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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  Best car yet - 1996 Buick Roadmaster
  By Steve - April 16 - 12:13 pm

  I wanted one of these wagons back in 1996 but thought they were just too much money back then. I got this one from a friend with only 25K miles on it. It drives perfectly and made to CA. from CO. for a station wagon car show without trouble and averaged 24 mpg!

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  Dont Purchase - 2007 Buick Terraza
  By Jamie - April 13 - 3:00 pm

  Since I have had this one year I have had nothing but issues with the sliding doors. They get stuck, wont open, or open on their own. At times it is hard to turn in reverse, it is like I loose power steering. The dealership is NO help. Hard to see out back. Hard to get to the back. Middle seats dont move. Brakes squeak repaired twice. DONT BUY!!!!!

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  Very Good Car - 2006 Buick LaCrosse
  By Joe - April 12 - 3:20 pm

  Have had Buick Regals before with virtually no problems and expect the same with the LaCross. It rides very nicely, good mileage, the 3800 runs like a top as they all do, and its MADE IN AMERICA!

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  Be different... - 2014 Buick Verano
  By Vince - April 12 - 1:50 pm

  With roads filled with Camrys, Accords, and Fusions, why not take a look at the Buick Verano, a nice entry level luxury sedan. Built on the same platform as the Chevy Cruze, and thats where the comparison stops. Buick designed a completely different body and shares few interior parts. It is conservatively styled and elegant. When compared in looks to its siblings the Verano fits right in but as a compact. It has a classy quite interior with comfortable seating. The rear will be a little cramped for some. The 2.4 180 HP engine with 6 speed automatic transmission is refined and smooth. This is the same engine used for the larger base Regal. I average around 23 MPG, not great but considering the ride and smooth shifting transmission its no sacrifice. The cabin environment is very inviting and features 10 airbags. I have the convenience group in mine, it adds auto night adjusting rear view mirror, partial power drivers seat, lane change warning, frontal collision warning, heated seats, side warning system added to the standard back up camera, all this added to a long list of standard equipment. There is a pretty user friendly infotainment system with voice command blue tooth, standard. The dash has some clutter but glows light blue at night. 18" alloy wheels are standard. The Verano feels like a larger car and offers excellent value. You wont look like everyone else driving one.

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  Japanese, eat your pocket books out! - 2006 Buick Lucerne
  By Southern Guy - April 12 - 2:30 am

  Expertly styled and built. Breathtaking interior. I wanted something different from all my coworkers and friends. Boy, does this car have class and style that I just dont find in the Azera or Avalon for that matter. Test drove the Avalon, and Es300 and it seemed more suited as a competitor for the Es. Still chose the Lucerne. It simply seemed to outclass the Lexus and I know the V6 to be tried and true.

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  Window Replacements - 2002 Buick LeSabre
  By Upset - April 11 - 12:42 pm

  In the 6 years we have owned the car we have replaced all 4 window motors. This is not a cheap thing to replace. No one has been able to give us an explanation as to why this occurs. The car is garaged and no children to slam doors. The fuel economy is excellent but the money we save go into replacing window motors.

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  BUICK RENDEVOUS - 2004 Buick Rendezvous
  By DEVONTE EDMONDS - April 10 - 2:00 am

  SMOOTH RIDE AND EXCELLENT HANDLING. GAS MILEAGE PROBABLY LESS THAN ADVERTISED. AN EXCELLENT BUY AT A MODERATE PRICE.

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  Buick Rendesvous - 2004 Buick Rendezvous
  By Bruce Lloyd - April 10 - 2:00 am

  Not even near the milage rating affixed to car.GetS 12-13 local if I am lucky. Trips using cruise,control on flat out desert land for 5 hours I get less than 18 mpg.My 2002 Cadilliac gets 26 mpg on trips. Transmission is about the poorest I have ever driven. Slams at acceleration in traffic at about 4- 8mph. Dealer tells me this is normal, so is my gas mileage. Never again. I am going back to Ford next time Cant get things fixed. It takes 6-8 returns to get anything done.I have a windshield that was damaged by dealer writing on it.Instead of replacing it they keep polishing and removing layers of the surface of the glass. This is not good warranty work.

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  Buick Hit It Out Of The Park - 2009 Buick Enclave
  By Red Jewel Enclave - April 9 - 4:56 pm

  The Buick Enclave is a thoughtfully designed vehicle that is beautiful in every way. The exterior styling with the Red Jewel tintcoat is stunning against the chrome finishings. We chose the cashmere leather with cocoa accents, which sets off the luxurious tone of the interior. The Edmunds editor doesnt like the interior bling, but we love it. On a recent road trip, we averaged 22mpg. With city driving mixed in we are seeing an overall average of 19mpg, so we are very satisfied with the fuel economy. No other SUV comes close to this one in terms of comfort, quietness and luxury features. My other car is a Cadillac and all I want do now is drive the Enclave (but the wife wont let me).

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  2003 Buick LaSabre - 2003 Buick LeSabre
  By LCB - April 9 - 10:46 am

  I recently purchased the 2003 LeSabre with 74,000 miles on it. It is a great car with a lot of features, however, there is a problem with the air suspension that I thought the dealer had repaired, but after driving it while the suspension is still not right. Im going to see if I can change the suspension to a non-air to see if this will work. Other than that the ride is great and a love the way the engine sounds.