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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  Terraza review - 2005 Buick Terraza
  By sandbox - February 24 - 1:32 pm

  The ride, the looks are all classic Buick lines. The non-traditional look of this mini van is what seperates it from the rest. It no longer looks like the mom mobile.

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  Great Automobile - 2005 Buick Rendezvous
  By Bob Corwin - February 22 - 4:22 pm

  This is my 2nd Rendezvous, the 1st was a 2002 CX. I was so pleased with my first Rendezvous and its dependability that I purchased the 2nd with most of the bells and whistles". So far I have not been disappointed. I find the styling, features and construction to be top-notch. As for the most often complaint as to its underpowered engine, I have found no trouble in passing any car when I wish and this autos hill climbing abililty on the highway is unsurpassed. Unless you have a lead foot and are looking for a race car I think youll find its power more than adequate and you will get decent gas milage as a bonus. Take one for a test drive and I dont think youll be disappointed.

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  A joy to me, my SUV - 2004 Buick Rainier
  By dmcd - February 22 - 2:05 pm

  Overall, very happy with Ranier. Recently returned from 5000 mile driving vacation, so put it to the comfort test. Our report is we enjoyed the ride and comfort, we did not get tired though some days included lots of miles. Lots of Christmas presents, golf clubs, luggage were stored well with back seat down. Window tinting makes it difficult to see cargo area contents, providing some sense of security. Very windy days produced excessive noise around the passenger front window. Styling of car got many stares from interstate travelers. Averaged over 19 mpg for entire trip, including city driving. XM radio made this a delightful trip, as well. Our first SUV, maybe a hybrid in 5 years??

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  A moms view - 2005 Buick Terraza
  By Moms car - February 19 - 1:44 pm

  We have only owned this car for a few days, but so far its ability to keep my children comfortable and occupied, while Im busy driving, has been great. The onboard entertainment packages cant be beat. I also find it to ride and drive very smooth and quiet. There is not alot of cargo room though, for things such as groceries. I guess something had to give, to seat 7 passengers comfortably. Overall, I give it a thumbs up. Plenty of power and great gas mileage for your average "soccer mom". Also has lots of overhead and behind the seat storage compartments to keep things safely stowed away.

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  My new car - 2005 Buick LeSabre
  By Dean Holmes - February 19 - 10:04 am

  I had a 2002 Buick and didnt like the seats. They where not comfortable and the tires where generals and very plain looking. On the new one, the seats are leather and very comfortable. It also has chrome wheels and a package that includes Northstar and many nice items. It is much more fun and comfortable to drive. Also the system read out for oil, etc. is very nice.

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  Very Happy - 2005 Buick Terraza
  By Mary - February 18 - 1:48 pm

  Love the quiet ride and feel. Handles great. Nicely designed dash and controls. Love the front end. It has all the features I have loved in my minivan, but he feel and look of an SUV... Ive always thought the minvan was a more versatile, family friendly vehicle than most SUVs. ..and with power slidng doors, no fingers get caught and no doors get banged up with kids in and out. The Terraza nicely combines comfort and practicality

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  My 3rd Rendezvous - 2005 Buick Rendezvous
  By Bill - February 17 - 8:43 pm

  This is my 3rd Rendezvous (2002, 2003, 2005) and obviously, I love this car. It is extremely comfortable on trips and very stylish. I put on a lot of miles and have traded each time because of GMs discount, rebates, GM credit card, and warranty. It does have some flaws, though. Wheel bearings will most certainly go (both "02 and "03) and the gasket around the drivers door was a problem (wind noise) on the "03. Power steering gets sluggish in sub-zero temps and transmission is touchy in heavy traffic. Many of the options Buick offers were standard on the "02 (Side air bags, ABS, monogrammed mats, cargo storage compartments on floor, etc...

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  Buick Rainier - 2004 Buick Rainier
  By Talltom58 - February 15 - 11:24 am

  This vehicle is the most fun of any I have ever owned. My fourth Buick, this is my first SUV. The ride is comfortable, and with plenty of leg and head room for a 66" guy. It handles well on the road and I have tested it in urban and rural, flat and mountain terrain. In the winter snow, on hills, it never hesitated to give a feeling of full control. Sight lines are good. Fuel mileage is good for a vehicle of this type.

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  Nice Ride - 2005 Buick Rendezvous
  By Dan Gannon - February 15 - 8:31 am

  This car has a great ride and looks much smaller then it is. It gives much space but could use some extra, especially in the back for storage.

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  Finally pulled the trigger - 2002 Buick Rendezvous
  By Rendezviewer - February 15 - 2:00 am

  After researching about everything comparable (Highlander, upcoming Honda Pilot, MDX, Trailblazer), we finally pulled the trigger on a Rendezvous. Most of my cars have been foreign cars and I was probably biased against GM, but the value on the RDV combined with the features and appearance made us purchasers. So far everything is perfect. The features combined with the convenience of a mini-van (seating for 6-7) with an SUV appearance were the key factors for us. Safety factors were also important.