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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  Love It!! - 2003 Buick Rendezvous
  By kar1 - March 20 - 10:00 am

  The car is wonderful and fun to drive- get so many compliments.. love the room and the ride is terrific- just like a nice car. could not be happier!!! They are now showing up everywhere!!

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  Buick Rainier - 2005 Buick Rainier
  By J Byrd - March 18 - 12:25 pm

  The Buick Rainier that my wife and I purchased was a being driven by the owner of the dealerships wife. The car is all that we had expected at this time in our ownership of it. The ride is exceptional and has all the room that we need since our kids are away at college. The power and handling seem to be fine also. We have not had the opportunity to take the car on an extended road trip to get an accurate estimate of highway millage but local driving seems to yield around 17 mpg. In short at this point my wife loves the car so Im happy with it also

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  A great vehicle for the dollar - 2005 Buick Terraza
  By Chucks Limo - March 18 - 8:51 am

  This is my second mini van, and it is by far the best I drove before buying it. The comfort, looks, and standard equipment is outstanding. The ride is excellent, and very controlled. I like the Traction Control, and Stabilitrak which are standard on the Terazza. I think the engine is just right for the vehicle. I have no trouble merging into traffic, or passing. Lets face it. Most passing today is done on an interstate highway while you are on cruise contol. You dont need all that power to get around another vehicle. On my first highway trip, I averaged 27.6 MPG. That with only 1200 miles on the clock. Not to shabby.

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  Joy to drive! - 2004 Buick Rendezvous
  By Rendevous happy! - March 14 - 3:55 pm

  Have had this vehicle for six months and it is better than expected. My mileage has been between 27 and 28 mpg on trips. It is very quiet and comfortable. It feels nimble and responsive. Only one minor repair, low fuel warning not working required reprograming the computer. The sound system is very powerful. The large outside mirrors help for backing, otherwise visibility out the rear window is restricted due to high profile. The center console is the best I have ever used, many useful compartments. Front wheel drive gives better performance and mileage, and reduces repair bills.

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  My little opinion - 2005 Buick Rainier
  By Steven - March 13 - 7:14 pm

  I have yet to find something dissapointing about my brand new Rainier. I read this page Edmunds.com vehicle review and I dissagree with the obvious negative slant. The Rainier is everything I wanted in an SUV. Of course the mileage is bad, but when we were shopping for an SUV, we agreed that we dont give a darn about gas mileage. It is so comfortable that my dad even said it was nicer than his Lincoln. We will keep this Rainier forever.This handles excellent in snow and ice. I was showing it off to my pal (who bought one also)and I couldnt lose control in the snow. I tried everything to skid, but the Rainier woulnt have it.

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  2005 CX Rendezvous - 2005 Buick Rendezvous
  By Rich Mayer - March 13 - 2:43 pm

  The 2005 CX base model Rendezvous has been an outstanding experience for me !! Smooth, quiet ride. Better gas mileage than many smaller vehicles. Gorgeous exterior -- especially from the front. My favorite thing is the way the dashboard lights up at night. The light-silver dials turn to black. All numbers and pointers light up in a green/blue teal. And there is a slight angelic white glow emminating from behind the anchor spot of the needles.

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  Plain Ride - 2003 Buick Regal
  By Deb Smith - March 12 - 1:08 am

  I drove a Ford F150 for 10 years. Test drove several autos. Kept going back to this beautiful car. I like the plain look. Not a lot of extraneous gadgets and gizmos. Simply elegant beautiful. The front end picks up and the car literally RUNS. I try not to be smug as a bug! Oh, two speeding tickets = Buick Regal is much faster than Ford F150!

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  Review of my Rendezvous - 2005 Buick Rendezvous
  By Carol Grider - March 11 - 9:55 pm

  My past two vehicles were a Ford Explorer, then a Ford Expedition. I loved both, but when the family got smaller I didnt need all the room of an Expedition, so we looked for a comparable vehicle as far as looks and comfort. We tried the Rendezvous and fell in love. I have had it almost a month now and love how it drives, handles and the smooth ride. We got all the bells and whistles and we cant say anything bad about it. I LOVE IT!! Thanks GM for a great product.

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  Rainier really shines - 2005 Buick Rainier
  By quarque - March 9 - 1:20 am

  The best vehicle Ive ever driven. Rides very well and is VERY quiet and comfortable. AWD with 275 HP 6 is fantastic. Air suspension and heated seats are just icing on the cake. The "pros" rate this car a "6" just because it is not a BMW or sports car. Frankly, I didnt want a sports car. I wanted quiet comfort and this is IT. The little extras like access to the air compressor make it sweet. I test drove Honda, Toyota and Nissan - no comparison to the solid, quiet feel of the Rainier. The Pilot was noisier than my old Blazer. I will keep this vehicle a very long time after paying $33k with 0% financing.

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  No Other Ever Like It - 1996 Buick Roadmaster
  By Michigander Buick - March 4 - 2:56 pm

  A great car and better wagon. Terrific performance with the Corvette LT1 260hp v8, 0-70, both pulling from on ramp and speed changes 70-80...like a train. Very comfortable if have all power seats with memory. Great amount of space - 4x8 sheet fits with tailgate shut...kids like rear facing 3rd seat...can take long trips without fatigue...very good economy, far better than SUV or mini-van, plus very stable in wind. GM blew it when stopped making...now the smaller not as good Dodge wagon has taken over. The transmission is also mated very well to the shift points of the v8, much better than my supercharged Park Avenue, which is jerky by comparison.