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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  Ok, with speed - 1997 Buick Regal
  By Nick D - May 15 - 2:00 am

  Purchased used w/56K in 9/01. Transmission went out, as did power window motors (both w/in 4K miles) but all covered by extended warranty. Have had recurrent brake-rotor noise that apparently cannot be remedied. But, not one other problem in nearly two years. Would highly recommended purchasing extended warranty for any Regal.

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  Buick Review - 2000 Buick Regal
  By RB the Buick Driver - May 14 - 2:00 am

  I have driven this car for 39 months have had to do the normal maintenance only until just recently. At about 60,000 miles, there was something going on with the transmission -- the dealer says it make be resolved with a transmission fluid flush (about $1300) or may need a new transmission ($2600). I cant understand why the transmission should be bad this soon. Ive driven Buicks for the past 3 cars - - I may need to go to a Toyota or Honda. This is just ridiculous. Otherwise, this is a comfortable ride, especially on road trips. Ive just had to do the brakes for the second time (Im at 64735 miles).

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  Buick Century - 1993 Buick Century
  By tool879 - May 13 - 2:00 am

  This has been a solid and reliable car for the past 2 years. No major problems. I broke the Turn Signal switch once and that was a pain to get repaired. I also just recently had the O2 sensor become disconnected which caused me to get it towed. I didnt know what was wrong, but took my mechanic less than a minute to fix. Other than that its just been the usual maint. with the car.

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  inherited from wife - 2000 Buick Century
  By arrjr - May 11 - 2:00 am

  i inherited this car from my wife when i bought her a new trailblazer. she bought this car in 10/2000, and put about 28000 miles a year on it. the car is still comfortable and reliable. agree with the stodgey image comments, but its a lot newer than what i was driving (1978 GMC Caballero)

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  Took a chance on a new model. - 2002 Buick Rendezvous
  By Terry Butlin - May 4 - 2:00 am

  Took a chance buying a new model, but never regreted it. For the money I paid I dont think there is anything that comes close. The car has run flawlessly since the day I purchased it. Would and probably will buy another one when it is time to replace this one.

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  Great Ride for a high cost! - 2014 Buick Enclave
  By MyEnclaveReview - April 29 - 7:22 am

  When you can purchase the same engine and nearly identical body for a lesser price, it makes the Buick a poor value! I love the way it drives. Too many little technology glitches. Hard to find a good deal or great sale! There are other cars in the same family that are nearly identical for much less.

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  First time Buick Owner - 1998 Buick Regal
  By lcaldw - April 25 - 2:00 am

  This has been a great car to drive. However there have been a few things that are very annoying. Mainly the wheel noise is horrible, the cup holders for the front are VERY inconvenient to use. And they are placed in the wrong angle. It makes it very difficult for the driver to reach their cup as it is in a ackward position to begin with. I had to replace the battery and the blower fan mower at less than 100K miles on it.

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  What are those folks at GM doing? - 2003 Buick Regal
  By In Pgh - April 25 - 2:00 am

  This is a dated car and doesnt compare well with the competition. Who is Earl Hartley, and who cares? However, "GM points," 0% financing and generous dealer discount ultimately made the Regal more attractive. Reliability was another consideration. In four years of driving a 99, I had no problems whatsoever. Only complaint was cheap Goodyear tires which lasted about 20k miles.

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  Roadmaster Reliable - 1996 Buick Roadmaster
  By kevallen - April 22 - 2:00 am

  Purchased the car as the "family" car, big enough for four to travel comfortably with plenty of room to spare in the trunk. My wife and I are in our 30s and have two young children. The LT1 engine is a delight and quite a surprise to those who think they can blow by you on the highway. This baby moves! The most comfortable car Ive ever driven on long road trips. After 95000 miles the engine doesnt drink a drop of oil between changes.

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  thisisit - 2005 Buick Rendezvous
  By docsmog - April 20 - 10:00 am

  overall the vehicle ride is nice,interior is nice,performance is good,reliabilaty is unknown yet as i have not had it that long.