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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  American Disappointment - 2003 Buick LeSabre
  By Ramius - July 3 - 2:00 am

  Though the LeSabre has some appealing features, Im disappointed to find it continues to have many long-time shortcomings. Specifically: the A/C doesnt provide cold air, and had trouble cooling the car in an 85-degree day. The legroom for this 64" person is pathetic for a big car. There is no height adjustment on the seatbelts, making them ride too close to my wifes neck causing discomfort(this is downright embarrassing, Buick). I still have to slam the trunk for it to close just like in my fathers Buick of 25 years ago(which I hated even then when I was too young to drive). The sound from the stereo was muddy at best.

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  2000 and 2003 LeSabre Limited Comparison - 2003 Buick LeSabre
  By Chicocat - July 2 - 2:00 am

  I previously drove a 2000 LeSabre Limited until purchasing the 2003 LeSabre Celebration Edition with all of the options. I have been happy with both vehicles, but there are some aspects of each I would rate differently. The 2000 Limited model had a more attractive interior & more comfortable & softer leather seats. The 2003 model has somewhat better handling and more features, such as side mirror turn signals & chrome plated wheels. The audio components on the 2003 model are much better, especially the XM radio & RDS options.

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  Good Car! - 1997 Buick Skylark
  By clown1 - July 1 - 2:00 am

  I brought this car when it was a year old. It is five years and 81000 miles later, and I still like it. The only thing I had to do except for routine maintenance, was replace the water pump at 80000 miles.

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  Like the Car, Maintained Regularly - 1998 Buick Regal
  By John O. - June 23 - 2:00 am

  Aside from a new fuel pump at around 40000 miles, the cars been very reliable, has 99000 miles on it now.

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  good solid car - 1994 Buick Century
  By meandyoumom - June 16 - 2:00 am

  I just bought a 1994 century and i love it.

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  1994 Buick Century Wagon - 1994 Buick Century
  By deville70 - June 15 - 2:00 am

  Bought this wagon at 75,000 miles, now has 104,000. Recently replaced alternator ($300) and fuel pump/fuel pump relay and related fuel supply items ($500). No other major problems. Quiet smooth ride. 3.1 V6 is healthy but not powerful. Power windows, locks, tilt steering, w/fold up seat in rear can seat 5 adults and 3 kids. Who needs van/SUV. 18/26 mpg

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  Perfect car for a retired lady who likes luxury! - 2016 Buick Encore
  By Marie - June 13 - 1:11 am

  I love Buicks because, if you get a premium model, you get all the extras including heated steering wheel and remote start which are add ons in other cars. I was intending to buy a Buick Regal, but was unhappy with the lack of visibility in my previous Buick sedan. The salesman suggested I test drive an Encore as well as the Regal. I loved the Encore! The visibility was much better, I enjoyed sitting higher up, and it was easier to park. Granted the trunk is rather small and there probably isnt much leg room in the back seat, but I rarely have a rear seat passenger, so that is fine. Also important to me is that it has OnStar with Turn by Turn navigation and hands-free calling. This is a perfect vehicle for a retired lady who enjoys a certain amount of luxury in her car.

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  SHRINE - 1992 Buick Skylark
  By WHITESAND - June 12 - 2:00 am

  I HAVE ALWAYS PREFERRED GENERAL MOTORS VEHICLES AND THE 92 BUICK GRAN SPORT IS NO EXCEPTION. IT HAS ALWAYS BEEN DEPENDABLE, NORMAL MAINTENANCE IS REQUIRED. IT HAS FRONT WHEEL DRIVE AND IS VERY GOOD IN SNOW. IT HAS THE SPORTY LOOK OF A GM SPORTS CAR WITHOUT THE HIGH INSURANCE RATES. OVERALL, I HAVE BEEN VERY PLEASED WITH THIS VEHICLE.

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  Best Kept Secret - 1994 Buick Roadmaster
  By Kwame Davis - June 12 - 2:00 am

  For the decision makers at GM, start production on this car again. I bought the one I own back in 1994 and it has been performing wonderfully. Its time for me to get a new car and I want another Buick Roadmaster. I like the Corvette engine GM modified and put in this thing, it flies. The prices is right too!

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  Almost-not Quite - 2001 Buick LeSabre
  By Arseel - June 8 - 2:00 am

  I am very pleased with this Buick. This is my third one. Very comfortable ride. Am considering buying another Buick if they change certain things.(see below)