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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  Nice wheels - 2006 Buick LaCrosse
  By Frank - September 17 - 1:09 pm

  A perfect car for the times. Not too large but plenty of room and great on gas.

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  This car turns heads - 2005 Buick LaCrosse
  By THOMAS - September 16 - 2:25 pm

  This is the best car I have had in years, ever time I go some were I always here someone say nice car, my car is black on black, over all this is one nice car.

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  Great Vehicle for a Tall Man - 2005 Buick LeSabre
  By RED - September 16 - 10:57 am

  I own two gas hogs i.e. Ford Expedition and Z28 Camaro. Looking for a vehicle with better gas mileage and space. Looked at Honda Accord, Nissan Altima and VW Jetta. All were nice but too small for a man 62. I was tired of my head hitting the roof, the emergency brake sticking into my leg and my legs cramped. Bought LeSabre without sunroof. Great space and legroom. So far it gets better mileage than cars previously mentioned. The only problem is getting one. Now that they are heavily discounted, they go off the lot as soom as they are delivered. Its funny that when GM finally gets the price right they are terminating a hot seller.

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  A Jewel of a car / 05 LaCrosse - 2006 Buick LaCrosse
  By bill miller - September 15 - 2:06 pm

  This automobile drives and rides better than anything Ive ever owned. It is quiet, confortable, handles well in all driving situations, and is a joy to travel with on a trip. It doesnt pretend to be a trendy sports sedan with too much glitz and impractical compromises. The car is an extremely well made sensible car for grownups.

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  Tickled pink - 2006 Buick Rendezvous
  By jeff - September 14 - 2:12 pm

  Ive driven Toyotas for years, but I wanted the American car ride again. Now I have it and Im so pleased. Ive had so many compliments on this car. Ive bragged about how fantastic it is. With the fold up seats I can use it in so many ways. The mileage is around 25mpg. Even with the 3.5 engine Ive all the power I want or need. It is extremely driver friendly. I tried the Chevy Equniox but it wasnt driver friendly at all. All in all, all I can say is I have what I always wanted. A wonderfully smooth ride, good mileage, everything easily accesible, but most of all is the compliments I get from everyone who sees it then after they ride in it, they want to go for another ride.

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  Well Done, Buick - 2006 Buick Lucerne
  By Joe - September 14 - 4:43 am

  It is about time! I am really pleased with the Lucerne. With plenty of interior room and very attractive styling, what a wonderful leap from the old, stodgy designs in Buicks recent past. Im really impressed with how quiet the car is and love the many standard features, including the automatic volume adjustment made in the radio at higher speeds to compensate for road and air noise. I like to move my seat way back and allow my legs to be almost straight in reaching the pedals and this one has all the space I need. Rides very smooth. I purchased several neat options including the remote start and heated and cooled seats, which adds to the wow factor.

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  I LOVE IT! - 2004 Buick Rendezvous
  By Sandie Morris - September 14 - 2:00 am

  This is, quite simply, the finest, most dependable automobile I have ever owned.

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  Black Buick CX - 2006 Buick LaCrosse
  By Tom - September 11 - 12:19 am

  This is my first Buick. This is a company vehicle so I get my use out of it and drive many miles. 1200 so far and have had it 2 weeks. The CX is loaded with all the basics, ABS, Traction control, remote, etc. The only option was the aluminum wheels which I highly recommend for looks and value. This car rides excellent. mileage is claimed at 20/ 30 and I am getting about 28 mostly highway. The 3.8 has more power than a Taurus V6 and is adequate. The transmission is OK. Great mileage for a car of this size. Positives- Interior very well done, looks rich. Quiet. nice ride, not sporty but not boaty. The black looks like a lexus 300, cool! Very nice fitments. The stereo is excellent.

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  A super car - 2003 Buick Park Avenue
  By EGOLDMAN - September 11 - 12:16 am

  I have 61,000 miles on my Park Ave and have almost no problems with the car. It delivers an amazing 31 mpg on the highway, 24+ in city on regular. It is very comfortable, and goes through snow like a snow plow. I still have 3 of the original Goodyear tires, and they still have decent tread. The car has all the electronic goodies, and none have gone bad. I am afraid to trade this car for the Lucerne because it is so good.

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  Quality Vehicle - 2006 Buick Terraza
  By William - September 9 - 3:11 pm

  This is a high quality vehicle. The styling is great. The van goes down the road well. It is driver friendly. The controls are well within reach. We had the van out on a 90+ degree day and had to turn the A/C down because we were cold. That seems impressive for a van. I would buy another Buick without reservation.