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:

• 

  1998 Buick Century Custom 4 Door Sedan - 1998 Buick Century
  By mg - July 18 - 2:19 pm

  Bought this car used its Canadian made. Has alot of things that go wrong for no reason and could have easily been remedied if addressed correctly during manufacturing processes. Replaced the fan blower because its mounted upside down under passenger side it wore the spacer so it would hang up squeel and stop. Head Gasket is blown for no reason other than bad mixture of parts componants engine to Head cover two different metals that destroys the Gasket.Caused the coolant to mix with the oil.

• 

  Great trip - 2008 Buick Enclave
  By Randy - July 18 - 2:00 pm

  Just completed a 2700 mile trip with four adults and lots of luggage. Averaged 21 MPG for entire trip and 24 MPG interstate at 73 MPH average. Drove 1000 straight miles only stopping for breaks and gas. Never felt tired or stiff. Seating and ease of handling are exceptional. Lives up to and exceeds quiteness claims. Did not find that shifting was a problem as other owners have eluded to, it was very smooth even with numerous terrain changes. This vehicle will get 27 MPG+ at 60 MPH on a level road. This is a great car for the money. Exterior and interior styling and workmanship are outstanding. Presently have 8500 miles on vehicle.

• 

  Very Comfortable Ride - 1993 Buick LeSabre
  By Lorr - July 18 - 3:26 am

  This car has the nicest ride of all Ive ever got to own/drive! The only other nicer riding car Ive driven was a Uhaul Chevrolet C1500 pickup truck. Unfortunately, it does have a few negatives. When I bought mine with 75k miles, it already had a constant misfire due to a or a couple of stuck fuel injectors. Because of this, the idle often gets too low when parallel parking effectively eliminating steering assist. Electrical system reconfigured itself at 115k. Car suddenly died, lights out, restarted a few minutes later but now lacking the function of radio(oddly tape plyr still works),AC, and manual interior lights (still works with door).

• 

  My Wifes New Convertible. Updated 11/16 - 2016 Buick Cascada
  By Rich - July 17 - 10:15 am

  Our new Deep Sky Blue Cascada replaces our faithful old Chrysler Sebring JXI. My wife loves convertibles and this car is a nice one. So far she has logged just a few hundred miles but they have been surprisingly enjoyable. The turbo 4 has better then expected performance and the handling is crisp. Not a floaty ride like Buicks of yore. Much has been made of all of the buttons on the dash, but most are only used occassionally and you quickly get used to the layout. The seats are comfortable and the convertible top, and its mechanism, are awesome. So far we havent found much not to like about this car. Styling is extremely attractive from every angle and the car gets a lot of compliments. At $37K, the price seems reasonable for what you get. Our old Sebring listed at $27k when new back in 2000, and it is no where near as well equipped. The car has some nice Euorpean touches, like the redundant set of tail lights when the trunk is open and the side signal lights on the front fenders. As for fuel economy, we recently averaged 28.6 mpg on a day trip here the DIC showed an average speed of 46 mph city/highway. We are looking forward to enjoyable summer driving with this car. Update: November, 2016 - Enjoyable summer with the Cascada. Fun car to drive. Current mileage is around 3,000 with no problems encountered. Still getting a lot of positive comments.

• 

  Nice ride - 2004 Buick Century
  By Martin - July 17 - 9:14 am

  My buick century is a old person car. When passing another car, you have to floor it because it rarely down shifts. the seats are very comfortable and the ride is very quiet and the car "floats" when on a hilly road.

• 

  Great Cruiser - but little else - 2006 Buick Lucerne
  By mbarker - July 16 - 7:56 pm

  I bought the Lucerne due to a job change that requires that I drive 125 interstate miles roundtrip each day. Very comfortable/roomy car that is very quiet. It was made to cruise the highway. Even with the V-8 its not very spirited and it handles like a bus. It was not made for evasive or sporty driving. The fuel mileage has been on average about 26 mpg with 90% of driving on the highway. The cooled seats are great and keep you comfortable in hot humid weather. The Harmon Kardon stereo is average at best. It has the Continetal tires and there is a vibration the dealer cant get rid of. They claim "excessive road force variation" and its not covered by the certified warranty.

• 

  great car - 2001 Buick Century
  By r bell - July 16 - 10:27 am

  The car is very dependable. Ive had no problems with it. The odometer is at 165,000. Handles well in winter weather--starts easily during those sub-zero mornings.

• 

  Wow - nice vehicle! - 2008 Buick Enclave
  By M and T - July 16 - 7:20 am

  Now driven for about 1000 miles and am absolutely impressed. For the size of the vehicle (7 passenger) the Enclave is super quiet, handles well, gets decent gas mileage, is great to look at, and seems well built. Superior to my wifes Cadillac SRX in every way but handling and came in at a better price!

• 

  Great "Grandma Cruiser" - 1992 Buick Century
  By biopledgiance - July 16 - 3:22 am

  I received this car a year ago for free at 109k miles. I now have 121k. I use it around town as a daily driver to work and school. This cars engine is very impressive and has quite a bit of go. The only mechanical problems Ive had were the harmonic balancer ($35)and an ignition coil ($30). The interior is spacious, and very comfortable as a driver and side passenger. The back seat itself is very soft, comfy, and great for kids, however taller (> 510")folks will have to spread their legs. The trunk is massive! I have no issue fitting anything there! Mileage is decent and as much as I race it about it still does great. Handling and suspension are that of a small boat, but better than most.

• 

  WOW! - 2006 Buick Lucerne
  By DJ - July 15 - 10:08 pm

  I have had a Lincoln and 3 Cadillacs, but this Lucerne is the finest automobile I have ever owned. It has luxury and performance and is GM, which I think makes the best American cars on the market. This car is so comfortable and is a real beauty! I love the features, especially the heated seats. We have long, cold, snowy winters here, but I use the heated seats during long trips even during the summer because of the comfort it gives my back. Great sound system, smooth ride, and the most comfortable seats ever make this car my all time favorite.