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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  Great car except... - 1995 Buick Riviera
  By Burak - December 17 - 2:00 am

  I bought my car at 80k.I have some problems with cruise control, rear window defogger switch and a coolant leakage. These can happen. But parts of this car are expensive.I paid 300$ for the rear fogger switch.Every repair starts from 100$ at the authorized service. But great interior design and outer design. I agree that interior design of Buick cars are bad but this one is exceptional. Gas mileage is poor, performance is fine, but could be better if the car is somewhat smaller. Reliability is same with any of the american cars I guess. If you want a more reliable car try honda or toyota but I cant find the design and fun to drive in them.

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  luv this rendezvous - 2004 Buick Rendezvous
  By jrinaldo - December 13 - 10:00 am

  love the way it rides. wish it had more horsepower.

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  Better than a minivan - 2005 Buick Rendezvous
  By Winner04 - December 13 - 10:00 am

  This is my first SUV. I opted to buy the Rendezvous because of the roomy interior (3rd row was important to me) and the price was within my budget. However, the V6 engine lacks power and I can hear the wind outside (sounds like a tornado moving overhead) when driving on open roads. Will I buy another Buick? Maybe. Ive only had this vehicle for a month. So far, I have no significant complaints.

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  After the ninth year - 1992 Buick Regal
  By mace - December 11 - 2:00 am

  The first ten years I had no problems except for the poor paint job. At the middle of year ten, I had to buy 3 alternators, and now the transmission is gone out. the electric antennae has been replaced 3 times and still does not work. My 2 wireless entry work but cannot fit a keychain. Dealer service poor in FL and NC. Spent $1500 and car returned in worst shape.

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  Envy! - 2016 Buick Envision
  By Mike Kobiske - December 2 - 9:20 am

  Smaller 2.0 liter motor has more power but worse gas mileage.

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  2005 Buick LaCrosse - 2005 Buick LaCrosse
  By E Nelson - November 30 - 12:56 am

  We just recently purchased the LaCrosse. less than 1,000 miles on it at this point, but so far we are pleased. It seems to be quieter than our 2000 Regal. Steering and braking is more responsive. The beige interior could be too light and harder to keep clean. This is the first new car that we purchased where we didnt immediately have to have something adjusted or taken care of at the dealership. Quality control seems to be good on this one.

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  Best Used Car I Have Ever Owned! - 1990 Buick LeSabre
  By Starsky64 - November 28 - 2:00 am

  I purchased my 1990 Buick LeSabre Limited 4 years ago and have not had any major problems with this car whatsoever. The 3800 V6 engine is bullet-proof and runs perfectly with excellent fuel economy for such a large automobile. All power accessories still operate and the A/C works great. The body is still in excellent condition for a 12 year old car. I have long been a GM customer but have to say Buick is one of their best divisions as far as quality, reliability and customer loyalty. By the way, this car was rated the highest in customer satisfaction by J.D. Powers and Associates back in 1990. Long live the American sedan!

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  Owner - 1995 Buick LeSabre
  By Dave Wessel - November 28 - 2:00 am

  We bought this car for my wifes use as she wante a larger vehicle for highway safty and security. Then we sold our other car when she retired and I have used it exclusively for several years. It runs great with few mechanical problems. I feel a little luxurious in it because that is the look, like it is an "uptown" look. We have taken many trips in it and it is great on the road. Our mechanics always tell us it is the best American made car. We agree.

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  Blue River Review - 1995 Buick Riviera
  By Blue River - November 26 - 2:00 am

  Bought car in prestine condition with 42,000 miles from local Buick dealership. Glad I purchased extended warranty because a lot has been repaired. I now have chosen to take it for repairs at another local dealership because the purchase location is dishonest and further from my home. I like the car, however, it is enormous and uses a lot of fuel.

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  A Damn Good Car - 1995 Buick Century
  By Dan Z - November 25 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car from my grandfathers estate for my wife. Its all loaded up with leather and such. This car is great! Its rides very well, gets great mileage is an excellant daily driver. My grandfather drove as you would expect from an elderly person. Not fast, well maintained and not many miles. The average per year for the time he owned it was under 5K. There is a tiny bit of rust starting in the wheel wells because it sat for long periods of time and the exhaust had to be replaced for the same reason. I feel the body will fall off this car before the engine dies..