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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  love this suv - 2002 Buick Rendezvous
  By tbrown001 - September 20 - 2:00 am

  i have had this suv for 1 1/2 yrs.i love it and so does my family

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  Boring old persons car - 1996 Buick LeSabre
  By kretara - September 18 - 4:05 pm

  I drive this car 7,500 miles/year and Im glad I dont have to spend any more time in it. The leather seats are uncomfortable after more than 1 hour. At 60k the transmission started to hesitate on 1-2 shits. Trans. still working at 86k, but wondering how much life is left. Have been plagued by constant A/C issues. Some stupid little plastic part that controls where the "air" comes from is now on its 3rd replacement. Nothing like having the drivers side getting A/C and the passengers side getting heat. I have now replaced all 4 power window regulators...twice. Gas mileage is not great. 14 city/21 highway. My Crown Victoria was a much better car.

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  Great start - now refine - 2008 Buick Enclave
  By conflicted - September 18 - 9:57 am

  Great car on the highway. Very quiet. The driving around town in moderate traffic can cause frustration with the lack of response when the gas peddle is depressed while traveling at speeds in the 25-35 mph range. Sometimes depending on the gear you are in you may not get much of a response initially unless you really press hard. Sometimes it will downshift and the rpms can shoot to over 5000 when all you wanted to do was go around a slightly slower car. Can be difficult at times.

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  Great!!!! but....... - 2009 Buick Enclave
  By buckeye boy - September 17 - 5:37 pm

  We really enjoy our Enclave. We moved out of a Toyota Sequoia and do miss the extra space and taller ride, however, this Buick is a remarkable vehicle overall. I have only 2 complaints, I am only 5-9", unlike a previous reviewer I like the footrest on the left side. My problem is either the seat is too short or the seat height is not right for me, I get a cramping sensation in my right thigh, especially after driving for awhile. Second concern is that the middle position of the 8 seater will not easily accommodate a child seat as we hoped. Should have tested that. Overall a great vehicle and fun to drive.

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  solid car - 2008 Buick Enclave
  By Tyler - September 16 - 9:56 pm

  Great car. We have had the car for 18 months now and have been very satisfied with everything except the rear visibility. Unfortunately the blind spot to the rear on both the passenger and drivers side make it a little nerve racking to drive in traffic. The DVD monitor also blocks the Rearview mirror

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  Very good car - 2008 Buick Enclave
  By KPH - September 16 - 1:32 pm

  My wife and I find this to be a very good car. It is roomy, comfortable, and classy-looking. I cant understand why certain consumer magazines dont give this a thumbs up. I liked the fact that someone from the GM shop floor rang me to see how I liked it. This is a great American car - were proud to have it.

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  We Are Really Enjoying This Vehicle! - 2008 Buick Enclave
  By GoPhillies - September 15 - 3:23 pm

  Waited until we had owned for a year before writing a review. Our Enclave is the nicest vehicle Ive ever owned. My first American car (75 Chevy Monte Carlo) was also my last because it was junk. Bought my first import new (87 Honda Accord), have disparaged American cars since. Then I had the Enclave Experience. What a great American car! I was actually proud to be able to buy and recommend an American car. We use it primarily for long trips, and have spent 10 hours on the road in absolute comfort. We have small kids and the entertainment system (Bose, w/satellite and DVD) keeps everyone happy. Six adults fit easily. Its beautiful, and even strangers complement it. Get one.

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  FUN - 1990 Buick Reatta
  By outkast - September 14 - 7:36 pm

  When I first saw my car listed I was kind of skeptical. I have always thought of buick as making reliable cars but cars for an older generation. I usually look at them and say "that looks like a really nice car but it is just not my style." But, when I saw my car I immediately fill in love with it. The styling was way ahead of its time and is still not dated it reminds me of a sports car you would see on a dealers lot today. I have had this car for over a year and have had ZERO problems with it. Which I think is pretty good considering age. It was built to last.

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  Great car - 2006 Buick Lucerne
  By June - September 13 - 3:43 pm

  I turned in my leased Town Car and opted for a change after 10 years of driving Lincolns. The Lucerne has surprised me with its comfort and performance. It really competes well with the Town Car. I took all the options except the sunroof, and opted for the bucket seats in front. The V8 will get up and go on demand! Handles really well. It is a fun car to drive and gets a look over everywhere I go. I took it to Goodyear for its first oil change and it created quite an interest in employees and customers alike.

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  Getting rid of soon...not soon enough - 2003 Buick Rendezvous
  By lkg112 - September 13 - 8:59 am

  When we bought ours in 2005, it had 41,000 miles on it. We now have just under 88,000 and its going to go when we get it out of the shop, AGAIN. We average around every 3-4 months in the shop for around a week at a time. Lots of issues, including new bearings, VersaTrak suspension went out, wiper motor didnt work after a month into the purchase. Several big ticket items. We purchased an extended warranty--4 years/100,000 miles through GM. We have gotten our moneys worth out of the warranty. Unfortunately, 4 years expired in July and now we have to have the rear differential replaced to the tune of $1500 out of our pocket. Ouch. Bye bye Buick. Not buying another GM product. P.O.S.