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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  So Far so Good - 1999 Buick Century
  By GO EAGLES - January 21 - 2:34 pm

  I bought this car with only 58,000 original miles (obviously from an older couple who never drove) and paid a reasonable $4000. I have already driven it 8,000 miles in about 5 months and have had no issues to speak of. The intake manifold gasket was replaced before I bought it (apparetnly this is a common problem with this V6) and Im hoping I will only have to do oil changes for a while. The car is not fast or good looking or anything to brag about, but it is comfortable, reliable, and gets decent gas mileage. Right now I am getting about 32 highway and 25 city. I have driven this car as far north as Boston and as far south as Washington DC and many places in between with nothing bad to say.

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  Rainier - 2004 Buick Rainier
  By pooler - January 21 - 2:00 am

  First day I purchased major snow storm handeled fine awd system very quiet comfortable ride great sound system bose navigation system a plus gas milage not so great wish they could improve by 20%

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  wonderfull - 2004 Buick Rendezvous
  By kennyalfa1 - January 21 - 2:00 am

  I love this car GM is Back

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  Van has been good - 2005 Buick Terraza
  By R Shipp - January 21 - 12:40 am

  This has been one of the better vans I have driven. Handles well in the Canadian winters and is very stable on the highway. Though I do mostly highway diving the mileage is great for this size of vehicle. 30 to 34 MPG(CDN) & 18 MPG in the city. I have not had any of the problems that I have seen written or heard about. Though I did feel the brakes needed replacing much sooner than I expected. I have noticed the road noise is getting louder and there are a few rattles here and there and I feel the temperature may have somethin to do with it. The warmer it is the less the noise.

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  Owned this car longer than any other - 1992 Buick LeSabre
  By S - January 20 - 7:12 pm

  Pulled a pop-up camper after Iinstalled cargo coils. Pulled it better than a GMC Jimmy witha 4.3 Great car, was white with a CB antenna on trunk. Was often mistaken for a police car. Very dependable but trunk leaked water when it rained

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  From Lexus to Buick? - 2008 Buick Enclave
  By Karen - January 20 - 2:26 am

  I traded my 2003 Lexus GX470 for the Enclave. I questioned my decision so many times but in the end decided to go with the Buick. Yes a Lexus for a Buick. I think I was just ready for a change and from the first time I saw the Enclave I knew I liked it. For one it drives as nice as the Lexus and feels more like driving a car (which I also traded-Honda Accord)on the Enclave. Yes two perfectly good vehicles for one. So far I like the Enclave. I too have noticed it hesitates trying to get up to speed but once you do its fine. Gas mileage is 14-22. Maybe it will get better. I hope, at least driving around town. All in all Im happy with my trade. I love the look of the it. Very sharp.

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  Highway is great - 2008 Buick Enclave
  By Don Millsap - January 19 - 7:15 pm

  We purchase a new car about every 14 months, this is one of the best cars weve ever owned. Had no problems so far. Like the manual shifter in the mountains.

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  Rendezvous - the experts are crazy! - 2002 Buick Rendezvous
  By edavis - January 19 - 10:00 am

  I’ve had this car for 10 days, but I looked at other SUVs and vans. I will give an update after more use. Experts are wrong in panning this vehicle for handling and power. It is’t underpowered in any significant way. I easily passed two cars going 65 mph on a two lane road. Road testers realize almost few are interested in racing and slaloming down the highway. Look at the features real people use. I want to drive it everywhere, so I suppose our LeSabre is feeling sorry for itself. Interior room is good, not quite like our old van, but still very good. This is the compromise we were looking for. Why pay more for a foreign SUV which is inferior? This should be a real hit.

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  Finally got it - 2002 Buick Rendezvous
  By dispatcher2020 - January 19 - 10:00 am

  Ive loved this suv since it came out. My biggest problem was choosing the color. Decided on the pewter and it is so pretty. Its great to haul stuff and I got the 3rd row seats so its good to transport all my sons friends. Has a good ride and I love the full view. Had a Skylark before and was just impressed with Buicks. I love the look of this suv. I like it as well as the Lexus.

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  Go, Rendezvous - 2002 Buick Rendezvous
  By Jo-Ann - January 19 - 10:00 am

  This is a fun car to drive, easy to handle, plenty of storage, and a great sound system