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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  18 month owner - 2005 Buick Rendezvous
  By Jeff - January 13 - 8:31 pm

  I enjoy the seating and the storage. The mileage is adequate. I have hauled wood on the top carrier several times. It handles easily and has great visibility.

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  Excellent SUV from Buick - 2005 Buick Rendezvous
  By Rendy - January 13 - 11:59 am

  Excellent vehicle! Quality, reliability, performance are all good to match Lexus, while price is better for consumer.

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  Best SUV for the Price and Features IMHO - 2004 Buick Rainier
  By Subhash Bhattacharyy - January 13 - 2:00 am

  Just purchased a 2004 Buick Rainier. Went with the 2004 for the 3000 savings, and with 7000 in additional incentive from GM, I got one heck of a deal. The ride is smoother than the MDX, 4-Runner or Sequoia. Love the quiet interior, best built American SUV.

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  Another great Buick Value - 2004 Buick Rendezvous
  By john - January 6 - 9:33 am

  Traded in my first new Buick, a 1996 Skylark that I was outgrowing. Wanted something bigger that could handle cargo, etc. Test drove the Dodge Magnum-was expensive, and only 70 cu fr of cargo capacity-passengers sit low with high windo sill. Liked the Rendezvous, and took advantage of rebate and good trade in on my 9 yo Skylark. I would not consider it if I had to pay $35k list price (paid $23k) as it lacks power lift gate and refined engines other competitiors offer. Some interior pieces feel cheap. But, overall, for $23k, is great deal!!

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  Rndezvous rox! - 2005 Buick Rendezvous
  By mybuickrox - January 6 - 6:06 am

  Iam very impressed with the Buck Rndezvous vehicle. Sfety features of anti-lock brakes, OnStar, and driver/passenger airbags are great. Conveniences of keyless entry, delayed power for radio, and radio controls on steering wheel are a great benefit. Overall I would recommend this SUV/crossover vehicle to anyone!

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  I love this SUV! - 2004 Buick Rainier
  By DMK - January 6 - 2:00 am

  I looked at all the mid-size SUVs and narrowed down to the Lexus 330 and the Rendezvous. I am a loyal Buick customer, but didnt like the looks of the Rendezvous. I was really impressed when the Rainier was available. It looks great and drives like a dream. I also got a great deal on the vehicle. Lexus refused to move off sticker price.

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  My wife loves it - 2005 Buick Rendezvous
  By Austin Girl - January 6 - 1:40 am

  My wife looked at oved 15 vehicles before she chose the Buick Rendezous. She liked the looks of the vehicle and the way it drives. It not too small and not too large for city traffic. Also its a very safe vehicle for our two grandkids to be in. Thats another reason she got the Rendezous

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  LOVE IT:) - 2004 Buick Rainier
  By LIN - January 6 - 1:03 am

  I bought my Rainier in August and I cannot say enough about it. It rides beautifully. WHen I am talking on my cell phone no one even knows I am in my car that is how QUIET it rides. Only thing that I can see is that the gas mileage isnt the greatest but which SUV has great mileage? Thanks BUICK.....

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  Buick reliability - 2005 Buick Rendezvous
  By RLA - January 5 - 10:51 pm

  I have only owned this vehicle a short time. It is pleasant to drive, and very comfortable. The radio works well, as do the power windows seat and other amenities. Not purchased for going off road. I do not desire an off road vehicle, I already have one. This is a very nice family vehicle. It was reported that the standard V6 does not have adequate power. I have been out on the interstate with this one and it runs fine, its not a race car but thats not what I purchased. If I wanted a sports car I would buy one.

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  SUV compromise - 2005 Buick Rendezvous
  By Chris Bernhard - January 5 - 9:21 am

  the interior, and driving my fathers 1993 Regal with 175,000 miles sold me. Buicks seem to last forever. Quality on them are only second to Cadilac.