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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  Its a good ride - 2004 Buick Rainier
  By Bob Klem - March 30 - 2:00 am

  First there arent many around yet,which means not many after market add ons.Wanted an American built suv and this fit the bill just right.Not an over abundance like the Explorer or Jeep.

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  Quiet but Average SUV - 2004 Buick Rainier
  By Driver770 - March 30 - 2:00 am

  Needs more refinement to compete in class. Incentives make this vehicle worth what you finally pay for it. Noise levels are low, except for wind noise at speeds greater than 60 mph. Fit and finish are below standards. Gaps where bumper plastic meets fender is very visible. Base six cylinder engine is great - smooth, refined, and plenty of power. Gas mileage is less than advertised. Resonant noises, only at certain speeds, create a booming rumble that is very annoying. Already have a few rattles. Overall, a good touring vehicle that does not offend. Just dont drive it too hard, and dont expect more than it costs.

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  my review - 2004 Buick LeSabre
  By bvenn - March 30 - 2:00 am

  rewiew i would give the car a 17 out of 100

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  1999 Buick Regal - 1999 Buick Regal
  By JPOC - March 23 - 2:00 am

  This is a fairly comfortable auto which rendered decent service and reasonable mileage, nothing outstanding or notable either positive or negative. My main problems were with trim and interior parts. The glove compartment door w/little use just fell off, The drivers door continualy got out of line and had to be realigned. The electrical system occasionally misfunctioned, ie: headlights just went off for 5-10 seconds and then came back on, drivers window occasionally went down when one started the car??? No one could find reason as it was intermittant and would work when technician looked at it. Overall good car w/annoying little problems.

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  Comfort and Roomy!!! - 1992 Buick LeSabre
  By Buck_wheat81 - March 20 - 2:00 am

  We puchased our vehicle used with only 61,000 miles on it!!!!! We have not had any problems with it. The car is very spacious. The trunk is perfect for all our things in addition to our babys stroller. The ride is very quiet and comfortable. Great car to take on road trips. Seats are very user friendly!!

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  Ranier vs. Lexus 330 - 2004 Buick Rainier
  By Simon Belmont - March 19 - 2:00 am

  Comparable or better to Lexus RX330 in quiet ride (we have both vehicles) in our family. Solid feel when driving due to body on frame design - much more so than Lexus RX330 with unibody construction. Interior is somewhat sparse compared to Lexus RX330 and doesnt feel as open as Lexus, but has very good leg room. Could use more interior storage areas. Better value than RX330 when considering that GM Dealers will discount $3,000 to $5,000 off of window price with incentives etc. Good lease vehicle through GMAC.

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  A real sleeper for performance - 2002 Buick Regal
  By jimweis - March 17 - 2:00 am

  This is one hot car. The 240 hp supercharged engine make it a performance sleeper. I love blowing off 5 liter Camaros and Mustangs in acceleration and passing. It may look sedate but the performance is definitely your daddys Buick.

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  my buick - 2004 Buick LeSabre
  By jnellbilliot - March 16 - 2:00 am

  i really like my car, for the most part. it is comfortable, dependable. the one thing that comes to mind that i dont like about the car is that i find it to have too much "wind" noise when i am driving. i just wish it was a little quieter.

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  Nice all around durable cars. - 1993 Buick Riviera
  By Dan317 - March 14 - 2:00 am

  They are fast and durable with 3.8ltr Handles well for a sporty and classy car.

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  My Red 2004 Celebration Edition - 2004 Buick LeSabre
  By ASUgrad - March 9 - 2:00 am

  It has a low cut roof lineWatch the headroom in this car. With a sunroof, it is limited For a mid range sedan, it is loaded w/ luxury features it is lower priced than other comparable cars like the Toyota Avalon so you can save some money the Heads up display is neat but windshield sometimes seems distorted Satellite radio (XM) is great!