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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  BOOGEY WOOGEY - 2004 Buick Rendezvous
  By HANK LEESE - July 10 - 2:00 am

  THIS VEHICLE IS THE QUIETIST I HAVE EVER OWNED, HAVING PREVIOUSLY OWNED OVER 30 AUTOMOBILES, RECENTLY PRODUCED 28.3MPG ON A 370 MILE ROAD TRIP AND PROVIDES MY 64" , 290 LB. BODY LOTSA ROOM AND WHILE HAVING THE SMALL ENGINE IS NO SLOUCH. I CAN HONESTLY SAY IR REALLY LOVE IT AND HAVE RECOMMENDED IT TO ALL MY FRIENDS

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  Bynum - 2004 Buick Rendezvous
  By Harris Bynum - July 10 - 2:00 am

  Beautifully finished car, good metal & plastic finishes, very quiet for a SUV, good safety features

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  Solid Car - Needs Fashion Revamp - 2002 Buick Century
  By whiz - July 6 - 2:00 am

  First-time Buick owner, a rental car purchased from used car dealer with 27000 miles. Its been reliable starting in all weather especially in winters worse. Before 36000 warranty expired, I had local Buick dealer do an overall check up. They replaced parts to correct brake problems. Brakes have squealed and continue to do so at random times when first engaged - does not affect performance.

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  Want to race - 1999 Buick Regal
  By raptor - July 5 - 2:00 am

  Regal GSE has been very reliable, Buick hits the mark and sets the GM standard.Has great speed and really wants to go!!The sunroof and Monsoon stereo make it a joy in the summer. Nice even lines and sporty appearance.The handling?Well,lets say Buick should visit the upgrade parts store or GM performance bin. Goodyear tires are mismatched, upgrade ASAP. Seats are unsupportive with aggressive driving and long road trips.Shifter in way of storage.Back seat a little cramped.

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  1995 Buick Roadmaster wagon - 1995 Buick Roadmaster
  By richard774 - July 3 - 2:00 am

  this is 3rd roadmaster wagon i have had. as with the others, i found the car to be basically very strong and solid and nice to drive. alot of power. these cars seem to last extremely long with basic maintenance. one of them has accumulated over 440,000 miles without major repairs except for transmission once. the only problem area is its somewhat common to have things like interior switches and buttons break or malfunction. too many unnecessary electronic gadgets have caused me to have electrical problems from time to time.

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  rainer - 2004 Buick Rainier
  By jhonn - June 21 - 2:00 am

  most comfortable suv i have owned. Ride is a little slopy but it is extrenely soft. Average 17 miles to gallon around town and thays with the v8.

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  Turning Raidus - 2004 Buick LeSabre
  By John Gangemi - June 19 - 2:00 am

  Good car. However, turning raidus is horrible. Difficult turning in parking lots. Much needed improvement is required.

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  Major engine problems - 2004 Buick LeSabre
  By rahni - June 12 - 2:00 am

  LeSabres 2000-2004 are made with a phenolic resin intake maniford that warps and leaks antifreeze into the engines cylinders - basically blowing superheated steam into the combustion chambers. The factory-recall fix (put locktight on 3 bolts) doesnt work. According to a factory trained mechanic, many engines have had to be replaced because of this cheap construction. Also, "permanently lubricated" tie-rods wear prematurely and have to be replaced at low milage. Plastic window grips on electric windows break easily.

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  Go ahead, buy that Buick!!! - 2000 Buick LeSabre
  By Love that 3800 - June 11 - 2:00 am

  Being a former Chevy fan, I have learned to love Buicks since the purchase of my first, a Park Avenue, in 1997. Not having a large amount to spend I bought the car with 127,000 miles on it. The engines are amazing, just change the oil and enjoy the ride. Very reliable Buick :)

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  The Crossover with class - Envision - 2016 Buick Envision
  By -M.B. - May 31 - 1:25 pm

  Great luxurious crossover- The vehicle is priced appropriately when compared to other luxury crossovers. Do your homework you will see for yourself. I had test drove the Acura RDX prior to the Envision and found the RDX road height to be a bit low with a very hard ride, stiff sport suspension, not sure if that is ever needed in a crossover/small SUV. So I took a look at the Envision while looking at a Buick/GMC dealer. This Envision fits a void in the Buck SUV lineup. The Enclave is fairly large while the Encore is well yeah, kind of small. I was very impressed by the quiet smooth ride of the Envision along with the interior and exterior styling. On the interior the first thing i noticed was the all digital instrument panel, which makes it feel that much nicer. The interior trim is fitted with leather, i went with black since it is a lease and has a less chance of showing marks even though the beige is beautiful too. The dashboard is also covered in leather this is a nice touch over a plastic one most vehicles have. The front seats seem a little stiffer than i would expect but the heated leather wrapped steering wheel make up for this minor issue. Rear seating is comfortable with separate controlled ventilation for rear passengers. The rear seats can recline ever so slightly and have the ability to glide forward to make more room for cargo in the back. Interior lighting is very well placed with accent lighting on the floor and very eloquently placed lighting on the door panels and front face of dashboard. This looks very nice at night. Exterior lights look very nice with the daytime running LEDs on the front and HID headlights and fog lights. Power lift gate is very convenient for loading and unloading. Now the real good part, the power that comes out of that little 4-cyl. is very impressive. I live in Colorado - high elevation and the vehicle has no problem with the thin air and steep roads. The turbo on the 4-cyl works wonderfully. Lag is in the seconds, like 1-2 maybe. Collision avoidance and lane keeping assist work wonderfully as well. Hard to talk to the reliability right now but so far so good. Really the only downside (reason for not giving this 5 stars) is knowing it is being built in China. Hopefully Buick brings the assembly line for US sold vehicles to the US someday, I guess it is nice to know your employing Americans with your American brand vehicle.