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 Vehicle - 2009 Buick Enclave
  By Happy Customer - October 24 - 11:11 am

  This vehicle replaced a van that we really liked. However it is a huge step up. This is the nicest new vehicle I have ever purchased. This a gem that people need to look at. With the direct injection and variable valve timing, I get better fuel mileage than my van. It is well thought out and we enjoy all of the features it has to offer. It is comfortable and super quiet & smooth down the road. I would recommend this vehicle to anybody. My family loves it. Take one for a test drive.

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  Black Rivi on duces with beat - 1997 Buick Riviera
  By babystunna55 - October 23 - 12:53 am

  Cool whip. I like it. Fun to drive and all that. I got some custom things on mine. 22 inch rims. DVD in dash. Two 12 inch subs in the trunk. Love the car

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  We like it! - 2005 Buick LaCrosse
  By L and V Leonard - October 22 - 2:20 pm

  Having done a lot of homework, looking for a new car, we settled on the Buick LaCrosse. We have taken two road trips in it thus far and are extremely happy with the car. The LaCrosse takes Buick out of the "AARP bracket," although thats not a bad place to be!

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  07 Rendezvous CXL - 2007 Buick Rendezvous
  By JT - October 21 - 8:24 pm

  After 24k miles,one of the best cars we have owned. We had 2 good Chrysler vans. This CXL replaced a noisy, cheapo, gas-guzzler Honda Odyssey ”XL”- no luxury features even available! Liked a rented Rendezvous on Florida vacation. Later compared it to the Lexus SUV -cramped and boring. The Buick is larger inside and $20K cheaper. Quiet, luxurious, versatile and 22.5 mpg thrifty. Comforts of the car are on par with our Avalon sedan. 7 people can ride if needed & with the middle seats out, we carry 3 dogs and luggage for trips. It has been great in the snow even in our hilly neighborhood. Love the car. Sad that GM made the dumb decision to discontinue & replace it with a bulbous gas guzzler.

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  It takes More than Quiet to Make Luxury - 2007 Buick Lucerne
  By C. Sherwood - October 20 - 2:35 pm

  Car was a dealer demo. I was sold based on a test drive. It was and remains very quiet and luxurious feeling in that aspect. However, the drivers seat left side molding cracked and broke of its own accord, with a quarter-sized piece popping off and landing in the drivers foot well. Now, two weeks later, it seems like the entire drivers door interior panel is trying to separate from the metal, with a give of at least an inch when closing the door. Two months ago, the OnStar stopped working on its own and took 3 tries to fix. Handling feels weird at 45 mph like Cruise is taking over on its own. Very disappointing all around and I wish I could have my Chrysler 300 back.

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  intake manifold - 1998 Buick Park Avenue
  By George Thigpen - October 20 - 10:00 am

  port holes in upper manifold let water in cylinders cause car not to start and a1241.00repair bil-technical bulletin TB-1870 aera engine rebuilders association

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  01Silver bullet - 2001 Buick Park Avenue
  By DaddyDon - October 20 - 10:00 am

  Love it so far

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  First time Buick owner - 2008 Buick LaCrosse
  By cherie - October 20 - 7:14 am

  I have has a Pontiac for the past 12 years. I absolutely love my LaCrosse. Just a few enhancements that would make it even better! I think the passenger seat should be electric, just as the drivers seat is. Climate control vents in the rear would alson be a great feature as well. I know I make my right buying decision with the Buick. Thanks GM

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  2005 LeSabre Celebration Limited Edition - 2005 Buick LeSabre
  By Buick Owner - October 20 - 1:04 am

  I have drove Buick LeSabres for years. I own 2 LeSabres at the present time. They have all been very good cars. I bought the 2005 LeSabre Celebration Edition because it was the last year of the LeSabre. It is without a doubt the most comfortable, smoothest riding, most luxurious interior, and quietest LeSabre ever build and I go back a few years. It is so good that I keep it tucked away in my garage and only use it on highway trips and special outings. I use my 02 LeSabre for everyday driving in order to keep miles and wear off the 05 as I plan on keeping it for a long, long time. As you may have noticed, I have owned this car for a long time before writing this review. Great car!

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  Roomiest small SUV, luxury ride - 2005 Buick Rendezvous
  By kd - October 17 - 5:05 pm

  Ive put about 45,000 miles on my Rendezvous and overall it has been a good vehicle. I avg. low 20s MPG which consists of about 50/50 city and highway miles. The upholstery could be better, very east to stain. One of the most comfortable riding cars I have owned and would beat any SUV for luxury ride. The 3.4L engine is great around town, but lacks a bit of torque in the mountains - not a big deal though. The cargo space is amazing for a small SUV, probably nothting better in its class for a small, maneuverable SUV. I now have 80K miles and it still runs well and everything is intact. No major work. Overall, very pleased with ownership of this vehicle.