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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  Equal to imports for half the money - 2007 Buick Rendezvous
  By jjnewlife - August 14 - 1:48 pm

  After driving a friends Lexus SUV I was not expecting much from this Buick. Surprise. We like it much better. Sure the dashboard is plain but we improved it by adding a wood grain kit. After 27,000+ miles our only real issue has been the radio which is junk. Three visits to the dealer have failed to have any effect. Gas mileage is incredibly poor for such a small V-6. We only get about 15mpg in town and 22 on the road. Our Impala with a similar engine gets at least 5mpg better. But, the Buick tows our small boat effortlessly, there is room galore with the seats folded and so far, it has been mechanically reliable. The 100,000 mile warranty inspires confidence.

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  Buick Regal 1999 - 1999 Buick Regal
  By DawgDawg - August 13 - 12:51 pm

  I brought this car when it had 20,000 miles and its now 160020. Everything fell apart. Transmission, window powers, radio, rear mirror, power seat, and many more. The car was mainly highway and drove all over USA and Canada. I have loved and enjoy this car but Im suprised in about 2 months range, everything fell apart! Its sitting on my driveway and its a junk car now. I was hoping it would last till 300k but its a Buick. Buick does not last long time period! This car is fun but if past about 150k, get rid of it!

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  Got my first car for free - 1992 Buick Century
  By Eric - August 13 - 12:59 am

  After turning 16, I picked this car up from my uncle for free, and he didnt think that it would last for more than a couple months. I ended up ditching it last week for a four-wheel drive, but I hated to abandon the Buick. After replacing the starter and sending unit, I never never had to perform much other maintenance. I ran it up to 200000 miles on the original engine and transmission, still going strong. Some lucky kid picked it up from me for 300 bucks, he got a deal, but I needed money. I probably should have changed the shocks, seeing as though my Uncle hauled wood with it. Highly recommended "first" car.

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  Cant say enough - 2001 Buick Regal
  By Schleig2 - August 12 - 12:31 pm

  Previously I owned a 93 Regal coupe. Loved it. Bought this used in 08 with 20,700 miles (mint). Replaced tires with Goodyear Assurance triple tread. Best decision I couldve made. Im a young Buick buyer (21). But I know the value the 3.8 offers. It is extremely comfortable and powerful. Offers every amenity I could want. It is the Olympic/Joseph Abboud edition (everything under the sun except the SC). This car definitely runs with the best of them. Radio a little boring (monsoon), so I replaced with a dual din Pioneer (which looks amazing in its place). The handling and braking are superb to the 93 I had. I can honestly say both Regals I have owned hold a special place in my heart!

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  What a ride! - 2008 Buick Enclave
  By Deb - August 12 - 9:28 am

  I love my Enclave! Already made one trip from Ontario to Florida with two golden retrievers and a roof rack full of stuff! No problems. Took 6 people out and about down there on day trips, all comfortable. I too can only find the tailgate button on the keyfob while inside, is there a button? Other than on the tailgate? Which also had to be fixed...it would power up then drop closed! Easy fix. Have 23,000 ks on it as we speak and I can go 740 ks on one tank. Did I mention I love my Enclave?

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  Real sharp Regal. Hybrid with like new appearance - 2012 Buick Regal
  By Patrick McGregor - August 10 - 11:03 pm

  One owner, garage kept, cleanest car you will find

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  I am impressed - 2004 Buick LeSabre
  By lewis - August 10 - 9:55 pm

  I am a small car dealership owner and needed a car to go on vacation with so I grabbed an 04 Le Sabre I just bought with 54000 miles. Wow . The gas mileage was 28 to 33 mpg. I couldnt believe it so I checked it 3 times. I was right. the ride was fantastic. Im sold on these

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  Buick Wagon Going Strong - 1994 Buick Roadmaster
  By Charles - August 8 - 3:26 pm

  Purchased new and still own this large eight passenger vehicle. Used primarily for road trips between homes and occasional tow of boat or trailer. Practically no repairs in 14 years, changed fluids two years ago, have some difficulty keeping side rubber securely attached is only problem. Wish I could buy a new one today. Car is very comfortable and has quick modified Corvette engine and still gets about 22 on road with regular fuel. Quite a package.

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  Favorite Car Ever! - 2008 Buick Enclave
  By Donna - August 7 - 2:22 pm

  I love my Buick Enclave. It looks great. People have said it reminds them of the much more expensive Audi. It is super comfortable inside. Its a wide car, so sometimes parking and tight turns can be challenging. I had a GMC Envoy before this, and I would estimate the mileage on the Enclave to be about 30% better. I do a lot of city driving, so I cant say what I am averaging per gallon, but it is pretty good for a SUV of this size. Only problem I ever have is sometimes overshifting into low instead of drive, but maybe thats just me. These are great cars, and Im seeing more and more of them on the street.

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  A beautiful car - 2008 Buick Lucerne
  By Happy owner - August 6 - 4:17 pm

  A couple of years ago I bought a used 2006 Lucerne and was so pleased with it, I bought a new 2008, I am a big, long legged man, so the first thing I look for in a car is driver leg room and comfort. The Lucerne abounds in them. Its ubiquitous 3.8 litre engine provides all the power one could want unless they are a "drag racer" and the car handles beautifully. I have always gotten 27.5 MPG on the road which amazes me in that big a car. I am 72 years old and have owned many cars, foreign and domestic, and the Lucerne is the most satisfactory one I have ever owned.