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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  buick lesabre - 1991 Buick LeSabre
  By LHENGESBACH - July 22 - 2:00 am

  excellent riding car. very little maintenance problems.

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  electrical problems from Buick - 1994 Buick Regal
  By tucsonslim - July 21 - 2:00 am

  I have lost the alternator 3 times in two years and know that it will without a doubt go againwithin the year. Otherwise I love the car.

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  9 year rating - 1993 Buick Regal
  By e8retired91 - July 20 - 2:00 am

  This was an attractive sport coupe in 93 but is somewhat dated now. The 170HP motor offers plenty of power and returns excellent fuel mileage on regular unleaded gas. Reliability has been very good except for some air conditioner problems over the years. Engine and transmission have been perfect...not a single problem in 86,000 miles. Water pump failed, but that was my fault. I didnt change the coolant for 8 years (geez)! No regrets purchasing this one and hope I can the say the same about the Cadillac Eldorado ETC I bought a few months ago.

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  Decent Practical Car - 1996 Buick LeSabre
  By Maxine - July 20 - 2:00 am

  Mine has 110000 miles,Traction control,GT Package,Which handles excellent.

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  Great Car. - 1999 Buick Riviera
  By destructivedave - July 16 - 2:00 am

  What can i say? This car was designed perfectly. This car excells on the highway. Fuel economy is a bummer.

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  Good rental car - 1996 Buick Century
  By Bill H. - July 13 - 2:00 am

  Purchased as one year old prior rental, good second car with good gas mileage of 29 mpg. Above average fit and finish and overall reliability. Good basic 4- door car despite aging design. Engine 3.1L at 103k miles still not burning or leaking oil, which is saying a lot for an American make car. Transmission still smooth. Easy to change own oil. Drawback is suspension very soft, and turning radius too wide for size of car.

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  Overdrive and Cup Holders - 1992 Buick Century
  By Columbo - July 11 - 2:00 am

  I really like the car in general. Most everything works and feels right. My only knock against them(or at least the one I have) is the fact that there is absolutely no engine braking whatesoever, and if I drive it on Drive instead of Overdrive, it give a jerking motion everytime I give it gas or release the gas pedal. Overdrive really bad on winter roads And the fact that it does not come with cup holders or any options as to where one could be installed. May sound petty but is very much a nescessity Gas mileage is great, comfort is great, controls are great, mechanicly great.

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  price to expect from insurance adjuster - 1992 Buick Riviera
  By steve collins - July 10 - 2:00 am

  bought this car in dec 2001. old lady had it and omly drove it to store and church. vehicle was exceptional and was a one of a kind for a 1992.

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  Good Little Boring Car - 1999 Buick Century
  By BMAN - July 8 - 2:00 am

  This car is a great buy for someone who wants comfortable, cheap transportation. The amount of things you get on this car for the price is great. The 3.1L V6 is both powerful in the low rev range and gets good gas mileage. This is an old GM motor which has proven to be very reliable if a bit noisy. The styling is very boring on the outside but simple and well placed on the inside. Build quality is lacking as the body panels have big gaps and part of the ceiling has come down in the rear. The trunk and the interior are both spacious and comfy. Ride quality is pillowy soft but the tires are of very bad quality and make a lot of noise.

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  Bad Supension! - 1998 Buick LeSabre
  By tjloftis - July 8 - 2:00 am

  I traded my Gran Prix in for a 98 Buick with 44,000 miles and the Buick is ok but it has some wind noise around the windows and on the interstate the front end bounces and it seems to want to leave the lanes, have to drive with both hands. It has ok power until around 80 miles per hour but then it lacks power. It seems to take the starter too long to kick the motor over. The seats are really hard and the back part of the front seats don"t seem high enough. I just don"t think it would be worth the price for a new one. Wishing I had my Gran Prix back!!!