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:

• 

  Unresolved Noise on Startup - 2010 Buick LaCrosse
  By lph6402 - May 6 - 7:44 pm

  Bought a new, fully loaded 2010 AWD in June, 2011. It always gets compliments on the exterior styling. Unfortunately, I have an unresolved clanging or banging sound at startup. The annoyance has been diagnosed from the beginning and the symptoms at startup last for 30~75 seconds. Its loud, embarrasing and some type of manufacuring or assembly non-conformance. The local dealer has tried a few things with guidance from Buick service and engineers. Going on 9~10 months and Buick Customer Service basically told me to quick calling because they are not going to fix the non-conformance.

• 

  Power Windows - 2000 Buick LeSabre
  By dhughes216 - April 30 - 4:15 pm

  The power windows are terrible. I have replaced all of the regulators at least once. The drivers side was replaced twice. Its kind of a shame when such a nice car has issues like this. The rest of the car couldn,t have been better.

• 

  Having Second Thoughts - 2012 Buick LaCrosse
  By onedognight - April 21 - 10:11 pm

  I purchased the 2012 LaCrosse four months ago. The car is so low to the ground that I cant get in and out of my driveway without scraping the front end. The front and side posts plus the high trunk make visability a real issue when driving in heavy traffic. Other features that I dont like is the lock/unlock buttons being on the middle console instead of on the door and the only trunk unlock is on the key fob. The car performs well enough for a 4 cyl. but I wish I had known about the lack of visability and the drag issues before purchasing. Also, be aware that no spare tire comes with this car. You get a can of Fix-A-Flat. There is a space for it, but no tire.

• 

  I adored the buick boat - 1998 Buick LeSabre
  By stimely1987 - April 10 - 6:58 pm

  Bought the car 5 years ago from a family member.. had 113,000 now has 156,000.. Absolutely a tough car.. in five years ive only replaced a few sensors nothing over 50 bucks. Had to replace brake lines twice due to one garage being shady.. Water pump which was an easy fix. Muffler but PA winters are horrible and the biggest fix was the security system locked up. but it only cost 150 bucks.. Instead of paying 2 grand for GM to fix it, I had a good mechanic bypass the security system by cutting a few wires and regrounding them down with cheap resistors from Radio Shack.. No regrets having the buick I love it.. But shes getting old so its time for a new one soon...

• 

  GS fun - 2012 Buick Regal
  By carjunkie41 - April 7 - 8:36 pm

  I purchased the new GS with automatic. The exterior is awesome. The braking and handling is incredible, even better than my Infiniti G. The car does lack the power and would be much better as a rear wheel drive. I also wish the car had a more aggressive exhaust, the current exhaust is quite wimpy. Most people cannot believe this car is a buick and neither can I. Ive only had a week now & Ive put 450 great miles on the car because it is fun to drive. I have the black on black with tinted windows & 20" wheels, simply incredible look. The interior controls are a little confusing, I think I need to get my Ph.d to figure some of the controls out.

• 

  LOVE MY BUICK! - 2003 Buick Century
  By lovemybuick - March 24 - 6:04 am

  I bought my 03 Buick Century at the suggesting of a friend who is an engineer and very trustworthy when it comes to the mechanics of things. At first I was worried about it "being for old folks". I love the looks and styling of this car, as does my 22 yr old son and his friends! It had 26K miles when I purchased it, today, 2012, it has 279K, and its still going strong. The only problems in that time were routine with the exception of having to replace the motor in the door as the window wouldnt go down last year.

• 

  Service Engine Light - 2008 Buick Enclave
  By msgoodie - March 18 - 9:36 am

  I purchased a 2008 enclave used in May 2010. the first time the service engine light came on in Septemeber 2010. Then 4 more times in July 2011. Every few days after the dealership so called repaired the problem the service engine light would come on and the SUV would lose power. That went on 4 times within a few weeks. I finally thought the problem was addressed until now. The light came on again. Its still under warrrantly and been at the dealership for 4 days and I still have not recieved a diagnostic call. Im almost out of warranty and need to make a decision to either buy an extened warranty or trade it in. I now know why the previous owner got rid of it after just two years.

• 

  Aging Enclave - 2008 Buick Enclave
  By usabill - March 12 - 11:51 am

  Weve had the car now for 4 years with less than 40,000 miles and have run into a few snags - all covered by warranty. 1. Both retractable mirrors stopped working. 2. Battery went dead warranty covered replacement. 3. The vehicle one day left me dead in a parking lot and would not jump start. Both ONStar, & car phone wouldnt work but other electrical did. It had to be towed to dealer they stated anti-theft system locked up and "only" dealer could reset. This is a worry if I had been out camping in remote location. 4. GPS NAV system disk error - had to replace entire radio system. 5. Water pump failed - had to pull off road and call for tow.

• 

  GREAT CAR - 1992 Buick Century
  By bull_gator - March 8 - 6:37 pm

  I have had this car for 10 of its 20+ years of life. It has been extremely reliable. The most costly problem was when the ac died. Other than that it has never failed me. The v6 is not refined but extremely reliable. After 20+ years I still get over 23mpg running to and from work. Cup holders would be nice but it is a basic bare bones get to work/school car.

• 

  I adore this vehicle!! - 2012 Buick Enclave
  By kayteez - March 7 - 10:55 pm

  I traded in my 2004 Rainier and purchased my 2012 White Diamond AWD Premium Enclave a few days ago. It was very hard trying to decide between the Enclave, the Acadia Denali and the Cadillac SRX. After driving all three, the Enclave was the hands down winner. It is roomy, elegant, smooth, quiet, and very luxurious. It was a bit pricey - even more expensive than my 2003 Yukon Denali XL - but it is worth it. This vehicle is loaded with every amenity you can think of!