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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  Classy Family Ride - 2002 Buick Rendezvous
  By Larry S. - August 17 - 10:00 am

  This vehicle has been very good in the 1st 18 months. The styling and functionality are the strong suits for this vehicle. The third row foldaway seats are a must for a larger family. We have only had one waranty repair since purchased.(Traction Control Sensor) The power and performance have been good for us, but we usually travel on flat highways. Two trips to Florida from Ohio presented no grade problems. The passing power of the 3.4L engine is super from 40-65 mph.

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  What to call it? - 2002 Buick Rendezvous
  By printman - August 3 - 10:00 am

  This vehicle rides like butter, smooth and soft, with enough power to get into traffic with ease. Visibility all around is good, and is reinforced with the ultrasonic backup system – a must have. The stereo is a delight that floods the cabin with great sound - which is good because there’s hardly any road noise to keep you awake. Finally, the headroom even with the sunroof is wonderful. I’d buy it again.

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  As advertised, great car - 2008 Buick Enclave
  By f - July 27 - 7:50 pm

  Looked at a variety of SUVs and CUVs, thought the Enclave offered the best conbination of size and ride quality. The vehicle is as quiet and nicely appointed inside as advertised. In essence the quietest and smoothest car I have owned. The transmission issues, in my opinion, are overstated. Shifts are smooth and yes on occasion the transmission does search for the correct gear, but not a deal breaker. The performance is more than adequate. If you want 0-60 stats buy a Ferarri! Fit and finish are excellent. Gas milaeage in mixed driving is disappointing-15mpg. Hard to believe that GM wont permit you to querie the Nav system for gas, food or lodging while moving! Save your money, buy a $300 Garmin.

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  ...just purchased - 2003 Buick Rendezvous
  By Rimshot1 - July 17 - 2:00 am

  Great Deal with rebate(s) and working thru GM BuyPower (request a quote). One 500 mile round trip in it and the ride was great and the performance adequate. Its not a rocket, but its got a great ride and enough power for day to day events.

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  COMFORTABLE - 2005 Buick Rendezvous
  By jpapatheod - July 10 - 9:20 am

  THE RENDEZVOUS IS AN EASY COMFORTABLE VEHICLE TO DRIVE. PARKING AND BACKING UP IS EASY. VERY ROOMY AND LOTS OF CARGO SPACE, EASY TO USE INSTURMENT PANAL, GREAT ON LONG TRIPS. IVE BEEN AVERAGING 20 CITY AND 24 HWY. OVERALL A GREAT VEHICLE.

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  Problem right from delivery - 2004 Buick Rendezvous
  By Blueflame - June 29 - 2:00 am

  Actually this car had an A/C problem that should have been found during its prep before delivery! A/C not working. Also it has On Star but its antenna was not installed at prep. Found it in a bag in the glove box. I installed it myself. To take it back to the dealer ALREADY I should charge them for MY time!

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  Buick Rendez-vs - 2004 Buick Rendezvous
  By annz567 - June 23 - 2:00 am

  I have put 40,000 km (i live in Canada) on this vehicle and I only had oil changes and tire rotation so far done on it. Very comfortable and easy to get in and out, lot of storage space and great on snow; good winter car.

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  Good so far! - 2003 Buick Rendezvous
  By bemri3 - June 3 - 2:00 am

  Enjoying the new car-- Better gas milage than my Tahoe, but still not as good as I was hoping for. Some road noise. Love the interior design, but hate the fabric pattern, rather have solid color. Same with outside - Rather have just one color.

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  Our 2002 Buick Park Avenue - 2000 Buick Park Avenue
  By Jon White - May 4 - 10:00 am

  As daily drive, this car is performing very well. We have driven this car on four around trips from Virginia to Texas and back over the past 8 months. Fuel mileage on these trips has avg. 29 MPG while driving at or above the posted speed limits. Comfort level is very good. Its a very easy car to drive and enjoy.

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  As good as I expected - 2003 Buick Rendezvous
  By tom0421 - May 4 - 10:00 am

  This medium-sized SUV has turned out to be better than I expected. It is more of a car ride than the Expedition that I previously owned. It has plenty of power and handles extremely well around town and on the highway. The seats are firm and comfortable. While I thought the back up warning system was useless, because of the tailgate, Ive found it very useful.