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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  satisfied consumer - 2004 Buick Rendezvous
  By BioProfessor - March 8 - 2:00 am

  totaly satisfied with the car// gas mileage=20mph on average// rides very comfortably//interior materials could be better/ only dsign flaw is speedometer, not enough contrast=hard to read. Engine is more than adequate but could use more horsepower.. I would buy it again especially at the price I paid

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  Not your doctors Buick - 2004 Buick Rainier
  By RDJ - March 4 - 2:00 am

  This vehicle is solid, and quiet. Not disconnected from the road, but pleasingly insulated from it! The engine is smooth and powerful. The seats are firm yet comfortable.

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  Just my thoughts - 2004 Buick LeSabre
  By locksmif - March 2 - 2:00 am

  I own the 2003 version. I have had oly one problem since I bought it new and that was a bad crank shaft sensor. Love the car and the gas mileage. My one complaint is that you cant get the limited edition except with leather seating and not all of us want leather! Too darn hot in Florida. Orange Buick is also a great dealership.

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  Good little Buick - 1997 Buick Skylark
  By airbooster - February 29 - 2:00 am

  Good little car. Gave me a scare at the GM dealers when we thought the rattling noise was an oil pressure plunger 600 bucks but turned out it was low 1 quart of oil. Dodged the bullet there. Gas milage lousy for a 4 banger (20 city)

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  A Great Vehicle for Two-Driver Household - 2004 Buick Rainier
  By Carroll - February 29 - 2:00 am

  Has a lot of performance and features for $31k. V-8 has tremendous mid-range torque and highway passing ability. Interior finish acceptable for American vehicle. Two person instant memory on seats, pedals, mirrors, etc., etc., allows you to get a good driving position without compromise. XM digital radio is even great around town (no interruptions). Bose works well for adult sounds (jazz, vocals, classical). Quiet and comfortable ride for 4-5 people. Handling is o.k. for full framed mid-sized SUV.

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  rend-5/04 - 2004 Buick Rendezvous
  By jeff/june - February 26 - 10:00 am

  This is the most comfortable vehicle I have ever taken on road trips. You can ride for miles and miles and get out the the vehicle refreshed. Do not waste your money on the 2nd row captain chairs. The standard split rear bench is very comfortable and adjustable

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  She gets me there & back! - 1994 Buick Skylark
  By Lil Bobby - February 22 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car to last a year. When purchased, she had about 188,000 miles and needed a little work. She needed need brakes, calipers, the whole bit. Next, were the wheel hub assembly. I hope to keep this car for a while. It runs great. I will hope to clean up the interior with new seats, ceiling frabric, and transmission overall and fix oil leakages.

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  I miss my Buick - 1994 Buick Century
  By KARed - February 22 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car in 1997 with 55k miles on it. It was my first car. It was one of the most reliable cars Id ever had. Up until it was killed, Id only had minor repair work done that included: muffler (it had a hole), transmission lines, hoses, maf sensor, 02 sensor, alternator, battery, and fuel pump. It was killed in a vicious rear-end wreck. There were other minor problems such as one of the window motors needed replacing and the left blinker started giving me some problems, but it never gave me any major engine or tranny problems. But at over a 150k miles, some minor issues are expected. I mourn my car still.

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  my rainer - 2004 Buick Rainier
  By sxc - February 17 - 2:00 am

  rides and handles like a car rather than a truck. Nice pick up. Driver information center could use more data. It was an excellent choice at a good price.

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  GOOD CAR FOR YOUR MONEY - 1995 Buick Riviera
  By Justin42284 - February 11 - 2:00 am

  GREAT VALUE FOR MONEY. SUPER CHARGED POWER. MOST COMFORTABLE CAR I BEEN IN. EVEN THOUGH A COUPE VERY ROOMY. STOCK STERO NOT SO GOOD. VERY RELIABLE. OVERALL GOOD CAR, NOT MUCH DEMAND FOR RESALE HOWEVER.