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:

• 

  Brand New, Love it Already - 2013 Buick LaCrosse
  By jimjjr - February 18 - 7:58 am

  I traded in a 2008 BMW 528i on this model and thus far love it. The interior fit and finish is every bit equal to the bmw, and it is more comfortable and quiet on the highway than the bmw was even new. I was able to get it equipped exactly the way i wanted to, with the driver confidence package, entertainment and navigation package. It helps that Ill be able to get it service locally, rather than driving an hour to a bmw dealer. The look of the car is awesome and i hope that ill have luck with it. While the rear visibility isnt great, the blind spot monitor is very good and the V6 has terrific passing power. My friend, who is 62, was able to sit comfortably in the back. Awesome car

• 

  What a buy! - 2011 Buick Regal
  By cbbll - February 12 - 9:33 am

  I was looking for something with better gas mileage, stylish, and relatively roomy. I looked at several differnt options and never thought I would consider a Buick. When I drove this car, it instantly reminded me of our 09 Audi A4 with the way it handled. Of course, the acceleration doesnt quite compare, but it can still move right along. The black on black is very sharp and as a young professional, my friends and co workers laughed at me when I said I bought a Buick. That was until they saw the car. Now everyone wants to drive it!

• 

  Buick Hits a Homerun - 2013 Buick Enclave
  By john178 - February 11 - 9:08 pm

  Have had our Enclave for 1 week and absolutely love everything about it. The interior is much more plush than the 2012 model. The quiet cabin is as advertised. The ride is so comfortable it is hard to describe. The led rope lighting on the doors and dash are classy. First time we got the articulating headlamps and this actually helps enlarge the area of lighting when turning. The rear entertainment system will be well used by grandkids. The Intellilink is user freindly and awesome. The spaciousness for all 7 seats is impressive.

• 

  New Encore is nice - 2013 Buick Encore
  By bosco16 - February 4 - 12:52 pm

  Enjoying this vehicle very much. My wife will be driving it and she loves the size and design. Great mpg, very quiet and fun to drive. Looks small on the outside but seems big on the inside. Engine is not overpowering but very peppy. Is a small turbo that uses regular gas.... with mid to high 20s mpg for in-town driving. Fit and finish is very good.

• 

  My 2002 LeSabre - 2002 Buick LeSabre
  By shadetree61 - January 29 - 9:42 am

  I have owned many cars in my life, and this is definately one of the best. With just under 180K on it, I am now having to do the first major repair, an intake manifold gasket. I have read many negative reviews on this model, and would question how much care has been taken of the car. I have done regular oil changes, tuneups, brakes, etc. that any car needs, and this car has never left me stranded. I would buy another buick when I need another car without question. I wish they still made Lesabres.

• 

  Luxury at a great value - 2013 Buick Verano
  By ck61 - January 9 - 10:09 am

  I just have my Verano for about a month now and Im very impressed. My ruby red color attracts a lot of attention, and shows off the cars great lines. Great finishes in the interior as well looks like a more expensive car. Very comfortable seats for 4 and big trunk. Car loaded with features. More than enough acceleration. Very happy with my selection!

• 

  GS my dad would love - 2012 Buick Regal
  By rodmunch1 - December 30 - 11:26 pm

  traded my 2012 lacrosse tour ed. for the GS. half my friends said i was nuts. the car guys, though, get it. the lax. was great and i miss the extras but the fun factor is now off the charts. the sport mode make shifts as fast as you would expect for a non sports car. brakes and suspension in sp. mode also react instantly. i still havent figured out what the GS mode does. the ride seems rougher in GS mode than in standard mode. the mall parking lot "GAWK FACTOR" unreal. people really react to this car. every gas station visit someone complements the car. i wish it came with a/s tires instead of summer tires. the reason for not all 5s is the seat is too small for my butt

• 

  very pleased with my car - 2009 Buick LaCrosse
  By dave03886 - December 29 - 2:22 pm

  I bought this car last year with 96K miles for $9000, the car was driven by the owner of the dealership. And had been maintained very well. I had the evap sensor replaced and the ABS sensor repaired, 4 tires and front brakes, and regular oil changes. The ride is comfortable, and not sport handling at all, through very predictable road manners. fuel mileage is 18 town and 25 Highway. The car also has side airbags. I have 120k miles on it now and expect to keep it awhile and put many more trouble free miles on it. The engine has a timing chain and not a belt, also the engine is 3.8 with the improved steel intake that prior GM had trouble with leaks. This was the last year for the new version.

• 

  Owned since new in 2005 - 2005 Buick Terraza
  By drjayz - December 29 - 10:02 am

  Have a long history of good Bbuicks, so when it became time for me to haul grandsons to hockey and loads of food and gear to the cottage, I wanted a van with AWD. I love this vehicle and would have bought another if GM still made a replacement. A few problems that dealer handled well: flush rear AWD transmission due to whirring noise on sharp turns, Rt front wheel bearing, front brakes after 4 years-not bad, after 7 years remote start/doors key FOBs quit - still working on that one. Have 100,000miles including 2 trips to South Mexico-beautiful to drive at 75MPH for hours. #1 issue: same DVD stuck in 2nd row player since 2006 . In 2012 drive heated seat has a hot spot - may be a short?

• 

  Extremely reliable vehicle... - 2007 Buick Rendezvous
  By pjk2 - October 20 - 1:51 pm

  We own 4 Buicks of different years which have all turned out to be extremely reliable. our 2007 Ruby red Rendezvous has 108 cu feet of cargo space .. more than any CUV its size... and gets a easy 25mpg even going up and down the hilly highways of PA.. I change my own brakes and the Lucas all alloy brakes are very easy to change rotors and pads... never had a bolt stick because the alloy does not rust. The ride is very comfortable and quiet. Take care of this car and it will take care of you. At 4,000lbs it will be safer than the tiny SUVs I see running around with more interior space and the option to take out the rear seats. Very good practical vehicle.