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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  We love our Rainier - 2005 Buick Rainier
  By Z - June 9 - 12:13 pm

  Quiet, powerful and comfortable style. Our Rainier is powered by a 5.3 V8 and gets 18 average MPG. Compared to other brands, we are happy with the Rainiers gas mileage. It handles very well.

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  OK by me - 2005 Buick Rainier
  By Dave - June 9 - 11:11 am

  No problems with this SUV...Very quiet ride which I have never experienced in an SUV before and this is my third. Interior is very comfortable. No trips to the dealer in my first year. Low profile tires help it look good and handle well.

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  A bold and beautiful car - 2016 Buick LaCrosse
  By carlos - June 7 - 11:01 am

  I rented this car for a week and I do not want to return it. The comfort is superb, and the ride is better than sex. It handles so easily and without any effort. The noise from outside is zero. I have discovered the joy of driving again. I could drive this car straight to Alaska because it beckons me to do it. I wish if my wife was so easy. Life is just too short not to drive a Lacrosse. You will forever be in love. Thanks for making America Great Again!!!!!

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  Try one and youll buy one - 2003 Buick Rendezvous
  By jimbo55 - June 6 - 2:00 am

  The ride is as smooth and quiet as any vehicle Ive ever ridden in. Typical high Buick quality. Gets 23 mpg at 73 mph, 18 around town. Power is good, just like a minivan. Very spacious inside. Interior seems wide. Very good sound system. Many features available, many are safety related which exceed those available from most competitors.

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  1999 Buick Riv - last one - 1999 Buick Riviera
  By Karen - June 4 - 9:20 pm

  I looked for this car (used) for almost 1 yr. I am so glad I waited for the right one! I love it - dependable, fun to drive and one of a kind! I always get compliments on it! I love the white diamond color and comfy interior!

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  Better than Lexus - 2005 Buick Rainier
  By Adrian Clark - June 2 - 2:01 pm

  A great vehicle. After experiencing the Lexus RS300, this vehicle is far superior in all aspects. The Rainier is more roomy, more solid, more fun to ride and has a much more comfortable ride than the Lexus. The Rainier is quieter and the quality is superior.

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  A Great Buy - 1991 Buick Riviera
  By varix77 - June 1 - 5:06 pm

  This Riviera is by far the best buy I have made to date.The car has great acceleration along with great style and quality.I suggest this car for anyone who loves a smooth ride with added style.

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  Great Car! - 2005 Buick LeSabre
  By Robert Dowsett - June 1 - 1:49 pm

  I have never driven a Buick LeSabre with ride and handling charasteristics to compare with my 2005 LeSabre. The handling is enhanced by the 16" chromed aluminum wheels and more stable suspension. The visibility is very good. The relationship between the accelerator and seat is such that I can find a very comfortable driving position with my torso a couple of inches further back from the airbag than in my 95 LeSabre. It is the most pleasant car to drive I have ever owned in my now 45+ years of driving. What else can I say ... "I Love Driving This Car!"

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  Love my Buick - 2005 Buick Century
  By Marjorie Hays - June 1 - 12:53 pm

  We have had many Buick vehicles and they are one fine car. Do not require a lot of maintance. Have been told that they ride nicer than a Cadillac. Will keep buying Buicks every time.

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  Excellent Value! - 2002 Buick Rendezvous
  By davr - June 1 - 2:00 am

  My wife and I have been very happy with this car. No problems in 14,500 miles. The sounds system is great, and the seatings options really work (the third row is a blessing). Handles very well in snow - better than our old Grand Cherokee. Super inside space, with more thoughtful storage than any other car we have been in. It also doesnt look like every other SUV out there. We highly recommend this car.