teenagers tell me to turn it down. Has get up and go when needed and is very fun to drive and easy to maneuver, handles Great.

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  A work of art - 2010 Buick LaCrosse
  By Lacrosse AWD - November 17 - 9:07 pm

  This car is a work of art. I truly mean that. Example: I dont know if this was the plan but it seems the Buick waterfall theme (Grill) is carried over to the center stack. The buttons under the Nav are curved and the center stack flows gently down the center console. You can almost picture running water. I have never seen such attention to detail. And the fit and finish is awe inspiring. As I researched the car I noted my Lacrosse AWD was made by the same company that makes the million dollar Bugatti Veyrons AWD. The exact same one as in the Saab turbo. Fully loaded at 38,000 I feel like I truly got my moneys worth. How many people can say that?

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  Very comfortable and luxurious - 2010 Buick LaCrosse
  By Melissa - November 17 - 8:21 pm

  I just traded in my 09 Toyota Camry, for the Buick La Crosse. I had not been happy with my Camry after trading down from a Z71 Chevy Surburban, as a result of rising gas prices. The Camry seemed cheap and very uncomfortable. to the point my neck was beginning to hurt me for some time. The La Crosse is luxurious, roomy and extremely comfortable. Its fun to drive

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  Maintain your Buick !!! - 2004 Buick Rendezvous
  By people - November 17 - 6:15 am

  My 2004 Buick has 168000 miles on it. Ive replace the right front hup, put two sensors on it and it will pass inspection tomorrow. Flush the transmission at 100,000 miles keep the oil changed sooner than the book says, keep the tires in check. Best driving, riding SUV Ive ever drove.

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  Buick LeSabre Custom o.k. - 2001 Buick LeSabre
  By Nellie Pratt - November 16 - 3:20 pm

  Downfall of this vehicle is all four motorized windows have torn up. Transmission has to be replaced. Continually reads low tires no matter what you do, change, rotate, etc. of the tires. Body of vehicle easily dents, especially on the rear bumpers, absolutely no leaning on the vehicle. Otherwise, good driving, good gas mileage. Good for older adults.

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  Our 2002 CXL - 2002 Buick Rendezvous
  By regalluvr2 - November 16 - 2:00 am

  After years of driving Buick Regals we decided to try a 2002 RDV.Being used to the power of the 3800 and SC3800 engines we are disapointed with the under powered 185 hp 3400 V-6.The 3800 Buick should have been used. Its nice looking from the front but from the rear it isnt so great. The worst problem is that in the past month we have had lots of electrical problems and will soon be on our 3rd BCM.Its soon to be out of warranty and if we keep it we will be purchasing a GM extended warranty as we dont trust its reliability.

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  All around performer.... great mpg! - 2004 Buick Rendezvous
  By Perry Kravec - November 16 - 2:00 am

  I have 27,000 miles on my Buick Rndezvous and can say it is performing perfect. And Im very pleased with the gas miliage for a vehicle that weighs over 4,000lbs and has the room of a full size SUV it is the best. The removable seats comoe in very handy .. all the seats come out easy just like the Montana Minivan .. something no other SUV can do... giving the Rendezvous the most cargo space of any SUV.. the interior design is great... the very large center console holds a laptop and a lot of other things .. keeping the cabin neat while charging the laptop also. The fiberglass rear hatch is the lightest one Ive ever seen... and the brakes are oversized and stop on a dime.

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  Very dissapointed downshift/ time repair - 2008 Buick Enclave
  By 1998 Buick Enclave - November 15 - 12:08 pm

  We bought the car without test driving. Dumb,dumb,dumb. I drive the Enclave primarily in town and I am so disgusted with the constant downshift. I feel like I am on a bumber ride at times. The exterior is beautiful and interior nice but lots of trouble with gadgets that have had to be repaired under warranty. Too many to mention. This is a total pain to drive into Madison, get a rental car and then back again to pick it up. I am finding scary stuff again with the starter not turning over right away and one time almost hitting a car in front of me at 45 Miles per hour because the downshift became stuck and I had to hit my breaks as a quick reaction. It was freaky! The 1998 was mistake!