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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  1999 Regal - 1999 Buick Regal
  By sthar - September 11 - 10:04 am

  I had my Regal for five years. One of the best cars I have ever owned. Very comfortable and very reliabale. It is a gas and go. However, I do perventive maintenance on the car. Changing oil every 3000 miles etc. I love all the features. The interior still looks new. I will buy another Regal. I cant say enough about the car. I love it! The car still runs great!

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  Carols review - 2005 Buick Rendezvous
  By carolw - September 11 - 10:00 am

  Overall I am very happy with my Reneavous. Great gas mileage. Navigation system is very helpful. Easy to park for a 7 passanger vehicle. Third seat folds and unfolds easily. Back seat is very roomy for three children. DVD player is a godsend on a long ride with the kids.

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  2008 LaCrosse Super - 2008 Buick LaCrosse
  By Jack - September 9 - 9:31 pm

  Im told I was the first 08 LaCrosse Super owner in the state of Illinois. I couldnt be prouder of my new car. I think it should be considered a "baby boomers" dream car because of its powerful V-8 engine, luxurious leather seating, and all the bells and whistles you would ever want.

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  Buick Century - 2001 Buick Century
  By J. Hawk - September 7 - 3:10 pm

  This has been the best and most dependable vehicle I have ever owned. After almost 6 years of ownership, I have not had any mechanical problems. The only defect has been a window motor. I plan to purchase another Buick as a result of my experience with this car.

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  Excellent buy compared to Imports - 2006 Buick LaCrosse
  By Vijay - September 7 - 10:57 am

  A very nice car. Have been driving it for the past year. No problems whatsoever. Very, very quiet. Looks great. Fuel economy of 29-30 mpg on highway and 25 mpg average. Only crib is that the CD player does not play MP3s and there is no port to hook up iPod. Otherwise a great car.

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  Buick Rendezvous Great Value - 2004 Buick Rendezvous
  By MB - September 5 - 8:27 am

  This is our second Rendezvous. Both have been excellent autos, no issues with either. Well designed, very comfotable, easy to get in and out of, roomy, quiet, nice driving, very reliable vehicle, typical Buick quality and value. Now that they will no longer be produced, we will go with the new Buick Enclave as our next new car purchase.

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  142,000 and still strong - 1998 Buick Regal
  By JBFALASKA - September 1 - 10:53 am

  Bought my GS Supercharged at 39,000 miles. To date, I havent even changed the spark plugs. Truly the American Lexus at a 1/3 less cost. I also own the 98 LS version. 200 HP is fine for anyone, but once you get used to the 240HP with 280 torque, youll need to buy a V8 truck to find the equivalent zoom.

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  Impressed - 2007 Buick Lucerne
  By Bill - August 31 - 11:43 pm

  Traded in 1999 Park Avenue Ultra. I have bought many new cars in the last 40 years. This Lucerne I feel is by far the finest one of all. Great comfort, good fuel ecomy. Took trip with crise on and got 27.5 miles to the gallon. A very enjoyable car to own and drive. Extremely quiet and a joy to drive.

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  Impressive - 2007 Buick Lucerne
  By John - August 31 - 12:07 pm

  I have had SUVs for the past 10 years, the ride from my CXL is impressive. The standard features in the CXL are admirable. I am not impressed with the fuel economy at this point in time. A well constructed quality auto.

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  I love my Buick - 2007 Buick LaCrosse
  By dvdvon - August 31 - 1:42 am

  I researched this car for a few months and decided on the Buick rather than a small Lexus or Mercedes. The new JDE Power dependability ratings make me feel really good about my selection. Cannot say anything bad about the car. Lively in tight situations while still exhibiting the Buick trademark smooth ride. Great fit and finish. Very pleased. A "grown up" car you dont have to be a grandfather to love.