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 SUV - 2007 Buick Rendezvous
  By Charles Keeler - November 28 - 11:22 am

  We have owned a Jimmy and 2 Bravadas and the Buick Rendezvous is by far the best SUV we have ever driven. The "heads up" display should be an industry standard. This is an excellent vehicle.

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  Lucerne - 2007 Buick Lucerne
  By Brian - November 28 - 8:03 am

  I just purchased the Lucerne and it is a great car. I test drove all the different models and the CXS is not even comparible to the others. Its drive far surpasses the lower models and drives like a dream. The V-8 is not going to beat up the muscle cars, but its not supposted to either. It is very smooth and runs great.

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  Value for money - 2006 Buick Lucerne
  By Marine - November 27 - 5:21 pm

  I was seeking a luxury sports sedan in the $30,000 range and reviewed and test drove a bunch of them, foreign and domestic, For its price, the Lucerne CXL beats them all, including the highly touted Japanese brands. I had intended to buy the CXL with the V8 for its high end torque. I had a 96 Olds LSS with GMs tried and true 3.8 liter V6 engine, and my only complaint with it was that it lacked high end torque for passing power, When I drove the CXL with this same engine I was amazed at its pep and passing power, all anyone would ever need, GM has worked wonders with this engine. The car is roomy, has great handling, is comfortable and well appointed inside. Great value for money

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  Great Vehicle - 2006 Buick Rendezvous
  By Al Hummels - November 26 - 11:10 am

  We traded in our like new Surburban for this vehicle and took it on a 1 week 3,000 mile trip. I cant believe how comfortable and easy to drive it is. I am 64" and weigh 275 lbs and have plenty of room. My wife is disabled (couldnt get into the Surburban) and finds it easy to get into and out of. We love it and would recommend it to anyone.

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  Big surprise - 2006 Buick Rainier
  By PeterJ - November 25 - 11:40 am

  Never thought Id buy a Buick, but after testing the Rainier vs. the Envoy, Pathfinder, 4Runner and looking at everything else it comes out on top. Smooth, quiet, excellent mix of features, and the V8 gets unexpectedly decent mileage (15.8 city, and 22 highway). It has been perfect, no issues since day one, hope it stays that way. On top of all the pluses, the GM rebates made a great deal, over $9000 off MSRP.

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  Blind spots need to be fixed - 2006 Buick Lucerne
  By Hankdog 1956 - November 25 - 10:39 am

  My CXS is a great road car and as I drive about 1000 miles/week, this is important to me. However, it has one major design flaw that should be corrected. The A-pillar is huge, which when combined with a large side-view mirror, creates a very large blind spot when turning. It is a problem when navigating in city traffic for other cars, but particularly for pedestrians and bicycles. Other than that, its a great car and I recommend it.

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  Happy Camper - 2007 Buick Lucerne
  By william strang - November 25 - 9:58 am

  My only disappointment is that the city mileage (and I drive conservatively) is only 17 vs the 21 I got from my 2000 LeSabre. Highway driving is about 27. A nice car to own and drive.

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  Most fun car to drive - 2004 Buick Rendezvous
  By Sallie Herman - November 22 - 5:05 am

  This car is so reliable, comfortable, no back strain, and so easy to load with the hatchback at waist level. Large storage compartment, and comfortable seats for passengers. Added phones in passenger seats for comfort in listening to music. Great visibility in the front windshield, in fact that is why I purchased this car. The vista is great when traveling to beautiful places, panoramic view. My whole family loves this car, and I am a 76 year old grandmother, and everyone wishes they owned this car. I wish I had bought the wine colored car, instead of the gun metal, which many people have. That would have been a little a fun color for me.

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  CXL - 2008 Buick Enclave
  By BillyG - November 22 - 12:30 am

  Most quiet/comfortable vehicle have ever owned. Looking forward to long trip. Gold Mist Metallic is an awesome color. Mileage on par with an Acura MDX, Lexus 350 without premium fuel. Put those marques on this vehicle and they would be proud.

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  2007 Lucerne - 2007 Buick Lucerne
  By Lucerne - November 21 - 9:21 am

  Just purchased a few days ago. Excellent fit and finish and very comfortable interior. Smooth ride