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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  Just my luck - 2002 Buick Century
  By gerald bolduc - September 18 - 11:25 am

  I bought this car used from an Olds dealership and within the first 2 months Ive had the battery changed and the head gasket replaced. Before I forget I too have paint chips under the wheelwells and I am waiting for my air conditiong to stop working. Overall a nice looking and very nice driving car but I guess I got stuck with one of those lemons that happened to come off the assembly line.

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  Pleasant Surprise - 2006 Buick Lucerne
  By Glenn Frohring - September 16 - 2:26 pm

  I have owned a number of Buicks, including Park Avenue Ultras (last car 2000 model). I am very pleased with this cars performance. It is "tight"--a term I would use for agile, steady handling, much like a German car. The Northstar engine is super responsive, and emits a NASCAR like growl under accelleration. Seats are comfortable and it has many great new features such as heated windshield washers. Road noise is well isolated at cruising speed. I believe the only down side to this car will be fuel economy. I have averaged about 19 mpg so far vs. an average of 22.5 with the supercharged Ultra.

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  Love my Lesabre - 2005 Buick LeSabre
  By Linda C. - September 16 - 8:15 am

  Bought my 1991 Buick LeSabre Limited used in 1993 with 32,000 miles and drove it for 15 years and 224,000 plus miles. Wasnt ready to trade but found out they had been discontinued. I decided to buy another before they completely disappeared! My old one was still running great, no major problems, just the usual battery, brake pads etc., still got 30 mpg on the highway. Found a 2005 Custom with 56,000 miles. It fits like a glove and I expect to get at least 15 years out of this one! Just miss the leather seats, cant "slide in" on the fabric! These cars are a pleasure to drive, great in the winter, reliable, no complaints whatsoever.

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  10 Years and Going Strong - 1998 Buick Century
  By mstoys18 - September 13 - 11:03 pm

  10 years with no major repairs, just the typical maintenence. It is very reliable. About 21 miles to the gallon overall. I do mostly city driving from one football or baseball field to the next. It seats 6 in a pinch. It is extremely comfortable for long trips. Only replaced the cup holder since I owned it.

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  Keeps me broke - 2002 Buick Rendezvous
  By DJ - September 13 - 2:36 pm

  This car is the fanciest I have ever owned. Plus the costliest. I like the ride and comfort, leather, heated seats and all the bells and whistles but when things go wrong, its expensive. In the almost three years Ive owned this car, Ive put a crankshaft sensor, O2 sensor, 6 tires, brakes all around, 2 wheel bearings, and now I need the AC fixed - condensor, two rear "knuckles", and the motor for the AWD. A recall on the wheel bearings was a joke. The mileage perimeter was 65,000. miles and I purchased it with 64,000. so six months later, the recall was toast. Now I hope it lasts til I can pay it down enough to get another car. I was offered $2500 trade and I still owe $9700 on it

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  Love those Buicks - 1994 Buick Regal
  By dave - September 13 - 10:59 am

  My wife and I purchased our Regal GS from a private owner, It was his loss. Aside from the usual maintenance this automobile is quite possibly the best car we have ever owned or driven. We are getting upwards of 27 miles a gallon on a motor that has 197000 miles on it and it will still smoke the tires if you so choose. In the dead of the winter(20 below up here) it has always started and performed without fail. All this from a 14 year old car! Too cool.

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  Compliments Galore - 2008 Buick Enclave
  By Tammie - September 13 - 6:37 am

  I have never received so many compliments on the appearance of a vehicle. Total strangers have said to me "Youve got a really nice looking vehicle". The ride is incredible smooth, especially for a sport utility vehicle. My kids love the interior features. The seats are very comfortable It is really fun to drive. The power lift gate is a wonderful feature. The tinted windows really make the interior cooler on hot days. The large windshield wipers are terrific!

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  Nagging repairs - 2003 Buick Rendezvous
  By Jerry from Wisconsin - September 12 - 3:05 pm

  Bought the 2003 Rendezvous used with 38K on it. Replaced both wheel bearings, had to buy new front rotors, the sunglass visor broke twice, the hinge on the glove box also broke. Also replaced both front door power window motors. Brakes / front wheels make noises when coming to stop. I am trading in soon. No more GMs for me even though my nephew works at Firestone and said GMs are best American vehicles.

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  Not your grandpas Buick! - 2008 Buick Enclave
  By karnut - September 12 - 3:03 pm

  I have owned many cars, including , several corvettes, Fords, Honda (the worst car I ever owned), and many GM, mopars, light trucks and vans. This is my first review about a vehicle. With out a doubt, Buick Enclave is the finest crossover ever. Car is as smooth and quiet as any car you will find, smother, quieter than my sons new Lexus. I am averaging 17.8mpg around town, one small trip got 25.4mpg. High quality and attention to detail make it extra special. You should consider the back up camera as backing visibility is restricted by design. I traded a Tahoe which I loved but I am over it. Navagation system not as good as good as Garmin. GM should build all its cars like this

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  Love this car - 2008 Buick Enclave
  By Jerry Metts - September 10 - 6:54 am

  I have had may different vehichles and this is truly the most comfortable, well equiped I have ever had. I get 19 mpg in the city and 24 hwy. for an 8 (comfortable) passanger car, this is great. It is very comfortable and quiet. The 6 speed trans is a little different, but well worth it. I love the hands free phone, OnStar, navagation and the sound system. This is truly a must have vehicle.