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:

• 

  Smooth machine - 2000 Buick Park Avenue
  By highegt - October 14 - 11:23 am

  This is the nicest automobile I have ever owned. Independent suspension, 4 wheel disc brakes, premier transmission, one of Wards Auto World 10 best engines of all time, a curvy body and an interior as quiet/comfy as my living room topped off with 32 mpg on the highway - what else has all that?

• 

  Is this a Buick? - 2008 Buick Enclave
  By Jody - October 11 - 12:43 pm

  After much searching in this price range, my wife and I were settled on the Acadia. However, we took one test drive in the new Buick and were amazed at how much better looking and how much better equipped the Enclave is compared to the Acadia. The ride is smooth and quiet with nice accleration from the six speed automatic. The Buick is not going to snap your neck with speed, but is perfectly capable of quick passing maneuvers when needed. The interior is what really impressed us. My wife and I are in our late 20s and have never considered a Buick until now. The clock in the dash looks great and at night the interior lighting befits a much higher priced car.

• 

  Classy, sporty, and luxurious - 2005 Buick LaCrosse
  By Carl Kushner - October 10 - 5:39 pm

  I was shopping for a midsize that gave a lot for your money. The Lacrosse is that. With the gold convenience package, it came with a whole group of luxury features. With the GM employee pricing this car couldnt compete with others including the imports for bang for the buck!

• 

  Real Nice Car - 2002 Buick Century
  By MTHOODJOHN - October 8 - 2:01 pm

  I am really happy with my Buick Century Custom, for a mid-size luxury car, I dont think it can be beaten.

• 

  Very Good - 2006 Buick Terraza
  By CRR - October 6 - 10:45 am

  I really liked this mini van. I was surprised at all of the smart features, like the information panel that lets you know exactly how many miles you have before running out of gas and oil, extra cup holders that can be hid away and a censored passenger seat to keep airbag off when a child is under weight. There were so many common sense things that most vehicles do not have, which makes traveling a lot more comfortable. The car told you specifically which door was not close. The down side was you have to shut the side doors real hard to get it to register close. It took me a while to get used to the truck look on the front end, then I recalled how some men prefer a more masculine look.

• 

  An SUV that is more like a car - 2004 Buick Rendezvous
  By Buffalo Buick - October 6 - 12:22 am

  We have had the vehicle for about 18 months / 15,000 miles now and have had ZERO problems. I do not regret getting the front wheel drive model. Snow tires on all 4s and traction control is all that is needed. Very comfortable vehicle for those that want a mini van or a SUV. Engine has plenty of power and great gas mileage.

• 

  Great Value, - 2006 Buick Rendezvous
  By Norman G - October 5 - 11:35 am

  Sold 2001 Luxus RX300 and bought Rendezous 2006. Wife is main driver and loves it. Very good gas mileage ( Road 27 MPH ) Lexus was 21mph. Very pleasing interior with good and easy to read insturments and more quiet on road than Lexus. Great value

• 

  Great Value - 2006 Buick Rendezvous
  By Jgodey - October 5 - 11:12 am

  Hard to imagine a nicer car for the money - in terms of style, features, and versatility. I purchased the base model which has every feature I need standard. Because of the bad press US cars have received I initially looked at imports, but ultimately found the best value was with this Buick. Also, it didnt hurt the Consumer Reports gave it a favorable review.

• 

  Would Highly Recommend - 2016 Buick Verano
  By Marc R - October 3 - 12:23 am

  I went from a 2014 GMC SUV to the Buick Verano. I wasnt even interested in looking at a Buick when my dealership asked me if I was interested in Buick. They took me out to the Verano and I was impressed with the way that the exterior looked. I have to say that it is a sleek looking vehicle and it looks like a luxury sedan, without the luxury price. I then sat inside, and I have to say my first thought was WOW, Buick did a really good job. Now after driving it for a month, I have to say that the ride is pleasurable, its quiet, the entertainment features are great, and the car is a joy to drive. Its considered a compact car however I feel like Im driving in a full size sedan. I just dont feel like the car is that small. The interior design and layout is of great comfort and looks very classy. Everyone that has been inside my car says, wow this is nice. Buick really did a great job making this sedan look like a luxury vehicle. My girlfriend jokes with me that I bought a luxury vehicle. The car handles well and I do a lot of city driving and with the help of cruise control when I can use it, Im getting 27 miles to the gallon in the city. So you can stretch the MPG if you drive sensibly. Overall I have to say that I am happy to be in this vehicle. It certainly feels different than driving an SUV, but I was ready for a switch and am enjoying Buicks Verano.

• 

  Ravishing Rendezvous - 2003 Buick Rendezvous
  By E. F. Ellis - October 2 - 10:00 am

  This vehicle fits my transportation needs in every way. I especially enjoy the great visibility and ease of handling. It is a macho machine with lots of class.