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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  Upgrade from 2002 LaSabre - 2006 Buick Lucerne
  By Rod - April 15 - 3:30 am

  In comparison to our previous 2002 V6 LaSabre: Lives up to quiet interior claims for engine, air stream and tire noise at least up to 75 mph. Turning diameter is annoyingly greater. Comfortable cruising at 75 vs 70 mph with LaSabre. Not tiring to drive long distances except for no lumbar support. Entering freeway or passing acceleration was uncomfortable - requires more throttle or even downshift. Average mileage on 4600 mile vacation trip including 3 city stays was 28.5 mpg; only 3.3 % less than similar trip made last year with the LaSabre. Love the exterior design even though I now notice similar features on several older foreign makes.

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  Beautiful Buick Rendezvous - 2005 Buick Rendezvous
  By M K - April 12 - 6:50 pm

  I used to own Ford Expeditions until I drove this Buick. I Love it. Rides as good as a Cadillac and gets good gas mileage. Even my husband enjoys the ride and he is strictly a Cadillac man.

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  Our Mojo Box - 2005 Buick Terraza
  By Fred Perrett - April 12 - 4:22 pm

  The Terraza is a wonderful ride. We did however, blow a computer K module. Buick repaired the problem and provided us with a Chevy Tahoe while the repairs were completed. On our family trip to Florida from Michigan and back, we really enjoyed the comfort and ride.

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  Great Vehicle - 2005 Buick Terraza
  By Ray Zenoni - April 11 - 11:15 pm

  Over the past several years I have rented quite a few mini-vans for group trips. None compare with the Terraza that I recently purchased. I was looking primarily for a very comfortable and quite vehicle to transport people on fun day trips (rather than a vehicle to transport the kids to after school activities). The Terraza is quiet, handles well, is very comfortable and basically a perfect fit for my requirments. I have had it for several months now and I have driven it 2,000 miles in all types of weather. I am so glad I got this vehicle. This is my first Buick and I was impressed by the dealership, as well as this vehicle.

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  Incredible bargain in a used car - 2005 Buick LaCrosse
  By Lance - April 8 - 3:48 am

  The 3.8 v6 engine is bulletproof. Not sporty handling, but smooth and comfortable!

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  Back to Elegance - 2005 Buick Terraza
  By OldGoat - April 7 - 5:01 pm

  Finally, Buick is back. The leather seats are great. Styling is the best anywhere in the world. Gas mileage is great. There is plenty of room in the cabin. A real showboat.

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  LaCrosse is luxury and comfort - 2005 Buick LaCrosse
  By Rhonda - April 6 - 10:45 pm

  Great for safety, has highest rating Insurance only went up $3.00 due to this. The car has double steel doors and double windshield glass. The engine slides under the dash on impact.

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  I love this car!! - 2005 Buick LeSabre
  By Karin F - April 6 - 10:17 pm

  This is my very first LeSabre, white with light grey interior, black dash and some woodon the inside. I feel very happy driving this car, it gives excellent mileage, handles very well, even in rainy slick weather. The A/C works great even though our summers are normally quite hot and humid. I have no complaints whatsoever and if I ever need another car it will be a Buick LeSabre for sure. It is so roomy inside and well laid-out...well, I just love my car, cant you tell? :-)

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  Great Van - 2005 Buick Terraza
  By ED Buck - April 6 - 2:32 pm

  This is the first Buick I ever own and I am amazed at the ride and how quiet it is. Its just great driving. I had a Chevy Asto before.

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  I LOVE MY TERRAZA!!!! - 2005 Buick Terraza
  By Lisa - April 6 - 8:45 am

  I love my Buick Terraza. I like the fact that it has the exterior look of an SUV but the interior room and comfort of a mini-van! It is definitely a vehicle my family and I needed. We use the storage compartments often, the 12 cupholders actually come in handy with the children. The third row seating lays flat for lots of room and storage in the rear when moving or transporting groceries and large items. I would purchase this vehcile again! There are some quirks they need to work out with it mechanically but overall the service I have received from the dealer has been great, too! The quirks are very minor and do not affect the handling of the vehicle in anyway.