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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  ride and drive lacrosse - 2005 Buick LaCrosse
  By lacrosse drive - January 18 - 11:20 pm

  car has new fresh style and is the quietest sedan i found for any car close to that price. engine is fast and fun to drive.

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  Better than my LaCrosse - 2005 Buick Century
  By David Cowan - January 18 - 4:07 pm

  I also have a LaCrosse and the Century has a smoother ride and more comfortable seats, plus much better gas mileage in the city. Do not listen to the auto experts that believe a harsh ride, stiff seats and a run through the cones is what the real world of driving is. I have 9,000 on the Century and test drove both Camry and Accord prior to purchase, both rode stiffer and were not as powerful. Plus the quality with the Buick is just as good. The six is fine and getting on ramps and passing is no problem.

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  The come back Buick - 2006 Buick LaCrosse
  By bernie - January 14 - 1:10 am

  If only more younger people would test drive the Lacrosse CXS, Buick would be on its way to losing its image as the old folks car. The 3.6 liter engine always has plenty of power, but the cars real strength lies in its suspension. This car never meets a curve it doesnt love. And the sound insulation is outstanding. This is a car that loves to be driven and driven hard. Give it a try.

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  Best SUV Ever - 2005 Buick Rainier
  By Mac - January 13 - 5:21 pm

  We have owned our 2005 Ranier CXL AWD for about 14 months. It is by bar the best overall SUV we have ever owned. The ride quality is outstanding, the handling sharp, the performance excellent, and the carrying capacity fantastic. Overall we get about 20 mpg on the highway (70 - 75 mph) and about 15 in town. My wife likes it so much that I seldom get to drive it except on trips. It is one of the quietest vehicles I have ever driven. The size, ergonomics, features, and performance are just about perfect for the two of us. Our friends enjoy very much when we take the Ranier, going out to dinner.

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  Excellent vehicle - 2001 Buick Century
  By Vitoria Ferraro - January 9 - 7:12 pm

  Ive had this vehicle for 2 months short of 5 years, and Im extremely happy with it. The best vehicle Ive had ever.

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  Back to America! - 2008 Buick Enclave
  By rokalada - January 8 - 2:50 pm

  After deciding we needed a more economical car to take the family and four dogs to our weekend place about 150 miles from home, we started looking at SUVs, CUVs, etc. I used to drive Mercedes wagons, and I was drawn back to them, but the middle row leg room is too short for our tall, adult-sized children, and the other Mercedes that did "fit" us (the R class) could not haul a trailer that we sometimes use. Enter, the Enclave! I took delivery on a CXL this week, and so far, I am very impressed! Ive only gassed up once, but it got well over 20 mpg in mixed driving. The ride is comfortable, and I like the solid feel to the doors when you shut them --- very unlike a Honda!

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  Excellent - 2003 Buick LeSabre
  By Sam - January 7 - 9:02 pm

  I can drive the 70MPH speed limit to a city 100 miles away, do some driving around in the city and return home averaging 28-29 MPG. I think this is great for a car of this size. Very comfortable ride also.

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  Smooth and relaxing - 2006 Buick LaCrosse
  By dp - January 7 - 3:06 pm

  Very well built safe feeling car. The styling may be a little bit behind the times, but it definitely stands out above the rest on the road. Every other car looks the same. It is so quiet its hard to tell if the engine is running inside or outside of the car. It reminds me so much of my 1989 Olds Cutless Supreme SL I had for 13 years, which I loved. I got it with 6 passenger seating (sort of like a bench seat)with a flip fold console.

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  Excellent Quality & Reliable Buick - 2005 Buick Century
  By laban1719 - January 7 - 2:57 pm

  I drive this car to work and feel confident in its reliability and safety. It has been an excellent value and rides smoothly with quick acceleration. Way to go GM! I recommend this car to everyone looking for a dependable and affordable used car.

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  Excellent Sedan - 2005 Buick LaCrosse
  By Tracy - January 6 - 3:55 pm

  I replaced a 2002 Olds Intrigue and wanted to get a comparable vehicle since the Olds phase out. The Lacrosse lives up to Buicks standard for quality. Wonderful car to drive, interior is great. My wife though it would be an "old mans car", but after driving it she wants one too.