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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  Around Town Bargain - 2002 Buick Century
  By alphaville - September 19 - 2:00 am

  I purchased a used 2003 Century for my Mom and she loves it. Ive read many reviews on this car over the years and have rented one on several occasions. I feel that no other domestic manufacturer comes close to the Century for mid-size quality, elegance, and features. As long as youre willing to consider an American alternative to the Camrys and Accords, this car is an amazing bargain. For the price of a used Civic or Corolla, you can get a used Century of comparable quality thats a lot bigger and has more features. For great looks and quality, this car leaves the Ford Taurus and Dodge Stratus in the dust.

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  Satisfied - 2003 Buick Century
  By Instructor - September 11 - 2:00 am

  I like the car and it has pretty good gas mileage. Nothing fancy but good reliability.

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  My Leftover Find - 2002 Buick Rendezvous
  By Peter05478 - September 6 - 2:00 am

  I found this car in the back lot of my deaership. It was a leftover 2002 and I bought it in December 2003. I was given a good deal on it.

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  2000 Buick LeSabre - 2000 Buick LeSabre
  By Dawn00035 - September 6 - 2:00 am

  This is my second LeSabre and I loved both of them. Comfortable and reliable. My uncle bought one because he and my dad liked mine so much. Will probably buy a third. Do hate the stigma of the LeSabre being "an old persons car."

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  Why didnt I buy one years ago? - 2000 Buick Century
  By Omguada - September 4 - 2:00 am

  This is my first GM product, and I have been driving for over 25 years. I wish I would have known about the Buick years ago. This reliable, solid vehicle has very good gas mileage for a luxury-feeling sedan. There is ample leg room in front, although it could use a little more legroom in the back. For the money, I dont think there is a company out there that can beat this vehicle.

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  Its the little things - 2001 Buick LeSabre
  By Jake02355 - August 30 - 2:00 am

  We had at least 8 little things go bad and 2 major. Lucky none shut us down or failed that left us stranded. Got to the point that it was going to need tires, brakes and needed confidence.Dealer was getting pushy about unnecessary service versus manual recommendations.

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  1998 Buick Riviera - 1998 Buick Riviera
  By Randall B. - August 28 - 2:00 am

  This car has unique styling and has excellent eye appeal. It has plenty of power and provides a quiet, comfortable ride. Gas mileage is excellent, although premium is required.

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  Love it but disappointed - 2001 Buick Regal
  By texas gal - August 25 - 2:00 am

  Bought used and drove like a dream for a year. Then the catalytic converter had to be replaced and now the planatary gear in the transmission is broken off. big buck repairs on a car with 56,000 miles and maintained.

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  Compact Gem - 2016 Buick Encore
  By Fred - August 24 - 10:07 pm

  Love the styling. I didnt agree with the consumer reports description of "plodding acceleration". I had a V6 Hyundai Tucson prior and the acceleration on the Encore almost matches the V6 performance. The Encore has enough power to accelerate into the highway with no problem. I could have used folding side mirrors and the knob that adjusts the mirrors was much better on the Tucson than the Encore. The radio is difficult to program and maintain on the desired settings. Cant wait until my complimentary Sirus subscription runs out to have some of that extraneous stuff go away,,,

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  I Think It Was A Good Choice - 1995 Buick LeSabre
  By LeeRock - August 24 - 2:00 am

  WE NEEDED A RELIABLE CAR BETTER THAN A NEON AND STUMBLED UPON THIS 95 WITH 69000 ON IT. DRIVES LIKE A DREAM AND MECHANIC SAYS IT IS GMS BEST ENGINE IN YEARS. SO FAR SO GOOD.