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:

• 

  Everything I Need - 2006 Buick Rainier
  By frank - February 6 - 1:00 pm

  After driving a Cadillac Deville for the last 10 years the Rainier compares in features and comfort. I needed a vehicle with the luxury of a Cadillac and towing capacity of a truck. Behold the Rainier is the perfect vehicle for my needs.

• 

  Just what we needed! - 2005 Buick Rendezvous
  By jfm - February 5 - 11:54 pm

  This vehicle has the people and cargo carrying capacity we searched for in a mid-size SUV that could get good gas mileage (first tank I got 28 mpg)! It is comfortable and quiet to drive. 2nd seat passengers like the ride and the rear AC flow.

• 

  The class of Buick - 2006 Buick Lucerne
  By Ron - February 5 - 1:19 pm

  I live in Michigan and let me tell you it handles the weather with no fear at all. The V8 is roaring to go, the heated wiper fluid melt the ice in seconds, the seats are comfortable yet firm. The ride is quiet yet road heave/pot holes are feathered out.

• 

  Love My Enclave - 2008 Buick Enclave
  By sgoldman - February 5 - 1:16 pm

  Just traded my 04 SLS for the Enclave- drove the Acadia-to truck like and the SRX- just wasnt the comfort and design I was looking for- I knew the moment I took the Enclave out for a test drive- that I had to have one. I wanted the height of an SUV and the comfort of a luxury sedan- found it. Mine is red jewel tint and it turns heads.

• 

  It has it all. - 2006 Buick LaCrosse
  By Sylvia - February 3 - 7:35 pm

  LaCrosse is a beautiful, reliable, pampering friend of mine. This car quickly became a new member of the family if you will. I love how it just takes care of me. It is very quiet, comfortable, it behaves well on the road (it does not float the way oldie Buicks used to but it wont treat you to a nasty choppy ride either) and it is very safe (tested great on the government crash tests). Plus, you have added security and convenience of OnStar, XM radio, handsfree phone right on the steering wheel. I even found a comfy seat setting for my back - something that didnt quite happen even in Audi A6. The steering is just right, not too hard, not too wiggly and it adjusts to your speed.

• 

  Too Much Air Noise - 2007 Buick Lucerne
  By Georgia - February 3 - 2:10 pm

  We love our new Lucerne, except for the air noise that comes in through the windows. We purchased it for fuel economy, comfort and the advertised guarantee of quietness. We average about 24 MPG on the road and it is comfortable. But the door/window design must be flawed because the air noise that comes through the windows at speeds over 45 mph is awful. It is like driving in a wind tunnel. The dealership promises to replace the gaskets around both of the front doors, so we hope that this helps. Just make sure that you test drive on a highway where you can drive over 45 MPH before you buy this vehicle.

• 

  Great American Car - 1994 Buick Century
  By Berge - January 31 - 11:49 pm

  This is my first car and at first I was not very enthused at getting my grandmas 12 y/o car. After looking up on it and driving it I have grown to really love this thing. Its a great looking car, mine is probably in above average shape being only at 70,000 miles. Nonetheless its been a very dependable car for my grandmother, and i am yet to have a problem with it. Gas mile with the 3.1L V - 6 Could be better at about 17 mpg in city but then again thats in city. Extremely comfortable car, seats are like a couch, and driving position feels great. Radio is really good when pumped up for a stock radio. Ride quality is like a Town Car, smooth. Ride is also very quiet. I love my Buick Centrury.

• 

  Love the Rendezvous - 2007 Buick Rendezvous
  By bobbyolashuk - January 27 - 9:06 pm

  We purchased the Rendezvous and absolutely love the vehicle. The riding comfort is unbelievable. The performance thus far has been great.

• 

  Very nice Buick - 2007 Buick Lucerne
  By thomasw - January 24 - 2:44 pm

  I have found a few very minor things that are annoying but nothing that would keep me from buying another Lucerne. I have not had the car back to the dealer for any problems since I purchased the car in March.

• 

  A Great Car - 2006 Buick Rendezvous
  By Richard - January 23 - 12:50 pm

  Im on my second Rendezvous and will probably buy a third. I need a 7-seater and I dont like big boats (Suburban, etc.). I was looking for a smallish city car that can seat my whole family, and this is it. The price is about the lowest in class, the quality is good. And its small, which I love. I think only the Hyundai Santa Fe is smaller or cheaper, and Id never buy a Hyundai. It looks stylish on the outside, plenty of space and flexibility inside. Its not overdesigned. Just a good car. Its interesting to me that the customers rating for this car was so much higher than the editors rating. Maybe the editors need to drive it again.