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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  Buick Terraza, very nice - 2005 Buick Terraza
  By david - January 28 - 5:02 pm

  A realy great ride, solid and luxurious and safe. It does have side air curtains. A confident, quiet ride.

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  2005 Buick Rendezvous - 2005 Buick Rendezvous
  By Richard Outcault - January 27 - 12:29 pm

  As a sportman, the car provides an easy way to travel to golf courses and beaches. The drivers area has a convenient console for traveling, everything is accessible. Cup holders, storage box and storage under the console can not be duplicated in other SUVs. This is my second Rendezvous and to date neither has let me down performance-wise. The engine and drive train are reliable. First time Ive had all wheel drive and Im a little disappointed with the gas mileage. The all leather seats are proving more comfortable than the seats on my 2002 Rendezvous. I like the improved styling. Negative is the removal from the 2005 of the 2002 two storage bins on the side panels of the third seat.

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  Buick Rendezvous - 2005 Buick Rendezvous
  By Raymond Haney - January 25 - 12:09 pm

  The first American made vehicle I have driven in 20 years, I am pleased.

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  fantastic car - 2005 Buick Rendezvous
  By Ray Walters - January 23 - 5:45 pm

  Without a doubt, the most enjoyable new car I have ever purchased. I bought ALL of the options: Navigation, heads up display, satellite radio and, of course, back up warning, onstar with built in cell phone - everyday learning more neat things about these features. I have owned many vans but this is the first one that rode like a luxury sedan.

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  Best car Ive ever owned - 2006 Buick Lucerne
  By cxs - January 23 - 5:43 pm

  Traded a 2003 Cadillac DTS and was somewhat apprehensive about buying a Buick. This car is more than equal to the Cadillac in ride, appearance, power, quietness and handling. I have been buying new cars every 2 years for the past 50 years, and this is the best car I have owned. If GM changed the name from Lucerne to Lexus they would not be able to keep up with the demand.

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  All around - 2005 Buick LeSabre
  By Ray Richter - January 21 - 8:53 pm

  A1 all around quality. I purchased mine in 2002, so I have had 3 years to test it. 1 year or less does not expose too many problems that may exist.

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  richards buick - 2005 Buick Terraza
  By richard - January 18 - 1:39 pm

  After driving this auto (Terraza) 1,400 miles from mich. to florida, I find the auto to be a great choice. The ride is very good, the XMSR is a great addition, and the gas mileage was 24.7 MPG for the entire trip.

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  Great car for Cheap - 1995 Buick LeSabre
  By Mark Addler - January 17 - 3:26 am

  Bought for $8,000 with 54K miles on it, now it has 149K miles and is still running strong. Only one repair at 110K ($400 total) for coolant pump and intake manifold (imagine that! A GM with a bad coolant pump or a bad intake manifold!!!) Never broke down, just leaked coolant and took it in when it got real bad. Only oil and tire changes otherwise. Everything on this car works great, never has had any alignment work and still rides as smooth as day it was bought. AC and heat still work great and AC hasnt even been recharged. The only thing that has stopped working is the tape player, it has a tape stuck in it but who hasnt been replaced because radio is preferred and who uses tapes today?

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  Excellent Car For Anyone - 1996 Buick Regal
  By jjcooper - January 16 - 2:29 pm

  This is a very good car. Great on gas for the size of the car. Does better than some small cars. Ive gotten up to 21 city and 32 highway. Have taken a few trips and it was very comfortable. I have not had a single problem with the car. I have 77,000 miles on it now. It was purchased with 70,000 on it from a friend who bought it from a dealer with 63,000 miles. The only thing he had to do is replace the battery. Stereo is great.

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  BUICK RAINIER - 2005 Buick Rainier
  By L. Porter - January 15 - 7:59 pm

  Most enjoyable driving vehicle ever owned. Catches eye of others. Love the interior appointments with the exception of having to use a flashlight to see inside glove compartment. Handles well and is very maneuverable in tight spaces.