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 love my big daddy wagon - 1996 Buick Roadmaster
  By Tim-Tuk-2 - April 11 - 2:00 am

  Great car, reliable, bukoo power, looks funny - okay even a bit ugly, the favorite car of my Sheltie and Aussie, highway gas mileage better than many an econo car, sleeps two!, and can carry sheets of plywood with the tailgate up!

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  Buick Skylark - 1998 Buick Skylark
  By Sandida - April 10 - 2:00 am

  This car is a great looking car. It handled nicely, but because of its wheelbase does not turn does as sharply as a small car. The gas mileage is about 25 miles to the gallon. Weve had the brakes repaired since we bought it used in May 1999 but thats about it. Its a great looking car.

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  Engine Noise - 2002 Buick LeSabre
  By Artie - April 7 - 3:00 am

  Whistle in engine, hear it mostly when engine idle`s. At speeds of 6o, there is a sound that sounds like the carb. is sucking air.Rear door out of alingnment.

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  2004 Buick Rendezvous - 2004 Buick Rendezvous
  By FARRPLAY - April 6 - 2:00 am

  great suv poor gas milage, under powered

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  My Regal - 1990 Buick Regal
  By Regal215 - April 5 - 2:00 am

  The best feature of my 1990 buick regal limited is the interior design. Im a tall driver (63"), and this car was designed with drivers like myself in mind. The rear seat has been shortened to provide extended legroom for rear passengers (unlike the cougar or thunderbird). Comfort is the word to describe the feeling of driving this car.

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  just one of other GMs finest. - 1992 Buick LeSabre
  By orkhan - April 3 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car in 98 for 5000$ untill today if i would add up all the additional costs i payed for in 4 years it would only be about 1000$.The car it self is a pretty fast and comfortable car.

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  A fine minivan alternative - 2002 Buick Rendezvous
  By Pittsburgh Family - March 30 - 10:00 am

  After a year and 15,000 miles, here are some comments about a "well worn in" vehicle. The car handles reasonably well for its size and is very comfortable inside. The controls are logically arranged and easy to use. With the 2nd row captains chairs, we find the interior to be very accommodating - and its fairly easy for even a large adult to get into the rear seats. My only real disappointment is with the fuel economy, which even on long, flat highway trips has been WELL below expectations. We average about 17 MPG in mixed city/highway driving.

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  Good Value - 1998 Buick Regal
  By dickathy - March 30 - 2:00 am

  This car is very responsive on the road and gets excellent mileage (3800 engine is an excellent engine). Lots of room inside (64" driver). Cup holder in terrible place. Door alignment is not good and small things have gone wrong. Latch on center consul, lock on power windows, small glove box, squeeks in door and dash. Overall a good performer with just those minor problems.

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  My Next Car Will Be Another Regal - 1993 Buick Regal
  By anonymous4privacy - March 23 - 2:00 am

  This has been an excellent car both on the road and in the city. The power is there when you need it. The car has a spacious, yet sporty feel.

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  My Old Friend - 2002 Buick Century
  By Mrs. Showers - March 23 - 2:00 am

  I bought my first car 20 years old. I bought a used 76 Century. I loved that car. I took a huge bath by trading in a 00 Volvo S40 that was mechanically unsound to come back to an old friend. Im glad I did it. This car gets better mileage than the Volvo and I know it wont be in the shop every four months. I like the ride and have no problems with the handling. I guess its what youre used to. I also have a 91 Reatta and have owned 2 other Buicks.