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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  Very Disappointed - 2006 Buick Terraza
  By MeMe - April 14 - 11:20 pm

  This is the first car I have purchased new, and I am very disappointed with the performance of this van. My van stalls when starting for day one, was told it is a manufactures problem and cant be fixed. It has lots of noises from the tires to squeaking in the seats. Bad blind spots in rear Windows because of back head rest. There is very little storage space in back. Had to have sliding door repaired, weather stripes on doors replaced, new cd player put in, two knew key pads in less than 3 yrs. Rear hatch hard to close, no rear heat, none auto sliding door hard to close, no room betw. Front console and front storage area. This is why they no longer make it.

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  Car For The Ages - 1991 Buick Roadmaster
  By Willie - April 13 - 10:56 am

  This was actually purchased new by my grandfather, but Ive kept it for sentimental reasons. It is a dream to drive as you never feel the pavement. Acceleration is unbelievable with an LT1 derivative V8. Steering is soft with no feeling of the road, but that is expected with such a large car. If you need trunk space, there is ample room. Reliability has been very good, the drivetrain is as tight as it was new, and it has 130,000 miles on it! If you enjoy large cars, this is the last large Buick ever made and it does not disappoint. You need to show these some TLC, but if you do, people will notice this car on the road. PS, this is a review of the 4dr Sedan.

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  LaCrosse - Best automobile on the road - 2005 Buick LaCrosse
  By BIll Richardson - April 13 - 1:43 am

  I purchased this Buick LaCrosse in late January, I have just returned from a 3500 mile trip back to the east coast. Driving this car is like sitting in your easy chair at home and watching the world go by. The ease of handling this car is far in the future of most other cars. This is the best automobile I have purchased in 55 years. If you drive one you will buy it. I know I did.

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  Best American Car Ever - 1999 Buick Riviera
  By Mike - April 12 - 11:54 pm

  The 1999 Buick Riviera is a beautifully designed and built car that can compete in every way to the Japanese or European carmakers. In the 1980s and 1990s the Riviera became something of a highly decorative boat anchor, but with the supercharged 3800 it jumped into the performance car category. The 3800 alone is the best engine out there and to supercharge it , you have the combination of performance and reliability. Overall this is the best car Ive ever owned, and Ive owned a lot of cars.

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  What a mistake - 2003 Buick Rendezvous
  By jb - April 12 - 8:50 pm

  Mechanically the worst car I ever owned. The only saving grace was that I purchased the 100K mile warranty. Otherwise it would have cost me thousands in repairs after 60K mile warranty expired. Front wheel bearings (known issue), intake manifold (known issue), excessive inside tire wear (alignments did not help), heater blower (3 times), sheared bolts and head replacements.

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  This isnt Your Grandmas Car! - 2001 Buick LeSabre
  By Babs - April 12 - 8:34 pm

  The only time I really replace a car is when theres an accident, or in 1 case, stolen. So, after my brother smashed my Oldsmobile, I went to my local GM dealership, and bought a 2001 Buick LeSabre. This is beautiful car to look at. The body is in great shape, no rust or dings. The interior is nice, and comfortable. The stereo is thumping. I have the Concert Series II. It really puts out a big sound. Definitely not for Grandma. I get great mileage for a big car. I get 31 miles highway, and 25 city. Thats important now that gas is over $3 a gallon. This car is comfortable for passengers. It will fit 5 adults comfortably. I have a remote starter, for cold and snowy Minnesota days.

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  Great Car, Great Handling - 2006 Buick Rendezvous
  By Happy Driver - April 11 - 9:19 pm

  Great overall vehicle. AWD is handy feature. Quiet, smooth ride for all passengers. 3rd row seat has just enough leg room/head room for 510" person. Lower clearance, although not great for huge snowfalls, is nice for disabled parent to enter/exit. Good storage.

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  Elegant and Reliable - 2007 Buick Lucerne
  By TomL - April 11 - 1:37 pm

  Just turned 25,000 miles today. The computer says I should need my third oil change at around 30,000 miles. So far two oil changes have been 100% of all repairs and maint. Has not been to the dealer since the day I picked it up. How many Lexus owners can say that? While almost no one knows what it is (the styling is a little too bland) all agree it looks inside and out like a modern luxury sedan. Love the sound of the Northstar with dual exhaust. Even with my less than gental driving I average over 19 mpg. With $3.25 gas I guess I would probably buy the v-6 if I had to do it again however.

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  Complaints - 2007 Buick LaCrosse
  By Riley - April 10 - 11:58 am

  The car is like a standard transmission on hills. You have to be quick from brake to gas because it will roll back. I am having trouble getting tires balanced. Dealer replaced all four tires on car because they could not be balanced. I am still having trouble on rear tires. They have been balanced three times. I am taking the car back to try again. I have 2500 miles on car at this time. The radio skips stations. I was told by dealers that the transmission was normal, to me it is a danger as cars pull up close behind. I have been back to dealer so much I am taking a rest for a while.

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  Great Car - 2000 Buick Century
  By TorchOfGod - April 10 - 3:39 am

  We have owned two Buick Centuries back to back. First, we owned a regular 2000 Century, then after 140,000 or so miles on it, we sold it. Then we purchased my mother in laws 2000 Century Limited with only 30,000 miles on it. I am on a 300 mile trip currently with 31 mpg. The standard Century got better mileage, about 34-36 mpg, with a tornado type vortex added. And I liked it best too, not as many frills.