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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  A fun car but just another GM - 1998 Buick Regal
  By KevfromVA - July 21 - 11:16 pm

  Excellent power for a 6. The 3.8 super- charged combo is a great alternative to an 8. However, cheesy plastic interior components reveals GMs weak build quality of the late 90s. I bought mine w/78K miles on it and have since replaced a rear window motor and now the ac compressor is shot at 100K. A decent car to own, just get one that was serviced properly & pampered - mine wasnt.

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  Electric and Leaks - 1995 Buick LeSabre
  By John - July 21 - 2:18 pm

  My car leaked from poor fitting panels on the floor. Cost 750 to get it fixed. Also very poor alternator - went through 5 in five years! Everything else was fine.

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  Yikes - 2005 Buick Terraza
  By mmills - July 18 - 11:22 pm

  Wish I had seen these reviews before we bought this. Lots of trouble--some of the same as others. The stability control also went out at about 7,000 miles. Nothing like the brakes slamming on when driving! Fixed now and no problems, but lots of tire, wheel issues now. Have to replace tires at 27,000 all hubs replaced. New tires arent covered. Dealership blames on lack of rotating--seems like this is a problem on most. It is definitely a lemon but doesnt qualify as one.

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  Roughrider - 2008 Buick Lucerne
  By car-fetish - July 17 - 1:29 pm

  I think the car rides hard, as if it had too much air in the tires. I guess it needs to break in. I also would like better acceleration. This is my 4th car with the 3800V6 and its the slowest off the line. Yeah, I know it aint no hotrod but its not your Grandpas Buick either! Overall, Im happy with the car.

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  2006 Great Choice - 2006 Buick Lucerne
  By Dan - July 16 - 3:36 am

  I test drove several luxury brands including Lexus, Infinity, Mercedes, Cadillac and Lincoln. I stopped by the Buick dealer on a whim, and am so glad I did! It was ultimately between the Cadillac STS and the Lucerne GXS. The Lucerne by far was the superior automobile, in style, comfort, and drive. The Northstar V* is a real plus!

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  Great first car - 1999 Buick LeSabre
  By schmidtkramer - July 16 - 12:27 am

  My dad bought this car about four years ago and I loved it right away. Eventually passed it on to me about 6 mos ago and have had few to no problems other than routine maintanance. At 161,000 miles it still drives good but starting to show signs of age but I think it can last another 10-15k miles. Until I can get a new car

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  Decent for quite a while - 1996 Buick Skylark
  By Amanda Cole - July 15 - 3:12 pm

  I inherited this car 9 years ago and it was extremely reliable for several years. In the past 3 years Ive had to put a lot of work and money into it replacing the entire steering column because of a problem with the computer (that was very annoying) and now the transmission is slipping. Other repairs have been minimal, it gets good gas mileage on the highway (about 30 mpg), the A/C is very cold, which I like a lot! its very comfortable and doesnt feel like a huge car, but is still roomy. Also replacing window motors in the past 2 years was bad news. Several small things gone bad lately.

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  Im buying another one - 2008 Buick Enclave
  By anre1969 - July 15 - 1:22 am

  My Enclave saved my life! I was recently in a car accident where another vehicle hit my Enclave and totaled it. However, I was able to walk away from the accident. The Enclave absorbed most of the impact. Everyone at the body shop said this had to be one safe car for me to not have been more seriously injured. As a father of two little toddlers, Im so glad for this vehicle and cant wait to buy another one. Not to mention that it is a beautiful car and a very smooth, comfortable ride.

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  Better than expected - 2005 Buick LaCrosse
  By Rodger B - July 13 - 4:15 pm

  This is our first Buick. We had a 2001 Aurora before this. We have driven this car about 38000 miles now. Car is very quiet and handles great. Ride is very smooth. City gas mileage is 19-20 mpg, highway is 30-32 mpg. Like everyone else these days, I would like more mpg but this is better than most cars of this size. Have not needed any repairs except a battery replacement which is normal in southern Arizona. Im disapointed that there is no tire pressure monitor system on this car, Buick sure missed the boat there. This was corrected in 2006. I do wish this car had a memory system for the seat and mirror settings. Over all, my wife and I both love this car.

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  The regal Buick - 2001 Buick Regal
  By arymae oula - July 12 - 10:38 am

  I have taken this car out to west coast, at least 3 times as well as driving locally. Gas mileage is good on distant driving, not as good in city. Is a quiet ride and absorbs bumps well, I would not hesitate to buy a new one just like it. Has excellent safety features such as doors locked when in gear. Lights remain on after shutting off engine for 5 minutes. Exceptional close turning radius. Has very adequate pick up. GM did a good job on this one.