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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  Great car! - 2003 Buick Regal
  By Tennessee Bulldog - October 31 - 6:43 pm

  I have had my Regal for over 4 years, and I love it. It has given me reliable service, and has had very few problems. I now have 140,000 miles on it, and it still looks and runs great. I highly rcommend this car.

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  Happy with LaCrosse - 2006 Buick LaCrosse
  By B. Beekman - October 31 - 6:21 pm

  I just bought my 2006 LaCrosse about two weeks ago and am very satisfied with it. Its quiet, comfortable, smooth riding and obviously of good quality. The AM/FM/CD player has a nice tone with plenty of space for CD storage. The door locking key-fob is easy to use. Seats are attractive and cloth-covered and very comfortable on long drives.+

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  Used Riv - 1993 Buick Riviera
  By Ken - October 31 - 3:38 pm

  Reliable and handles well . It always starts and runs well . The ride is terrible (rides like a hay wagon) compared to my 93 OLDS 88 . The body has very little rust except for the rear subframe which Im replacing with a nice rust free piece from Arizona . I bought this car because I love its great looks .

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  great everyday cruiser - 1993 Buick Regal
  By Imani - October 31 - 12:06 pm

  Just a super nice car, very solid, excellent build quailty,I really enjoy driving it to work, gym around town, basically everywhere. Would hesitate to take it out of town. Just a nice all around car. My only complaint is more power,the car would be a perfect 10 with 50 more horses under the hood. would by another one in a heart beat!

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  goodbye lexus hello buick - 2010 Buick LaCrosse
  By ferrari man - October 31 - 11:54 am

  first of all , people should not listen to reviews from people that went for a test drive , these reviews are for owners who driven these cars for weeks for a true evaluation . as far for people complainig about transmission shifts are to slow , its done for fuel savings , but if you shift trans to sport mode its a complete different animal , my everyday car is my buick , my weekend car is a maserati and i will tell you i love them both and the buick is much quietier on the highway . this is as perfect as a car you can get .

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  Once satisfied! - 2005 Buick Park Avenue
  By Ron Stein - October 31 - 2:10 am

  Purchased a Park Avenue in 1991, traded in 1995 and again in 1998. Last year I purchased a Chrysler Pacifica. Wow, what a change. I think it is time for Buick to make a body style change. Been using this mold since 1991. Just my opinion.

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  Truly useful - 2006 Buick Rainier
  By Bill - October 30 - 2:05 pm

  I purchased this former short-term rental vehicle with 13k miles on it in Dec 06. Now with 65k miles on it, the only thing that has malfunctioned was a headlight relay, quickly replaced under warranty. Its dead reliable, smooth, comfortable, great in snow and good at towing a 4k lbs, 26ft sailboat. Milage average is 19 mpg with mostly highway driving. Quality of materials and assembly is very high - the leather upholstery is actually better than that in my 04 Mercedes.

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  fabric on seats - 2009 Buick LaCrosse
  By carolyn edwards - October 30 - 1:42 pm

  my 2001 buick centry was a dream inside and out, the 2009 is a great looking car but I hate the fabric on the seats. It collects every piece of lint and dirt.The dealership advised me to spray it with an antistatic spray, which I did that doesnt really work. Wishing I had my old interior again.

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  Buick Junk - 2006 Buick LaCrosse
  By j wells - October 30 - 10:04 am

  My Buick Lacrosse has been a mechanical nightmare. I have had defective parts replaced consistently since I purchased it Thank heavens it was still under warranty. However, now all the seals in the rack and pinion steering need replaced at a cost to me of $900.00 This car is 3 years old!!!! I drove a ford Taurus for 175,000 miles with major repairs coming after 100,000 miles. I am fed up with this car, plan to replace it anything but a Buick. Oh, I also have water sloshing from one side to the other in my engine. I have a repeat complaint about this, to no avail. I am really a dissatisfied customer.

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  Comfortable and smooth and 11 years old - 1998 Buick Century
  By Tiarella - October 25 - 7:12 pm

  This car has large comfortable seats, smooth ride, and a huge trunk. Nice for travel. If you need a trunk to hold 4 golf bags, this is the car for you. The only problems Ive had are two windows quit working, the ABS needed repair, and the cup holders broke off. Had its first tune up at over 100,000 miles. If you use the door button to lock the doors when you get out, there is a delay after you shut the door before the car locks (in case you forgot keys or something). If you dont want the delay, you just hit the button twice, or you can use the key fob to lock it instantly.