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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  junk - 1997 Buick Skylark
  By chris m - March 21 - 12:01 pm

  Lower control arm bushing (driver side) popped out while under warranty. Passenger side popped out after out of warranty-$130 for control arm loaded w/new bushings-I installed it. Ignition switch went bad- THEFT light was flashing and no start-$540 to tow and repair. Windshield wiper motor went out-$230 new motor installed. Driver side window popped out of the track at top of window-havent fixed it yet. Alternator went out-$95 with exchange-I installed it.Remote trunk release cable snapped. Remote filler door seized up.On its second set of rotors.This car had 33000 miles when i bought it in 2000. It now has 72000 on it, so its not like it has a hard life.

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  final Buick - 2008 Buick Lucerne
  By Dave - March 20 - 12:34 pm

  I have owned many Buicks but this will be the last. I`ve had nothing but trouble. Poor mileage 15-23, acclerator problems,power seat, steering noise, ext temp., worst of all it has left me setting 3 times with a no start, and had to be hauled in on a flatbed. This all has happened in only 4500 miles. I have lost all confidence in GM. I wish I had never traded. Had an 05 LaSabre that was a very good car. Got 23-30 for mileage with no problems, I wish I could say the same for the LuCerne.

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  EXCELENT RIDE - 2000 Buick LeSabre
  By Ricardo Jimenez - March 20 - 9:12 am

  So far Im happy with the car, the only one issue is with the heater/AC, I change the thermostate, change the temperature switch and in winter it take much time to heat,and in the summer I get cool air out of one vent and warm air from other, but beside that, everything is fine

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  MY econo buick - 2001 Buick Century
  By rob - March 19 - 12:22 pm

  Very good on fuel if you get to speed and hold it steady ive hit 36mpg with many 35 miles per gallon. THe car rewards easy driving with cash back.

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  Very Happy with our Enclave! - 2008 Buick Enclave
  By BN - March 19 - 9:36 am

  We absolutely love our new Enclave. Frankly, we were hesitant about purchasing a Buick, but when comparing the Enclave to the other vehicles we were considering, the Enclave won out each time. The comfort, space, ride, look and feel of the vehicle reinforce our decision every day.

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  Built to Last - 1993 Buick Roadmaster
  By John - March 17 - 10:35 pm

  I got the car from my Dad in 2000 and have not had any problems with it. Its the most comfortable car ever. Its like driving from your living room couch. The v8 gives you the power you need for highway driving and on my last 1000 mile trip I was averaging close to 30mpg on the highway and 20 in the city. One of the best cars Buick has ever built. Too bad they cant get this mpg on their newer cars. Its big and comfy, but a problem to find parking.

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  Full of Surprises - 2006 Buick Lucerne
  By Steve - March 17 - 11:13 am

  Having purchased a new CSX only 2 weeks ago, I have not had time to truly evaluate the vehicle. Many available options were surprising including, automatic tire pressure reading, monthly system check-up courtesy of On-Star, Air conditioned seats which are great for desert dwellers, the automatic start feature which at first seemed extravagent. When its 118 deg.F, the air conditioning can cool off the car to a nice 100 deg. from 135 deg. inside the cabin,which is VERY nice for a desert dweller. Another surprise was the large battery----not under the hood, but under the back seat! That and the main fuse bank is actually very easy to get to for servicing. Gas mileage is not great 17- 25.

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  COMPLAINERS, LEASE DO NOT BUY. - 2017 Buick LaCrosse
  By DEPLORABLE - March 17 - 8:51 am

  All the negative comments about the lacrosse PREMIUM ALL WHEEL DRIVE are not as i am experiencing my LACROSSE. My LACROSSE list at $ 50,370 was well worth the experience i am enjoying. I can only assume that the negativity i saw in the reviews must be frustration from the PRESIDENTIAL election. By the way this is my third new lacrosse since 2010.

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  286k and still going strong - 1996 Buick Riviera
  By Frank - March 14 - 11:40 am

  Great vehicle. Bought used in 1999 with 48k miles. No major problems just normal wear and tear. Just bought new tires with 286k miles. Plan on another 100,000 miles. Riviera is now a family fixture. Will replace with a 98 or 99 Riv when the time comes.

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  Fabulous and luxurious small SUV - 2018 Buick Encore
  By Paul@pchael13.com - March 13 - 3:07 pm

  I shopped a lot of them, and this one is wonderful and totally meets our needs.