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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  Rendezvous - 2005 Buick Rendezvous
  By kbyers - June 29 - 4:31 pm

  i really like driving it. It is fun, comfortable, and really drives nice. My husband is very picky about his cars, and has always had me drive Chevrolets, especiallay Blazers. But he is sold on the Rendevouz. We do not like the interior. We wish cloth seats were more durable.

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  This vehicle is great! - 2003 Buick Rendezvous
  By David - June 29 - 3:55 pm

  Definitely a great SUV. Comfortable to ride in, roomy and gets good gas mileage. I get about 400 miles to a tank. Not too shabby! Wheel bearing on left did go out after warranty but luckily I purchased the extended warranty. Also hit a deer with it. Its fixed now, but the damage was minimal due to the sturdy build and great crash test ratings. I love it, love it love it!

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  Rendezvous - 2005 Buick Rendezvous
  By Connie - June 29 - 3:50 pm

  My Rendezvous is a joy to drive and very comfortable. I love the large side view mirrors. Mileage exceeds estimated numbers. If anything, the back has more room than is convenient for me (Im very short, cant reach things that slide forward.) I do have a problem with closing the back hatch. I have no desire to cross over, so that isnt an issue for me. I wanted room and comfort.

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  My Rendevouz - 2005 Buick Rendezvous
  By Veronica - June 29 - 2:39 pm

  I purchased a Rendevouz last summer and I abosolutely love it. Or course I purchased the top of the line. It has all the toys I could possibly ask for. Yes, I like toys too, and I am a female. Compared to the Envoy that I originally wanted, the price was comparable. But this is great on gas! I rented a 2005 Pathfinder for 2 wks, due to autobody repairs on my vehicle. The Pathfinder was a gas guzzler, although the pick up was better. My three kids and I were very happy to have our Rendevouz back! If you look at the pricing in the Rendevouz, it can go above the pricing of the Ranier. It has a lot of perks that are out of the question in other cars due to the pricing.

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  My Buick La Crosse - 2005 Buick LaCrosse
  By Jennifer McGinn - June 29 - 12:39 pm

  I am enjoying driving this car - the fourth Buick I have had and it is far superior to the 3 Regals I had before. Road quietness, comfort and ease of operation are just some of its outstanding qualities.

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  Jans Rainier - 2005 Buick Rainier
  By Roger Hall - June 27 - 8:49 pm

  This is a wonderful car. Comfortable to drive on long and short trips. The Air ride makes for a very smooth ride. A very nice looking vehicle.

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  Surprise - 2004 Buick Rendezvous
  By Waa2167 - June 27 - 2:00 am

  The ride is better than expected. The handling was outstanding. I was attracted to the passenger carrying capacity and style. I didnt expect the impressive performance,

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  Solid Midsize Sedan Alternative - 2011 Buick Regal
  By jklag11 - June 27 - 1:26 am

  Bought my used 2011 Buick Regal Turbo in 2015 with only 30k miles on it. Cost the same or less than comparable Ford and Honda midsize sedans with engine upgrades that I looked at. Overall really like the car, it has usable acceleration, good handling and ride (both important given the amount of driving I do over broken roads and maneuvering into parking garages), and is very sharp looking. Reliability and fit and finish have been excellent. Interior design is nicely done with high quality materials. On the long highway trips Ive taken it on, I have been impressed with the quiet cabin and comfortable seats for long hauls. Cargo space is pretty good for a Only downside I have found is that it has mediocre city mileage and takes premium gas.

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  Never thought Id drive a Buick! - 2002 Buick Rendezvous
  By mpeleaux - June 25 - 10:00 am

  Suffice it to say that I research every car decision I make. I was looking at little SUVs like the RAV4 and CRV, but wanted a 3rd seat. We didnt want to go the mini-van route, and most SUVs seem too big and truck-like. What to do? I saw a CNN-online article mid-April that mentioned the Rendezvous and I decided to check it out. I was completely won over by the perfect size, abundance of comfort features, nice styling, cargo/passenger flexibility and overall value. It (in my opinion) manages to be refined, cool, fun and useful all at the same time. Ive always hated automatics, but got used to this in a hurry and think it has plenty of power.

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  LaCrosse is a great value - 2005 Buick LaCrosse
  By Jeff - June 24 - 1:35 pm

  The Buick LaCrosse is a tremendous value in the mid-size near luxury segment. It offers elegant styling, fantastic interior comfort and an extremely quiet ride. The engine and drive train are perfectly adequate for commuter and highway driving. The cockpit is sensibly designed with all controls easily accessable. Climate controls, radio, and speed controls are on the steering wheel. The guages are easily readable. I particularly like the LED panel for the information center located in the middle of the speedometer. Very easy to read and use. The materials used in the interior are first rate, very near Cadillac quality. Very nice car..Congats Buick!