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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  Above the trend - 1997 Buick Riviera
  By turtleman - June 10 - 11:31 pm

  Got it used with 150k miles - now at 160. It is an excellent car overall. Great power, utility, and exquisite design, in and out. The inside is just pure class and comfort with out the techno junk. Still looks great as far as paint and finish very solid chassis and drivetrain. Easy and effective to modify if your looking to improve performance. Not unreasonably expensive to buy.

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  Really a good car - 2003 Buick LeSabre
  By Jimmy - June 10 - 12:55 pm

  I bought this car used 2 years ago with 37,000 miles already on it. I was a little concerned about the mileage, but it has been a really good car. I need a late model full size sedan for business and I set out to buy a Cadillac, but saw and drove the Buick and saved several thousand dollars that work as well for me as owning a Cadillac. Ive not had any problems at all with this car.

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  Best of Show - 2006 Buick Lucerne
  By P.Spector - June 6 - 1:46 am

  Have had Buicks for about 12 yrs and this is by far the best one I have had, It is everything that is advertised. It is quiet, easy to drive and I feel great at its wheel.

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  Great American Car - 2006 Buick Lucerne
  By Dave - June 2 - 9:30 am

  Beautifuly built car with the quality I have come to expect with Buick. Fun to drive and plenty of power with the V6. It has the ride of a much more expensive car and great handling. Minimal road noise and good sound system.

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  A Lucerne experience - 2006 Buick Lucerne
  By Susan Lasker - June 1 - 1:56 pm

  This car is a wonderful riding car. I have just 6000 miles on it and no problems with the quality or performance. GM hit a bulls eye on this one. It is comfortable for long rides such as 1500 miles to Florida in Jan. 2006. Its fun to drive and found it easy to learn how to use the new gadgets. The car has lots of pep especially for a 6 cylinder. Its quiet and smooth riding. I have seen lots of people stare at the car and admiring it. I think that there is no question that this car is worth every dollar.

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  Tremendous Value - 2007 Buick Rendezvous
  By Mike - June 1 - 9:25 am

  We were looking to replace one of our SUVs with a vehicle that provided better gas mileage without sacrificing cargo capacity. My wife did not want a minivan or a car as a replacement. She enjoys the driving position that an SUV provides. Like most buyers, we initially looked at the offerings from the imports. Friends of ours went through the same process about a year ago and ended up buying a 2006 Rendezvous. Both he and his wife highly recommended it. After test driving a 2007 Rendezvous we became a believer. With the current rebate we ended up buying a fully loaded CXL for the price of a stripped down import. If ride, roominess and mileage are important consider the Rendezvous.

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  I love my "Flying Sofa" (CXS) - 2007 Buick Lucerne
  By Christian Bellingrat - May 29 - 3:58 pm

  This is a great car to drive, very very quiet, great sound quality with the XM radio, CD, and IPOD. The car offers a lot of space, even in the back, I love the styling. Turn by turn navigation is great. My wife titled the car "Flying Sofa" as riding it is like sitting in your living room. This car replaced a 2003 Mercedes ML350.

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  This Century is nice - 1996 Buick Century
  By Jayson - May 28 - 9:34 pm

  This car is great. Extremely nice suspension, handles good, drives nice. Close to 200,000 miles and the engine and tranny are real good. Great cruise control. And the body is excellent also.

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  Drove several - 2010 Buick LaCrosse
  By MrJones - May 26 - 8:13 pm

  Drove the CXL and CXS models at Buick event at local mall. The car looks great in person and the backseat is HUGE. The interior is on par with any Acura TL or Lexus ES and the rear seat blows both away. There wasnt a hint of cost cutting inside the car and every surface and control knob felt substantial. The 3L engine felt adequate during the test drive.

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  What a Beautiful Car - 2007 Buick Lucerne
  By Doug Lau - May 26 - 4:44 pm

  Buick has really got it right with the Buick Lucerne. The ride, comfort, quality and quiet rival luxury cars costing thousands of dollars more. This car offers many features found on only the most expensive luxury cars. You get the big car feel when driving this car. The quiet ride is very impressive. GM has a winner here. They need to get this vehicle in front of the public. I have received many positive comments from people when I have been fueling my car. If you are looking for real luxury at a non luxury price, the Buick Lucerne should be at the top of your list of cars to consider.