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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  Great Car but for the Catalytic Conv. - 2007 Buick LaCrosse
  By Dave - January 7 - 2:53 pm

  Excellent to great car. I have driven GM cars for over 30 years. Only problem experienced so far is the catalytic convertor was replaced this week, with 24,000 plus miles. Bought the car as a demo for the PGA tournaments. The converter is covered under the warranty. I thought GM had the converter problem resolved years ago. Still enjoy the car. A bit small in size.

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  Love my Rainier - 2005 Buick Rainier
  By Dawana Faye Daniel - January 7 - 2:36 pm

  Before my Rainier I owned and was only driver of a 1995 extended top Chevy Conversion Van. I loved my Van. It was my Motor Home. When I moved I finally had a garage, was getting a little old to crawl up to scrap off the Snow and ice, it would not fit into the Garage and it was needing some work. I had to have one I could see out & above the instrument panel. As soon as I saw my University Of Ky Blue SUV I oh so wanted it to be the one. I was so tired of searching. I sat down in that drivers seat and was sold. The Carmax did not give it a good report on gas mileage. I was getting to the age that this was not a problem. For the amount I have paid for extra fuel compared for what some of my friends have in repair, I have the best deal. I travel some with 2 dogs and so cargo is plentiful. It rides like a car and is great in the snow if I have to drive. It may well be my last vehicle. Because they no longer make the Rainier. It gets the best care possible. My son, his wife and my daughter, her husband own Enclaves. Even the step down from Enclave does not fit this 410" 78 year old Great Grandmom.n

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  Love it - 2005 Buick Rendezvous
  By Denise - January 6 - 11:59 am

  Im 27yrs old and I would of mistaken this for an old person car. I love it. It has awesome space for my family. Its also a great traveling car. This car is easy and great in the snow. I have nothing from the best come from this vehicle. Its not bad on gas, and the cargo space helped out a lot. This seats in the back move easy to give you plenty of space.

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  Perfect for all my needs. Great car! - 2000 Buick Century
  By buick century 2000 - January 4 - 4:43 pm

  Ive put so many miles on this car, after buying it over 100K, with only routine maintenance needed and a couple of larger repairs. Its roomy enough for friends or luggage, but is small enough that I dont feel like Im driving a whale. So much room in the trunk! Its been such a great car. The body isnt the most appealing to younger generations (kind of granny-ish) but the quality and usefulness is unmatched. Quiet, smooth ride. Great acceleration uphill. I love my car.

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  Uncomfortable - 2007 Buick Lucerne
  By bob hudson - January 3 - 7:33 am

  The car gives 28 miles per gallon. The seats are very uncomfortable. We have to use cushions to drive it. Cant see the speedometer in the daytime. It should be brighter (still a nice car). Trunk could be bigger

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  Basic GM - 2001 Buick Regal
  By jim - January 2 - 7:37 pm

  Bought the car used. Wife used it in sales. Replaced tie rod ends at 30,000 miles. warranty covered. Most GM cars have front suespension problems. I too have had power window problems. One time it is the motor then the switch. I think that is a dealer scam or lack of training. Changed transmission fluid at 50,000 miles. No tran problems at 117,000. Still gets over 30 MPG on highway. Always used mobile one motor oil. Just replaced O2 sensor. Uses no oil.

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  McDonalds Buick Rainier Review - 2004 Buick Rainier
  By J McDonald - January 2 - 11:55 am

  We have owned this car for 18 months and have really enjoyed the power of the 5.3 liter V8 and the interior comfort is excellent. Perfect for our family of four.

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  Great Performance, Comfort, and Value - 2008 Buick Lucerne
  By E D P - January 1 - 9:36 am

  I bought the Lucerne CXS after shopping higher end cars (Mercedes, Jag) and feel that I got a better car for about half the price. The NorthStar V8 engine is smooth and has more power than you could ever need. I get 19mpg town/26mpg hwy. The magnetic ride control suspension and 18" wheels make for tight, sporty handling around town and a smooth, sure footed ride on the Interstate. The interior is incredibly quiet, well laid out, and the materials are soft. The leather bucket seats are the most comfortable seats Ive ever been in and between the seat adjustments and tilt/telescoping steering wheel the car is able to be adjusted to comfortably accommodate both me, Im 61", and my wife, 53".

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  A great, but not perfect - 2008 Buick Enclave
  By erumo - December 31 - 12:56 am

  Overall a very good vehicle. Im very glad that I overcame my bias that Buick is for grandparents. This one is definitely worth checking out when considering Lexus or BMW. My minor negatives: Im 511" and once adjusted the steering wheel almost totally obstructs the speedometer. The navigation system is hands down the worst one Ive owned. It often will not recognize side roads and has poor voice prompts for upcoming turns. I find myself frequently looking at the screen when I can rely completely on voice prompts with my other vehicles. Finally, the second row captain seats are great, but a console option between them would be a welcome addition.

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  Replacement Towing Vehicle - 1994 Buick Roadmaster
  By GEP10 - December 29 - 10:52 am

  This car was purchased to improve the 11-12 MPG we get towing our 3500 lb. camper with a full size van. It has the factory 5000 lb. tow package. I get 24- 25 MPG hwy (havent done a full trip with the camper yet) and 15-16 city. The ride is great, the handling is surprisingly good (HD susp, factory air shocks + Air Lifts). The acceleration (has 2.93 posi, performance intake & exhaust, both very quiet) is strong enough to humiliate taunting (older) Mustang GTs. The easy to fold down seats (4x8 sheets fit flat) and 8 passenger capacity (my sons college buddies love it)make this car more versatile than our van. I have other cars but this old wagon puts a smile on my face every time I drive it.