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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  REALLY NICE CAR, BUT NO A BULLET. - 1990 Buick Reatta
  By Jeff Flash - March 1 - 2:00 am

  I have had the car for three years. It is a convertable and fun to drive. It is really comfortable with a big trunk. And, it is loaded with every option. I wanted a reliable collector car with comfort and all the bells and whistles, and thats what I got. I have had no problems, and get to drive it everyday. Parts are still available, also. My friends have older collector cars they only drive on Sundays and spend more time fixing them than driving them. Not me, I enjoy using my car.

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  LeSabre - 2000 Buick LeSabre
  By tryg - February 26 - 2:00 am

  Great car...much underrated and reported by reviewers. Excellent economy, and a real performer at all speeds with the tried 3.8 V6

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  3.1 is a great engine - 1990 Buick Regal
  By CADDman - February 24 - 2:00 am

  This was one of the best cars Ive ever owned. It had a really cool interior and dash and was very reliable. Never touched anything for 100k miles, and thaey were minor.

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  GREAT CAR - 1997 Buick Riviera
  By BuickDude - February 22 - 2:00 am

  Be sure and get an extended warranty $1800 - intake $320 - alt $180 - antenna $150 - auto trunk release

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  comfort-finally had to break down - 2003 Buick Century
  By hmaregon - February 21 - 2:00 am

  After renting a few of these on trips I decided I had to have the comfort of a big car but not at a big price. After researching the Century I was impressed with the bang one gets for the buck. It rides like a dream and my 24 mpg in the city [combined driving] is very impressive. Yes, its not very modern looking but Im already fantisizing about a LeSabre!

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  Nice car but suprisingly lower gas mileage - 2011 Buick Regal
  By Rob C - February 20 - 12:56 pm

  I should have read up more on the actual gas mileage folks are getting. The sportiness and looks and features are great. The radio is too many buttons and they have changed it on newer models. My 2015 F150 Supercrew 2.7 Ecoboost (twin turbo) mileage advertised is 19/26. I averaged 18 all around but mid to high 20s on highway. I would have thought this tiny regal would do better just looking at its small size. It looks almost exactly like the Verano until you see the swooping curve on the side is opposite. It feels compact but labeled a mid size. Nice to drive, fun even. I like it but many other cars loaded similarly do better on gas and the larger buicks can even beat it. Overall happy I just did not expect truck like gas mileage but it is a lot easier to part. 13K for a 2011 with 48K miles. I was shopping for a Cadillac CTS but when I saw this I jumped on it. The European styling similar to a BMW/AUDI is nice. Overall happy and trying like crazy to keep the foot pedal off the floor for better mileage, the first fill up the average was 16mpg....

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  Buick Rendevous for a retired couple - 2003 Buick Rendezvous
  By Irby Jones - February 17 - 10:00 am

  ideal choice for us. moved during past year and Rendevous was excellent for hauling many items including trailering a golf cart 600 miles. we enjoy the vehicle. Comfortable to travel in. Handles mountains ok.

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  Fun to Drive - 2013 Buick Verano
  By James Bruno - February 16 - 3:10 pm

  This is a great little car. Enough room for two passengers and plenty of trunk space. No problem on a long drive. The seats are comfortable and it is a solid car and quite

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  Decent - 1999 Buick Century
  By foff667 - February 13 - 2:00 am

  Have had very few problems with the car which include a failed front pass. side wheel bearing which was about $500 to fix but other than that its been a good buy at around 7 grand. Gas mileage has been ok at about 25 highway but 13 or so around town and since i only have a 2 mile commute that kinda hurts but the car isnt even warmed up yet by the time i pull into work so i cant complain much.

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  Solid sedan but questionable reliability - 2000 Buick Regal
  By CIT - February 12 - 2:00 am

  The Supercharged engine is wonderful when you need it, without sacrifcing fuel economy. I dislike buying the premium gas that it requires though. I use it for business and it has a professional and classy look. It doesnt corner well, although the quiet and smooth ride is a plus. Two repairs in 33 months: driver heated seat($1,000) and temperature sensor totalling ($700) leaves me questioning its reliability.