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 on Base Price - 2008 Buick LaCrosse
  By Tammy - November 7 - 9:45 am

  Purchased this 08 LaCrosse in April, 2008, have 20,000 on it already and love it! Got the base model, but its a Buick! So it has all the creature comforts--power windows, door locks, and driver seat cruise, tilt--and great gas mileage. Good git-up-and-go and plenty of room inside. Nice sized steering wheel for a womans hands. Only knock is the trunk is a little narrow to get a large suitcase into and out of easily, but I love the trunk release design! Overall, a great vehicle for the money.

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  Audi Q7 killer! - 2008 Buick Enclave
  By GCH - November 4 - 3:50 pm

  Just yesterday our Enclave was finally delivered. We had to wait a few months as we had the car imported from the US. We had driven the car during our two weeks holidays in Florida May 2008 and fell in love with it. The car drives smoothly, is silent and has a lot of space. With 3 children the Enclave is the perfect family car. Classy and not as ordinary as a BMW X5 or Audi Q7. The fun part is that the Enclave offers as much as these cars but is far cheaper. Too bad that the XM radio does not work in Europe. It uses fuel but not as much as expected. We like the seats for total 8 people and the exclusive look & feel of the Enclave. We are sure to enjoy the Enclave for a many years to come.

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  2002 Rendezvou - 2002 Buick Rendezvous
  By Kuwik368 - November 3 - 10:00 am

  I really like this SUV. I went from an Avelanche to this, thinking I wouldnt like it at all. Im glad I traded! I cant wait to drive it daily. It is a very smooth ride, the sound is great. This Rendezvou has many "fun" options that I never had before on any other vehicle before. I plan on buying another when time to trade.The only thing I really dont like about it are these things: 1) It doesnt feel secure when its raining and you hit a large spot of water. 2) I very much liked having 2 visors per front seat. One for the front view and another for the side view.

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  Love My Rendevous - 2004 Buick Rendezvous
  By Getenchanted - November 3 - 10:00 am

  This car gets better gas milage than I had expected. I love the comport and luxury of the vehicle. It has the space and usages of a minivan but is enough of a SUV to be interesting and fun. I love mine.

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  Young man loves his Buick - 2003 Buick LeSabre
  By TONY - November 2 - 10:32 am

  I sold my Buick Century, and bought my 2003 LeSabre custom. Hooked on the Buick comfort, style and great gas mileage for this size car. Im 39 years old, and have heard that Buicks are for the older generation. Well I love mine and expect it to last a long time. The ride is smooth, no road noise and I get the performance expected.

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  Love my LeSabre - 1993 Buick LeSabre
  By Debra - October 31 - 8:55 pm

  I bought my 93 LeSabre, with guess what? 189K miles, it was a one owner car since day one. My brother is a mechanic and said who ever had that car took a one care of it mechanically. It will probably go for another 100K miles. All I have replaced on it is a water pump which cost me a whopping $30. My previous vehicle was a 91 Buick century which I literally drove into the ground at 300K. You can but your last bottom dollar that when the 93 I now own sees auto paradise another Buick will be taking its place. I absoulutely love Buicks and if you look around, you see they everywhere. These cars are built to last and I love them!

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  I Really Like This Buick - 2006 Buick Rendezvous
  By paul cameron - October 30 - 9:03 pm

  I have owned this Rendezvous for 3 yrs. It is an excellent vehicle. Even 3 yrs old there are no rattles or decline of quality. Have not had 1 single mechanical problem of any kind. Totally dependable. With 3rd row seating down can fit 4 suitcases and 4 sets of golf clubs in the Rendezvous for a golf trip. Perfect! Gets 26 mpg on the hwy. Being a Minnesota vehicle I use both air and heater and the heating/cooling systems work perfectly,quietly and quickly.

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  Pleasantly surprised - 2009 Buick Enclave
  By Scott - October 29 - 10:01 pm

  It has been a long time since we owned a GM car and I have to say that this one is much improved over years ago. The Enclave is very well made and quiet. We get a lot of positive comments on its appearance. We have young teens and just traded in the minivan. Most of our disappointments are related to the fact that this vehicle doesnt have as much room as a minivan and is missing some of the interior accessories you would find in a van.

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  Mechanical Nightmare - 2002 Buick Rendezvous
  By juliaom - October 28 - 11:55 pm

  Do not buy this Buick RDV. Now at 114,000 miles but everything breaks, first the AC, other repairs, then window motors, head gaskets rebuilt, now AWD disable light on, dealer said new hub and sensors needed for $600. Has cost me close to $8000 since 2004. Now excessive rust on front of Hood, visibly accelerating. Service Mgr said I should write to Buick, as repairs have been excessive. Buick rep said too bad, its not under warrenty. Never again will I buy GM.

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  Buick Century 02 - 2002 Buick Century
  By amac - October 26 - 11:26 pm

  We have had our Century for 4.5 years and for the most part we have been very happy. I am considering selling it now (almost 100k) and my wife does not want to sell it. We have had a warranty since we bought it and have gotten our money our of it. Mainly electric seat and power window. There was also gaskets, something with rear brake, and catalatic converter. The confort and ease of driving is definitely something that we will miss. It is nice that you can for a short distance fit 7 people (well mostly children). We have averaged about 27 mpg and I do not consider that bad for that car.