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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  Unexpected Surprise - 2002 Buick Rendezvous
  By REW - April 21 - 11:30 pm

  I was scepticle about buying an American vehicle after owning Hondas and Acuras for many years. My first choice was the Acura MDX, however it was out of my price range. I bought the Buick Rendevous after test driving it twice. I found the exceleration just fine. The interior appointments are luxurious and the eight speaker CD player has great sound. This vehicle is larger and more compfortable than other SUVs.

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  This Car Has Great Potential - 1997 Buick Park Avenue
  By Susannah111 - April 5 - 10:00 am

  We went from an S-class Mercedes to this car and find it much roomier, more comfortable, and far better on gas (28-29 mpg highway driving.)

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  Great Value for less money - 2003 Buick Century
  By john bonfiglio - March 26 - 5:20 pm

  Buicks are exceptional cars. My last Buick was a 1993 Park Avenue still running great after 258,000 miles with only minimal repairs.

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  We love this car - 2002 Buick Rendezvous
  By Seashell Lady - March 25 - 10:00 am

  We have 26,000 miles on this car and are very happy with it.

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  Urban SUV - 2003 Buick Rendezvous
  By Druche - March 4 - 10:00 am

  This Buick SUV rates with high points. Going up to ski country was a breeze during blizzard conditions, the AWD working seemlessly. (ABS worked quite well too when I practicing my panic stops with no one around.) The heads up display always kept me aware of the speed for the conditions. Very comfortable for long trips. Being 6 tall, the 3rd row seat had plenty of room for me. Gas mileage was a little lower than expected for city driving (~ 13 MPG) but highway was fine (~ 24 MPG). The engine could use a bit more power (only 185 HP). 0% financing was a great incentive and helped with a deal with value.

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  My Rendezvous - 2004 Buick Rendezvous
  By genome - February 28 - 10:00 am

  The seat belts are too tight, brakes and parts are too expensive,slippery on snowy roads,engine will not hold car from falling backwards on hill at a traffic light(even slight incline). Middle seat has insufficient cup holders.

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  Grandpa Car is Awesome - 1997 Buick Park Avenue
  By Chase - February 15 - 1:30 am

  Excellent car! Ill drive it till it turns to dust. very good gas mileage and extremely comfortable. Excellent functions and features. Only thing missing is cup holders and a power sunroof.

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  1 Month Review - 2002 Buick Rendezvous
  By ppalonsky - February 14 - 10:00 am

  After 1 month, this car is proving to be a very impressive vehicle. The RDV does most everything well, but I cant say it is the best in class on any given aspect. The interior looks great, but the materials used have a somewhat cheap feel to them. The car does not have as much room as a minivan, but looks great. The versatrak AWD works well, but it cant go offroad like an SUV. The ride is very carlike but not up to the level of a luxary car. It manages to bring together most of the positive aspects of a luxary sedan, SUV and Minivan in one package. I guess it may be the best in class afterall in the crossover vehicle catagory.

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  Decent not perfect - 1998 Buick Park Avenue
  By Scott - February 11 - 1:23 am

  Overall weve enjoyed this car. 7 years now and still going. Had to replace 2 of the 3 spark modules (these replaced distributors in the mid 90s) A timing belt-no engine damage though. Plastic cooling system part got leak. No major engine work. Annoyances- rust at the bottom of the doors, gas gauge kept falling past stop peg and finally broke. Ashtray got sticky and broke in open position. Power door locks on drivers side broke. Engine developed a moderate oil leak aroung 100K. Lots of power for a big car with a V-6. 4 adults are confortable. I am a very large man so it is tight to sit 3 in the front, but can be done. Flow through door from trunk has been handy though I dont ski.