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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  Hey, Its a van--but its not that bad - 2005 Buick Terraza
  By Karla - April 8 - 11:25 pm

  I was one of those people who NEVER thought that I would ever own a minivan. I was (and still am) an SUV woman all the way! THEN, I had two kids and want more...and I am constantly hauling around my twin nephews, so it just became necessary. The only thing I hate about this vehicle is that it is minivan and not...well, anything other than a minivan. It has been great for getting a lot of kids where they need to go and has been very reliable so far. I havent had it long, but I felt the need to tell anyone who wanted to know that this vehicle has had no major problems and hasnt given me anything to complain about so far. I am very pleased with it.

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  A Great Vehicle! - 2006 Buick Rendezvous
  By Paul Camern - April 8 - 10:01 pm

  Leased my Rendezvous brand new in 2006 and bought out lease in 2009 because I have never owned a more reliable and dependable vehicle than this. Buick hit it out of the park with the 2006 model yr. and wish they were still being built since the Enclave is too big and much more expensive than the Rendezvous. For an Suv it handles very well, its a Buick so it is very well appointed. Gas MPG is remarkable getting 20 mpg in town and 27 mpg on the hwy. Other than oil changes and the 30,000 mile maintenance, I have not spent one cent on my Rendezvous!

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  A Nice Car - 2001 Buick LeSabre
  By A Nice Car - April 3 - 2:40 pm

  When I got this car, it only had 44k on the OD. The original buyer had just turned it in on a newer car. In 2008, BOTH rear door window motors broke, and the car now needs 4 wheel alignment and new tires. The cost to have the dealer fix both rear window problems is $250.00 EACH SIDE! The GM 3.8 engine sucks up a LOT of gas. In brutal cold weather, even -10 degrees, this car warms up in about 10- 15 minutes. Normal maint kept up.

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  Fits anyone - 2007 Buick Rendezvous
  By Tom Worrell - April 3 - 12:17 pm

  Ive had this Buick for six months and just got done driving 1000 miles down the east coast with close to 30 miles per gal. of gas. Im 64" and I still have plenty of head room even with a hat on.The radio and cd are find as far as Im concerned.

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  Built like a tank - 1999 Buick Century
  By ryan - April 2 - 5:31 pm

  Bought this car used with 68k mi on it, owned for now 3 years with no problems other than a blown battery (and thats aint the cars fault). Gas milage decent for a roomy car like this. Interior styling is boring at best though- features are there but you have to look hard to find them. To spice these models up- you must get them in sante fe red! Covers bumps in road like ship with lots of suspension float (this may have been less noticable in earlier days) but it mostly handles like an old rolls royce. Numb but easy steering feel, not a sports car but has a "silent but powerful" engine. Best on long highway trips or daily commutes. Bad to park in cities.

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  I Love This Car! - 2006 Buick LaCrosse
  By SBurlJeff - April 2 - 7:14 am

  I have had this car for 3 months now. I wanted something affordable with a little bit of luxury thrown in too. What I got was a whole lot of luxury in a very smart package. From the leather seating and trim to the audio controls on the steering wheel to the smooth, almost inaudible engine this car is so much more than I expected. I fall in love with this car every time I get behind the wheel. My insurance dropped considerably too. I cant believe that not everyone drives a Buick.

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  ORIGINAL MONEY PIT - 2002 Buick Rendezvous
  By mommamia - March 29 - 4:46 pm

  I bought this used in nov 2005 without researching it. BIG MISTAKE! Thankfully, I bought the extended warranty. I have had everything replaced that everyone who owns this car has, A/c condenser, etc. I took the car for a routine oil change (not at dealer) and he pointed out a "lower intake valve" problem, to which the dealer said "no problem with it." I definitely got my moneys worth with the warranty, but now that its expired Im having problems with my ABS system, computer, and rear suspension knuckle. Parts and labor? $1800! I owe 2 1/2 more years on this pile...and the Kelley is ABSOLUTELY AWFUL! Its worth 1400-3600 trade in. Pitiful...do not buy this car.

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  Great car with extraordinary comfort - 2008 Buick Lucerne
  By Ken - March 28 - 5:31 pm

  I love this car. It is just a few weeks old, but has everything I wanted in a new car. The ride is unmatched. I tested a Ford Fusion because they said it drove as nice as a Buick. They were wrong. The Lucerne glides across rough road. It has plenty of pickup. The controls are well positioned for easy access. Plenty of leg room for stretching out. The 2008 version does not have bluetooth phone, and that I miss. I understand that 2009 does have that. The fan has plenty of power to cool or heat. I do wish that it had more power connections for things like iPods. The dash is a little hard to see in the daylight. Auto headlights is great. On Star is just amazing. Just a great car.

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  Wonderful Car - 2008 Buick Enclave
  By atm - March 27 - 7:08 pm

  I received this as a Christmas present from my husband in 2007. It is my favorite car ever. My college age children did not like my mini-van and urged me to get a SUV. But, this is so much better than an ordinary SUV. Its a luxury car with SUV features. I have driven from Pennsylvania to Texas twice and love the GPS system and XM radio and the room. I just read where Buick has the best rating for service and I believe it. I would recommend this car to anyone. My children, who are 24 and 21 both have borrowed my car for road trips. Its not just an "old" persons car. They love it, too.

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  Great Experience - 2002 Buick Rendezvous
  By NCC - March 26 - 4:33 pm

  Bought the car new and have put 105K on it. 1 set of tires,1 set of brakes, 1 battery. Thats it. It has never stranded me, never failed to start. Every accessory (its Loaded) still works. Lowest cost of ownership Ive ever had. I like it better than my wifes Lexus RX 330. 17-18 mpg city 26 hgwy.