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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  Smooth, roomy cruiser, hit-or-miss reliability - 2011 Buick Enclave
  By LMR - August 21 - 3:36 am

  After test driving leading competitors (Mazda CL-7/9, Ford Flex, Audi Q/7, etc.) we settled on the Buick for its superior ride quality and capacious size. Im a car aficionado and this is the nicest riding vehicle Ive owned or driven in. We purchased a 1-yr old 2011 CPO vehicle and until late summer 2017 all was well. The only previous issue was a leaky engine gasket covered under warranty. At our 100k mile check we found: broken engine mount, leaky strut, and HVAC stopped cooling turned out to be a cracked rear AC evap core. Online forums show this was a common issue into 2013 models, and repair costs $1,000 - $1,300 for either front or rear. So at 100k miles weve a $3,500 repair tab. The car has been great to date, but as it ages Im questioning whether or not we too will begin to experience the transmission problems reported on the forums. PROS: Exceptional ride quality, excellent interior room (more actually than my Tahoe), good safety rating, outstanding traction in wet/snowy conditions, great dealer support CONS: adequate but not exceptional power, GM leather seating quickly shows wear compared to other brands (same happened in my Tahoe & those of friends), weight keeps mileage middle of the pack, tight power train packaging complicates maintenance/repairs (over $300 for spark plug change!?!). Time will tell on continued reliability and eventually resale value of our Buick. Its a great family or road trip vehicle, and overall a positive experience. It might not be the type of vehicle you keep beyond 100k miles

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  Comfort On Wheels - 1997 Buick LeSabre
  By Abatt - August 13 - 2:00 am

  I just purchased a 97 Buick Custom LeSabre with only 35,000 miles. Im a big guy (65") and was tired of being crammed into my Toyota Camry (a nice car, but not built for large people). Ive owned the car for a week now and hope to have it another 5 years at least. Its comfortable, roomy, gives a great ride, and mechanically appears to be solid.

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  Very good car - 1992 Buick Regal
  By Crush - August 7 - 2:00 am

  This was a perfect car in every way but the brakes. It ate brakes and the manufactures knew it. I would get 20- 30K on new brake pads and it was back to change them.

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  Comfortable Cruiser - 1995 Buick LeSabre
  By d2004 - August 6 - 2:00 am

  Ok so unlike most kids with their Civics or trendy Beemers, i chose a nice used LeSabre. I like it because its all-American, solidly built but not ostentatious, and the interior is comfortable and roomy. The handling isnt great but straightline is decent. The trunk is great, and the price was right. I might have chose the Grand Marquis but it wouldnt fit in my garage, but this is slighly better on gas. Overall im pleased, its much better built than my familys newer Chrysler products. I dont understand why anyone would choose most japanese midsize cars over this.

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  First Time Buick Buyer - 2002 Buick Rendezvous
  By brad110 - August 5 - 2:00 am

  Quality of finish and fit is very good. Ride is good, but vehicle feels a little top-heavy.

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  Nothing Beats a Buick for Comfort! - 2002 Buick Century
  By crhayes - August 2 - 2:00 am

  I love Buicks because they are the most solid and comfortable ride than anything Ive driven. Anyone who has driven my car says it "floats"! The only disappointment is the style..it never changes! In my book, Buick is top notch!

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  It makes me smile - 2016 Buick Cascada
  By Steve - August 1 - 11:56 pm

  I understood the Cascada was an Opel, introduced about 3yr ago. As such, I realized that the electronics and safety features would not match my wifes 2016 Subaru Outback with the eyesight pkg., an outstanding and versatile wagon. What the Cascada does is it makes me smile. Style, great. Handling, the HiPer Strut up front and Watt Z link rear suspension makes a taunt but comfortable ride. The top goes up and down quickly and at a reasonable speed. Economy, town about 20 mpg hwy - filled up in Dallas, two stops, cruse control @ 70, and arrived in Conway Ar. with 33mpg. Very happy. Seats, adequate. Nav., again probably 3 yrs old. Nice touches, rain sensing wipers, and heated steering wheel. The car is quiet for a convertable, and the sound system is great. The car is a cruiser, and designed for a sunny day, with the top down, traveling down two lane back top roads in Arkansas, (insert your state). It will make you smile. At the end of a year, I still look forward to driving the Cascada. Absolutely no mechanical problems. Minor annoyances, cup holder area is too small for two full sized cups, and the device too hold either doors open is not strong enough to stop them from trying to attack my shins. Truthfully, this has been a problem with each two door car that I have owned. But...... If you are ever on I 40 in western Ark., and see the exit to the "Pig Trail Scenic Byway", take the top down and enjoy. I did. The eventual prize is Eurika Springs, a great destination. But the most fun is in the journey.

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  Test drive results - 2002 Buick Rendezvous
  By Wink - July 27 - 2:53 pm

  Test drove this vehicle. I like the inside "feel" of it better than any other SUV Ive driven in its price range. It drives comfortably in town. On the highway, road and tire noise are muted but there is an excessive (annoying) amount of wind noise. If they get the aerodynamics working a bit better, this will be a quiet vehicle. The biggest concern is reliability. While Buick LeSabres for example are known for their quality, the engine in this SUV is the same as that used in the Pontiac Aztec.

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  Regal 12 - 2012 Buick Regal
  By p barboto - July 26 - 6:15 am

  Minor issues that the dealer took care off At 60000 miles the seal on my transmission went bad There is a disturbing noise when i go up a hill and the dealer cant diagnose, very fustrating

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  GOOD CAR...BAD DEALERSHIP - 2005 Buick LeSabre
  By DON RON - July 24 - 2:00 am

  cAR IS GOOD, DEALERSHIP IS REAL BAD