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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  2004 Regal GS - 2004 Buick Regal
  By Bob G - January 5 - 2:53 am

  I love this car! Had a 99 GS, loved it too. Handsome, traditional exterior, roomy & comfortable inside. Nice seats. Lots of power, and a marvelous auto trans. Outstanding MPG on trips, especially considering the power. Quiet, comfortable ride, feels solid, no rattles. Big trunk. Both of these vehicles have been utterly reliable, and very inexpensive to maintain. A lot of folks laugh at the idea of a Buick, but I only need to impress myself. Theyre welcome to their expensive, maintenance-intensive German ego props. This Buicks a terrific buy, and Im sorry they wont be making any more in 5 years.

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  Loaded with Luxury and Amazing features - 2006 Buick Terraza
  By aminnj - January 4 - 12:50 pm

  I have CXL, AWD with all options except Navigation System. The drive feels like of an SUV & the room you get is of a Minivans. Compare to the class leader Odessey this car comes with many extras, such as AWD, Rearview Parking Assisstance, a built- in compressor, AC Power Outlet to charge Camcoders, Digital Cameras, Laptops etc, XM Radio is truly awesome, On-star 1-year free is great feature as well. If one can afford $199 a year from year 2, it is very useful feature especially if you have a family with kids. Compare to Honda Odessey, I think the pick up is less and the rear trunk room is superior in Honda. I would suggest to take a look at this Terraza instead of simply going with Honda

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  My Buick - 2006 Buick Rainier
  By Rick - January 3 - 9:11 pm

  Nice ride. Only negatives are fuel mileage and cup holders. It has all the equipment that our Yukon had.

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  Open Road Performance - 2006 Buick Terraza
  By Ray - January 3 - 6:38 pm

  The Terrazas best feature is the response on the highway. Took a trip from NY to DC and the car responded beautifully to passing situations. Accelerating from 55-60mph to 65-70mph to pass, it handled smoothly and had enough engine power and feel that it could give you more power easily.

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  Review of 2005 Buick Rainier - 2005 Buick Rainier
  By Lou Kirk - January 3 - 6:12 pm

  This is my first SUV and I couldnt be happier with it. Comfort, driveablity, power, MPG could be a little better, easy to park, visibility to see other traffic on the road is exceptional, maintaince is easy, OnStar makes me feel very secure. I have driven this vehicle from the mid United states to the east coast and then to the west coast and back to the midwest and not one problem. Would like to see keyless entry on the next one that I get.

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  Hot and Stylish!! - 2002 Buick Rendezvous
  By Stacie - December 30 - 6:42 am

  I couldnt be happier with my car! There is plenty of room for my two children in the back. I feel like hot momma in my Buick! The ride is wonderful!! I have the fully loaded CXL, it is total luxury! It is fun to drive and very economical. My next vehicle will definitely be a newer version of what I now have!

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  Love my RoadMonster! - 1994 Buick Roadmaster
  By Road_Monster - December 27 - 9:27 pm

  I bought my 1994 Roadmaster in August, 2003. This car has a following, like its "B Body" brothers: The Impala SS, and Caprice. The Roadmaster, Impala SS, and Caprice share the same chassis, LT1 V8 engine, 4L60E transmission, etc. My particular car has a gray leather interior. It is extremely comforatable and the leather is durable. On the road, this car is amazing. Lots of power, comfortable ride, and the safe feeling only a large rear wheel drive car can give you. These cars were built to last. Mine is almost twelve years old now. It does not burn or leak a drop of oil! They are truly a bargain, for the ride, performance, and safety they provide.

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  Fun,Safe and Dependable - 2004 Buick Rainier
  By Dr d - December 26 - 11:35 pm

  This Buick Is a very stable platform . Fun to drive due to great handling for us , the average driver. Speed and acceleration that makes you feel young when you need it, entering a freeway or getting out of a jam. Sometimes, just showing off. It just feels good to know that youre in command of the road on occasion. Plenty of room for passengers & Luggage. Easily maneuvers in any grocery store parking lot and brings the bacon home safley. Might keep this for 20 years.

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  Super car, great traveler - 2005 Buick Terraza
  By Fred - December 25 - 12:02 am

  This is the third van we have owned - 90 Chevy Lumina and 98 Olds Silhouette. Both previous cars were very satisfactory with virtually no extra service required in 107K and 93K respectively. This one looks equal or better in smoothness and build quality. In 12,800 mile over 11 months, there hasnt been a single blip of any kind. The interior is just beautiful I had compared Mercury Monterey, Windstar, Chrysler, Sienna, Odyessy and other GM, but none of them compare to feel and look of quality. There are many fine touches in car. Only negative is that I wish GM would adopt Chryslers stow and go seating. Second row seats are hard to remove/replace. Great ride on trips.

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  Always fun to drive - 1990 Buick Reatta
  By Wish I could keep it - December 23 - 9:19 pm

  I have always been very pleased with the car, why else would I have kept it for 16 years! It was always fun to drive, both in the city and on the open road.