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 Fine Ride - 2003 Buick Century
  By zontar - August 30 - 6:41 pm

  I always enjoyed driving my mother-in-laws Buick, so when the opportunity to purchase one came up I grabbed it. It has a very smooth and powerful ride. This was made very evident when renting other cars. The Buicks ride and comfort puts most other cars to shame.

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  Good for the Money - 2008 Buick LaCrosse
  By jmcycle - August 30 - 1:17 pm

  Got the 08 CX new as a Company Car Good: Very supportive seats. A lot of standard features for base model. Bad: Fuel mileage is horrible. Im lucky to get 24 highway and avg 16 city. My Honda Odyssey gets better mileage and it is taller, heavier, and has more hp. Driver seat started squeaking at 20k miles-I only weigh 185lbs. Brakes went at 20k miles- almost all highway. Ive never had brakes go anywhere near that quickly. Steering wheel made a clicking sound- several dealers couldnt find the problem. Left windshield wiper splashes water on right side and right wiper missed it. key fob died-even after repl. btry. A lot of minor annoying problems that were expensive and inconvenient to fix

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  Solid, Smooth, Quiet - 2009 Buick LaCrosse
  By Greg B. - August 29 - 7:41 pm

  This is a vastly underrated car. It is very well-built, with excellent fit and finish, no rattles, and an incredibly quiet ride. It is a fabulous highway car. The 3800 V-6 works well and the ride and handling, while not a sportscar, is perfect for those who like their cars smooth and quiet. The leather seats with power lumbar adjustment are exceptionally comfortable. It has a huge trunk and 4 people can travel in comfort. I like the exterior styling, especially the side view thanks to the design of the greenhouse. People who criticize Buicks for being old persons cars really are missing the point. This is an excellent example of a traditional American car, smooth, quiet and comfortable.

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  agree with previous, but life after 50k - 2008 Buick LaCrosse
  By John - August 29 - 3:09 pm

  I found myself agreeing with the previous reviews. A few things I found now that I have topped 50k, mostly highway miles. 1. had to replace both rear struts because ride became harsh. 2. drivers side door continues not to latch close, even after repeated lubrication. So, can I complain, when the car gives so much satisfaction? Would like to see the 2010 re-model come as a Super edition. Not sure if the 3.6L direct inject will satisfy not enough.

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  Buick has to do better - 2004 Buick Rainier
  By vjd2211 - August 29 - 2:00 am

  This is a new packaged Bravada - Buick had to differentiate here between the V6 based design (better fuel economy if possible get to 23mpg hwy) and the V8 based design (towing capacity and performance) - Rainier barely competitive with this SUV market segment even with rebates applied. Spend less for marketing and more for engineering

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  AWESOME RIV - 1996 Buick Riviera
  By swede88 - August 28 - 5:16 pm

  Great car! Ive owned Caddies,Mercedes,Volvos and Vettes & this rates at the top! 31.8 MPG, peppie but refined with beautiful lines! Interior comfort to match Mercedes,sporty luxury as good as the eldoradoes but much better engine. I Love this car!

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  GREAT vehicle - 2003 Buick Rendezvous
  By powwowron - August 28 - 5:10 pm

  I have over 176K miles on this vehicle and have only done routine maintenance on it until last month when it was rolling over 175K miles and it overheated and I had to have the head replaced, $4K. Other than that it has been a GREAT vehicle and if they still made them I would buy another.

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  Great Car! - 2002 Buick LeSabre
  By Doug - August 28 - 2:50 pm

  Bought it new in 2002-wifes car. Didnt put a lot of miles on it but took it on several 1000 plus mile vacations and trips. It was a smooth ride, quiet and comfortable. It could have used a little more power, but the 3800 was more than adequate for what we used the car for. Had a few warranty issue when new, nothing mechanical, and the dealer fixed them all quickly and no questions asked. It was never in the shop for a mechanical problem. Traded it about a week ago for a Lucerne.

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  You Get What You Pay For - 2005 Buick Rendezvous
  By Greg - August 28 - 12:20 am

  I bought the Rendezvous for a traveling sales job in Canada. There is very cold weather and some rough roads but mostly City and Highway. The Highway drive is very smooth. The interior seating space is excellent. The price was good but I have encountered several annoying mechanical issues. I drove 100000 miles and have repaired (or should repair) the following rear axle seals, rear bearings, brakes (twice), Power steering noise, hatch handle, 1 power window, 3 sensors which killed ABS and turned on eng fault other issues severe buildup of snow and ice in wheelwells, floating gas gauge, worst factory stereo ever. They coulda had a winner but they cheaped out in the build.

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  And they want you to buy American - 2007 Buick LaCrosse
  By I hate this car !!!! - August 27 - 1:21 pm

  I was driving a Maxima for some time and wanted a change. I was convinced to buy American when I really didnt want too. If I knew then what I know now I would never have gotten this Buick LaCrosse. This Buick has been to the dealership 5 times for ONE problem something with the steering column. I was given an extended warranty by Buick but that did not work. Its still not working right. The car is going back for round six and the SAME ISSUE. I am never going with American cars again. Thanks Buick for making such great American products. HA