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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  Multiple problems - 2000 Buick Century
  By GT - July 3 - 3:09 pm

  The Buick is a very comfortable car that provides a nice drive. However, it is much like driving a land yacht with slow turn response. We had a large number of stupid problems that were expensive to repair -- glove compartment fell off in my hand the second year ($500 to repair, not covered by warranty) three windows have fallen off their tracks so that they cannot be rolled up ($600 each to repair), multiple problems with trunk (keeps falling on our heads despite two repairs) transmission, A/C compressor, etc etc.

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  Unreliable - 2002 Buick Rendezvous
  By mama of 3 - June 19 - 9:55 pm

  I wish i had looked at the vehicles review before I purchased this thing! I have had this thing a lil over 2 years, and we have gone through ALL 4 wheel bearings!! We have problems with the anti-ock break system, and already had to replace Manifold!! VERY EXPENSIVE!!!! I am definately happy I have AAA, we have had this thing towed many times, and with 3 children that is NOT FUN!!! These people really better not wonder why theyre goin outta buisness, cuz the repairs on this thing run my family 2 carpayments!!!! Its ridiculous! Please never ever buy this car!!!!! It looks nice, but its NOT!!!! By far the worse vehicle Ive ever owned!!!!!

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  MOST UNRELIABLE CAR EVER - 2002 Buick Rendezvous
  By Joe - June 16 - 10:30 pm

  In the past year I had the versatrak AWD rear differential kick the buck ($8000 repair) then 2 months ago the transmission blew ($3000) then the torque tube, a part of the drive shaft acted up ($1500). Before all this all the head gasket leaked ($1500) and the wheel bearings have all been replaced ($300 each). So basically this car has sucked out all our savings. GM has way over priced all its parts especially the rear differential - $6000 for part alone. I didnt think any car could be this bad but GM has proven otherwise. I will never buy any GM product ever again. They deserve the mess theyve gotten themselves into, because of all the overpriced lemons theyve sold.

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  I am buying a Honda - 2003 Buick Rendezvous
  By aj - June 2 - 7:55 pm

  I bought this with 45000 miles on it and loved it the first 2 years I drove it. So far I have replaced the brakes 3 times (1 front 2 back) then some wire that cost 1.50 but took the dealer 3 days and hundreds of dollars to figure out why it only started when it was cold.The air compresser in back ran all the time and finally I disconneted it. Coolent problems head gasket problems and now front and rear end problems. After 70000 miles this car was getting fixed every other month. It has "nickel and dollared me to death"

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  my exp. - 2007 Buick Rendezvous
  By my car - May 30 - 9:39 am

  GM used to mean quality in my family, but this car has been a complete disappointment. Since buying it in 2007 with 13k miles Ive had to spend $6k more in repairs due to persistent inability of car to start including faulty wiring, axle and wheel train replacement of loose or prematurely broken parts, and a brake job. In the 11 years that I owned a subaru, I never had to do any more than change the oil. For this car I had to even subscribe to onstar for peace of mind because the car is so unreliable. Based on the quality of this car I can see how GM got themselves into thier current setuation. Let a free market economy rule!! I am headed back to the Subaru dealership for a new car.

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  Piece of junk - 1996 Buick Skylark
  By JP2009 - May 13 - 2:13 pm

  I bought this car in 2005 as a first car from a friend that was very reliable, i knew he would not rip me off. At first it was great and handled well and was fairly good for being a 1996. I must say i have had so many problems with this car. It doesnt start, i hate to turn it over twice everytime i get in it. It has had tons of faulty electical problems, to the point where my car wouldnt start for 3 months and i took it to 5 different mechanics!! Over all i have had nothing but problems with this car and put WAY to much money into it. It also only has 70,000 miles on it right now so it is not like it has alot of miles. there is not reason it shoudl be this bad other than it is old.

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  Nice car but annoying rattle in front - 2008 Buick Lucerne
  By Gary R. - May 1 - 10:13 pm

  Bought as a replacement as I wrecked my 07 saturn vue. 08 Lucerne CX was a dealer demo with approx. 2,400 miles on it. Started to hear a rattle/buzzing noise within the first month coming from the front end area. Brake lights stayed on until I went to the dealer for the repair. Dealer replaced a fuel line problem as there was a GM bulletin on that. To date, I have had the car in 5 times for the rattle and still rattles/buzzes. Im "disenchanted" with this Buick. Im going to try the rattle repair one more time.....then Ill contact GM personally. (They probably wont care/ or respond) Dealer has been sympathetic to my issue anyway. Im going to buy Honda next time.

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  Regal Gran Sport - 1993 Buick Regal
  By Mr. Buick - April 23 - 3:33 pm

  The 93 Regal is a good reliable vehicle, though these days the gas mileage is a problem. Spending an hour to 2 on the highway used a half a tank of gas. Its very comfortable with plenty of space for people and cargo. Headlights are too dim (though that may be due to age). No major complaints, and this car will run forever. Though my windows have gone off- track multiple times even after getting them replaced they dont seem to be quality windows. I would advise people to find a newer car these days as the 93 Regal is 16 years old now.

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  I expected more - 2008 Buick Lucerne
  By disappointed - April 16 - 9:24 pm

  Trading in my 2000 Lesabre with 142000 miles I expected a big improvement> Not so! Rattle in front end, trunk doesnt open but half way, wind noise is terrible, engine has no power> Quiet tune? they must have forgotten to do this one, 67 MPH very annoying drive train noise. sun visors not even close to what was on the 2000. Mileage is not as good either. cant reach door handles to close doors. Plastic push pins used in many places all loose.

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  ORIGINAL MONEY PIT - 2002 Buick Rendezvous
  By mommamia - March 29 - 4:46 pm

  I bought this used in nov 2005 without researching it. BIG MISTAKE! Thankfully, I bought the extended warranty. I have had everything replaced that everyone who owns this car has, A/c condenser, etc. I took the car for a routine oil change (not at dealer) and he pointed out a "lower intake valve" problem, to which the dealer said "no problem with it." I definitely got my moneys worth with the warranty, but now that its expired Im having problems with my ABS system, computer, and rear suspension knuckle. Parts and labor? $1800! I owe 2 1/2 more years on this pile...and the Kelley is ABSOLUTELY AWFUL! Its worth 1400-3600 trade in. Pitiful...do not buy this car.