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 engine, reliable car - 1995 Buick Regal
  By Christine - October 25 - 12:58 am

  I bought the car with 18,000 miles on it and have driven it for 100000 miles. It has been the most reliable car I have ever owned. The only problem I had was with the air conditioner clutch. This car sure blows the myth about foreign vehicles being more reliable than American cars.

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  Smooth - 2009 Buick Lucerne
  By Indymom - October 24 - 11:39 am

  We have owned this car for over six weeks. My husbands intital reaction was "were not old enough to drive a buick". He drives a BMW 530 was won by its ride and looks. In this time we have taken road trips and much city driving. The incentives and generous trade in made it a very affordable. The interior is understaded but has all the comfort and extras one could want. The flex E85 fuel presents surprising low cost per gallon but lower MPG as well. Jury is out on the net savings. The 60 day guarantee is awesome but our advise is take the cash as you will not be considering a return. It will become a fixture in your garage if you value comfort, style and convenience. Its a keeper!

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  LeSabre - 1997 Buick LeSabre
  By lesabre - October 24 - 5:05 am

  I imagine that in 30-40 years, the 1997 Buick LeSabre will become a true showroom classic, it has sporty details and a modest classy look that you wouldnt expect from a Buick. The exhaust tone is like a quiet version of a muscle car. It feels like driving on air, no matter what you drive on. As i said before, the sporty details are the holes on the bottom of the front bumper that cools the radiator, the side mirrors mimic sporty cars, and etc. I wouldnt be surprised to see this car going up in value dramatically, thats why Im going to take of this one.

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  My 2006 Buick Lucerne - 2006 Buick Lucerne
  By Juan - October 24 - 3:26 am

  I just had it for three weeks and I really enjoy it. I always felt that a Buick was a nice riding car and this purhcase proves it.

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  Best CUV on the Market, regardless of price - 2008 Buick Enclave
  By Proud Buick owner - October 23 - 7:43 pm

  We have about 6,000 miles on this great, great car. It is fun to drive, has exceptional room, is really comfortable, and everyone else loves it too. The interior has absolutely no cheap look or feel. So what if there is fake wood trim. I would rather have that than have to worry about keeping the finish on real wood. The transmission has been no problem at all. It is very smooth, and the car is powerful enough to easily accelerate to highway speeds when merging with traffic. I looked at the MDX, and the Mazda whatever it is numbered. They dont even come close to the value in this vehicle.

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  Gorgeous, elegant, sporty..but could use some work - 2016 Buick Cascada
  By JC - October 23 - 2:52 pm

  I just recently bought the car in Graystone Metallic with beige/black interior. The car is extremely attractive, and I cant overstate this. Aside from how it looks inside and out, I love the way it drives. The handling is very impressive as it seems to hug the road tightly. The seats are phenomenally comfortable and well bolstered. I find the controls are in easy reach. The car is so quiet I cant hear it running. The acceleration is smooth and energetic. The sound system is great. The built-in wifi is a very nice. I honestly couldnt be happier with the car.

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  buick lacrosse not what it once was. - 2009 Buick LaCrosse
  By Teresa Mund - October 23 - 9:42 am

  front drivers seat makes aloud metal to metal noise when cars goes over bump or seat moves.i was told by hennessy that they had two other 2009 lacrosse with same problem, they replaced seat and new one did same thing.so i would have to live with it.my 2009 lacrosse makes a lot of moise. be carefull about,what buick calls the 6 passenger which cost a extra $250.you couldnot sat asmall dog there.

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  Hangers? - 2008 Buick Enclave
  By Beatys - October 22 - 10:40 pm

  Fit and finish all seem top notch. Overall, the car is better than anticipated. Havent had it long enough to know about reliability. Only complaint is how to hang clothes on the second row seating, as in picking up dry cleaning.

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  The most comfortable 4X4 in its class - 2003 Buick Rendezvous
  By MikeP - October 22 - 8:37 am

  I purchased this pre-owned car recently and Im completely satisfied with the ride, handling and comfort level. The heads-up display and backup sensors are great Buick features. Luckily, I also purchased the GM Major Guard protection plan. The dealer warranty was 60 days bumper to bumper. Within the first 60 days I had 3 wheel hubs (which includes sensors and bearings) replaced by the Buick dealership and a rear differential switch and fluid replaced. You have to be realistic when purchasing a used car (any car) that parts may need replacement and that the previous owner may have neglected problems due to trade-in etc. The 3.4 car can last at least 300,000 miles if maintained.

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  The Down Side of Safety Equipment - 2009 Buick Lucerne
  By Mike - October 21 - 8:40 pm

  In general, we like the car. It has good safety ratings, but some of this safety comes from thicker roof pillars and side and curtain air bags. The side and rear window size has also been reduced compared to older cars, probably for styling purposes. The result is reduction in safety due to big blind spots, especially at both the front and back of the door pillars. Unlke the car we replaced, the front mirrors dont have adequate range of motion to see into the side blind spots . Buick has side blind zone alert avaialble as an option. We dont have it, but would not buy this car again without it. The design of this and other modern cars makes this type of system almost a necessity.