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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  Buick Park Ave - 2000 Buick Park Avenue
  By tom333 - February 6 - 12:20 am

  This car has been excellent, Im 62 and this has been one of the best cars of the 16 that I have owned. The engine and drive train has had zero problems in 8 years. It had one minor issue in the 1st year that was fixed by the dealership with 1 visit. The ride is very smooth. The only problem I have had has been a weak front door lock plastic button bracket. I have replaced it 2 times. If the button is pushed hard, the plastic bracket eventually spreads and the door lock button pushes into the door planel. It still works but is not flush with the inside door panel.

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  I really love this Enclave! - 2008 Buick Enclave
  By New Buick Lover - February 5 - 12:02 pm

  I am very pleased with my 2008 Enclave. I have owned the vehicle for six months and I have had no problems at all. We went on a road trip in October from Arkansas to Florida with four adults and all of our luggage and there was plenty of room for everyone. The Turn by Turn Navigation was wonderful! The car is very comfortable and quiet on the road. I love the XM radio and also the fold flat third row seating. I had a Tahoe and to get the extra space in back you had to remove the seats and they were heavy! And also where were you going to put them?! The first six months have been a joy with this car!

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  I hate the Buick Enclave - 2008 Buick Enclave
  By IHATEBUICKENCLAVE - January 31 - 5:07 pm

  The 2nd row (when folded forward) floats while driving (no latch to keep it in place). No room for groceries in hatch. Cannot open hatch in garage - too high. Remote start seldom works, took it to dealership and told me that "electrical devices could be getting in the way". Drivers side heat blasts on one side only burning one foot while the other one freezes. Seats six not seven comfortably. The pin stripe is one little stripe down the side and you have to pay an additional $700 for something that is already on the car it wasnt negotiable. No power when passing. Bose sound is a joke as you hear everything on the outside of the car. I have had leaks and other issues. The Buick Enclave is attractive, but it is not sound proof as some guy blogged earlier. I have had this car for a year and trust me, I hear everything. I was told not to buy it but I thought it was so beautiful...regret everyday now. I seriously hate driving this car.

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  Fun to drive - 2005 Buick LaCrosse
  By John Bryson - January 31 - 4:30 am

  The Buick LaCrosse is a fun vehicle to drive. The interior is not as fun however. The cloth seats are not very comfortable. It took a few tries to keep from hitting the brake when trying to press the accelerator. It came with a minor defect in the drivers side windshield wiper, but was quickly replaced by the dealer.

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  Great Ideas but toexpensive to maintain - 2002 Buick Rendezvous
  By AWeaver - January 30 - 10:42 am

  In 2002 while looking for a SUV for my wife, we looked at all of them. Most required her to pull herself into them, and the Rendezvous allow her easy ins & outs. I expect normal maintenance on all my vehicles however in my 52 years of driving I have never had to replaced a A/C condenser or manifold gasket in my vehicles like we Rendezvous owners have. GM knows they made a mistake on both, and as much as she likes this Rendezvous I will never buy another Buick, and may not consider a GM vehicle after owing over 20 of them.

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  08 Super Value with Lousy Fuel Economy - 2008 Buick Lucerne
  By kgm - January 28 - 3:58 pm

  Got a great deal on a leftover new Super ($31.7k out the door) when my 07 DTS was pulled ahead by GM. Ride has softened somewhat with break-in, but the magnetic ride control is still firmer than in my DTS. Knew I would have to replace the standard Bridgestone tires in order to make the ride acceptable. Replaced tires with Goodyear Assurance Comfortreds (235/55/18) which adds about 1/2 inch to the tires diameter and about 1/4 inch to the cars ride height. The tires made a big difference when compared to the hard riding and noisy Bridgestones. The car, at 2,600 miles, gets about 18 mpg combined vs. 20 mpg with the DTS. This may be due to the performance tuning and the final drive ratio.

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  Totally mediocre - 2005 Buick LaCrosse
  By totally mediocre - January 27 - 2:00 pm

  I purchased this car used with 22,000 miles. Initially, I was very impressed with the design of the exterior and the interior materials. However, with time I have been mildly disappointed. No major complaints, just room for improvement. Like every other review, I am also disappointed with the fuel economy. Also, the 3.8 liter engine is not nearly as quiet or refined as other reviews suggest. The seats are unsupportive and stiff, although the leather is of very good quality. Have had an ongoing problem with the airbag light coming on for no apparent reason. Finally, the trunk lid has no handle to pull it up. Sounds minor but is very inconvenient.

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  Not dissapointed - 2005 Buick LaCrosse
  By AmJohn - January 26 - 8:25 pm

  Bought this car a year ago and have been very happy overall. Trunk space holds our stroller, a pack and play and still has room for a few bags of groceries. The sound system is very good. Very quiet and comfortable ride, good gas mileage. Only complaint is the intermediary joint is needing serviced or replaced, but other than that I would have no problem buying another one.

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  Gorgeous Car with Great Ride - 2009 Buick Enclave
  By Wildhart - January 22 - 9:58 pm

  Wonderful, beautiful vehicle that handles and rides with ease. Intown mpg so far is 20.7 mpg which is great. Love everything about it especially the driver memory and safety backup camera. Only things that need improvement are more cup holders in front and more storage room suitable for CDs. As a woman, I would love somewhere to put my purse. We are looking forward to some road trips and many years of driving pleasure with this great car. GM Buick has hit a home run with this fantastic car. The foreign cars (Lexus, etc) that are in the same class, well, they just arent. The Enclave is extremely nice. It has a smooth, quiet ride and can go toe to toe with any of the others. Love it!

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  The older crowd still love the Buick - 2008 Buick Enclave
  By Dee - January 22 - 12:10 pm

  I never thought that I would buy what was considered an old persons car, whether I was young or old. Now, I am older, I love the Buicks. I researched a lot of cars and SUVs before making this choice. This SUV has something about its style and technology that when I drive it, not only am I sold but my family is happy with my choice.