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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  A Nice old mans car - 2004 Buick LeSabre
  By AHS - December 10 - 2:00 am

  Big car ride,good fuel economy on long trips.Fairly comfortable in front seats, Back seat could use a little more room. Question position of battery.(under back seat). Also would prefer full size spare.

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  Could Of Been Better - 2004 Buick Century
  By Frank - December 4 - 2:00 am

  I thought this car might compare favorably with my last car: INTREPID 1998. SORRY IT DOES NOT. For the investment I will NOT buy this car again

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  Whatta Road Car - 2002 Buick Century
  By Shen-doe - December 4 - 2:00 am

  What a car for road trips. Set the climate control, stereo, cruise,then sit back and relax. A 17 gallon tank, and 30+mpg = great cruising range. Suspension is great... neither harsh, nor mushy. And youll never be tired after a day on the interstate. I LOVE this car.

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  I Love My Buick! - 1993 Buick LeSabre
  By elysian - December 2 - 2:00 am

  This car is a dream!! I enjoy driving it on long rides & around town. Dont let this car fool you!! The V-6 3.8 liter engine carries this 4000lb car like a feather. You step on the gas in this car & you can feel it!! It pulls you back, the power is impressive. The dynaride makes this car handle like a sports car. Turns in this car no matter what speed, it holds tight to any roadway. On the highway, watch out!! This car wants to go, before you know it, you are going 80mph & cannot feel it!! I love this car!!!

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  God Bless America - 2003 Buick Rendezvous
  By beanie235 - December 2 - 2:00 am

  We chose a GM product because my spouse is a GM Employee but we chose the Buick (after previously owning a GM Minivan) because the interior looked more expensive and Buick is known for making classier vehicles. Weve only had it for a few months but as a person who was stuck on minivans, I thoroughly enjoy it so far. My spouse, who is not an SUV fan, wishes he had one for his own. This SUV has as much storage room as my former extended minivan, which is good for a family of 4 with a dog who travel a lot. Plenty of legroom and height in the front for tall people like myself.

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  The tale of one Buick - 1997 Buick LeSabre
  By Eldon Orth - November 21 - 2:00 am

  Fine car...I am unable to get more than 22 MPG sometimes a little higher but, more often than not 21...If thats an O.K. than its a great car.Solid, handles well, rides great...should have leather...seats are "sticky" to the seat of your trousers. Haad to replace dash gauges module...cost of $450.00 Rear air and heat could work better...Passenger temp control is as much of a joke as the smoke free section in a retaurant right next to the smoking area!!

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  The elderly have good taste - 1995 Buick LeSabre
  By netty81 - November 19 - 2:00 am

  Had a problem with it stalling unexpectedly and not starting sometimes. It was the camshaft sensor. A $40 part and small amount for labor and its good as new. I was 39 when I got my 95 Buick after a tornado took out my wonderful 98 Chevy Lumina. Had a surgery the day after the tornado. Left it to my husband to pick my next car. He came back with a car my kids said is only for "blue haired people". Let me tell you... THEY KNOW WHAT THEYRE DOING. best car Ive ever had. I LOVE IT!!!!! My kids still laugh about the average age of drivers of this car. Runs great, drives great, quiet, avg 24 mpg. Just turned over 100500 miles and going strong.

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  My Droning RDV - 2002 Buick Rendezvous
  By Pete E - November 11 - 10:00 am

  We road tested the RDV on a wet bumpy, back road in Feb. 2003 and were impressed enough to buy one. It handled almost as well as my 1993 Buick Regal Grand Sport which I traded in (I loved that car). However, I am annoyed by the droning noise at 2,100 rpms regardless of my speed. Also there is a distinctive tinny, thumping noise that reverberates throughout the back of the car when I drive on concrete highways going over the dividers and bumps in the pavement. Dealer could not find the cause of the problems, they test drove another new RDV and it had the same noise.

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  Jims Review - 1994 Buick Skylark
  By Bucky - November 9 - 2:00 am

  Purchased brand new from show room in 1994. Ben a really good running car.Have around 66000 miles on it now.Had some electrical problems in it 3 years ago.Gas milage is a big plus for this veichle. no rust at all on it yet of course I keep it waxed..Ill drive it till it dies on me..

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  LeSabre Review - 1995 Buick LeSabre
  By hockettjunk - November 8 - 2:00 am

  Trustworthy vehicle even with high miles.