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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  I love this car - 2003 Buick Rendezvous
  By kathyi - August 8 - 10:00 am

  I love this car. It could be a little faster when I need to accelerate suddenly. Its comfortable and eas to drive.

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  Great Buy - 2007 Buick Rendezvous
  By Momma P - August 6 - 12:59 pm

  Afer having a baby, my husband and I knew that the Pontiac G6 that we owned was too small for a now family of 3. We looked and looked to find a SUV in our price range and found that all of the ones we were interested in were out of our range. We decided to take a look at roomier cars with the dealer that sold us our G6 and he informed us on a great buy with the Rendevous! We ended up paying roughly $30 more per month than what we were currently paying and got a roomier car all at once. The other little SUVs did not have nearly the space and were charging doulbe the price. We love our new car!

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  Great car - 2007 Buick Lucerne
  By Bonbon - August 2 - 3:32 pm

  I have only had the car since July, but I enjoy driving it. It is a very quiet and smooth riding car So far, the mileage has been good.

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  I love my LaCrosse - 2005 Buick LaCrosse
  By ABC - August 2 - 11:30 am

  The LaCrosse has high performance 3.8L engine, excellent suspension system, helpful computer gadgetry, and European elegance inside and out. Good job, GM.

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  Best crossover SUV - 2003 Buick Rendezvous
  By Had2Move - August 1 - 2:00 am

  Overall it is a great car. Traded in my 2000 Pontiac Montana for it. Got tired of driving the big, typical mini-van. Handling of the Rendezvous is great and enjoy driving it. Just big enough to move around the family comfortably without feeling your driving a house! It also looks prestigious inside and out. Gauges are a little hard to read. Little constrast of grey on silver.

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  Pleasant Surprise - 2007 Buick Rainier
  By Keith - July 30 - 12:20 pm

  We were looking at the Acacia when the dealer showed us the Rainier. The value for the Rainier was exceptional. We towed our boat on a 2,000 mile excursion through the Sierras and it pulled with very little problem. Comfortable seats, quiet and smooth ride. The fold back rear seat headrests help with vision when no one is riding in the back. The built in air compressor is a plus. urning radius is very tight.

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  This is the best car I have ever owned. - 2007 Buick Lucerne
  By Mike - July 28 - 4:04 pm

  This car has all of the bells and whistles. OnStar is great, and I love satellite radio built in. Comfortable seats and stylish interior. The outside of the car looks sharp. It has the quiet tuning, so it is smooth and quiet inside the car. Just a real elegant, sophisticated driving experience. American made quality, with refined luxury. Im only 36 and all of my friends rag on me for getting a Buick, but now that I own one I see why all of the older guys out there buy them over an over again!

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  This is one serious sedan! - 2006 Buick Lucerne
  By seargentslate - July 27 - 6:36 pm

  I drove so many cars in search of the perfect sedan that had all of the features I was looking for. I wanted something very comfortable with lots of room and little road noise. This car rides so smooth and quiet, there are times when you do not know if the engine is running and you have to press the accelerator to see if it is! My CXL is loaded with Nav, Remote start, air conditioned seets and the awesome sharkskin paint. GM has really outdone itself and they still can build great cars. Buicks 4yr warranty is proof of their confidance. You have to drive this car. Forget Honda and Toyota. This is a serious sedan and at zero percent interest, you cannot lose!

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  Good value - 2005 Buick LaCrosse
  By Art - July 27 - 5:26 am

  My LaCrosse CXL has real curb appeal and nice features such as the telescoping stearing wheel. Its very comfortable on the open road, although gas mileage is not as good as the LeSabre I traded in for it. The brakes are very good but acceleration is just ok. I wish GM had made the larger engine standard. The standard radio sounds surprisingly good and adjusts volume as you increase speed. Neat.

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  OMG this car is the BEST! 2 - 2000 Buick LeSabre
  By TheUltimateAuthority - July 26 - 1:25 am

  UPDATE! See my original post 7/10/2002 My LeSabre now has 110,000 and its 5 years later and I still have the same car. and it continues to perform! Great car!