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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  An excellent automobile - 2005 Buick LeSabre
  By Helen Holwig - April 4 - 1:38 am

  This car handles beautifully. It has Stabilitrak which gives good confidence in driving during bad weather.

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  My LaCrosse - 2005 Buick LaCrosse
  By Jeanne Leix - April 1 - 12:45 am

  This car has been fun, comfortable, and easy to learn how to drive. The seats are great. We drove to Florida and back with no discomfort at all. It handled the road like a charm. We got between 29 and 33 miles per gallon. I just love it.

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  Cant ask for more - 2005 Buick Rendezvous
  By his&hers - March 31 - 7:08 pm

  After my husband drove a Rendezvous for 18 months, we decided at the end of my Jaguar lease that it made sense for me to buy a Rendezvous. If 2 older people enjoyed driving a car from Baltimore to Florida without stopping overnight, it must be a great car. The cabin design is spectacular! Of course, it was designed by a female engineer!

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  User name says it all..."FORMER BMW" guy - 2002 Buick Rendezvous
  By formerbmw - March 31 - 10:00 am

  Our lease on a 1999 BMW 540iA is ending soon, and with a new baby, we decided to look at SUVs. We selected the Rendezvous after test driving other SUVs. Compared to a BMW X5, priced in the $60K range, the Rendezvous is the value of the year. The car has a unique look which seems to look better all the time.

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  Best SUV We Test Drove & Bought - 2005 Buick Rainier
  By Mark Ayers - March 31 - 12:43 am

  This is an elegant SUV that handles like a dream, with all the creature comforts you would want in a luxury SUV. It drives well, has great acceleration, and feels like it is floating. Some have criticized the rear suspension, but we have not found that to be an issue. We test drove other SUVs, even imported models, and for the money and accessories, it won.

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  Buick has a winner - 2006 Buick Lucerne
  By Gene Endicott - March 30 - 12:56 pm

  We just took delivery of the CXL 6 cylinder on Dec 15, its a crimson pearl which is a beautiful color. Ive driven others including the Toyota Avalon, and the Lucerne is the pick of the litter. Weve just driven 250 miles, but other than fuel economy it is a pleasure to drive. The 6 cylinder has plenty of power and quiet and smooth running. As far as Im concerned Buick has a definite winner!

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  My 1st minivan - 2005 Buick Terraza
  By Ken C - March 25 - 6:22 pm

  I was ready to buy a Mercury Premier, but tried this...what a great buy! Its so quiet inside, and comfortable! I got heated seats...my wife insisted! The middle and back seats are as comfortable as the front, with plenty of leg room. The engine has plenty of get up and go, and I get 29 mpg on the road at 65 to 70. I"m very happy. Try one out.

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  Buick Rendezvous - 2005 Buick Rendezvous
  By dihiggs - March 24 - 2:08 pm

  After buying vehicles year after year, I have finally settled on the Buick Rendezvous. With its comfort, easy handling, and good gas mileage, it is definitely the upcoming vehicle to watch out for. It is sporty and has the luxury of an SUV. This was a great choice for me.

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  Top-reliability rating &affordable. Id invest now - 2017 Buick Regal
  By Kaitlyn Smith - March 23 - 4:51 am

  Buicks engineering is on the rise. Much more frequent advertising since being listed among the top-reliable cars in 2016-2017 Consumer Reports ratings. Mid-luxury, highly-reliabile quality vehicles at a reasonable cost. Recommend investing now before word gets out and their prices soar.

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  The best car ever! - 2002 Buick LeSabre
  By beckaroo80 - March 21 - 4:49 am

  My husband bought this for me after I had an accident with my 91 Park Avenue. Im 24, and not many people my age drive this kind of big car, but I loved it. Love the steering wheel radio controls. Power seats are very comfy and roomy Also holds up well in accidents. We found out first hand! The car tells you when you need windsheild washer, and even when tire pressure is low, so I have plenty of time to have him fix it! My friends can make fun of me all they want to, I love this car and it is very safe. Nice ground effects. It has great pickup, runs perfect in snow too.