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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  Base LaCrosse CX - 2005 Buick LaCrosse
  By Bill T. - May 22 - 3:21 pm

  Great car--quiet, responsive even with base engine, reasonable gas mileage averaging 25 mpg in city/highway driving. Interior treatments give effect of more expensive vehicle. Basic plastic wheel covers needs to be improved since noise is evident when windows open. Headroom is tight, otherwise interior dimensions are more than adequate. Rear end is not in character with Buick. Needs taillight treatment across entire rearend as in recent Centurys, Regals, LeSabres. Right now, the rear looks too much like a Taurus. ABS/Traction Control needs to be standard on a car of this caliber (GM is including it on 2006 models). Recall is in effect but no dealers have parts to make repairs.

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  Looks Like a SUV Rides like a LeSabre - 2002 Buick Rendezvous
  By Willie Rahlf - May 22 - 7:26 am

  Sits you up nice a comfortable and is a very good riding vehicle.

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  A Joy to Drive - 2005 Buick LaCrosse
  By 2005 Buick LaCrosse - May 21 - 2:55 pm

  We have about 2000 miles on this new car. So far we are pleased with it. On the highway we are getting in perfect conditions around 30 mpg. In town around 19/20 mpg. 1st new car where we havent had to go to the dealership for an adjustment for this or that. Completely happy with it thus far. Like the driver "screen" which tells you EVERYTHING! (MPG, Miles traveled on a trip, how many miles are left before next recommended oil change, etc) :)

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  The Way To Go - 2005 Buick Rainier
  By Roseann - May 21 - 10:22 am

  I test drove this SUV and knew it was the one for me. It drives like a luxury car, handles the road well, very quiet and looks great.

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  I like it and I used to drive Park Aves. - 2005 Buick LaCrosse
  By John Ginther - May 20 - 6:44 pm

  I love the ride and how quiet this car is in comparison to larger wheel-base cars I have owned in the past.Tight finish. Solid feel Easy handling.

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  Great all around - 2004 Buick Rainier
  By Connor1989 - May 20 - 10:00 am

  I purchaced 2 days ago. I still currently own a 1989 Lesabre. I loved it so decided to try another buick.

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  Buick LaCrosse - 2005 Buick LaCrosse
  By S.kmetz - May 19 - 11:06 am

  I love my LaCrosse. At this point, I would consider another one when my lease is up. Dont change the exterior design. It is beautiful. Would like car designers to take into consideration minor interior changes for the next model year that would add more comfort for a shorter person (52). The LaCrosse is geared more to taller people. See comments below. I love the smooth acceleration and the quiet cabin.

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  Happy Rendevous owner - 2005 Buick Rendezvous
  By Cheek - May 14 - 1:06 am

  My husband & I are very satisfied with our new Rendevous. This is our first SUV. Tested a variety of SUVs & decided this met our comfort level. It is better on fuel consumtion since it isnt as heavy as the SUVs on truck frames. I am getting 21.5 mpg city.

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  Great Car - 2005 Buick LaCrosse
  By Anthony Giglio - May 13 - 9:59 pm

  I have had my La Crosse for about two months and have driven it almost 5,000 miles. It handles beautifully and has the quietest ride of any vehicle I have owned in the last 30 years. I have had no need for warranty work at all. I am very pleased with this automobile.

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  King of the crossover - 2002 Buick Rendezvous
  By Rendylover - May 13 - 10:00 am

  Great looking, excellent handling, max for the money