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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  New Enclave Engine Problems - 2009 Buick Enclave
  By Stranded in Seattle - October 21 - 1:41 pm

  I really wish I could love my new Enclave. This is my first GM purchase and my first American car. What a frustrating and disappointing experience, so far. In less than a month since taking delivery of my new 2009 Buick Enclave CXL AWD, and with less than 800 miles logged on the vehicle, my new car has been in for service three times for the same engine vibration problem. The fuel injection system has been cleaned, fuel injector and ignition coil replaced and now the service techs are "looking more deeply into the cylinder head and valve train." (YIKES!) Vehicle downtime now stands at an abysmal 50%, since taking delivery. I was so hopeful for GM, but this car simply doesnt work.

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  Luxury Car - 1999 Buick Riviera
  By Madstabber - October 20 - 9:42 pm

  Have had this Riv for a couple months and the only problems have been the serpentine belt which defies logic by going through an engine mount and a disconnect in the passenger door handle. Car has every comfort feature for its time and the hightest guzzling Supercharger is a blast to jump on. Glad its not a 4 door. Just perfect for this bald old fatman.

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  Never had a better vehicle - 1996 Buick Riviera
  By jrwjr61 - October 19 - 3:08 pm

  I puchased my 1996 Riviera in 1998 and still own it today. I stopped driving it full time in 2005. It currently has 164,000 on the odometer. It had 39,000 miles on it at purchase I averaged about 19,000 miles a year when using it as an everyday driver. I couldnt see trading or selling this car for the "book value" when it is still in fantastic mechanical and cosmetic shape. I now take to car shows and believe it or not a lot of people dont even recognize the car as a GM or Buick. They havent made the Riviera since 1999 so there just isnt that many left driving around. I have trophyed in numerous shows and will probably never get rid of this car.

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  Disenchanted owner - 2008 Buick Lucerne
  By Gary R. - October 17 - 11:10 am

  I wrote a review on this car (2008 Lucerne CX)in May of 2009 and here is an update. With the help of an Attorney, a Lemon Law Lawsuit was filed (June 2009) against Buick division regarding possible mechanical failure.(Steering rack/transmission/power steering unit) GM responded "You claim does not cover apperance issues, therefore your claim is denied. Appearance issues? Where did that come from? In addition, shortly after filing the lawsuit, GM filed bankruptcy and guess where that left me. NEVER AGAIN will I by GM junk. They lost a faithful customer who bought many of their cars/trucks over 35 years.

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  never buy g.m. again - 2005 Buick Rendezvous
  By TD - October 15 - 5:36 pm

  Some nice features to this car but far too many problems. Some minor things like interior flooding due too sunroof problems. Windows are scratched pretty deeply in some spots from going up and down. Big problem was rear differential needing to be replaced at a cost of $3000. Buick would offer no assistance or explanation for such a problem in a relatively new car.

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  Oldie but goodie - 1996 Buick Roadmaster
  By Steve - October 14 - 3:57 pm

  I bought my Estate collectors wagon from a friend who bought the car new in 1996. I had looked a these wagonsin 96 but thought they were priced to high. I got this one for a good price and only 25Kmiles and still has the dealer plastic wrap on the folding back seats.! Ive driven it to CA. twice during the past two summers. I averaged 23 mpg and didnt feel tired after the drive. The powerful engine does well for this heavy of a car and the ride, although wavey, is not bad at all. I won first place in its class at this summers car show!

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  218,000 and going strong! - 1995 Buick Riviera
  By Kathy - October 13 - 8:52 pm

  We purchased our Riv with 50,000 miles on it. This car has been like a dream, ride is wonderful, no rust and it sits outside, no mayor problems. ABC went out a few years ago and decided to leave it. New gas line, manifold, plugs, exhaust,and starter.It does have an electrical problem, radio changes stations on its own! If anyone has ideas as to why,I would love to hear from you.Not bad for a 15 yr old with 218,000 on her!The outside is excellent but plastic parts inside are starting to break, vents etc.We love this car,they just dont make them like this anymore.

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  OK car, but dont pay much for it - 1998 Buick LeSabre
  By Take your chances - October 13 - 5:57 pm

  This is maybe a good car if you live in a warm climate. Up here in the north, it has some serious flaws. The Lesabre is poorly designed for corrosion resistance. The left and right rocker panels have rusted completely through. The body shop manager said this happens on every Lesabre he sees. He attributes it to poor body design. The tires throw slush and salt into the rocker panels. The salt water cant drain easily, so it stays and causes rust. The inner wheel wells have the same problem. The front anti-sway bar often breaks in this model. Salt water accumulates at several points, causing it to weaken from rust. Mine was broken on both sides! The A/C compressor doesnt last long.

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  Still Going Strong - 2001 Buick Regal
  By Dan - October 13 - 3:25 pm

  I bought my used 2001 Regal GS one year ago with 113K miles for $4K and could not be happier with my purchase. I dont know of any other used car that can be had for $4K that would be nearly as nice as this one. The supercharged engine, the Monsoon audio system, the cushy leather seats, overall balance of sport/comfort/reliability. Only fixes needed after 1 year are a couple of worn out wheel bearings and my ABS sensor acts up now and then. Other than that, this car still feels very strong and believe it will last another 100K if kept up properly. Ive owned 9 cars in my lifetime and this one is faster and more comfortable than any of them, not to mention by far the most inexpensive!

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  A Great SUV - 2009 Buick Enclave
  By Joe - October 13 - 11:09 am

  The Enclave is an excellent choice if you are looking for a premium suv. We compared to the Acura, Lexus and Lincoln models and chose the Enclave because it has more room than the competition along with superior comfort and performance. To date, the quality has been excellent and the comfort and ride dynamics have exceeded our expectations.