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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  Outstanding Vehicle - 2001 Buick Park Avenue
  By J. Lott - August 19 - 10:26 am

  Most comfortable & reliable vehicle we have owned. Quality is outstanding.

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  Not a Roadmaster "but" - 2007 Buick Lucerne
  By Harold - August 18 - 7:55 pm

  This is not my 95 Roadmaster but I didnt expect it to be. Mileage is a little disappointing with the 6 cylinder, 17-19 city 28.5 - 30.6 Highway excellent fit and finish, like the driver info center. plenty of leg room. head room when entering could be better.

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  If it wasnt for bad luck - 2001 Buick LeSabre
  By Gary Harvey - August 18 - 6:57 pm

  Thought I was on the right track with this garage kept low mileage Buick. Wrong, trans turned to dust and after spending $1,877 for a new one Ill admit I enjoy the car, just wondering what has happened to GM concerning transmissions? I have a 91 GS that lasted 115K before it needed a rebuild (and it didnt drop me at the side of the road in the middle of nowhere with no warning). Too bad GM doesnt warrant low mileage used cars.

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  Great Car - 2000 Buick Century
  By Richard - August 18 - 2:22 pm

  I bought the car with 56,000 miles in 2005. Its 2008 now and Ive put over 70,000 more on it. Drove from Venice Beach to Cleveland, Ohio and back flawlessly 4 times now have never broke down and only had to put minimal wear and tear mantainence like brakes and tires. After 3 years and 70,000 miles never had any break downs or mechanical failures. This car was made in Canada so it was built to higher standards. I only payed $7000 for it and have already gotten my moneys worth. Excellent in the snow especially with the flawless ABS and traction control. If youre looking for a reliable car with great gas mileage, 30 mpg, look for a Century built in Canada not Mexico

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  Blind spots - 2008 Buick Enclave
  By Christine - August 18 - 6:42 am

  Love the look and style of this vehicle. Gas mileage could be much better. The ride is great. Shifting is not smooth and makes it hard for a new teenage driver. Wish I would have gotten a back up camera. Never had a car with so many blind spots. But overall love this vehicle.

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  Beauty is only skin deep! - 2008 Buick Enclave
  By Mark - August 17 - 1:52 pm

  Transmission hesitation/performance is a glaring design issue. At times the tranny acts as it doesnt know what gear it is suppose to be in. Which negatively effects MPG. Currently gettng 14-15 city and 16-18 highway. Dealer installed software update but no help. Another update is available but told it would cost me 3-4 MPG and once installed ut cant be backed out! Have had 9 other Buicks and loved them all. This car, once you look past its beauty is a big dissappointment. Would not recommend until GM permanently fixes the tranny issues. Dealer does acknowledge this is an issue.

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  Quiet and Comfortable - 2008 Buick Enclave
  By John - August 17 - 1:39 pm

  I didnt want to rate this until I had some experience with the vehicle. Now I can still say Im glad I bought it. I am a very tall person, so my choices of vehicles is limited, but this had plenty of head room even with the sun and separate moon roof. I hate highway noise, and this crossover makes driving pleasant, especially when taking long trips and listening to books on my MP3 through the cars system. Most of my driving is city, but after a long trip to NYC, the five adults all enjoyed the trip. Note to GM: keep working on that fuel cell.

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  i love my Enclave! - 2008 Buick Enclave
  By holly - August 17 - 6:19 am

  I have owned Landrover and Toyota in the past and I traded in my Highlander hybrid for this beautiful Enclave. It sounds crazy to trade in a hybrid but the Enclave caught my eye and I fell in love. This is the most comfortable, spacious, and most beautiful interior suv I have ever owned! I just rode with a friend in her honda on a long road trip and I was so uncomfortable because the Enclave has spoiled me with its comfortable seats and space. I usually trade in a car every 2 yrs but I know I will not part with this vehicle unless its to get a newer model. I paid well into the 40k range for my prior vehicles and didnt have the features I have with the Enclave.

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  When Better Cars are Built Buick Will Bu - 2003 Buick Park Avenue
  By E. G. Chandler - August 15 - 10:00 am

  My Buick has never failed to perform in top form. I live in the Desert Southwest where tempratures as high as 115 degrees are common and it has never failed to perform. The Royal dealership in Tucson is without question the best I have ever delt with in always caring for each problem I might have.

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  Solid but overpriced - 1997 Buick Park Avenue
  By flyboy - August 15 - 1:13 am

  For a top of the line Buick car has to much cheap interior plastic. Build quality is poor. It hasnt left me stranded but Im glad I bought an extended warranty. Repairs have cost between $3500 and $4000.