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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  What a Keeper - 1991 Buick Regal
  By pablo - April 29 - 10:30 am

  My Regal Limited is now 18 years old and with only 97,000 miles on it still runs and drives like new. I think that the 3.8 engine has to be one of the best that GM has ever produced. Just thought it was kind of odd that this car is the Limited but has manual crank windows, but I have learned to live with them. Excellent car that I would recommend to anyone. And the gas mileage is tops.

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  great car - 2002 Buick Rendezvous
  By D Argo - April 29 - 10:00 am

  This is a great mid size suv that is much easier to drive and park than bigger ones. It carries 7 people when we need it to or 5 people and luggage. It also averages 20mpg in town and still has adequate power.

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  My catchy review - 2011 Buick Enclave
  By Ted Dennis - April 28 - 6:44 am

  It is very nice.

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  New Car - 2009 Buick Enclave
  By Happy - April 27 - 7:09 pm

  I sent in a review and wanted people to know the outcome. I am the gentleman that had a problem with the motor @1500 mile and hoped GM stood behind its product. They replaced the vehicle with a new one exactly the way we ordered the first. Hudson Buick GMC was exceptional thru the whole ordeal. Great vehicle you will love the ride. Did from day one!!!!!

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  Buick Enclave - 2008 Buick Enclave
  By debbie - April 27 - 12:00 pm

  I wanted a car with 3 rows of seats to hold 6 grandchildren but also wanted a nice interior for myself--enclave was perfect. I have always had a large SUV but my husband wanted me to get away from a vehicle that large--enclave great size. It looks great, drives great--still very happy a year later

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  Consider a Buick - 2009 Buick Enclave
  By Lovemybuick - April 27 - 11:33 am

  I found the consumer reviews very helpful so I decided I should give my experience. I looked at Toyota Highlander(no 60/40 split 3rd row)and Acura MDX (2nd row of seats do not move adjust for back passagers). I kept coming back to the Buick. This crossover is so quiet, it is riding in your living room. We have already driven it on a long road trip and had no complaints. The dealership was wonderful to work with and gave us a great price.

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  DONT WASTE YOUR MONEY! - 2005 Buick Terraza
  By Tina - April 25 - 8:53 am

  Day I purchased brand new, brakes went out, Dealer kept my van 2 months, the excuse "the part had not come in from overseas" My door has never shut properly, its noisy, I complained about banging under van, Dealer said its normal, another shop said it was the engine gears lose. When I start the car it keeps turning as if I was still starting sometimes it wont start at all and I have to try again, the dealership said that was normal. Its run out of gas 4 times, because I parked at angle I have had other buick terraza owners stop me in parking lots and ask about the same problems I was having, This van, USELESS and dealers blow off ALL the problems with it! I have the paperwork to proveit

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  2009 Lucerne CXL - 2009 Buick Lucerne
  By jack - April 23 - 3:57 pm

  My first Buick after a long line of Pontiacs, Dodges, Toyotas and Fords over the years. Reason for choosing Buick was the great looks and an incredible price with GM incentives on what is a high-end luxury car. First impressions-car looks great in Black with Titanium leather interior. Smart lines all around outside and inside, elegant and quietly stating luxury. Strong 3.9L V6 engine coupled with a capable 4 speed transmission. This is a luxury car not a sports car and tuned accordingly for strong performance but not "burning rubber off the line" or "cornering at 75mph". The inside is beautiful with no gimmicky controls- logical and within reach engineered for elegance. I love this car!

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  Regal Gran Sport - 1993 Buick Regal
  By Mr. Buick - April 23 - 3:33 pm

  The 93 Regal is a good reliable vehicle, though these days the gas mileage is a problem. Spending an hour to 2 on the highway used a half a tank of gas. Its very comfortable with plenty of space for people and cargo. Headlights are too dim (though that may be due to age). No major complaints, and this car will run forever. Though my windows have gone off- track multiple times even after getting them replaced they dont seem to be quality windows. I would advise people to find a newer car these days as the 93 Regal is 16 years old now.

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  My first US car in 18 years - 2005 Buick LaCrosse
  By MartyD - April 23 - 10:16 am

  Nice looking design inside and out. Looks more expensive than it is. Handling on par with my 2000 Nissan Maxima which is pretty good. Bigger trunk than Acura TL.