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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  This car has been good to me. - 1992 Buick Century
  By Spectaman - October 12 - 7:46 am

  I bought this car used in 2003 for about 2200. I had to do a few repairs at first but after that this car has been very reliable. It does what it is supposed to do, get you to your destination. My only beef which might just be this car is that the heat isnt good when its cold, the air is great when warm.

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  Great When It Doesnt Leak - 2008 Buick Enclave
  By bondguy - October 9 - 9:41 pm

  I have had this car since March of 2008. I love the style and the quiet ride. However, I am so thankful that I lease this vehicle and wouldnt ever think of buying one after the problems I have experienced. Once in for electrical problems after owning it for 3 months. 3 times in for leak in ceiling (water drips in through the third row overhead maplights). The car came back to me after being in the shop (3rd time for leak) last week. So far, so good. No more leaks. Mileage is worse than what GM claims averaging 19 overall highway with stop and go a lot. Beautiful driving as it is very quiet. Pickup is just okay though.

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  Comfortable and Quiet - 2008 Buick Lucerne
  By Michael - October 9 - 12:19 am

  This car is very quiet and comfortable. I previously owned an Olds 88 LSS and this is by far a better car. The heated seats are great in the winter. The sound system is good. The build quality is excellent. I have not found one flaw in the car yet after putting 6000 miles on it. No squeaks or squawks. This is a well designed car, built to last. The 3.8L V6 engine in the CXL has a cast iron oil pan. Thats how rugged the engine is built. All previous 3.8L GM engines that I am familiar with have a formed sheet metal oil pan. This one is cast iron with cross members bolted to it. Built reliable like an aircraft engine.

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  Disappointment - 1997 Buick Park Avenue
  By BootsyClay - October 8 - 5:13 am

  We bought this used from a reliable friend mechanic. In no time the paint was fading and peeling, the plastic manifold broke & quite a big repair bill even fixing it ourselves & buying parts on the net. Air conditioning went & had to replace condensor etc, The front power seat mechanism works, but is popped out of the seat. Seatbuckles broke. Something has happened to the struts. Weve nearly always owned GM since my husband retired from there. Owned an Olds that went almost 300K miles until hit when stopped. Only one time failed to start when the timing chain needed replacing at way over 100K. We have lost a bundle on this Buick. Really a shame and sorrowful!

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  Made In China....China Can Keep IT! - 2016 Buick Envision
  By Halle Smith - October 7 - 6:25 am

  Our car was in an accident on May 3rd. It is now August 10th and we still do not have our car. They cannot get parts and GM has been of NO help. I would NOT buy this car again, nor would I tell anyone to buy this car. It has been a complete disaster! I have never been as disappointed in a car as we have been with this car. Do not buy a car made in CHINA!

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  Happy Owner - 2003 Buick Rendezvous
  By M Van Tiem - October 7 - 2:00 am

  I researched several different SUVs and decided on a Trailblazer until I laid eyes on the RDV. This SUV has plenty of room for 2 adults and 2 kids, very comfortable seating, lots of storage areas, and the extras are very well thought out. The gas milage is a little less then the sticker says, however, mush beter then other SUVs in its class. All the controls are well placed for convienance and ease of use.

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  Falling Fast - 2003 Buick Rendezvous
  By MJ - October 6 - 9:47 am

  We bought this vehicle used with 26K miles on it in Nov. of 05, and liked it quite a bit originally. Unfortunately, the longer we have had it, the more cheaply made it seems. Not a lot of problems mechanically with this car through the 3 years I have owned it, but little stuff: windows always squeal, leather strap to close hatch broke within a couple months of owning, rear wiper has never worked correctly. Tires lose pressure. Now I feel the tranny is slipping, and warranty expires in 3 days. Was told at the dealership they cant find anything wrong, and I cant trade this in, because I cant afford the negative equity

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  New GM owner - 2006 Buick Lucerne
  By Teecee - October 6 - 8:56 am

  I am really enjoying our new Buick Lucerne. The walnut interior is nice. The inside is roomy. The idea of having side airbags makes me feel safer. My family loves it. Well be putting it on the road this summer.

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  Best car Ive owned and so classy - 1997 Buick Riviera
  By DiAnna - October 5 - 11:46 am

  This indeed a really sleek beautiful, supercharged car. Very nicely built and holds up to about anything. I drive it in excess of 100 miles daily, never a problem

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  Got to love it - 1997 Buick Riviera
  By keith - October 4 - 5:00 pm

  My car so far has given me all the fun and glory I need in driving and being seen driving. I love the shape, style, and I love Buicks. Very fun, sporty, classy, etc. If you are thinking about buying one, dont! Buy two!