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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  Vibration Problems Kills the Fun - 2003 Buick Park Avenue
  By rstuart202 - November 24 - 10:00 am

  I love the styling and overall comfort of the car. However, a highway-speed vibration has taken all the fun out of the new car. I have had 4 sets of tires installed and newly designed lower control arms installed. It still vibrates at 60+ MPH. Very disappointing after spending nearly 40k.

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  SOLID CAR - 2001 Buick LeSabre
  By mgranito - November 19 - 2:00 am

  Great gas mileage for the power. Smooth, quiet ride. Handling somewhat sloppy. Sleek, classy look. Only major complaint is that seats are too soft for extended trips.

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  Nice litle SUV - 2016 Buick Encore
  By Encoresport - November 13 - 2:25 am

  I like the Buick Encore very much, but cant live with stop/start for the next 6 years. Got a another brand instead.

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  poor quality control - 2000 Buick Regal
  By Ray Heard - November 13 - 2:00 am

  The rubber seal around the windshield flew off while driving at the posted speed (70 mph). The dealer said that they have not had another incident like that reported. . The trim on the drivers side that covers the channel that carries the wiring harness to the rear of the car fell off into the street when I struck it with my foot while exiting the auto. . The rubber or plastic trim that covers the head liner on the edges has always been loose, The front seats have absolutely no lumbar support.

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  My Lesabre - 1992 Buick LeSabre
  By jlytle5 - November 6 - 2:00 am

  I have nothing but good things to say about my car. It has necer let me down. And if not for the rust that is eating away at it I would keep it.

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  All around good car - 1994 Buick LeSabre
  By Matthew Spring - November 1 - 2:00 am

  This vehicle has been great. I only had one problem with the passenger side motor, for the window. Other than that,a great car, with just enough power.

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  No Problems - 2000 Buick Regal
  By Joe M - October 31 - 2:00 am

  This has been a great car and Im considering keeping it when my lease expires in 4 months. It is fun to drive, comfortable, reliable and durable enough to still look good even when I have 3 kids 7 and under. I have never had a major problem and every issue I have had has been handled by Buick without question.

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  Buick Regal GS - 2003 Buick Regal
  By mhterrysr - October 28 - 2:00 am

  This is the second Buick I have owned in the last few years and this is the best. Great Performance and no problems with it in the first six months.

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  Look out - 2000 Buick Century
  By cynthia c. coleman - October 24 - 2:00 am

  I purchased at 19,000 from Enterprise Car Rental. The car had been previously leased. 2 cylinders had to be replaced (under warranty). Now at 48,000 miles the transmission needs a $850 repair(Transvalve body is the problem). Transmission service personnel said this type of transmission has caused problems. In the future I will fork up the cash and purchase an extended warranty.

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  Happy to have it - 1996 Buick Century
  By Don Carlo - October 23 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car i 2000, it had only 14K M, now it has 63,500 I live in Monterrey Mexico, two hours from the border, this year we had a travel from Laredo, Tx to Los Angeles and Las Vegas, car response EXCELLENT. I wont sell it, I had also an 1988 Century, you can die on it!!!!!