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:

• 

  Womens SUV! - 2004 Buick Rendezvous
  By Ronda763 - July 21 - 2:00 am

  I have been following the reviews on the Buick Rendezvous for two years. For the past 13 years I have diven a mini-van (driving kids two and from soccer games). I knew the by next vehicle would not be another mini-van. After driving the Rendezvous, I knew this would be the vehicle I would be buying! It drives like and car, but I still sit up high like I did in the mini-van. I LOVE THIS VEHICLE!!!!

• 

  Couldnt be happier! - 2006 Buick LaCrosse
  By Herbert W. Hallman - July 20 - 5:05 pm

  My wife and I love this car. We traded a 97 BMW 528i that we purchased new and initially had some trepidations about our chioce. No longer. Other than somewhat skimpy leg room in the rear and a shallow rear seat, I can think of no negatives. It drives and handles superbly. We love the uncomplicated, staight-across dashboard, the quiet engine and feel of solidity the car engenders. Moreover the car offers exceptional value, in my opinion, when you consider all the extras (6-way power seat on front passenger side, remote engine start, OnStar, XM radio, heated front seats, etc.)

• 

  Great car - 1993 Buick Regal
  By Tim - July 20 - 11:44 am

  Fun car to drive with great power and suspension, reliable car and never any serious problems, factory brake rotors wore out faster than expected that is it, runs strong with 187,000 miles on it.

• 

  Thrilled I Bought It! - 2002 Buick Rendezvous
  By VeryPleased - July 20 - 10:00 am

  When I decided to go SUV I began w/large models being used to a minivan. Found plenty of room but even luxury models had big truck feel/ride I hated. Mid SUVs were blah! Just when I was ready to give up SUV idea I found the Rendezvous. Reviews were mixed but I was curious enough to check out. Glad I did! I LOVE MY "RUV"! Ride is awesome,smooth & quiet. Leather seats roomy, 2nd row Capt seats keep my 2 kids happy in their own space. When needed 3rd row offers comfortable xtra seating. 3rd row down--great cargo room. Tons of extras. Excellent value for my $$ glad I passed up Acura MXD! Handles beautifully.Was used to better MPGs but I hear 17mpg not bad for this veh type. Test drive & see!

• 

  Premium American Style - 2006 Buick LaCrosse
  By Al in Virginia - July 18 - 4:09 pm

  We are completely satisfied with our Buick LaCrosse. It is an excellent value for any person in the market for a sedan.

• 

  Pretty darn good - 2002 Buick Rendezvous
  By Rick - July 14 - 4:41 pm

  Vehicle has worked out very well. Comfortable, and larger than most of this price range. Very good gas mileage. I like the looks, and it has more luxury than others in its class. Very few problems, very well built.

• 

  Lucerne review. - 2006 Buick Lucerne
  By bbrassas - July 13 - 9:17 pm

  My wife and I thoroughly enjoy driving the Lucerne. It handles well and is a great car on the highways. We think its appearance is great, second to none. All in all, a wonderful car. We enjoy the accessories, especially the automatic windshield wipers, and the automatic seat/mirrors that adjust to each of us. Its the nicest car weve ever owned!

• 

  Happy so far - 2004 Buick Rainier
  By alibid - July 13 - 1:52 pm

  I just bought my Ranier 5 days ago, but thus far love it. For an SUV it rides very smoothly. This is my first Buick, but have driven one before. I am totally satisfied so far. It is comfortable & a jot to drive. Love the moon roof & 6 CD changer.

• 

  All around a good vehicle for the price - 2006 Buick Lucerne
  By Happy in WinterHaven - July 13 - 10:20 am

  Have been with GM Since 96. This is my 6th since then. Have been pleased with all but look forward to the better warrenty in this one. Like the retro ports in the design The back is a little plain. Color selection was good. Got the White Gold Flash. Rides very well, seats are comfortable. Plenty of space. Large trunk. Quiet. Found a bubble in the headliner. Dealer Holly was very responsive as usual. Navigation system not as good as my Garmin in some ways, but I had that for three years so I hope I get to know this one as well. I may not be used to it yet.

• 

  Finally decided on one... - 2002 Buick Rendezvous
  By kencal2000 - July 13 - 10:00 am

  After weeks and weeks of researching suvs and pinning it down to the Honda Pilot and the Rendezvous...the Buick won out. I love the exterior styling and the luxury features inside and all the other bells and whistles that Buick has to offer that the new Honda cannot compete with as yet. Just wish that the power was a little more... So far 550 miles on it and no complaints otherwise.