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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  I loved my buick - 1998 Buick LeSabre
  By ckohley - May 7 - 1:34 pm

  I bought this car from my father inlaw for 3000 with only 68,000 miles on it. Car was the best ive ever had. Ive never had to put any work into it, and it still got me home (150 miles) after hitting a deer at 75 mph. The car engine finally gave out at 198,000 miles. Much sadness.

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  No a bad car for American-made - 2001 Buick LeSabre
  By Doug Fresh - May 7 - 12:41 pm

  Bought in Jan 03 with 35K on it. At 200K in May 09, engine & trans. still runs pretty strong. With 89 octane, getting 23 -24 mpg. Good looking, roomy, safe car in a crash. Decent appointments & stereo. Wish the 3.8 was a little more responsive in the passing gear, especially on hills. They should have gone with a 5-speed. Suspension is mushy when cornering at high speeds or breaking on a curve. More of a luxury cruiser than a handling machine. 3 of the 4 power window regulators have died - $350 each to fix!!! Gas gauge went out at 150K. Probably my last American-made car. My 95 Regal and 02 Pontiac Montana both blew engines at 110,000 miles, holding my breath with this GM motor. Overall 7/10

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  Love This Van! Even After Nearly 4 Years - 2005 Buick Terraza
  By Butteview - May 6 - 5:48 pm

  I replaced a GMC Suburban with this van. I needed lots of cargo space and this has just 1.5 cubic feet less than my Suburban with the middle seats out and the rear seats folded flat. The storage in the rear, appearance and features sold me on this car. According to the computer, I get just a little better mileage than on the sticker. 18+/24+. I get especially good mileage on the highway. Accelerating really seems to burn gas. I got this van to take to dog shows and it is perfect. Mine has everything but heated leather seats. I would ordered that. I did not get good service from this particular Dealer.

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  ONE OF THE BEST - 1992 Buick Riviera
  By BobsBestCar - May 6 - 2:41 pm

  My 92 Riviera is one of the best I have ever owned. The ride and drive are one of a kind. The 21 city/29 HWY that I get out of her is awesome. Buick does need to bring this car back. They broke the mold when they built this car. I would say, "buy this type of car" to anyone who ask.

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  A Truly Awesome Vehicle - 2009 Buick Enclave
  By LakeErieDriver - May 4 - 8:33 am

  I absolutely love this car. It is the ultimate family vehicle and still offers style and comfort like in an upscale SUV. Pricing is high though, ours stickered just over $50k. We went from a 2007 Chrysler Aspen (full- size) and dont miss any space. Fuel Economy is great, we average about 18 city, 24 highway, sometimes even better! Very Luxurious, after all its a Buick!

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  Not what I hoped for - 2004 Buick Rendezvous
  By King - May 3 - 10:36 am

  We were in the market for and SUV, not really looking at the Rendezvous, but stumbled across it by accident. Exterior not the greatest - quickly outdated. Interior - NICE well appointed. On the positive side - when it runs it runs well. Although no major problems (yet) we have had $3500 in warranty work in the last year. Front bearings have been changed twice - under 100000km. Tired of warranty work required - glad we purchased the Ext. warranty (a MUST).

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  Oh!!!!!!!!!! what a smooth ride. - 2009 Buick Enclave
  By Jim Evans - May 2 - 12:15 pm

  We have always owned Yukons but the ride of this Enclave,is so GREAT. Quiet !!!!! I can hear people in third row seat with no problem. So much fun.

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  Nice car but annoying rattle in front - 2008 Buick Lucerne
  By Gary R. - May 1 - 10:13 pm

  Bought as a replacement as I wrecked my 07 saturn vue. 08 Lucerne CX was a dealer demo with approx. 2,400 miles on it. Started to hear a rattle/buzzing noise within the first month coming from the front end area. Brake lights stayed on until I went to the dealer for the repair. Dealer replaced a fuel line problem as there was a GM bulletin on that. To date, I have had the car in 5 times for the rattle and still rattles/buzzes. Im "disenchanted" with this Buick. Im going to try the rattle repair one more time.....then Ill contact GM personally. (They probably wont care/ or respond) Dealer has been sympathetic to my issue anyway. Im going to buy Honda next time.

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  Going for 200k with this baby! - 2004 Buick Rendezvous
  By Salesman - April 30 - 9:23 pm

  This is the 3rd Buick weve owned and were only 50!! All in all its been a family favorite, a workhorse and a great value. I drive about 100 miles a day in the Reno-Tahoe area. Coming from New England this is one of the best cars in the snow Ive seen. Very easy to drive. Lean back, put it in cruise and listen to the BoSox on XM! Grandkids love the third seat. Peole have been amazed at how much you can pack into it with the seats down. Had some warrantee work done which is norm with new models. One of the best cars for a long trip and one of the best Ive owned. Previously owned Volvo, Chevy, Ford, GMC. I plan on putting 180k on this and its doing it just fine.

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  Awesome Ride for Wassems - 2009 Buick Enclave
  By Rob Wassem - April 30 - 3:32 pm

  Ive not owned a GM since my 69 Camero when I was a senior in high school...what a change! Ive owned several large SUVs over the past 10 years including a MB GL450 recently. The Enclave is far superior to he MB 350, 450, or 550 and half he price! The ride is brilliant, the pick up is perfect, and the finish is right ON! My family and I love the car/suv..not sure what to call it - crossover:) If you are in the market for a new crossover buy the Enclave as I did the research for months and nothing compares if you require seating for 7 - 0% financing was icing on the cake!