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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  disgusted in Arizona - 2003 Buick LeSabre
  By disgusted in Arizona - July 8 - 8:01 pm

  This was our third Buick in a row. An 86 LeSabre we tried to wear out and couldnt, and a 95 Regal that was still going strong at 180,000 when we sold it. The 2003 replaced the Regal in 11/05. It had 34k, was in excellent condition, and bought from the proverbial "old lady". It is a comfortable, quiet road car. My wife drives it about 13k hwy mi/yr and pampers it. Trouble began in 1/07 at about 60k mi. Had to replace lft rear window regulator, then the rt one 4 mos later, then the lft one again 30 days later. 4/09 both dr latch/sensor assblys on rt side. Today the lft rear latch/sensor. Total so far $1245 for items VERY POORLY designed and built. THIS WILL BE OUR LAST BUICK!!

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  Luv my buick - 1998 Buick LeSabre
  By desertjaws - July 8 - 11:17 am

  This is probably one of the best cars I have ever owned and my first Buick (1998). Had 57K miles when purchased (2005), currently has 135K miles. Has not been completely problem free but any problems have been minor. I do love this car and will purchase another soon.

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  Great Value - no problems - 2007 Buick Rendezvous
  By tominny - July 7 - 6:41 pm

  I have owned my 2007 buick Rendezvous for over 2 years and have not had one problem. I got an incredible value when i bought the car as the Rendezvous was at the end of its run. The styling hadnt changed much in the last few years but we liked the way it looked and the interior was very nice. What surprises me is that I consistently get 23 mpg on the highway. This is better than i get with my Nissan Murano which is much smaller??? In local driving i get around 16 which is painful when gas is $4+ a gallon but reasonable when you consider the size and 7 passenger capacity. I have 31,000 miles and am still going strong!

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  Dont buy an 03 Rendezvous! - 2003 Buick Rendezvous
  By Lani - July 6 - 7:07 pm

  Have had this car for a year, replaced engine, battery, power steering hose, engine belt, brakes, tires need air every month, needs new rear shocks and oxygen sensor. AWD DISABLE light is on, who knows how much that will cost. Exhaust Manifold in these cars leaks coolant into engines causing engine problems, so will probably have to have manifold replaced.

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  Grandma Car that isnt for Grandma! - 2004 Buick Regal
  By Laura - July 6 - 5:23 pm

  One of the best GM cars I have ever owned! Suspension and ride are great for long or short trips and it corners like a champ. Road noise is a but much at times, though. Gas mileage is good. Heated leather seats are terrific in the winter. I was able to get out of deep snow up the hill without any difficulty but had to push my friend in her Jeep! I am just getting around to replacing the original struts and have replaced two wheel bearings so far. Other than regular maintenance there is nothing out of the ordinary with repairs. I have loaded it with 2x4s and am getting a hitch and bike rack next week. Hate to see GM axe the 3.8 v6, though. Big mistake, boys!!!! Big mistake.

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  Design - 2004 Buick Rendezvous
  By Alan Pancake - July 6 - 10:00 am

  We enjoy the car it rides very good. I think the car could have been made a little longer to make more room for the back row seats. I am getting overall gas mileage twenty one miles per gallon.We love the looks of the car. I dont care about off rode performance.

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  Multiple problems - 2000 Buick Century
  By GT - July 3 - 3:09 pm

  The Buick is a very comfortable car that provides a nice drive. However, it is much like driving a land yacht with slow turn response. We had a large number of stupid problems that were expensive to repair -- glove compartment fell off in my hand the second year ($500 to repair, not covered by warranty) three windows have fallen off their tracks so that they cannot be rolled up ($600 each to repair), multiple problems with trunk (keeps falling on our heads despite two repairs) transmission, A/C compressor, etc etc.

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  Very reliable Buick - 1998 Buick Park Avenue
  By mkclancy - July 2 - 6:13 pm

  This car is the best I have ever owned in my 40 years of driving. My husband, now deceased said it was my car because I liked it so much. It is beautiful and I get many compliments about it. I have kept it it good condition and have followed the Buick program for annual maintence procedures. Such as 60,000 mile check-up procedures. I most like the bench front seat which most vehicles do not have. We found it gives very good milage for this size and make auto, 25-28 miles per gal.with conservative driving practices on highway driving.

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  I bought two of them - 2016 Buick Encore
  By Robert Elmer - June 29 - 10:07 pm

  About two months ago I went to our Buick dealer to look and drive the 2016 Encore Sport Touring. I ended up buying one from a great salesman, Buzz Edwards. I brought it home and my wife took it away from me. So I go back and bought one for her. Both of us really like the Encore. The quality is great, it is very quiet and smooth (which is very unusual for a small SUV) and with the larger engine it has plenty of get up and go. Everett Buick in Bentonville and Buzz Edwards are great.

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  GM is making a Quality Buick SUV - 2009 Buick Enclave
  By Happy - June 29 - 3:51 pm

  We had a Ford Edge and we loved it , This vehicle is more expensive but the ride and interior are superior.The 0% financing is great.