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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  I wish they still made this car - 2002 Buick Century
  By midwestmrs - March 19 - 8:43 pm

  I bought my 02 Century in late 03. Have loved it ever since. Reliable, quiet, smooth comfortable ride, and has been cheap to own. Just routine maintenance. Not even a muffler. I did have the drivers side power window motor replaced several years ago. Car is now old. 160K miles, rocker panel rust, and things are starting to break. The gas guage has some kind of electrical problem. Hubby and mechanic said its not worth fixing. Its time to replace the car. I still get 25-27 mpg. That is impossible to match in a car with this kind of comfort and quiet. I wish they still made this model. I test drove a 2011 Lucerne but the backup visibility is terrible for me. Maybe a 2011 LaCrosse or a Camry.

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  287k miles and still running perfect - 1993 Buick Regal
  By iamnatman - March 4 - 7:04 pm

  My regal is currently at 287k miles, and closing in on 300k fast. This is hands down the most reliable car our family has owned. Repairs over the last 14 years: Alternator x2 Fuel pump Rear struts Brake pads/front rotors Transmission cooler lines x2 Rear motor mount Turn signal switch And thats basically it, minus routine oil changes and minor tune ups. All repairs well under $250 and most done by me to save. The engine is perfect for this car. Its very quiet when you want it, and makes a pretty awesome growl when you drop the pedal. Ive been 90 mph down the interstate and held a perfect straight line with plenty of power still on tap

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  Buick Verano 2012 - 2012 Buick Verano
  By jim992 - March 4 - 9:21 am

  We recently purchased a Buick Verano 2012 in January we previously had a 2008 Infiniti G . We are very pleased with the Verano it actually has a quiter and more comfortable ride than the G it is comparable in size and about 12000 dollars cheaper.

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  I love IT!!!!!!! - 2012 Buick LaCrosse
  By wendyjo13 - March 1 - 12:19 pm

  I recently bought my Lacrosse after having Expeditions for the last 12 years. I wasnt sure how I would feel driving a car after having a SUV for so long. All I can say is I LOVE MY CAR!!! It drives so smooth and has enough room for my husband and two sons that are all 510" or larger, AND, our daughter. My kids love it too because it is sporty and fun. The control panel is easy to access and the options are such a luxury. The only problem I have found and, it is really isnt a problem, just a matter of adjusting, is there is a blind spot between the windshield and doors on both sides. There isnt one perfect car, but this one is close. The more I drive it, the more I fall in love with it.

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  American Auto is Back! - 2012 Buick Verano
  By jerseyboys - February 21 - 8:02 pm

  The Buick Verano is amazing. Its has european handling, smooth ride, and looks better than my coworkers BMW, Plexus, and Mercedes.

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  Not Your Fathers Buick - 2012 Buick LaCrosse
  By mike652 - February 15 - 8:23 am

  Having been longtime Pontiac owners we always thought Buicks styling and road manners skewed old. This is not the case with the LaCrosse. The looks are outstanding but it comes at a price. It is hard to judge the front and rear of the car and the blind spots when changing lanes are hard to see. It takes some getting used to but consider getting back up assist and blind spot alert. It has a sporty road feel without a punishing ride. The seats are very comfortable. The layout of the instrument panel is such that the tilt wheel is always obstructing something. The digital speedometer is a big help. The trunk is only adequate for luggage for two. Thats the price you pay for the large back seat

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  LOVED my Buick - 1997 Buick Century
  By roxy0416 - February 13 - 1:02 pm

  I have driven my Century for 7 years and my grandma had it long before that and it has been an incredible car. I just recently bought something else, and retired this one at 132,000 and its still going! Sure, Ive had to do some major repairs, but its getting old. The car is incredibly durable. It can truly take anything. With good tires, its perfect in snow. Ive had my new car for 3 days, and already can tell its not going to be nearly the car my Century was.

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  Love my Rainier - 2005 Buick Rainier
  By layla4909 - February 11 - 6:22 pm

  I amazed when I see the bad reviews from people. My Rainier has been so good to me. I love it sooooo much. My husband has always wanted to take it from me and keep it as his own. It handles so well. I feel safe. I know my kids are safe. The ride is so smooth. The sound system is great. For the price, I feel that I have gotten so much more than I paid for. Love it. Love it. Love it. Cant wait to get my next Buick. I am sold and super excited about all the new models Buick is offering. To be honest I always thought Buicks were just for "old people". Forget about it. The new models are hot!! and I cant wait to trade up! Wont be the least bit apprehensive either.

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  GS=Great Surprise - 2012 Buick Regal
  By nodrums - February 11 - 2:44 pm

  Ad a owner of a high end sports car it was difficult to find a 4 door that was fun. Many reviews and two test drives latter I plunk down my money quickly. Fantastic brakes. Check. Manual transmission smooth as butter.Check. Quiet and comfortable. Check. Point and shoot with finesse and feeling. Check. Enough HP to get into and out of trouble Check. This car was the biggest shock Laden with technology and adjustable suspension setting will never get me bored. Thank you GM for giving me a reason to be both practical and fun while doing it comfortably, without spending a ton of cash.

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  Lacrosse Review - 2012 Buick LaCrosse
  By mkrich1 - February 1 - 12:04 pm

  This car is a great value. I have owned similarly equipped pricier luxury cars such as Lexus. The car rivals those models. I recently purchased a Cadillac SRX for my wife. The Lacrosse is quieter and has a much better ride. The Lacrosse has the same features and equipment.