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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  I Love this Car! - 2011 Buick Regal
  By 82oldsroyale - May 23 - 11:17 am

  I needed a car because I had an accident with my 02 Buick Park Ave. I did not consider the Lucerne, as this car was out dated already. I did look at the LaCrosse and feel in love with it, but it was out of my price range. So I looked at the Regal. At first I did not like it, I had issues with the size of the interior. Once I got over the initial size and became more open minded for what the Regal had to offer, I fell in love with it. The exterior styling is so sporty and the interior has so many standard options. The 2.4 engine takes some getting use to, but gets the job done. I just love driving this car! I love the stares I get when I pass people by! People cannot believe it is a Buick!

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  Love my Buicks - 2012 Buick Verano
  By bearsgt53 - May 20 - 5:52 pm

  I purchased this vehicle little over a month ago. It is super quiet, great gas mileage and loaded with ammenities. The only cons that i have for this car is the gas filler neck is located on the right side of the car instead of being on the drivers side, also it only has one 12 volt outlet. Would loved to have at least two of them. This is my third Buick ( 96 Regal, 2005 Lacrosse and now this Verano). This has to be the quietest buick so far. I would recommend this vehicle to anyone that loves a quiet and smooth riding car.

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  Nicest Ride Around for the $$$ - 2012 Buick LaCrosse
  By koonzee - May 2 - 11:05 am

  Very comfortable ride & seats. Plenty of rear seat room. Quiet. Great sound system. All Wheel Drive handles well in snow.

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  Surprised! - 2012 Buick Verano
  By lukestrawalker - May 1 - 8:04 pm

  I have always been a horsepower junkie. I had visions of my next car being a Challenger R/T with pistol grip. I have been holding out,waiting for Panther Pink,Sub-lime or another funkie retro Mopar color to make a come back.My wife came home from work three weeks ago talking about this car that had shown up at the local Government Motors dealership.She kept talking about this car.Then a little over a week ago she told me she wanted to go test drive the car to get it "out of her system". I have only been excited about three cars in the last 15 years.The above mentioned Challenger,5 series BMW sedan,and now a Buick of all things!The Verano has totally shocked me!!!!

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  Its Almost too Good to be True - 2012 Buick Verano
  By superpowers - April 21 - 11:48 pm

  Ive been driving my Verano for almost a month. I immediatley drove down Topanga Cyn Blvd. to Malibu Beach. If you arent familiar with the area... Its a windy road that passes through mountain terrain and ends at the California coast. The Verano handled every turn with ease. I could definitely tell that this vehicle was designed in Europe (from Opel). I was surpised how sturdy and quiet the interior felt through out the ride. When my friends see the interior, they cant believe its a Buick. The build quality, and the quality of the materials used is probably above most if not all in its class.

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  My First american car! - 2012 Buick Verano
  By sothernkimb - April 18 - 12:47 pm

  Took delivery om my White Diamond Verano about 6 weeks ago. I will contiune to update as it ages. This car was bar none the best compact luxury car I looked at. I traded in my Acura for it! The Verano is very quiet, and it feels very solid. It has all the luxury features i need. Im very happy with the cars overall performance. Several of my friends have driven this car (all import owners) and they too have come away impressed. Good job Buick, you snagged this 35yr old as a new customer. I never thought Id own a Buick.

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  New owner - 2012 Buick Verano
  By veranowner - March 31 - 12:35 pm

  I just picked up my car from the dealership and Im very excited about it. The ride home was so smooth and quiet. There was plenty of power on the highway and the ride definitely felt luxurious. I understand that Im coming from a Vibe, (which is an awesome car, btw) but even so, for just a little more money, I feel like Ive moved into a much higher class. Im excited for Buick with this car. Once the word gets out that the Verano is a great value, I hope people will support it. The one thing Im nervous about is reliability. Ive had zero problems with my Vibe and it has 110,000 miles. If the Verano can come close to that, Ill be happy for Buick, and for me, too. Will update.

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  Best automobile I have ever owned - 2005 Buick Rainier
  By uscgc - March 28 - 12:32 pm

  Most trouble free auto I have ever owned. It is quiet and handles well in curves.

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  This is not your fathers Buick - 2011 Buick LaCrosse
  By lacrosselover - March 27 - 10:11 pm

  I was in the market for an entry level luxury car and was looking seriously at Lexus, Chrysler 300, Acura, KIA, etc... Every review kept pointing me to this car so I had to take the plunge and buy a 2011 CXL. From the minute I got in the car to the moment I turned off the ignition I knew that this car was everything Buick talks about with regard to the refinement that they have built into this car. I am an electrical engineer which means I am very analytical and I appreciate good engineering. This car is an absolute engineering marvel. The exterior is superb in design, the interior is luxurious and roomy, the V-6 Engine is very powerful and the sound system is top notch. No Complaints!

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  Horns honks - 2012 Buick LaCrosse
  By k5qm - March 24 - 9:30 pm

  Love the car in all areas except one problem. When i unlock and get in the car and close the door sometimes the horn will honk 4 times rapidly. Dealer cant find it. I suspect it is a malfunction in thee electrical feed back circuit. Very agrivating, never know when it will honk.