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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  2008 Buick LaCrossse - 2008 Buick LaCrosse
  By chinosteve - June 14 - 12:27 am

  I have owned Buicks for ten years (2000 Lucerne and current 2006 Lucerne CXL). Buicks have beed a preferred car in my family since 1935. The 2008 LaCrosse lives up to Buicks reputation for excellence in interior and exterior design. Handling is responsive (I have the optional ESC) performance is adequate and interior road noise is minimal even at freeway speeds. Fit and finish is outstanding.

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  Whats with GMs Power Windows? - 2004 Buick Rendezvous
  By Bob Batch - June 12 - 5:46 am

  Weve had this car for 4 years and it has been mechanically sound. The vehicle averages about 21 mpg with the commute everyday. I have had to replace the left and right front power window regulators ($500 at the dealer-$289 at my mechanic) Then last month the power rear hatch assembly broke and cost another $300 to repair. Hatch assembly was originally covered under a recall but once it was performed in 2004 that "Closed out the recall" and this ones on me. They put in a faulty part and its my fault! I had the same window problem with my 2001 Bonneville, right and left rear regulators had to be replaced.Im entitled to GM supplier pricing but will think twice before buying another GM

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  Solid, dependable car - 2003 Buick Century
  By pf miller - June 10 - 6:07 am

  I traded in my 1999 Buick Century custom for this 2003 in 2004 ( 22000 miles on this one ...lease car ). Had to replace the rack and pinion in 06. A bit disappointing, but I love this car. Gives a great ride, plus good gas mileage.

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  Not a car for New England - 1991 Buick Regal
  By frobuzmumber - June 9 - 10:45 pm

  This car was wonderful, for a while. I liked a lot of the features, however this car is not designed to be used in New England. The frame and mounts under the car rotted out, thus causing the engine to fall out ( while I was driving) it took out the tierod on the right side, and bent the axle, and ripped the steering pin out.. (no steering) I ended up hitting a telephone pole which totaled the car.

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  My 2nd Buick - 2006 Buick LaCrosse
  By Bev - June 8 - 4:35 pm

  I had a 01 Buick LeSabre before and wanted a new car and I liked my Buick so I bought another. The gas mileage is great. Everyone that rides in my car really likes it. Just wish the console was not so far back.

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  08 CXL AWD Blue-Gold - 2008 Buick Enclave
  By rrtke - June 8 - 3:23 pm

  I didnt think I would ever go back to a GM product. We traded in an 04 Toyota Sienna. The van was very nice but between the hesitation and the run flat tires, it certainly was not perfect as some would lead you to believe. The new Enclave is fantastic. Great room, quiet, and very comfortable.

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  Great! - 2004 Buick Rainier
  By candygurl - June 8 - 1:54 pm

  I really like this SUV. I have been in many SUVs and own a Suburban. I really like the room for me and my 4 kids and the drive is nice and safe. Safety is a big plus. The kids really enjoy the fact that they can control their a/c temp. Even though the gas is not much different than the Suburban I really am enjoying my new toy.

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  Best car ever - 1996 Buick Roadmaster
  By kevin - June 8 - 1:50 am

  Wow, what a car. Vette engine screams. 28 mpg Seattle to Los Angeles. Hard to find exterior trim parts, I do know a place in Seattle that can make parts if you have the old one. Very comfortable. Rear wheel drive is fun.

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  Solid - 1991 Buick Skylark
  By funk53daba - June 6 - 6:14 pm

  I love my Skylark. Let me re-phrase. Im in love with my Skylark. My dad purchased with ~70K back in late 90s and he was 2nd owner. Its been with me and mine thru college and beyond with no signs of slowing down. I now have 176K. Everything (its almost 20 yrs old folks) everything...works. The GM paint back then was crap. The outside looks as if the car has lepresy, but I think it gives it character. The main point is this thing is solid where it counts. Only time Ive had components break is out of sheer exhaustion, and I cant be mad at the ol girl because I think to myself, "That should have broken 20K ago." If youre lucky enough to land a good one itll repay you tenfold.

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  Why? - 2005 Buick LeSabre
  By Billy John of MN - June 5 - 9:57 pm

  GM. Why did you drop this model along with the Park? I have owned 2 Parks and 4 LeSabres. They are far superior to Lucernes which I drove and felt like I was sitting in a boat. Have you ever tried to look to your left rear from a Lucerne drivers seat? My neighbor traded his Lesabre on a LaCross and regrets the day he went in to the Buick dealership. Except for the plastic intake manifold part which has failed on nearly all of my 3.8 cu motors, the motor is superb! Why did you let the problem go on year after year unfixed? However no foreign or domestic comes close to the size and the mileage (27-29 highway) of this comfort machine. Thats OK. Humble yourself and bring them back. Forget California