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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  Best car I ever owned. - 2000 Buick Park Avenue
  By George Teabo - August 12 - 10:00 am

  Initially I had trouble with the computer indicating that my "door was ajar", which it wasnt. After that problem was corrected I have had no problems with the car. It gives great mileage for a large car. 31 mpg on a recent trip and the average overall is around 28 mpg. I have the grand touring feature which provides excellent steering and cornering.

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  Great visibility - 1994 Buick Century
  By Darlene - August 11 - 12:08 pm

  I purchased a 1994 Buick Century from my fathers estate. I first noticed that the car has excellent visibility so often lacking in newer vehicles. The car is great on the highway because of its performance, it handles well, and I also appreciate it in the city because my all around visibility is so good. My main concern about the car is that the heat indicator seems to climb while on the highway. I recently had the radiator flushed and was told all was well, but it did not solve the problem of the heat gauge. This makes me nervous for long travel......if this problem could be solved, I would absolutely love this car.

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  Better than the Cadillac SRX - 2008 Buick Enclave
  By Dyke - August 10 - 2:56 pm

  I drove the Cadillac SRX for three years and it was an excellent vehicle. However, it hardly compares to my Enclave, in terms of comfort, appearance, ride,and room. Everyone asks about it and compliments the look. This is a great vehicle and hats off to Buick for designing it. Even my wife, who never likes the cars I drive, loves this Buick!

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  buick dependable - 2016 Buick Encore
  By steve smallwood - August 9 - 5:33 am

  great ride but little storage-must take rear headrest off before folding rear seats.

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  I got ripped off, now I am stuck! - 2003 Buick Rendezvous
  By animalmotel - August 4 - 6:44 am

  I have had nothing but problems with this car. It eats breaks and tires. The doors do not open right, it locks the keys inside. Wipers stop working. And the thing always runs hot. I have already complained to Buick but they did nothing for me. Never buy any Buick ever again. I am now stuck with a car worth nothing and is falling apart.

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  Buick Convert - 2005 Buick LaCrosse
  By Philip T Behm - August 4 - 5:06 am

  First GM product in 35 years. Opted for a fully-equiped CSX. Impressed with comfort, quietness, great ride, with great handling. All controls easy to use. Fit and finish is exceptional. Got 3 months free XM radio. Did not really think I would use it, but it is AWESOME! Good power with 240 hp 3.6 VVT motor, but hope highway mileage improves. Great quality car and I feel good about buying an American car again with.

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  No More Imports For Us! - 2009 Buick Enclave
  By NewClave - August 3 - 7:26 pm

  Absolutely cant believe that I am saying this, but this Buick is the most amazingly comfortable and stylish vehicle we have ever owned. Coming from many Japanese SUVs (Toyotas and Nissans) we had boiled it down to a Lexus RX350, Audi Q5, and the Acura MDX, when we passed an Enclave on the road one day and my wife said... what was that. We were at the Buick dealership 30 minutes later, and after a test drive my wife fell in love. It doesnt even sound right when I say we bought a Buick, but this is no Buick of yesteryear. Way to go GM!

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  Love it! Traded in my BMW - 2009 Buick Enclave
  By briget - August 3 - 4:00 pm

  Its been about a month and half so far and Im really enjoying my new Enclave! We bought it new at 77 mi. and now have over 5K. I traded in my BMW 750il 2000 to go SUV because of the extra seats & AWD for ski season & long distance trips. The only reason I scored lower on performance is because I previously owned a sports car. :) The other gripe is the fuel mileage. Its been averaging about 21 mi. per gallon. I drive approximately 800 mi. per week. Otherwise, we love our new car!

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  Sluggish acelleration - 2009 Buick Enclave
  By mike - August 3 - 11:42 am

  Transmission seems to hesitate frequently. Major black residue at exit of muffler pipes. Service adviser says the vehicle is not broken in yet, it has 5000klm on it.

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  Buick? Drive Park AV. you will love it ! - 2002 Buick Park Avenue
  By New Buick Lover - August 3 - 2:00 am

  You will find V-8 power in a V-6 with outstanding fuel mi. 23 in town and 33 highway on 87 oct. My wife and I suffer from bad backs, well the Buick seats are wonderful even the back seat is so comfortable and easy to get in and out of, and the pull handles on 3 doors are a big help also. Quite wonderful smooth ride with great road handling. GM found a great way of making a front driver feel like a rear drive. My Dad who always drives a Town Car did not know he was driving a front driver.