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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  2013 Buick Verano - 2013 Buick Verano
  By Wendy Catto - May 25 - 4:48 pm

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  Built for how people REALLY use an SUV - 2003 Buick Rendezvous
  By berne1 - May 19 - 10:00 am

  I reluctantly leased my Rendezvous CXL, never having owned an SUV/minivan type vehicle. I am impressed so far at the build quality and amount of features for the money vs. a "traditional" truck- based SUV. Much more room, lower step in height and the Rendezvous is much quieter. I have been surprised at how much I like it so far.

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  Perfect - 2003 Buick Rendezvous
  By Frogjameez - May 19 - 2:00 am

  My husband and I needed something much bigger than our Cavalier to haul our 3 year old, 2 dogs, backpacking equipment and building supplies. This vehicle was the perfect choice. It is extremely comfortable, very nice ride, corners way better than a Cavalier and has TONS of storage space. My husbands dad works for GM, so the discounts and incentives we got on this vehicle are incredible. The gas mileage is pretty darn good for an SUV, but what they dont tell you is how much less you get in the winter, granted this is MN, but I had no idea that the cold weather would have such an impact on the gas mileage. Needless to say though, I love it!!

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  Good car to own. - 1998 Buick Century
  By wmmickulas - May 15 - 2:00 am

  Buick Century is a proven, reliable car that has given me 5 years of service and is still going without any problems.

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  2004 Celebration - 2004 Buick LeSabre
  By linebender - May 14 - 2:00 am

  We love our Lesabre. but early on we have had the transmission repaired to correct failed parts in the drive hub as well as a complete replacement of the rack and pinion assembly because of internal leaks.(still having some minor problems on that) also have had extensive trouble with the controls for the hvac system. replaced 2 outside temp sensors and the main control unit. not too happy with the way the auto a/c control operates. the fan always seems to be in mid-speed mode. and never goes to slow speed. G.M. says its working as designed. I disagree, but cant get any co-operation from G.M. to discuss the problem.

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  Buick Regal Review - 1999 Buick Regal
  By mushhead - May 13 - 2:00 am

  After owning a Nissan Altima for 4 years I decided I wanted something a little bigger...with a more powerful engine. I also wanted more of a luxury car feel with a sharp look to it. The 1999 Buick Regal fit the bill. It is a reliable car that I was able to buy at a very good price due to high depreciation. Bad for those who bought new...good for the rest of us.

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  A great and reliable car - 1991 Buick Regal
  By peanut1999 - April 29 - 2:00 am

  Fun car, reliable. The 3.8 engine is awesome. The interior falls apart as well as the plastic items on the outside. For example, the center console arm rest shredded and the gear shift console caved in. The turn signal casing on the front drivers side fell off. The leather held up well. OUt engine has over 145,000 miles on it and it still runs great! Overall, we liked this car so much we bought one ten years newer to rplace it.

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  Versatility plus! - 2004 Buick Rendezvous
  By zzpj2y - April 25 - 10:00 am

  Highly pleased. Very appealing in and out. Very versatile. Storage compartments are a plus. Layout of console very convenient. Able to haul 4 foot wide panels in back. (OK, the 4x8 sheets stick out a little in the back.) Though the seats appear to be slender and that can equate to not being comfortable for long trips, the looks are deceiving, as the comfort level is high. Nice total package for the price!

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  Lots of Power.Lack of Build Quality. Ok! - 1997 Buick Regal
  By casper90651 - April 24 - 2:00 am

  The most appreciable feature of this Buick is its Supercharged motor. Though, it wouldve benefited greatly with a more modern engine design, Buick stuck with the pushrod design, which naturally has a great low-end torque even without the supercharger, but every bit helps. Its classic Buick with more umph in it. Interior styling is bland as well as exterior. The build quality is low cheap interior parts. Other than that, it rode fine and it charged on!

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  I love my Rainier - 2004 Buick Rainier
  By Kay Tee - April 24 - 2:00 am

  I purchased a 2002 Bravada in the early spring of 2001. After dumping hundreds of dollars into this lemon, I was finally forced to trade it in. I purchased a Yukon Denali and found that although it is a beautiful and awesome vehicle, it is too large for every day driving. My Rainier is the perfect additional vehicle for my household. It has the look of my Bravada and the ride and features of my Denali. I strongly recommend this vehicle for anyone looking for any type of mid-size SUV. Look beyond the Envoy - you get so much more for the money in the Rainier!