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:

• 

  Like an ocean liner (a thirsty one though) - 2011 Buick Enclave
  By bigbaddave - December 15 - 9:54 am

  Ive had the CXL1 AWD for a week and am still adapting to a vehicle that reminds me of an ocean liner. Its very stately and is not the kind of crossover youd want to be manoeuvring in a tight parking lot. My wife wanted a leather-seated vehicle, so I test drove the Toyota Highlander, Subaru Outback, Mazda CX9, Acura MDX and Chevrolet Traverse. The Enclave beat the lot. I love the exterior design but some of the interior controls are oddly placed. The gas mileage so far has been disappointing (no shocks there) and I havent yet worked out a totally comfortable seating arrangement. My 15-year-old daughter though says the Enclave is "sick", which is a great compliment coming from her.

• 

  Buicks with low miles - 2003 Buick LeSabre
  By andreamoo - December 14 - 12:46 am

  There are tons of these cars with low miles out there. I looked at this site religiously when doing research so decided to pass along info for others. Bought a top of the line Celebration edition with gran touring package and every other option for $7500, with 44,000 miles. The tires and brakes are original. The only thing that does not work is the seat warmer on the drivers side. I am 6 and the seats are too short and too cushy. The upper manifold leak had already been fixed by the previous owner. I get 27 mpg country driving (55 mph, little stopping) and 21 or 22 in the city. A good value, huge trunk, the car heats up quick, defrosts quicker, is smooth riding and kinda floaty.

• 

  So far so good. - 2011 Buick Enclave
  By rafanna - December 2 - 8:07 am

  I have had my Buick for about 7 months now. I like and I am happy I bought it. I do miss my Tahoe everyday though. It was more comforable and the radio was far more supreme than the one in the Enclave. It get about 19 miles to the gallon on average only about 3 more mile than my Tahoe. I do love and enjoy the bluetooth that has great clarity and the sunroof. Over all I am happy, but will go back to a Tahoe probably in a few years.

• 

  Could be Worse..I think? - 2001 Buick LeSabre
  By carlover53 - December 1 - 10:24 pm

  Bought used in 07 with 55,000 miles from a private party that moved out of country. Now has a little over 82,000 on the clock. Within the first year, rear running light (big red panel light on right) and front left headlight went out within a few days of each other. Driver heated seat quit working (passenger fine), would cost nearly $600 to repair! Dash started peeling up in 09 above glove box, and a little have a half inch high by 5 inch wide hump in front of the steering wheel under the windshield. Would cost nearly $1,100 to repair! Im just gonna glue it down and buy a cloth dash cover that sticks on w/ Velcro. SEE IMPROVEMENTS FOR REST OF STORY

• 

  Love the car but have mixed feelings right now - 2012 Buick LaCrosse
  By hkm77 - November 29 - 8:45 am

  I really love the car but quality and reliability are questionable for me considering the problems I had in less than a month with a brand new car. The first car I got had the engine light on before leaving the dealer. The next day “service stabiliTrak” message was in my dashboard. Car was replaced for a new one. Everything was fine until the battery died with 20 days only. Car was towed back to dealer, battery replaced and nothing wrong, but a defective battery, was found with the car. Hopefully, I won’t have any other problem with it. Time will tell. This car is very comfortable, quiet and spacious. Trunk is on the small side but enough for me and my family (2 small children).

• 

  Buick has come a long way!!!!! - 2012 Buick Enclave
  By mbfox333 - November 23 - 1:35 pm

  Really enjoy driving my new Buick SUV....... it is quick an nimble, very stylish and filled with great bells and whistles.

• 

  Eassist buick lacrosse 2012 - 2012 Buick LaCrosse
  By bbeppler - November 10 - 10:03 am

  bought a new buick lacrosse eassist on the way home stopped for dinner and the front of the car is so ,low it dragged on the ground causeing 500 dollars in damage thought i was at fault took to body shop and had repainted when i got car back went out that night trying to be extra carefull with driveing and it draged again no damage this time dealer has been great but gm district contact was no help at all this after my being a gm buyer since the early 70s last 3 new gm products where a 96 eldorado 2001 deville and now this buick no wonder people go to outher brands wish i would have kept the 01 deville had it 11 years and it never saw the inside of a body shop

• 

  168,000 and still going strong - 2003 Buick Rendezvous
  By snovietoots - October 19 - 6:58 pm

  I love it, bought it used with 53,000 4 years ago and it never seems to sit still. I drive 45 miles or more one way to work each day and I get 22 miles to the gallon. Ive looked to get a better gas car but for the amount of space I have and the mpg its hard to say good bye to it so I decided to keep it. I have never done anything other than normal wear and tear. I have found that the drivers door hinge is weak and have had to reenforce that once after a big wind got it. but other than that its been a great vehicle and has taken a lot of wear and tear. If they stil made them I would definately get a new one.

• 

  Follow Up On Earlier Review - 2011 Buick Enclave
  By rusgc - October 7 - 9:12 pm

  Just completed 3500 mile trip with new Enclave, Im adding to earlier review. Ride is excellant and its quiet. Its a big car, I didnt get used to the size as I thought I would with driving time. Poor outward visibility, and lack of maneuverability in tight spaces, i.e., parking garages, and busy parking lots is my biggest complaint. Gas mileage is disappointing, hoped for rated mileage at least, but its 1 or 2 mpg less than rated. Interior conveniences are either lacking or too small to be useful. Weve had minivans for years, nothing beats them for travelling convenience so Im biased on these points. Overall, its a comfortable, nice, if not exciting or "fun" to drive, car.

• 

  2004 rendezvous fuel lines - 2004 Buick Rendezvous
  By rene15 - October 1 - 12:21 pm

  I noticed strong odor of gas and the next day it wouldnt start. The car had to be towed to a mechanic who works on Rendezvous. The fuel lines are rotten and trying to get the parts seems to be impossible, GM has a national backorder, the car has been there for a week. When I called Buick and GM they keep insinuating that the car should be at a dealership. I feel frustrated and like I am going around a corporate spiral swirling around and around never getting anywhere. I really want to buy american. The next time I will investigate more thoroughly the customer service aspect.