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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  Buick has done it again. - 2007 Buick Lucerne
  By dccaptnc - April 5 - 11:23 am

  I have just purshased this vehicle. It gives the most quiet ride I have had in any automobile I have owned. It provides ample room inside.

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  97 Park Avenue Ultra - 1997 Buick Park Avenue
  By topnotch36580 - April 4 - 10:33 pm

  This has been a very reliable car and is very comfortable to drive and is user friendly.

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  Very Pleased - 2007 Buick LaCrosse
  By Jeannie - April 3 - 1:09 pm

  I have been in the car business for many years. I have yet to find a car that handles this well or rides as quiet at the LaCrosse. Happy with gas consumption as well. If youre looking for a great, roomy ride in this car class, you just have to drive one.

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  A car that appreciates in value - 1995 Buick Riviera
  By safatacos - April 2 - 2:45 pm

  I can only say that this vehicle will go up in value with age. Unlike many others. A true collectors item. Most people that have them tend to hold on to them. It took me 5 years to find the perfect stock gold edition Riviera I am now driving.

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  Best Buick Yet - 2007 Buick Lucerne
  By wildfirebuick - April 2 - 11:04 am

  This is the fifth Buick I have owned and is by far the best assembled. The ride is firmer than other Buicks I have had and it makes driving more fun.

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  The best car Ive ever owned! - 2007 Buick Lucerne
  By Ron - April 1 - 10:28 pm

  Great ride and handling. Great styling. Sportier looking than Toyota Avalon or Cadillac DTS (two of my other considerations). Lots of head and leg room both front and rear (and Im 61"). Interior layout is great (all cotrols are right where they should be). Quality is first class. Not one problem to report after six months of ownership. Forget the Northstar V8 and stick with the 3800 V6 engine. Its a solid engine with a long track record. I had it in my 92 LeSabre and it was still going strong at 200,000 miles. Getting around 22 MPG in town and averaged 31 MPG highway on a recent 700 mile trip.

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  Good Car/ Poor Dealer - 2007 Buick Lucerne
  By Laverne - March 25 - 2:50 pm

  Fun car! Took to the dealer for a minor adjustment. (2400 miles) They did a recall on the remote control. Today, the ABS warning light, the traction control warning light, and the tire pressure monitor warning light came on and stayed on. Now, we will see if the dealer can undo the miscue. Slightly less "get-up-and-go" of my LeSabre. Otherwise I am pleased with the overall performance and looks of the car.

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  Bests the import minivans - 2007 Buick Rendezvous
  By Tom - March 21 - 7:44 am

  I almost leased a Honda mini van. The Buick has much nicer ride,handling, interior, radio, and its seating with the second row buckets is as good as the Honda all for a lower price. Im very pleased with this vehicle in my first month. With the bumper to bumper of 48mo/50k mi and the 60mo/100k mi waranty my only concerns are resale as it will not be continued in 08.

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  I MIss my Car! - 1995 Buick LeSabre
  By Inez Osmus - March 20 - 2:43 am

  It was totaled by roadrager and was injured in ribs and shoulder but my Mom was notinjured! Thatshows how good this car is. I was sitting up closer to steering wheel. Im shorter than her. I was just learning to drive and she felt this car would be safest! I hope to find another Buick Le Sabre in mid 90s or maybe a Park Ave. It had gold leather and sure miss it as is best for my back! Dont care for bucket seats anymore, hurt the back way too much!

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  Most Comfortable Car for the Price - 2007 Buick Rainier
  By KN - March 19 - 1:29 pm

  My husband and I love this car. The ride is incredibly smooth and the comfort is beyond those in the same price range. There is plenty of room for a family.