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 got this vehicle for our grandkids. - 2005 Buick Rendezvous
  By Bob De - April 28 - 6:56 pm

  My wife and daughter looked at at least 8-10 other SUVs and this was the one they wanted. It rides like a full size car on the road. Great for the hold family, lots of room. This is a great vehicle. What you get for the money is out of sight. The engine is OK if you dont race, has a enought power for us. I will buy one again

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  A good vehicle! - 2005 Buick Rendezvous
  By john - April 27 - 5:21 pm

  Moved up from a Skylark..love the Rendezvous 108 cu ft cargo-alot more room than the Lexus, Acura, or Magnum wagon. Got fully loaded CXL with sunroof for $24k. Is a good deal. No problems- rides like a luxury car and is fun to drive

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  My Buick Rendezvous - 2005 Buick Rendezvous
  By John - April 27 - 1:24 pm

  Seems to be very well built compared to other autos I have purchased, So far, Im very pleased with the overall quality and performance of this vehicle. It rides quieter then the Cadillac we also own.

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  Excellent Design - Excellent Performance - 2008 Buick Enclave
  By MB - April 25 - 5:30 am

  The crossover is well designed, is living-room quiet, and handles very well. Fit and finish is excellent and there are no rattles or squeaks. The ride quality is superb.

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  Rendezvous is a hit - 2003 Buick Rendezvous
  By Bob Dixon - April 25 - 2:00 am

  The Rendezvous is a very responsive and comfortable car to drive in the city and on the interstates. Seats are comfortable and the controls are ergonomically great for short and long trips. Lots of room and very good gas mileage.

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  Our Ranier - 2005 Buick Rainier
  By jim & Lou - April 23 - 11:35 pm

  Just completed a 6,000 mile trip with this vehicle. My husband and I both remarked how easy the SUV was to drive. As though it just glided along the hiway. With the air supension in it no matter how we packed the stuff in it, it always evened itself out and was the most comfortable ride we have ever had. We traveled thru mountains, deserts, plains, large cities, small cities, 4 lanes, 2 lanes, and every type of road imaginable and the vehicle just seemed to adjust to the road and conditions by itself. My husband is 6 foot tall and this is the first vehicle that we have purchased that his head does not touch the top of the car and he has plenty of room for his legs also. We are happy with the Rainier.

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  i saw it i fell in love with it - 2011 Buick LaCrosse
  By david - April 22 - 8:41 am

  luxury sports car like sitting in a living room with surround sound

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  New retiree treats himself to a Buick - 2005 Buick LeSabre
  By Jim - April 21 - 6:41 pm

  I really enjoy the extra power of my LeSabre, especially on a recent road trip through the hills of West Virginia. The car is responsive and handled very well on sharp turns and the standard ABS is a handy feature. The gas mileage and ride is much better than my V6 1999 Malibu and with less engine groaning too.

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  1998 Ultra - 1998 Buick Park Avenue
  By dbaugh - April 20 - 5:10 am

  This is fine and fun to drive big car. four sets of clubs in the trunk and upper 20s on the highway.

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  Great Family Vehicle - 2005 Buick Rendezvous
  By Loretta - April 17 - 11:37 pm

  I love my Rendevous. I went to look at the Avalanche and fell in love with this one. The seats in the back recline some, both my boys have their own cup holder and storage place for change or games. And I can plug the cooler in to the plug in the back not drag it under the seats. Plenty of storage space also for trips. Even my chihuahua loves to go for a ride in it. Great vehicle.