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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  Love my Lucerne! - 2008 Buick Lucerne
  By Fussy in Oregon - December 18 - 8:26 pm

  In 06 we traded in a high mileage Park Avenue for a Chev Malibu which I regretted from day one. This year that car was traded in for a Lucerne and all is well again! The fit and finish, quietness and comfort are even better than the old Park Ave. It is solid and so very inviting to drive.

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  So far I love it - 2008 Buick Enclave
  By jgeiss - December 18 - 12:30 am

  Just purchased 2 weeks ago and really like this vehicle. Gave up fully loaded 2004 Tahoe and thought I was going to miss it. Not yet. Drives like a luxury car and has so much room.

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  Quiet Ride - 2009 Buick Enclave
  By libby - December 17 - 11:13 pm

  Having three young boys to drive around to activities, I racked up over 130,000 miles on a Ford Expedition. My husband and I decided it was time to buy a new car. We needed a large enough car to to hold the five of us. And this time I wanted a car with a quiet ride, better gas mileage, sunroof, plus all the bells and whistles. After test driving numerous cars, I fell in love with the Enclaves quiet and smooth ride. My kids love the sunroof, and comfortable bucket seats. GM got it right, right, right! OnStar is fun to use, the headlights, back-up camera,and 19 inch wheels are a bonus too. I test drove many crossover vehicles, and I cant rave enough about this car.

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  My Modern Buick - 1997 Buick Riviera
  By Z Man - December 17 - 12:36 am

  This being by far my newest Buick I must say with 191,000 its an amazing machine! Light blue exterior and dark blue leather its incredible. Comfortable to drive, powerful in any situation, and with 28-29 miles a gallon on highway its just what I need! I owned 2 58s and 2 59s and my 97 Buick and I will say that Buick has held on to quality a lot better then most other auto companies! Way to go Buick!

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  Buick Lucerne - 2006 Buick Lucerne
  By robtgd52 - December 16 - 11:52 am

  Excellent car. Why would anyone buy an export car when we can buy this car. Ive had many cars in the past and this is by far the best Ive ever owned. This is the car GM should of built years ago, they wouldnt be in the mess theyre in.

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  Rendezvous Junk - 2002 Buick Rendezvous
  By Barry - December 16 - 10:01 am

  When we bought it we were so excited, then the repair bills started, rear aluminium bracket, 800 dollars, then brakes, then rotors, then engine manifold and head gaskets. Spent over $4000 in repairs in one year. GM put out over 3 million 3.4 engines with defective gaskets knowingly and did not recall, very unethical company. They also knew about defective wheel bearings, this has hurt their sales in Canada big time. They are not an ethical company anymore and most of us GM folks have switched brands. Had a 4x4 as well and drove GM for years. Have to switch brands.

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  Best car GM ever built - 1995 Buick Roadmaster
  By fr88 - December 15 - 10:50 am

  I love my Roadmaster wagon! 205K miles and the car still looks and drives like new. Outstanding powertrain that is trouble-free and completely bulletproof. Tow package (look for engine driven fan under the hood) adds extra level of durability. I recommend it highly. The Gran Touring suspension gives extra level of control and comfort. The seats are orthopedic in design and allow hours of comfortable cruising. Cargo area can haul 4 x 8 sheets of plywood flat - something most SUVs cant manage. Gas economy exceeds the best of the big SUVs: 15-17 in city, 23-25 highway. Stunning power from LT1 engine. Cadillac luxury, SUV versatility, Toyota reliability. Perfect combination.

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  Bad Timing - 2011 Buick Enclave
  By Rich Hand - December 13 - 1:25 pm

  Why would all 3 timing chains need replacing at only 36000 miles?

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  Sweet car - 1997 Buick Skylark
  By fatchuckyd - December 13 - 2:00 am

  Great fuel economy. Very fun to drive. Mine has a 2.4l twin cam. Very fast, it beat my friends 14,9 sec. focus with just an intake and muffler. Love it

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  The jurys still deliberating - 2008 Buick Enclave
  By DAz - December 12 - 2:04 pm

  We moved out of the domestic market in the 1990s for better quality, e.g. Nissan, Lexus. We wanted an AWD SUV and deduced that the quality imports had gotten out of our reach. We were really taken by the Enclave when we tested one out, so we ordered one. To our disappointment we have found that the wheels & hubs build up with snow, ice or mud which sets up an uncomfortable vibration Which can only be alleviated by washing the wheels thoroughly with a pressure washer. The Dealer tells us that this is a common issue in all the newer vehicles due to the open hub. I am suspicious that this is a run around. I also drive a 2008 Explorer at work that exhibits no such problem.