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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  My Buick Rendevous - 2007 Buick Rendezvous
  By melissa jacobs - November 20 - 8:34 pm

  Im very happy with the truck. I wish it had front sensors too. The drivers mirrors on the outside of the truck are a great size. Im really able to see whats coming up on me. I love the OnStar in it. I would love to get another one when my time is up. I would definitely recommend this car to anyone, plus I already get a lot of compliments on it now.

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  A Classic - 1990 Buick Riviera
  By hewey - November 20 - 5:25 pm

  Have over 200000 mi. Never had any major repairs to engine or transmission. Love this car. I will keep this car to the end.

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  Awesome Car - 2005 Buick Rendezvous
  By none - November 20 - 3:25 pm

  We bought this Rendezvous because of the price, and the fact that this is not our first Buick. The Rendezvous has many features with the CX base. The ride is very comfortable with a lot of leg room. There is also a lot of cargo room. You can fit many boxes in the car if you are moving. There isnt that much wind noise in the car even if you drive fast. The car also is high in the back and lower in the front to prevent the car from tipping over. The gas mileage is great. We drove from Connecticut to Maine and it took about 1 full tank of gas.

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  Hard to Improve - 2007 Buick Lucerne
  By Buick Fan - November 18 - 8:52 pm

  This is my fourth Buick since 1989 including 2 LeSabres and a Park Avenue. The quietness of my test drive convinced me to buy. The luxuriouness of interior and exterior are impressive for the money. Handling with 17-inch wheels is a plus. I love to drive it.

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  What a Car! - 1993 Buick Roadmaster
  By Mary Ann - November 17 - 7:19 pm

  This vehicle had belonged to my Mother. It was given to me 2 years ago. It is the most comfortable and reliable car by far. Everyone who rides in it cannot believe how comfortable it is. I love it and will keep it even if I eventually buy another vehicle. It now has 104,000 original miles and we just recently put a new stereo system with CD and new speakers.

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  Im buying another - 2005 Buick Rainier
  By skeet - November 15 - 10:37 pm

  I have never owned a vehicle I have liked more. Traded a BMW and would never go back. Feel reviewers have given this vehicle a bad rap. I like everything about this vehicle and cant wait to get my new one. Also own a DTS Caddy and really would just as soon drive the Buick. Runs like a scalded dog. A/C is fantastic. Ride is wonderful. Edmunds say Toureg or 4Runner? I say pooey. 61 250 lbs this is one roomy vehicle. Wonderfully reliable. What more can I say? Have owned Suburban and like this much better. Turns on a dime. Easy to park.

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  You have to drive it, to believe it - 2007 Buick Rendezvous
  By Nate Spencer - November 14 - 8:08 pm

  This is my wifes car. She says it drives like a luxury car. Its very good on the highway and we drove it from Friendswood, Texas to Chatham, Ont. Handling and acceleration is good. Its comfortable and no blind spots looking out the back. We have 2nd row buckets seats. You need to drive it. we average 415 miles per tank of gas. You need to drive it.

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  Nice - 2007 Buick Lucerne
  By budeboy - November 14 - 11:28 am

  This car has great features, a great ride, and great looks. Quiet as a Lexus

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  Wow - 2005 Buick Rainier
  By Melody Myers - November 13 - 12:20 am

  I have enjoyed the ownership and smoothness of the ride, great amenities, and ease of handling.

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  Too young for a Buick - 2008 Buick Enclave
  By TOO YOUNG 4 A BUICK - November 11 - 7:43 am

  I have owned every vehicle imaginable and the Enclave is by far the most comfortable and user friendly vehicle ever. It was a choice between the 08 CTS or the Enclave and hands down the Enclave was the clear choice. i am used to driving Yukons, suburbans, bmws and never thought i was in the age group that would own a Buick as I am 44 my wife is 28 and neither of us regret our choice. You truly owe it to yourself to drive the new Buick Enclave!