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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  Transmission problems - 2008 Buick Enclave
  By rowand - June 14 - 11:51 am

  The transmission went on my enclave It only has 97k on it. Have been waiting over 4 wks for repair. Parts still not in! Unacceptable!

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  Its almost over! - 2007 Buick Terraza
  By Ron - May 24 - 8:54 am

  Getting ready to celebrate as are turning this thing in tomorrow off lease. We have disliked this vehicle from the start. It has been in multiple times for power sliding door, air conditioning problems. The heat or air have never seemed to work quite right and the interior just feels cheap. The back seat is a bear to take out and put back in. Also the tires are very worn @ 43k miles. Mechanically the vehicle is fine, its the problems above that have been annoying. We have owned several Buicks in the past and have been happy with the Buick line until this vehicle.

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  Awful Car!!! - 2006 Buick Rendezvous
  By Jeannie - April 27 - 10:32 pm

  I purchased my 06 Rendezvous in early 07. I have had nothing but problems. I was in the market to find an SUV/crossover with better gas mileage. All I got were repair bills! Everything from brakes, rotors, oxygen sensors, wheel bearings, anti-lock brakes & the AWD have needed repairs. The cost of this vehicle is amazingly high! I would NEVER recommend this vehicle to anyone!

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  Another GM Mistake - 1998 Buick LeSabre
  By Fred - April 14 - 9:06 pm

  Has 2 piece plastic intake manifold, which cracked at 138,000 ( I later learned they all do after 125,000 miles) leaked coolant into engine spinning main bearing. No trunk lamp, know who wants a vehicle without a trunk? DUH Tensioner pulley disintegrated at 80,000 miles, more plastic crap. Seats are made of cheap soft foam you sink into the seat. Drivers window regulator failed at 78,000 miles cheap electronics. Battery failed at 60,000 miles 7 years old. Cheap center cup holder. Brake lines burst at 125,000 miles from corrosion, they were not properly coated with protection material and placement at left front of engine compartment exposed them to elements

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  Many Problems - 2005 Buick Rendezvous
  By Bob - March 30 - 1:28 pm

  Steering column had to be replaced two times. Transmission slipping. All wheel drive noisy when turning. Interior materials cheep. Overall quality poor.

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  Decent car but there are better options - 2010 Buick LaCrosse
  By Josephine - March 18 - 11:21 am

  Was a loyal Toyota fan. I needed to replace my Avalon for 2010. I bought this car through the suggestion of a friend that loved this new car. Overall, I cant say Im displeased, but I should have looked at more options. The drive is kind of uninspiring, in traffic. I dont feel that there is enough steering feel as well as engine power to drive safely in this crowded area of Los Angeles

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  wheel bearing eater - 2003 Buick Rendezvous
  By jetsetser - March 15 - 12:32 pm

  We bought it new, 2 wheel bearings first year went out,under warranty.over the next few years we have replaced 8 wheel bearings total,and now we need 2 more! the air ride leveling sys. went out at 125,000 miles so we had to put air shocks on. the latch for the back went out and the pull handle broke off and it, only opens with fob. the radio nobs coating is all chipped off .the drivers side heated seat is out,the rear drivers side window is unop. the dash has every light lit up like a Christmas tree.

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  Bitter Sweet - 2004 Buick Rainier
  By Tony1234 - February 22 - 7:52 am

  This 2004 AWD Rainier has major ongoing issues. Starting at 80,000 miles its one repair after another. I love the features, style and ride. I dont tow, off road or plow. I just drive like any normal person. All scheduled normal lube maintenance has been practiced as recommended by manufacture manual yet the AWD never seems to work. I replaced the transfer case, transmission, front differential, axles, 4 decoder motors, wiring harness and 2 front wheel sensors($9,000+)and the front wheels still dont work. This whole vehicle should have been recalled in my opinion. Oh! The speedometer is brke

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  Michelle Is ahead of service department - 2007 Buick LaCrosse
  By brianmbi1 - February 3 - 5:59 am

  Overall the car has had a lot of problems. The transmission had to be replaced at 28,000. Clear coat came off the doors, and had to be re-painted. The weather seal around the front doors leaked in a rain storm or in the car wash. Car went back to the shop last night for idling rough and probably the CV shafts are going to need to be replaced. Im not happy with this car at all--One problem after another for the last 30,000 miles.

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  Transmission Ruins Enjoyment - 2009 Buick Enclave
  By Monica Ryan - January 14 - 2:36 pm

  I bought the Enclave after two suburbans and wanted a more luxurious vehicle with better gas mileage. I have been quite disappointed on both points. The transmission shifts randomly and feels like the entire car is going to stop at times. It is currently being repaired and I plan to sell it as soon as I can get it to run better. The car makes an awful grinding noise under the hood on acceleration and in turns which I have been told is normal. I have had two people ride with me lately and ask me what is wrong with the car. The car does not leave one with a feeling of confidence or satisfaction.