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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  Great Car - Problem Fixed - 2006 Buick Lucerne
  By Rob1958 - April 22 - 2:05 pm

  Reading my previous review, you will see the problem with the oxygen sensor. After two more visits regarding the same problem, the GM advisor recommended that the Dealership check the wires. magic, one of the wires had a short in it which was affecting the oxygen sensor. Problem has been repaired and the car is just humming along. I would still recommend this vehicle even with my problem since that was not a design flaw but instead a supplier issue with the wiring.

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  quiet and competent - 1999 Buick Century
  By ruzz - April 20 - 8:46 pm

  My first car, my parents got it for me. As usual, not the choice I would have made, but Dad made the right one I must now admit. Shes almost at the 100,000 mile mark and the only problem Ive had was the breaks went on me, but even then it performed admirably and got me home safe. Pretty good handling and very forgiving, but it will also move when you tell it to. The overall exterior is designed more for a conservative buyer, but the unremarkable looks actually works to your benefit if you pass an officer of the law a little too much on the expeditious side, as opposed to doing so in a more aggressively styled car. Just do the routine maintenance and you should have no problems.

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  Best large crossover (by far) - 2009 Buick Enclave
  By luv my enclave - April 20 - 6:46 pm

  First let me say that I drove all the competition (MDX, Pilot, RX350, Highlander, CX-9, etc) and none can compare to the Enclaves combination of MPG, horse power, interior space, and fit/finish. We just couldnt be happier with our new Enclave. It simply blows away the competition. Hopefully it is not too late for GM, but they finally got it right with this Buick. If status appeal of the nameplate is not your top priority when buying a large crossover SUV, the Buick Enclave will be the natural choice.

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  Not just for Grannies - 1999 Buick Regal
  By Buickgirl - April 19 - 2:06 pm

  I love my Buick Regal, I took a lot of grief for it when I purchased it in 2002 - 0nly 24 years old at the time my friends thought I was crazy to purchase a "grandma car". This was the best decision I ever made, I will keep this car forever. Ive just reached 100,000 miles.

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  Great Experience - 2009 Buick Enclave
  By Denid - April 19 - 9:32 am

  I just purchased the Buick Enclave CXL A.W.D. with the Driver Confidence package,the Luxury package,entertainment package #1 with an after market drop down D.V.D. player,all for $42,500.00. I had researched for two months and test driven the Acura,Mercedes,Ford Flex and a Chevy Lumina.I feel that I have a really great value in the Enclave. It is truly a beautiful vehicle thats so much fun to drive.

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  Its called the Road Master for a Reason - 1996 Buick Roadmaster
  By alisha4545 - April 18 - 11:27 pm

  This car has been the best ever! It is great for the trips all around Texas and its moved me several times....even though its got alot of miles it doesnt seem anything could stand in its way!

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  Not the sharpest, but good to my wallet! - 1996 Buick LeSabre
  By JC - April 18 - 12:45 am

  I bought this car a few months back from a friend. It has 189,000 miles on it. I bought it with the intentions of putting a new motor in since this was neglected. 20,000+ on oil, 30,000+ on filter and 3 quarts over full!! I decided to drain the oil, give it an oil change and filter change, drive about 50 miles and redo it again. This car is great. 29 MPH on interstate and no check engine lights so far. I have to tell you, with that much neglect and the thing still gets great gas mileage and never fails to start...there is nothing that I can do to that engine that will harm it!

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  Toying with the Past - 1998 Buick LeSabre
  By Shunteezy - April 17 - 11:38 am

  I was really scepitical about this car because of age and size. I really am fond of foreign whips as far as cars go. I am a domestic truck girl though! I was really super surprised with the fuel economy of this full-sized sedan. It gets nearly 30 mpg on the highway and 23-25 mpg in the city. This car has been rated the safest car in history and I see why it holds the road very well and its sleek exterior design looks and feels safe.

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  the best SUV i have ever had - 2002 Buick Rendezvous
  By bigfootpressure - April 17 - 2:00 am

  its a very reliable SUV

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  I expected more - 2008 Buick Lucerne
  By disappointed - April 16 - 9:24 pm

  Trading in my 2000 Lesabre with 142000 miles I expected a big improvement> Not so! Rattle in front end, trunk doesnt open but half way, wind noise is terrible, engine has no power> Quiet tune? they must have forgotten to do this one, 67 MPH very annoying drive train noise. sun visors not even close to what was on the 2000. Mileage is not as good either. cant reach door handles to close doors. Plastic push pins used in many places all loose.