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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  LaCrosse, Best in Class - 2007 Buick LaCrosse
  By Florida Amy - July 22 - 5:02 pm

  We are absolutely thrilled with our LaCrosse. It is luxurious and exilerating. I look for reasons to leave the house just so I can drive the LaCrosse. The 3.8l V-6 needs no urging and jumps at the chance to run like the wind! It dives into corners with an unquenchable hunger and the traction control adds a new level of control. The car is almost alive in its ability to know how to get through the corners. You dont drive a LaCrosse, you command a LaCrosse! Weve never been so thrilled by a "luxury" sedan.

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  Lucerne - 2006 Buick Lucerne
  By michael - July 21 - 2:06 pm

  Wow! I have hit the jackpot!! After almost three months, I still get as excited about driving this vehicle as I did the day I bought it. Buick really deserves credit for getting this one right!

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  2007 Buick Saved its best for Last - 2007 Buick Rainier
  By Jon M - July 21 - 10:05 am

  I got My Rainier by way of a factory order, and toured the factory where it was made in Moraine Ohio. This vehicle is flat out awesome. It has a smooth ride and does not have a flat out truck feel at all. Its the quietest I have ever owned. I have no regrets getting this one. Just too bad Buick is dropping this model after the 2007 year ends. Things that need more publicity are DVD Navigation and Onstar Turn by Turn Navigation standard on the 2007 Buick line. Having both on the same vehicle makes long trips a breeze. The Voice control of the navigation system is a really great feature. The factory DVD Navigation can be added later with the “Delphi TNR800” Unit from Crutchfield.

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  Best Buick Ever - 2008 Buick Lucerne
  By mm22 - July 20 - 1:15 am

  great performence with the 4.6L NorthStar. The fully loaded CXS is a true luxury car for a cheap price.

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  Look again Consumer Reports - 2007 Buick LaCrosse
  By Mike Perry - July 19 - 8:32 pm

  Car magazines under rate this car, while owners rave about them.Lets start with the outstanding good looks of the vehicle, no other car can compare to it for looks. So I would advise those who test these cars to "look again" and rate them more fairly. If you had to buy a car for your own use you would want one of these.

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  Very Good Buy - 2007 Buick Lucerne
  By Dr Gene - July 19 - 7:06 pm

  I traded in a Toyota Avalon for the Lucerne. From the rear they look similar. Beaautiful car. Very comforrtable, heated seats a must for my wife. Milage very good. Engine a little noisy, but not bad. Over all quitness is great.

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  Great highway car - 2006 Buick LaCrosse
  By Jake - July 19 - 8:23 am

  I bought my Lacrosse last year and do a lot of highway travel. It gets great gas milage I can depend on getting 30 MPG on the highway. The ride is incredible and coupled with XM radio and the piece of mind of Onstar the miles fly buy. The remote start is nice during the winter, I like that the climate control will automatically turn on the defosters when using the remote start. I have yet to have anything go wrong with it.

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  One great buy - 2007 Buick LaCrosse
  By robert - July 17 - 2:04 pm

  My intentions were to purchase a Honda Accord for the gas milelege and resale. When I first look at the Lacrosse in May without the Chrome Package & it looked plain to me. I drove the car 1500 miles on vacation last week and what a ride. I want to commend Buick on the ride, performance, and most of all the gas milelege for a new car. Wow, 30MPG. What a great car. I never was so pleased

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  Great Ride - 2006 Buick Lucerne
  By Happy Virginian - July 14 - 8:53 pm

  Smart ride right out the door! Fit, finish and ride are better than Avalon.Interior noise abatement is fantastic, sound system on the mark and dash controls are all easy to use. Glad I waited for Lucerne vs Avalon or Lacrosse.

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  Great Van - 2007 Buick Terraza
  By Pat - July 11 - 7:22 pm

  Ive only had it a week and I love it. I needed to find a replacement for my Venture Warner Bros Edition that was hit almost head on by a college kid at 40mph and no one was hurt - as they dont make the Venture anymore this was its replacement. Great engine, nice smooth ride, good pick up.