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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  Its not a minivan, its a sport crossover - 2005 Buick Terraza
  By MN photographer - July 11 - 10:20 pm

  We never need utter those "van" words again. I went looking for a new vehicle, worn out from the minivan mom appearance. I told the dealer "I need something that has enough space for photography backdrops and equipment, is comfortable to drive, looks good, gets better than 20 mpg, and it CANT be a minivan." He showed me one. It was big enough. He said the only other suggestion was their new minivan that was right there. "Where?" He had to point it out because, ladies, this is not a minivan. It looks like an SUV with power sliding doors. Awesome! Im in love with my new sport crossover. If we all get together on the lingo, itd be perfect. Key words: comfort and luxury.

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  Solid car - 2005 Buick LaCrosse
  By Carolyn - July 10 - 9:26 am

  It has a nice exterior look, and it doesnt look like every other car in the parking lot. It has a very comfortable ride and take bumps well. As a person who has driven smaller cars in the past, it was easy to get used to.

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  Love, Love, Love! - 2014 Buick Verano
  By kerri - July 9 - 11:02 pm

  Nothing I dont love about this car, and this is coming out of a Cadillac. Snappy, sporty, great entertainment/phone system, no lag at all. Warranties are excellent as well. Cant say enough, and Im back in Buick for good.

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  LaCrosse vs Ford 500 - 2005 Buick LaCrosse
  By John Beach - July 9 - 2:53 pm

  This car reminds me of the Olds Aurora in design. The quaility of workmanship is fantastic.Its very comfortable to drive, with effortless steering and smooth acceleration. Great radio sound. We made a wise choice with the LaCrosse over the Ford 500, which is under powered.

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  What a great car! - 1999 Buick Riviera
  By John - July 9 - 12:54 pm

  Ever since I was old enough to appreciate fine automobiles Id wanted a Corvette. Id also grown over the years to admire the Riveria. 1999 rolled around. My wife and I found our sparkling diamond white dream car on the showroom floor and knew it had to be now or never if we were ever going to own a new one. Guess what? I dont want a Corvette anymore. Who needs it? This car is a keeper. Ill treasure it for the rest of my life.

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  Pretty satisfied - 2001 Buick LeSabre
  By lciancola - July 8 - 5:44 pm

  Ive owned my LeSabre since it was brand new. I purchased one due to the fact that my mom also owned one and has been very satisified. Ive also been very happy with mine. The only complaint I have is that the ABS light comes on, and I was told the whole component in the wheel hub needs to be replaced at my Buick dealership. It cost about $517.00. I dont feel that this should have gone so soon, since that light went on a week after I got the car. I think that they need to improve their ABS system since my moms car has had the same problem from the time it was new and hers is a earlier model. Theyre great, roomy, comfortable, and for the most part very reliable, but pricey to repair.

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  The Best Buick Ever - 2006 Buick Lucerne
  By Steve Engel - July 7 - 6:10 am

  I picked up my new 2006 Buick Lucerne CXL at the dealership on June 9th and drove it immediately from Daytona Beach to Boynton Beach, FL, a distance of 210 miles. The car was so smooth and quiet. Up to today I believed the foreign made Lexus had the smoothest and quiestest ride but that title now belongs to the Buick Lucerne CXL. Weve had Park Avenues in the past but this new Lucerne is a much nicer car than the Park Avenue. Being a native Detroiter, I was glad to see Buick bring back the portholes. This vehicle is every bit as good as a Cadillac DTS and at a much less price. We liked the car so well, that we bought TWO 2006 Lucerne CXLs the same day.

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  An Excellent Choice - 2004 Buick Rainier
  By C. Jones - July 6 - 10:08 pm

  I have been very surprised at the performance of this vehicle. No return visits to fix problems, and it just is excellent to have. Quiet, comfortable, handles good, with better than expected gas mileage. I bought it 3 months ago and went across the states from south to north and then from east to west coast. I really love it. Has the goodies on it, but they came standard, not at added expense. I had a Mercury Grand Marquis before and this vehicle lives up to the comfort and ease of driving that the Mercury has, besides having the luxury items that a Mercury spoils you with. They are hard to find, but well worth the trouble and time spent.

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  Weighted second seat - 2005 Buick Terraza
  By Ronald DeMarco - July 5 - 11:30 pm

  I have driven many SUVs and this is the first one to turn peoples heads.The only problem is the middle seat is heavy and hard to remove. Chrysler has the right idea for the second seat.

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  Smooth and powerful - 2005 Buick LaCrosse
  By rwisem - July 1 - 12:56 pm

  This is the best Buick I have driven. The build quality is world class and the ride and handling are the best yet for a GM mid-size.