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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  A winning Buick - 2008 Buick Enclave
  By Chuck - May 11 - 3:06 pm

  Stoll love this care after dring for 9 months and 14m miles. Great design, inside and out. Technology is first class. Love the quiet ride. I traded a BMW SUV that I loved, and now love the Buick more. This is first American car Ive acquired personally in almost 40 years, and its quality holds up well against Mercedes, BMWs, Jaguars Ive had.

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  Good First Time Car - 1991 Buick Century
  By Schmidty - May 11 - 1:01 am

  I bought this car as my first (and so far only) car my sophomore year of high school. Bought at $600 and since then have put on new tires, starter, water pump and only one major repair over $100. Have only put about 9,000 mile son it, and I just creeped over 103,000 about 2 weeks ago. Its been a great car, gets me where I need it, the air still works beautifully, and it has some pick-up too with the 3.3 V6 automatic. Im in the process of doing a mileage test but I usually only fill up every 2-3 weeks depending on how much I drive around. Well built car for a first ride.

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  Underrated auto - 2004 Buick Century
  By nekosan - May 10 - 7:08 pm

  This the second Buick Century Ive owned, the first I drove over 75 thousand miles without a single bit of trouble. In fact, I never even had to replace the brake shows in that time. And I drove it across the U.S. and back 5 times. It is a quiet, smooth riding vehicle that does what a family sedan should do, and it never received the praise it should have from a public besotted with wanna-be racing-car sedans.

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  Fix me almost perfectly - 2002 Buick Rendezvous
  By Army Wife - May 10 - 10:00 am

  I fell in love with the Rendevous when it was first introduced. I was so excited when my husband and I found a used 2002 CXL AWD with just over 11000 miles on it this last summer. We stole it off the lot, with the price we ended up paying for it. I do wish it had a bit more power when going up hills. The comfort and convenience is top of the line. I like the heads up display and AC auto features

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  Ol Betsy is still reliable! - 1992 Buick Century
  By Tim - May 9 - 2:03 pm

  Bought this car from a friend for $700, and over 50,000 miles later I think Ive got my moneys worth. The only think Ive replaced is a tire. There are no cupholders, the one that is standard will break. My cruise control was out when I brought it but for only city driving it doesnt bother me. Externally, its not much to look at, some rust spots, but internally this thing runs amazing. I expect it will last another 30k miles easily. Great first car for anybody.

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  170,000+ and going strong!! - 2000 Buick Park Avenue
  By livingrn - May 8 - 6:20 pm

  I have owned this car for only 16months but bought at 123,000 miles and let me tell you I about live in this car. Last month I purchased a Pacifica and hated the ride of that thing not to mention the lousy gas mileage...fortunately I still had my old Ultra and am now back to driving it. This car starts every time and although its older I can say I will continue to make repairs as needed in order to keep this car. I have owned quite a few automobiles in my life and this one beats them all!!!

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  Keeps on keeping on - 2004 Buick LeSabre
  By Elliott - May 7 - 12:14 pm

  When I bought this car the main internet complaints were loud turn signals and loud fan noise on high blower. Four years of non-stop daily driving in city and cross country, that is still the only complaint about the car. It has every electronic gadget available and all still work the same as new no repairs, no breakdowns! I have had no other car that has been this reliable for this long with nothing going wrong.

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  UnBuick-like, bargain-priced Lexus. - 2008 Buick Enclave
  By skintrade - May 5 - 9:03 am

  Traded my BMW 3-series for this car. With a Lexus and a Bimmer, never thought Id get a Buick, but couldnt find anything we liked better after looking at the Audi Q7, BMW X5, Lexus GX. None of those had as much 3rd row back seat room or ease of access as the Enclave. And this comes with nearly the same bells and whistles. Yes, a few parts appear cheap, but the quality and elegance of the rest of the interior far outpowers them. Cabin feels like flying first class in a plane. 5.1 Bose surround sounds amazing. Wish it had automatic self- closing driver/passenger doors, theyre german car heavy! Handling suprisingly sporty, rides smooth & quiet. This is the car that will save Buick.

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  Buick Rainier - a pleasant surprise - 2004 Buick Rainier
  By Mahleen - May 4 - 2:00 am

  I researched all the luxury midsize SUVs I narrowed my list to RX330, Highlander and 4Runner Limited, FX35 and the Buick Rainier. The FX35 felt like a station wagon, the interior is cramped. The 4Runner rattled and lacked the quality Toyotas are known for. The Highlander exterior design is dull and price is high. Down to two; the RX330 is comfortable, luxuriously appointed and well constructed. To my surprise, the Rainer matched the RX330 in each category except the interior is not as luxurious BUT the Rainier outclassed the RX330 with its rock solid feel. Rainer’s solid construction, amenities and GM’s financing make it a true value.

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  Lucerne CXS almost perfect luxury - 2007 Buick Lucerne
  By RazorBob45 - May 3 - 11:21 am

  The Lucerne CXS is a very quiet, comfortable sedan with decent handling. The ride is soft, smooth, but, predictable. We (and other riders) are impressed with GMs OnStar performance as well. Seats are comfortable and infinitely adjustable for tall or short drivers. The NorthStar V8 under the hood is a GEM, delivering quiet,smooth solid power. You get a Cadillac in sheeps clothing with the CXS. Road trips are a pleasure!