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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  Sarge - 2006 Buick Lucerne
  By Sarge - March 3 - 10:46 pm

  Not as nice as the Park Ave. Small seats. Not much room in the front seat. Coffee holders not deep enough to hold tall coffee without tipping. No place to put a cell phone. Already having trouble with auto seat settings. Radio not working . Small trunk.

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  They said it wouldnt last - 1995 Buick Roadmaster
  By Darryl - March 3 - 8:39 pm

  This is best car Ive ever drove that the experience grows on you.I hear people say they love it and I am feeling the same.I get a thrill just sitting in it,so looking forward to a trip soon will be like experiencing one of the seven wonders of the world.One person ranted about what a mistake it would be to buy this but man were they wrong.The experience of driving it grows on you continually,every ride is an experience in ecstacy funneling the thought till I can get on the road with it.I will only drive it on the highway and thats where it shines most.It did have a couple of very small dents,one on the wheel well edge,but the 1st and only body shop I went to,wanted 400 for ea dent.Not today

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  Got it used at a steal!!!! - 2003 Buick LeSabre
  By Mike - March 3 - 1:50 pm

  I bought this car after I totaled my Mazda Protege. This is the first full sized car that I have ever owned. Everything else has been a compact or sub-compact, so the difference is amazing. The ride is smooth and quiet. The interior features are laid out perfectly for ease of use. I can fit a car seat in the back and still have room for 4 people without having to scrunch. Once I got over the old man mystique of a Buick- I fell in love with it.

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  The LaCrosse is top-notch - 2005 Buick LaCrosse
  By Christopher Z. - March 3 - 5:30 am

  I used to drive a Cadillac and missed the "big car" ride when it got old and I had to trade it. I was looking for a less-expensive alternative to a Caddy, but I still wanted the ride and features of a luxury car. Buick has done it! This car has even more features than my Cadillac with that "floaty" big car ride. It gets better mileage and I didnt have to sacrifice much interior room. The insurance rates are much lower and the car is very modern-looking, strikingly beautiful in my opnion.

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  Best Car I Will Have Ever Owned - 1991 Buick Regal
  By John - March 2 - 7:01 pm

  I bought the car without really knowing what I was getting. The features were attractive, especially exterior along with the radio controls on the steering wheel, express drivers side windows, comfortable cloth seats, lots of interior space and a large trunk, wire wheel covers, electric remote trunk release, electric retractable antenna, and more. But, what I really came to appreciate, and has been the heart of this car, has been a 3800 V6 Engine w/ TPI. After 265,000 miles I am still happy with the gas mileage, although a broken gasket on the central port just recently was replaced to hopefully return the mileage to 17/27. I laugh at drivers who dont enjoy driving in snow like I do.

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  Bad Choice - 2006 Buick Terraza
  By sonia - March 2 - 12:58 pm

  very dissapointed with this van. uncomfortable,noisey,poor performance. problems with stalling,cruise control,abs system,trac stability and control system to say the least.

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  Love my Riviera - 1996 Buick Riviera
  By cindy - March 2 - 9:53 am

  I purchased my supercharged Riviera off the show room floor. This is by far the best, most dependable car I have ever owned. I now have 202,232 miles on this vehicle and it still runs like a top. I still get 26 mpg on the highway, and have always changed the oil every 3000 miles. I wish Buick would could back out with this car. Hopefully, I will be able to drive this car for another 100,000 miles.

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  Beautiful car - 2009 Buick Enclave
  By safars - February 28 - 10:54 pm

  Have been looking at cross overs for over a year and chose the Enclave over BMW, Mercedes and Lexus. Traded in Yukon for smaller SUV and definitely love this vehicle. Exceptionally quit ride and great handling with luxurious interior. Expected much "smaller" feel but was extremely impressed. Very roomy and easy access to everything. Love the look. Very happy with my decision.

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  244000miles and still going - 1995 Buick LeSabre
  By Bob - February 28 - 12:01 pm

  After owning this car for 5 yrs. the only thing costly was the fuel pump ($400) inc. labor. The amazing thing is all of the factory exhaust is still in excellent condition,I had the trans fluid changed evey 40,000 mi and never had a problem with it. January cold weather in Mass. can take its toll and that is when the rear brake line went out after a panic stop from a fool not paying attention with his snowblower went out into the road, but the safety system worked impeccably, the car stopped far away from him. the car still uses no oil 1/2 qt. between changes. Hate to part with it,still no rush issues.but how much can you expect from a car with this situation? Am looking for a newer one.

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  Buick Lucerne, beautiful, reliable - 2007 Buick Lucerne
  By William H Burke, J - February 26 - 5:42 pm

  I have owned this car for 2 years, and have had absolutely zero problems with it. It does 0 to 60 in 9 seconds, plenty fast enough for me, and has a magnificent ride. I have had several complements from total strangers on how beautiful it looks: I have the blacked out grill with ming blue. The aluminum wheels are nice. Anybody who compares this car with an Avalon or Azela(?) or Ford Taurus/Mercury Sable is completely out of their mind! My only complaint is the fuel mileage: I get 26 on the open road - not as good as the 29 I got with my 2000 LeSabre.