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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  GOOD CAR - 1992 Buick Century
  By SLACKER - April 10 - 2:00 am

  THIS CAR HAS BEEN A GREAT CAR, JUST PASSED 177,000 AND STILL GOIN STRONG. IT HAS ONLY BROKE DOWN TWICE, COOLING FAN AND A SENSER, IT IS MY BACK UP CAR AND IT GETS THE JOB DONE

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  Luv that car-O-mine! - 1996 Buick Skylark
  By Proud Buick Owner - April 4 - 2:00 am

  Go 50-55 mph on a long trip, and get mid-30 mpg. The 6 cylinder is torquey, but the overdrive keeps the mileage in the mid to upper 20s. Its solid enough that if someone rear ends you, you and car are functional. Its not a land yacht, but can carry four people in reasonable comfort (the back seat is a bit tight). Easy to insure, easy to travel in () though I like a pillow, or small poodle, for neck rest support. Could use better lumbar support. It always runs! The speedometer is HUGE (as it should be). Happy with the 6-banger lark.

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  Its Difficult to Part with it - 1990 Buick LeSabre
  By NM Sunshine - March 30 - 2:00 am

  Although, the exterior style is boxy, it has been a very comfortable, reliable car. Its good on gas for a car this size. Great for a long drive. Lots of space in the trunk. It still looks like a new vehicle and drives like one too!

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  Work Horse - 1994 Buick LeSabre
  By Markdoggiedog - March 26 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car because Ive never had a problem with the 3.8 V6 on other Buicks that I owned. I drive about 3000 to 4000 miles a month with this car and never had a problem!

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  I would love to love it. - 2008 Buick Enclave
  By steveo - March 25 - 5:36 am

  Loved this car. Great interior, good build, quiet. God interior material, good controls. However, there is a problem with the transmission. Had to be reprogramed after a month because shift points were way off. Had to drop the trans ro replace control module at 10k miles, leaked out all trans fluid after the replacement and is now back in the shop for a week to replace same part and they can not get all of the seals necessary to finish. Wife is furious and wants do dump it now. Why can GM not get it all together. Finally got a winner and screwed it up.

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  Great family car !!! - 1994 Buick LeSabre
  By Brandon. - March 24 - 2:00 am

  The car handles VERY well in the snow and rain. I average 25 to 26 miles to the gallon. The 3.8 V6 is very peppy and has great pick up, with good fuel economy. Its very roomy inside and has a large trunk space. Handles very nice and feels like you floating on air. I highly recommend this car for any one who wants a smooth quiet ride in a car that has power AND good fuel economy.

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  Good car - 1995 Buick Skylark
  By drc37 - March 10 - 2:00 am

  It has worked well for us for the last 5 years. No complaints. Nothing ever really broke besides the standard items like brakes and battery.

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  Solid Buick - 1999 Buick LeSabre
  By MJM571 - March 9 - 2:00 am

  The LeSabre continues to be a solid made vehicle. I expect this 99 LeSabre to yield 200,000 miles without serious problems as have my previous LeSabres. Seating is somewhat uncomfortable. For long drives a lumbar support would be beneficial.

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  I would buy another - 1991 Buick LeSabre
  By Uwillloveit - March 8 - 2:00 am

  I have had my car since 1996 and could probably count 6 times that I have had to have anything done to it, besides general maintenance. The most extensive repair has been an alternator! This is the second Buick I have owned and I only traded because I was driving a Century T-type and needed more room. Everyone knows it as the "granny-mobile", I dont mind it though, I will drive it until it decides to quit for good. It has just turned over to 176,400 miles.

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  Roadmaster Raves - 1996 Buick Roadmaster
  By kevallen - March 5 - 2:00 am

  Bought the car to fill my expanding family needs. Fits the bill perfectly as a safe reliable and powerful car with excellent long distance travel comfort.