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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  2000 Regal @ 45000 miles - 2000 Buick Regal
  By Ken from Michigan - August 24 - 2:00 am

  This has been an excellent car, no problems. Still has original brakes & tires (Eagle LS) though both will be replaced soon. Complaints *Lack of Lubar support in front seats *ugly black trim on dash

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  A good Car from American Make - 2002 Buick Rendezvous
  By Zaraza - August 18 - 10:00 am

  This is probably one of the most reliable American Cars out there avaliable in todays market. Good gas millage,reliable, fun to drive. It is an ideal family car. Great in winter conditions. We took it for over 3 trips which were over 1,000 miles without any hesitations or problems. Seats are a bit uncomfortable after a long drive.

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  Love the Accelleration - 1991 Buick Regal
  By Will1884 - August 12 - 2:00 am

  This vehicle has some decent power and is a very comfortable ride. when you get up too 120 KM/H you feel like you are floating...i really recommend this vehicle if you want power combined with comfort. this vehicle handles well the only problem is the back end seems to swing out a lttle in tight turns.

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  Good to go - 2001 Buick LeSabre
  By eileen1 - August 11 - 2:00 am

  I love my car it looks pretty it is white with tinted windows and I had my stock rims chromed. There is always room for improvement and that would be the extra phone charger outlet keeps breaking. I have had my car for one year and have had not one problem except for the charger outlet. I wished there were air vents for the people in the back seat like some other cars have.

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  Limited LeSabre - 1997 Buick LeSabre
  By Mikej - August 9 - 2:00 am

  The car is a good basic family car, with room for long trips if necessary. This car protected the occupants in an accident that might have totaled another less durable car. I would consider this a car of choice for a teenager. Just enough pep to keep them out of trouble, but not a road demon, and obviously enough structural integrity to keep you alive.

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  Decent ride. - 1991 Buick Regal
  By msecrest - August 5 - 2:00 am

  Purchased the vehicle, after a corporate lease, with 80,000 miles on it. Other than regular maintenance, there were problems with the rear break calipers (4 wheel disc). Replaced them twice over the next 60-70,000 miles. Come to find out there was problems with the rear breaks and a class action lawsuit was filed. Sometime after 90,000 miles the parking break broke. I have had no qualms about buying the vehicle.

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  Great Buick Century - 1991 Buick Century
  By jimbos54 - August 5 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car used in 1996 with 51000 miles on it. During the 7 years that I have owned this car there has been very few problems with it. The only major problem was the AC compressor went out at about 85,000 miles. There have been only minor things like the fan motor and has the power steering pump replaced at 90,000 miles. However, outside of that there has been only routine upkeep and maintaince done. This car still has great power when needed from the 3.3L 6 cylinder even after 113,000 miles.

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  never had a buick - 1990 Buick Century
  By mark11112 - August 5 - 2:00 am

  hey i just pick up for 2 grand. it has the 3.3 motor in, boy buick did a good job, plus i bought off and old guy, the paint still good plus the car only has 69000. even the a\c work, the only thing i did was put new tires on it. see you on the highway( if u can keep up!!

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  a great deal - 1999 Buick Century
  By metsfan - August 2 - 2:00 am

  Ive had the car almost a year and had no problems. Very comfortable on long trips. Doesnt handle like a sports car, but thats okay. Added bonus: insurance is cheap because this is one of the least stolen cars.

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  Comfortable and pretty dependable - 1994 Buick LeSabre
  By Teenager Tom - July 28 - 2:00 am

  I bought my LeSabre for $1200 with about 139k on it. It had had 4 previous owners, including a rental- car place, but was relatively well taken care of. Although my friends cars were sportier looking, everyone loved the comfort and space it offered. I put about $300 worth of work into it (fuel pump, ABS) over the next 15,000 miles. At that point the sub-frame broke off of the mainframe and dropped the transmission, steering, exhaust, etc. but up until then it was fine. If youre driving during the winter on salted roads, Id recommend getting the undercarriage washed out regularly (I didnt) to prevent this.