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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  Great Ride - 2004 Buick Rendezvous
  By Happy Owner - February 14 - 6:22 pm

  I bought this vehicle after much study, and after owning sedans for my entire car-life. I have been extremely pleased with it, and have driven it on two long and challenging trips, as well as around town. I like the room, comfort and handling. Lots of space for child and the many trips to the home improvement store. I would purchase it again in a minute, and have not regretted my purchase in the least.

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  Miss it already! - 1996 Buick Riviera
  By HDLover - February 14 - 5:53 pm

  I had my Riviera for 6 years. I just traded it in on a Cadillac CTS. It only had 69,000 miles on it when I traded it in. I sure hope I didnt make a mistake. This Riviera was the most reliable and comfortable vehicle I have ever owned. Handles great, sporty feel for a big car. Dont hesitate if you are thinking about buying one and it is in good shape.

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  Good Ride - 1996 Buick Regal
  By Loves It - February 11 - 11:56 am

  Bought in 99 w 33000 now (05) have 78000+. In 4 years have replaced 1 alternator, the cruise crontrol module and 2 door seal gaskets and repaired the radio. Added a spoiler for looks. Interior quality lacks a bit.Does have dash rattle. A folded bit of paper between dash and glove box door solved that.Interior trim clips are starting to fail. Regal ride and power has me spoiled. Thought about replacing it but nothing else affordable seems to compare. Paint is holding up very well.

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  Driving pleasure - 2006 Buick Lucerne
  By charles - February 10 - 4:10 pm

  This is a very quiet comfortable automobile. I enjoy driving this car as it has good power and handles very well. Avg. weekly driving I get twenty miles per gal. and expect this to rise as the car gets more mileage on it.

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  Great Car - 2002 Buick Park Avenue
  By Great Car For Me - February 9 - 10:50 am

  Car has all the goodies and has exceeded expectations. Purchased with 25,000 miles and have added 17,000 in a year. Gave up my 2000 Impala for it. Cant believe I got so much for what I paid. Great car for a tall man. My car has the road package which I love. Great ride. Cant believe someone would pay premium for a different name plate. Replaced front brakes at 42,000. Back-up sensors are great for the parking lots.

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  We love it - 2004 Buick Rainier
  By Andrew - February 7 - 12:23 pm

  We bought the car as a refined long distance transport and we are not disappointed. It (V8) has all the power we need when we want it. It is quiet enough to appreciate the Bose sound and the wonderful XM radio system. We paid a little more and opted for the small upgrades on the 2005 model. The test car was parked on a hill lot with the lot rim just in front of forward wheels in a foot of frozen snow. I had to apply a fair amount of power to overcome those conditions. You could feel the AWD come in and the rear didnt move an inch sideways as I hauled it up and out. Right there we decided that we didnt need another 4X4 to address our daily needs this car was perfect for us... so far.

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  Great choice - 2005 Buick Rendezvous
  By Morris511 - February 2 - 10:00 pm

  Great vehicle with ultimate comfort. Rides like a luxury car with the security of AWD which is a much desired feature in the Northeast. Superior styling and performance makes me forget its a cross over hybrid between a minivan and an SUV. I simply love it!

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  What the heck is an Enclave - 2011 Buick Enclave
  By Roy Young - February 1 - 4:17 pm

  Outstanding in all areas EXCEPT gas mileage, kinda sad. July2016 100k tune up--- on trip to Fla got 21.9 mpg ! Still enjoying car. Would recommend. UPDATE, Buick still performing well, no problems. Just sold it to my daughter and her Husband, they love it!

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  I just bought mine and I love it! - 2005 Buick Rendezvous
  By Marnie - January 29 - 10:40 am

  I just bought a CXL+ model and I love it! Mine came w/ leather seating, wood grain dash, OnStar, satellite radio, a sun roof, power everything, captains chairs (row 2), heads up display, heated seats, a towing pkg, and vertually everything else you could ever want in an SUV! Thre price was far better than its competitors due to the $1,500 GM loyalty + $3,000 rebate! See for yourself. Its one NICE SUV!

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  Terraza Great - 2005 Buick Terraza
  By Tim Sawl - January 29 - 12:03 am

  I traded my Caravan in for this new Buick. The seats are very comfortable. The vehicle handles great. My wife used the traction control to get up our hill after a snow storm and she loved it. If you want comfort for your family this is your vehicle. Go look at the stow-go seats and then check out the Terraza. There is no comparison to the quality. A fun vehicle to drive and a great looking one too.