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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  98 Lesabre Custom - 1998 Buick LeSabre
  By Joe Ruger - August 12 - 2:00 am

  We have been very pleased with this car. After driving a Taurus for years, its a very pleasant change. The vehicle rides SMOOTH, has good pickup, and is extremely comfortable. It corners like a large car.

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  my favorite suv - 2004 Buick Rendezvous
  By marv neuman - August 12 - 2:00 am

  i love this vehicle, and enjoy driving it, it could use a little more power, repairs seem to be difficult and that is sad, i havent enjoyed a vehicle as much since my 79 cutlass supreme coupe

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  Buick 2000 GS - 2000 Buick Regal
  By Sajid Ansari - August 10 - 2:00 am

  Great car. Super pickup. Luxurious interior. Great sound. Reliable. Tons of features. Makes you feel great when you drive. Better than most cars in its class. Beats the "American cars are junk. Buy Japanese". On the downside - it doesnt manoeuvre as sharply as a sport sedan shld. (prob coz of its size). The body structure and color could be improved. Overall - a superb car. love it more each day.

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  1994 Buick Skylark Price - 1994 Buick Skylark
  By Knits by Glo - August 2 - 2:00 am

  This vehicle has almost 100,000 miles. It had a previous owner. I have owned the car for 21/2 yrs and put about 40,000 miles on it. I have had the oil changed and the tires rotated every 3 months or 3,000 miles.

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  GS is OK - 1999 Buick Regal
  By Randles - August 2 - 2:00 am

  Just turned 50 bought the car in 2000 for performance, assumed it was sleeper and it is! Not much under $30K can touch the performance of the GS and gas mileage is acceptable.

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  PROBLEMS - 2001 Buick LeSabre
  By golfman - August 2 - 2:00 am

  Bought the Le Sabre limited in December of 2001. Here are some problems I have had with it. Took the car to the dealership three times for "rattles". The problem still appears from time to time. At purchase time I insisted that General Tires be replaced as I have had many problems with them in the past. I was told I would have to pay hundeds extra to exchange them. Well 5,800 miles later and all four tires need to be replaced!!!!

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  Buick Regal LS - 2003 Buick Regal
  By gator - August 1 - 2:00 am

  Traded in a Honda Accord for this Regal. Im impressed by its comfort, convenience features and solid feel.The 3800 engine is a pleasure to drive, especially on the highway. The styling is clean and refined.

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  Iriss - 1997 Buick Century
  By Iris Flower - July 31 - 2:00 am

  The vehicle has been reliable. No problem starting, no stalling. Rides comfortably on rough roads. Has ABS that work well in inclement weather. Automatic lights at dark are convenient and the daylight running lights are a safety factor. Instrumentation is convenient. Trunk is roomy and has a net to hold small items.

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  Great Car - 1994 Buick Roadmaster
  By BoatDriver - July 27 - 2:00 am

  Driven for 186,000 miles. Only one major repair. Exchange transmission fluid at 75,000 miles. Biggest headache - brakes - warped rotors, brake dust, etc. Major repair - spark plug wires and distributor cap (expensive to repair). Has original exhaust system - first auto for me that went over 50K without needing an exhaust system. No rust. No evidence of impending problems with the sheet metal. It goes like a bat out of XXXX but gives great mileage if driven sensably - always gets better than 22 MPG at highway speeds plus 10. GM - BUILD THIS CAR AGAIN - ILL BUY IT. Looking for 1996 cream puff of this car with less than 50K miles.

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  Dependable luxury - 1997 Buick Park Avenue
  By buickfan - July 25 - 9:33 am

  I purchased this car when it was 4 years old for a mere $10,500! At the time it had 71,000 miles and was in a very good shape. This car turned me into strong Buick fan and I dont want to part with it as long as possible. In the last 7 years I had some issues, but they were not serious enough to cost a lot of money. I was seriously considering buying another Park Avenue.