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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  ? - 1998 Buick LeSabre
  By Jack & Geo - April 22 - 2:00 am

  I (sort of) have egg on my face for telling everybody, for the past ten or so years, that the LeSabre was probably the best car on the road. Well, the transmission is about to blow.

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  My first love. - 1992 Buick Regal
  By MERKURxr4i - April 21 - 2:00 am

  How many 20 year old males do you know, that are dying to own a Buick Regal Gran Sport? This was me, every day, asking my neighbor lady to sell me her car. One day she came home with a new car, & told me where I could find her 92 Regal. For 5K I drove home in my very first car. Ive had that Buick for almost 4 years now, and the only complaint I have is the brakes. All 4 calipers, rotors, lines, & the booster have been replaced. The brake pads wear out every year just like clockwork. No matter what, the brakes always feel weak. Other than brakes & routine mantainence, Ive had no major problems with the car. 126K & still running like a top.

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  Well Built, Understated Bullet - 1999 Buick Regal
  By Dozer - April 19 - 2:00 am

  My99 Buick Regal GS has been spectacular. Until 2003 it was the fastest sedan built in North America, and no one knew - a true sleeper. Fabulous seats for big guys, with enough legroom and headroom for Full-Size Americans even with a sunroof. Lots of glass and an open cockpit. This car has the best ride- handling balance of any in America when driven at 6/10ths - its a beautiful combination of supple and firm. Monsoon stereo is fantastic. Huge trunk swallows 4 golf bags. Flowing exterior lines look great, distinctive. Its been rock-solid reliable so far. The only real minus has been poor gas mileage but I am guilty of leadfooted pleasures.

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  Comfortable car - 2004 Buick Century
  By chris34534 - April 19 - 2:00 am

  Well i am a 21 year old and i own a 2004 BUICK CENTURY . people often ask me why i didnt get a sport car like other 21 year olds have. well i love the centurys RIDE, its so smooth, i never get tired of driving it , I like to say "once you go buick, you never go back" and thats true. my friends who have seen it love its ride and decent preformance. but believe me on the highway if you want to pass , it has enough power to pick up and go. I RECOMEND THIS CAR TO ANYONE WHO WANTS A NICE SMOOTH RIDE, FOR LESS MONEY THEN OTHER HIGH-PRICED LUXURY CARS.

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  Riviera, What a great roomy car. - 1996 Buick Riviera
  By dave lorraine - April 18 - 2:00 am

  I was drawn to the Riviera by its Gymnasium feeling inside. It has everything you could want. Pure comfort. Just an all around fantastic car with lousy city 12-15mpg and great highway 28-34, yea 34 on the open road. Yes, If this car was still being sold I would definately look at getting another.

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  Good Car - 1994 Buick Century
  By Buicklover - April 15 - 2:00 am

  Has been in the family since it was new. A good reliable 4 cylinder car. My mother loved it and my wife still does. Although it will do long trips, the 4 cylinder is a around town car. Some small repairs expectat at 120k miles, nothing major. Not comfortable for my 6 foot frame but great for my wife at 5 feet. Good gas mileage.

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  2004 Regal LS - 2004 Buick Regal
  By hatessuvs - April 13 - 2:00 am

  This is a co. car-leased-I wouldnt buy it for myself. Drivetrain is smooth and powerful enuf-get about 23MPG combined c/hghwy. Handling is adequate with Gr. Sprt. suspension and 16" tires-the stock suspension and 15"rs must be awfully bad. Ride is good and very quiet on hghwy-just dont take turns too aggresively. Interior layout is good, though 1980s cruise location on left stalk behind steering wheel is old- tech. Leather seats have zero lumbar support-had to purchase aftermarket device to add to seat to save my back! Depreciation on this car is brutal, too. Advice-take your $27K and get an Accord or Camry!

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  The Ultimate Sleeper - 2004 Buick Regal
  By Zippy the Pin Head - April 11 - 2:00 am

  I dont understand why Buick doesnt sell more of Regal GSs. The car has luxury, power, and dignity. Other drivers and consumers may dismiss the car as something a "blue hairs" would have. The GS goes and feels good while moving.

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  Looking for body moulding parts - 1996 Buick Roadmaster
  By Rett - April 4 - 3:00 am

  This is a wonderfull car that is fun to drive. Shortly after I puchase it with 88000 miles I lost a main bearing and had to replace the enging. When I bought this car the body was in great shape all except the body mouldings. There is damage on all sides. I am having a hard time finding replacement parts. Can anyone help me.

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  Decent Daily Commuter - 2001 Buick Century
  By Daryle - March 30 - 2:00 am

  Acquired at 1 year old and 9K miles on it. Ride quality, steering, power, and comfort have all been more than adequate and often pleasurable. Nice base features, all around a nice car. Been in twice for warranty work - rear tail light assembly and right rear power window motor. Although inconvenient, the servicing dealership was superb in every way. I am somewhat nervous as my warranty expiration is approaching. So Far - So good. No significant complaints. But I dont have any experience with these cars at 3 years plus.