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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  2008 Buick Enclave - 2008 Buick Enclave
  By Marie - June 22 - 2:58 pm

  We purchased the model with 2nd row bench seat so we could put the childs car seat in the middle. The middle compartment does move, but she can still kick the audio dials facing the 2nd row. The outside rear view mirrors block when turning left or right for someone that is short. The GPS system leaves a lot to be desired. We have a Garmin portable in the other vehicle and it does a lot better job. On sunny days, rear navigation system cannot be seen. Wish it had better gas mileage.

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  Great Value - 2001 Buick Park Avenue
  By JBN - June 22 - 2:40 pm

  Ive owned over 40 cars, and this Buick ranks near the top. I purchased it 6 months ago when it only had 20K miles. I now have 42K miles on the car. I still cant believe I get between 35 - 40 mpg on the highway. A few minor issues with dash squeaks/rattles.

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  LeSabre - 2003 Buick LeSabre
  By S. Voyles - June 22 - 1:39 pm

  Great car for six years with 79,000 miles

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  Beware 75,000 miles - 1997 Buick Park Avenue
  By Jeff Wright - June 21 - 2:00 am

  Look out if you own a 97 Park Avenue that is approaching 75,000 miles. I bought mine new, and bought an extended warranty. As soon as the warranty was up, the paint started cracking, the cruise control went out, the passenger door handle broke, the window switch broke, the door lock collapsed inside the door panel, the gas guage broke. This care sucks. I talked to Pitre Buick before the warranty was up on some of these things but got stalled. After the warranty expired, no help. I called Buick. There response: tough luck. Why not buy a new car from us? Buyers beware, Park Avenues fall apart after 75,000 miles.

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  Love my SUV! - 2002 Buick Rendezvous
  By The Quinns - June 21 - 2:00 am

  My wife and I absolutely adore our Rendezvous. Its ride is incredible and it is the most comfortable vehicle we have ever owned. We were pleased with the gas mileage (about the same as the Mazda MPV we previously owned) and we have used the ABS and AWD several times already in the typical Ottawa winter. The fold down rear seats are also great, especially when the in-laws show up for the weekend. We still fight over whos turn it is to drive!

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  Great car - 2006 Buick Lucerne
  By Ray - June 20 - 2:36 pm

  The Lucerne is a great car. It is comfortable, has a roomy interior, enough power to satisfy me and not make me feel I cant get on the interstate without a problem. However, several small things have been a problem. The cup holder in the console is a dud. Cant see the heated seat lights in the daytime. The seats squeak and the remote trunk opener should not be in the glove box. Would I buy this car again? In a minute. I can overlook the small stuff because it is fun to drive, confortable and with only 2200 miles, problem free. The 3.8 engine is old technology, but if past history is any indication, it will run for ever withoiut a problem, and get decent gas mileage for a car this size.

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  Rainier - Top Marks - 2004 Buick Rainier
  By ellenob - June 20 - 10:18 am

  This cars performance has been strong and repair history has been light, equal to my previous Hondas. Im very satisfied and will keep it.

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  BOUGHT IT NEW - 2007 Buick Rendezvous
  By JANAL615 - June 20 - 9:58 am

  I had a 2005 rendezvous. Pretty much the same, but much better gas mileage than the 07.With all the incentives offered, how could you not buy one? from $31,000 to $20,000 out the door. It is a Buick, comfortable ride, much beter quality than anything else out there for the money. Its to bad they opted to drop it in 2007, and rather than keep it and improve it, they come out with the enclave, a nice ride, but out of my price range. looking at the 2010 equinox. 32 mpg, i might have to trade the rendezvous in!!

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  Unreliable - 2002 Buick Rendezvous
  By mama of 3 - June 19 - 9:55 pm

  I wish i had looked at the vehicles review before I purchased this thing! I have had this thing a lil over 2 years, and we have gone through ALL 4 wheel bearings!! We have problems with the anti-ock break system, and already had to replace Manifold!! VERY EXPENSIVE!!!! I am definately happy I have AAA, we have had this thing towed many times, and with 3 children that is NOT FUN!!! These people really better not wonder why theyre goin outta buisness, cuz the repairs on this thing run my family 2 carpayments!!!! Its ridiculous! Please never ever buy this car!!!!! It looks nice, but its NOT!!!! By far the worse vehicle Ive ever owned!!!!!

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  16 years and still chugging along.... - 1993 Buick Regal
  By aczel - June 19 - 12:46 am

  I received this vehicle as a gift in May of 2004 from my Grandpa (he was the original owner). In over 5 years of ownership Ive had to replace certain things, such as: alternator, brakes (pads and calipers), RF window motor, and a few other minor things. Overall, the car has been great. It has 196*** kms, which Im hoping to make it to 200,000 without any issues. This was/is an absolutely great car, and I will hate to see it go, but its getting close to the time to move on. Anyone thinking about buying a Buick...dont hesitate, you wont be disappointed!