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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  Love my GS - 1998 Buick Regal
  By drivefast! - October 1 - 3:17 pm

  This is a car to love. I bought it at 44,000 miles and have replaced only the tires. It is at 94,000 now and going strong! I love the speed but it can be a little too floaty above 85. I love the stereo, heated seats, sunroof, and leather interior. I would buy another in a heartbeat. Very reliable and a great "sleeper" at stop lights... : ) I hope it lasts another 100,000 miles! Safety is also important. I had someone stop me at a gas station who said his wife was in a very bad head-on accident with this car and walked away unharmed. Great car!

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  Great Vehicle - 2005 Buick Terraza
  By Dave - September 29 - 12:43 pm

  I love everything about this vehicle except that it is slightly underpowered. We just completed a 500 mile all interstate trip at 70 mph and got 26 mpg, 2 more than posted for this vehicle. It drives, handles and rides very well - feels more like a car than a minivan. Excellent storage and seating comfort. Vehicle now has 4000 miles and no problems thus far. The grandkids love it, especially the DVD setup.

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  Regal- good buy - 2003 Buick Regal
  By nkl9248 - September 27 - 10:13 pm

  I had a Cadillac Catera that I traded in for the 2003 Buick Regal LS. I couldnt be happier. Its very reliable and well built.

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  Travel Tales - 2003 Buick Park Avenue
  By Don Ely - September 26 - 10:00 am

  Have owned this Ultra for about 5 months, now. Just finished a 4500 mile driving tour around all the Western states. Great trip, averaging 28.3 miles per gallon fully loaded with A/C on all the way. Comfortable, easy driving. Have owned many (17) Buicks. This one is great, but its not a Roadmaster.Buick needs to revive the Roadmaster. Id buy in a minute.

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  Riding with a GM product - 2005 Buick LaCrosse
  By Ray Horn - September 25 - 8:29 am

  There were several models of Buick that I had been interested in, the LaCrosse caught my eye. The car was not too big, nor too small, the fact that the rear seats fold down for more room was impressive. I am a gadget person, this car has just about everthing, yet it is safe and secure, there is less road noise due to the insulation and efforts by GM to keep the noise level down. Of course one of the pleasing items is the gas mileage, it is good! All in all, I enjoy the vehicle and its workmanship.

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  21st Century Buick - 2006 Buick LaCrosse
  By Stephen D Rau - September 22 - 7:31 am

  The LaCrosse has a tight, responsive suspension and handles better than I would have expected. The headlights are powerful. I dont miss the Zenon projector headlights from my last car. Its subtle, well-executed and built, with the sleek body looking a bit like a concept car. I object to reviewers calling it "bland". I see it as elegant and evolutionary. I especially like the front grill and headlight design, which harkens back to the 1950s, but with suitable refinement.

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  A great car, fast, very comfortable, reliable - 1991 Buick Regal
  By Boris Morales - September 22 - 2:30 am

  This car is a very well rounded car for real life driving, especially when you have to drive fast on the highway. It is most comfortable whether it be driving in stop and go traffic or at 85 mph. Its been reliable and solid. I would not mind driving it from Florida to Alaska and back. It has enough space in the interior for 4 tall people or 5 regular ones and the trunk is cavernous. Most recommended.

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  Love this car! - 2005 Buick LaCrosse
  By garyjerjay - September 21 - 1:16 am

  I am past my "beat the other guy off the line" days but I wanted a car that had decent acceleration and one that did not ride like the old Buick floating ride, but rather one that had a smooth quiet ride, and one that you could also feel the road under you and was firm in the corners. My Lacrosse after 3,500 is all that I wanted and more. No, the accereration does not snap your neck back but is more than adequate. The cabin is incredibly quiet and the power seats are very comfortable. There is enough room in the trunk for four sets of golf clubs and there is room in the cabin for four adults although the back seat could use a little more room. This is a great car for this old baby boomer!

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  My Buick - 2005 Buick Rainier
  By Nanny - September 19 - 12:58 pm

  This is the first car I have purchased. I previously owned a Park Avenue and my husband owned a GMC Pick Up. I loved both and didnt need both so the salesman suggested I purchase an SUV. I have made a couple of trips to Atlanta and love the power, V6, the ride, It reminds me of my car and gives me the height of the truck. There is plenty of room for me to travel as I want. My sister and I will make a trip to Norfolk, Va in October and she has a small scooter which will fit in the back real well. I couldnt be happier with my decision. The only way, would be if it were paid for.

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  Nice car! - 2005 Buick LaCrosse
  By Steve - September 19 - 12:52 pm

  This car rides and drives like a Lexus. Buick has outdone itself with the development. Cab comfort is well recieved. I commute a good distance every day and driving this car makes it much easier.