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:

• 

  The Enclave Saved My Life! - 2008 Buick Enclave
  By jbjomo - October 17 - 9:04 am

  Had a terrible accident but I was able to walk away from it thanks to the Enclave! It took the brunt of the damage and it was totaled. My insurance agent was amazed that I survived due to the condition of the outside of the vehicle. Im going to purchase an 09 for a replacement.

• 

  2004 Buick Rendezvous - 2004 Buick Rendezvous
  By jayfinn3 - October 16 - 7:08 pm

  After few weeks owning this Buick I am totally in love with this vehicle. Gets 19.8 miles on average and I dont drive highways. All wheel drive is great. OnStar works great and lots of head room for 64 person. It is fun to drive and has soft ride. This is not off road AWD

• 

  Excellent Vehicle - 2008 Buick Lucerne
  By F. J. WULFF - October 15 - 8:33 pm

  The 2008 CXL is an excellent sedan, with high mechanical reliability. It has adequate power, very comfortable, the design is most attractive and is a pleasure to drive. If you want a special long distance traveling vehicle, consider the Lucerne, it is comfortable and reliable.

• 

  A vacation vehicle that works - 2009 Buick Enclave
  By clm - October 15 - 2:02 pm

  Bought it to travel in have not been disapointed. Quiet ride deceiving in will suprise you when running 85 doesnt seem like it. Handles mountain roads well v-6 and 6 speed work well together. Interior comfortable but son thinks door decor cheesey would like wood grain to emulate steering wheel better.

• 

  Good value - 2004 Buick Rendezvous
  By pa - October 15 - 9:14 am

  Ive had this car for 4 years. Ill be honest, it is a boring car. Yes, the interior is plasticy (which, after 4 years, has certainly worn down to the point of needing some sort of paint repair) and the exterior isnt exciting either. But, with that said, it has been a very reliable car. Ive had one repair in 90K miles which Im sure is pretty rare. The third row has been very convenient for the extra- people situations that pop up (and yes, adults can fit back there). You feel safe in this car.

• 

  My First Car! - 1999 Buick Century
  By ryan - October 14 - 11:50 pm

  I have enjoyed my Century very much. I love the power seats in it. They are so comfortable and easy to adjust. The ride is excellent, as any Buick would be, and it is mostly quiet. The engine is very refined and responds with plenty of power when I need it. The transmission is a little unrefined, but I cant complain. I drive super slow so I can get the best fuel economy possible, and I am getting 22mpg consistently with about 80% hwy/20% city driving. The back seat is plenty big to carry passengers in comfort. The trunk is also ginormous! The interior is functional, but a little cheap. Theres a lot of hard plastics that dont really fit together well. Overall, for my first car, I love it!

• 

  Nice - 2005 Buick Rendezvous
  By brian - October 14 - 10:19 pm

  Bought this SUV 5 months ago from an estate with 21000 miles on it. Handles well in the snow and is a comfortable ride. There is room comfortably for a family four, a tight fit with five. Drove from Milwaukee to UP averaged 23-24mpg. So far no problems as Im at about 30000miles.

• 

  2006 Lucerne is great! - 2006 Buick Lucerne
  By mehtahim - October 14 - 1:06 pm

  Like the sleek styling and comfort. Its roomy with room for 6 passengers if needed. Clean practical IP.

• 

  Our Park Avenue - 2003 Buick Park Avenue
  By Jon White - October 14 - 10:00 am

  A super highway cruiser demonstrating excellent fuel mileage while driving at or just above the posted speed limits.

• 

  600K+ miles still going strong - 1997 Buick Century
  By Buickbuildquality - October 13 - 4:05 pm

  Ive owned this vehicle its whole life, and I can only say that when my Lexus wouldnt start, when my Porsche wasnt big enough, and when my Escalade just wasnt efficient enough my little Buick pulled through with flying colours. This car has gone everywhere and never let me down. I can afford any car under the sun but I refuse to give this one up do to the remarkable reliability and appreciation I have for it. You heard it here folks 600K+ miles and going very strong: just replaced original the AC Delco batt. last year, get 31mpg going 85, has decent pep, lovely ride, sure its not the most handsome car or most expensive but it has never-ever given me a days worth of trouble, I love it!