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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  Bought My Dream Riviera New in 1996 - 1996 Buick Riviera
  By lovemyriviera - January 23 - 10:13 pm

  I drove my 1996 Buick Riviera out of the showroom and could drive it back there today to sell as a new car, it still looks that fantastic! Ive taken excellent care of this car and its only been the dealership for all maintenance. It was my daily driver for 10 years with 112,000 km (70,000 miles) now. Only had 2 problems: 1. theres been an electronic bug in the tape player GM has acknowledged the problem but no fix, since it only happens one-in-awhile I live with it 2. I recently had to replace the ABS Pressure Modulator Valve which cost $50 for the part and $75 for labor. Otherwise, the car has been a dream and it still turns a lot of heads!

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  2003 lesabre reliability - 2003 Buick LeSabre
  By jarhead61 - January 20 - 7:52 pm

  The only repairs Ive required is to replace two motor mounts on the left front. My heating system is not working properly. When it is very warm on the drivers side, it tends to be cool on the passenger side but was told that it is a $600.00 expense to repair. It is not a serious matter so I have no intention on fixing the situation. 115,000 miles on the car 31,000 miles on the current tires and still it does not require a Front End Alignment. This car has never had one! Love the rascal.

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  Buick Verano - 2012 Buick Verano
  By carman14 - January 10 - 7:18 am

  Just picked this car up yesterday for the little lady. So far this car exceeds all expectations. Rides as quiet as a library, holds road tight and looks like mpg beats out what I expected. Interior is what sold me on this car. Comes with combination of fabric and leatherette ( looks like leather at first) Intellimark Radio with voice recognition is remarkable. Takes a bit to understand all but well worth it. Fit and finish looks good, 18" wheels, nice touch for base model. Only downside was is that seats are manual unless you upgrade to next level. Exterior looks like a mini Regal which I feel is an elegant car too. Car based on Cruze platform which I rented but does not come close GM nice !

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  So far, so good. - 2011 Buick Regal
  By amajo - January 8 - 2:08 pm

  MPG is a strange thing. I have over 2,000 miles on my new Regal and both times with manual calculations at the gas pump Ive had over 36 MPG. The fuel economy is excellent and happily unexpected. Of course, most miles were highway. My teenage son said the back seat was very comfortable - more so than the 2001 Buick Regal that we traded in. While on the road at a rest area, I had a couple comment that they had been following me for miles trying to check out my car. People I dont know have given me praise. This is great. Thank you Buick! Even though this car was manufactured in Germany, I suspect that the engineering was all American (perhaps Michigander - Minded).

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  Upscale Luxury Sedan - 2011 Buick LaCrosse
  By bwia - January 6 - 6:30 am

  Great car in all respects except for MGP that is well below expectations.

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  Supercharged Riviera - 1996 Buick Riviera
  By gmck25004x - December 30 - 7:09 pm

  I bought this car for $260 in 2010. It had sat for 3 years. I put a new $150 battery in under the rear seat and drove it home 20 miles with no brakes! I had all 13 brake lines replaced. It needed a hood and fender and lights from a deer collision sometime before I bought it. I drove it to work while I was replacing body parts. I replaced all the engine pulleys and belts and hoses and radiator. The interior is flawless and the exterior is exquisite. It just looks fast! It is one of the fastest cars I have ever owned! I have used it to teach my son to work on cars. o2 sensors give false electronic messages. replaced both...runs better than ever! one hub bearing. 209k miles.

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  Underetimated - 2011 Buick Regal
  By timetraveling - December 27 - 1:21 am

  Origanlly interested in Volkswagen CC. I was dertermined to buy a well made foreign car. I was fed up with GM, Ford and Dodge. But while doing some research came across the Buick Regal. Took one look and new this was the car for me. This car was loaded! The 2.4 Turbo is plenty of power for me.

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  2012 Verano review - 2012 Buick Verano
  By tomf25 - December 11 - 4:04 pm

  I am a retired Chevy dealer (forty years) so I have had many many new cars in that time. On December 9, 2011 I picked up my new Verano and I must say it is one of the nicest cars I have ever driven. I like it even better than the 2010 LaCrosse I traded in. Congratulations Buick, you hit a home run!! Tom Forsyth

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  Luxury for Mommy - 2005 Buick Terraza
  By blastcap - December 6 - 3:41 pm

  I have had my buick for nearly 2 years and I love it! Its a smooth ride. Love the interior. very reliable. Have not had any problems so far. great for the kids, roomy. Great for traveling. only downfall is the gas mileage. I get about 15mpg city and not much more hwy. the automatic sliding doors are convenient but when you hit a bump in the road the door will un-latch, causing an ever so annoying alarm to sound until you put the car in park and shut the door. no regrets buying this vehicle.Treat yourself moms and buy this car!

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  2012 Buick Lacrosse - Touring - 2012 Buick LaCrosse
  By alan51462 - November 29 - 8:38 am

  I have had my Lacrosse for just over one month. Pros: Excellent ride and comfort. Reliability great compared to my 2008 Cadillac. Cadillac in shop 3 times in first month of ownership. Buick running great (knock on wood). Workshipship is excellent - no rattles, doors, hood, trunk fit is fine. Fuel consumption is as advertised - over 27 on highway, averaging slightly over 17 in the city. Con: Reflection of the dashboard on windshield is distracting and blinding at times. Would recommend highly over the CTS - mine was an overpriced piee of junk.