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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  Great, dependable car - 1998 Buick Century
  By Karen J - August 25 - 2:18 am

  If you are looking for an economical, dependable, comfortable sedan, this is the one. The ride of a luxury car yet the price of an economy car.

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  The Best Value: Terraza - 2005 Buick Terraza
  By Michael Wilson - August 24 - 1:08 pm

  Before I purchased the Terraza, I evaluated 5 other mini-vans:Oddessey, Quest, Monterey, Sienna and Freestar. I feel the Terraza is the best value based on price, options and performance. It has a very quiet ride and the turning radius of a normal size car. Its very stable and doesnt have the typical "tippy" feel when rounding corners. The Terraza CXL has great interior styling with an SUV look outside. The rest of the vans have either dated exterior styling (egg look) or mini vans are now an after thought (second fiddle) to their SUV product. Im very pleased with the purchase and I would reccommend this van to anyone.

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  Mikes Buick - 2006 Buick LaCrosse
  By michael paganini - August 22 - 7:41 pm

  I have always loved a Buick since I purchased my first one in 1967. That Buick skylark was the best car I ever owned until this one. This has elegance and great handling at a very fair price. It really is a fun car to drive. I cant wait for my wife to ask me to do errands.(she doesnt drive).

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  Quiet Comfort - 2006 Buick Terraza
  By RON - August 20 - 5:14 pm

  Walked through the dealership and noticed that Buick made a van. It caught my eye and the more I looked at it, the more I thought for what was offered at the price it was a bargain. Just an example of the quietness of the vehicle was when it was fully loaded and I could hold a normal conversation. Now 12,000 miles later I walk out to the parking lot and still utter, yeah!

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  My best ride yet. - 2006 Buick Rendezvous
  By dawog - August 20 - 10:15 am

  I average 1200 miles per week covering 6 midwestern states and Im averaging 23.6 mpg. The highway speeds in the states I cover are 70 & 75 mph. The handling and comfort are great. I carry product coolers and other sales related materials plus my luggage and still have plenty of room for my golf clubs. Its the best suited vehicle for me Ive owned up to now.

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  Buick finally got it right - 2005 Buick LaCrosse
  By dago - August 20 - 9:50 am

  This is my 4th Buick and by far the best. I was really disappointed in my 03 Regal. The bumpy ride and exterior noise was a turnoff. After reading about all the changes Buick made for improvements I just had to try out this LaCrosse. The ride is so much smoother and very quiet. My only regret is that I didnt get the CXS model. I have had the vehicle only 2 months so it is difficult to rate the reliability, hence the low mark for reliability

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  I love my Rendezvous!! - 2006 Buick Rendezvous
  By Mary - August 20 - 9:41 am

  My Rendezvous has a very smooth, quiet ride. I feel comfortable in it, I sit very well. It is perfect for me. I am getting better and better gas mileage everyday! I am up to 20 mpg - that was a combination of highway and city driving for 40 miles. I thought that was pretty good.

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  Love my Riviera - 1998 Buick Riviera
  By gg - August 17 - 1:39 am

  This is one of the best cars! I love to put the sunroof back and ride on sunny days. I chose this car over a 2004 sports car. It had only 29,000 miles when I bought it and was in perfect condition.

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  Awesome Car! - 2000 Buick Regal
  By Steve - August 15 - 1:17 pm

  I purchased the car as a trade-in while I was working at a Jaguar dealer with about 78,000 miles on it. From the first day I drove it I was impressed with its comfort and performance. I have had it for close to a year now and I cannot picture driving any other car. To be honest, this car feels about as close to a Jaguar as GM will probably ever get. However, the exhaust is a bit wimpy and a Pontiac Grand Prix exhaust would be perfect for the Regal. Also the headrests are very small and do not support the head whatsoever. Im searching for Century headrests to put in so I can feel safe if I get into an accident, God forbid. The Regal is still a great car and I will always be a Buick buyer!

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  VERY PLEASED - 2003 Buick Park Avenue
  By WIDENHOUSE - August 14 - 10:00 am

  I ALWAYS THINK OF BUICKS BEING A CAR FOR THE ELDERLY. I AM OLD BUT THE STYLE OF OUR BLACK ULTRA IS NOT. WE GOT EVERYTHING ON THE CAR THAT BUICK OFFERS AND WE COULDNT BE MORE PLEASED.