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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  Money pit - 2003 Buick Rendezvous
  By stephanie - April 9 - 8:12 pm

  We purchased this used at 38,000 miles from someone smart enough to dump it before it started falling apart. Replaced front wheel bearings at 42,000 and 45,000 miles. The head gasket was replaced last month at 83,000 miles after dealer misdiagnosed the problem twice. The load leveler would not stop running (at 75,000 miles) so we pulled the fuse and replaced it to stop the noise. Dealer advised that unless we fix it, the rear air-filled shocks will fail. We have already spent too much replacing things too soon. Recently replaced rear wheel bearings (great design those sealed bearings, not!). It is currently at the dealer again for other problems. So sorry we bought this. No more GMs.

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  great car - 2003 Buick Rendezvous
  By MattRivera - April 9 - 10:00 am

  I think that this car is amazing. with its luxurious intereior and third row seating make this feel like a real luxury suv. i believe that this suv is among the best in its class

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  Still impressed almost 3 years later. - 2005 Buick LaCrosse
  By J C Glover - April 8 - 10:36 am

  After having driven Japanese cars for almost 20 years, I purchased a GM car with trepidation. Amazingly, GM got it right with this car in 2005. When I turned in my Lexus in Aug 05 I felt deprived but the LaCrosse had all the luxury features and more!

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  Great Ride - 2003 Buick Rendezvous
  By cjohan - April 8 - 2:00 am

  My rdvous is awsome. the car rides super smooth and perfect for my uses - daily driver to work and carting the family around on the weekends occassionally. Great stereo system i have the 6 disc upgrade system and if I thoght it would help top drop $$ on a better stereo, but it does not need it. My biggest problem with the car is the wheels are a bit small for it...it could use 17/265. The soft suspension is great for driving around, but is a bit squishy in the corners. It is a great looking car and very comfortable inside.

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  Different side of Buick - 2008 Buick LaCrosse
  By wa - April 6 - 5:41 pm

  I have had this car for about a week now and Im really surprised. The styling is excellent. I like the front end more than i do the rear. I alwasy thought that Buick was styled for the elderly, but they sure proved me wrong with thier new line of cars. The interior could be desinged nicer, but overall it is very comfortable. The power is excellent too! There really isnt any turbo lag, so its fun to just floor it.

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  How could we be more happy! - 2008 Buick LaCrosse
  By Beverly Brown - April 5 - 8:13 pm

  Bought our car, in Flint, Michigan, left for our winter home in Arizona, and what a ride! We had forgotten how wonderful it is to drive and ride in a Buick. We took it in and got it all "gussied, " up and wow is it cute! It is not only pretty it is sharp! Added a sharp spoiler and now its even more sharp. I get a kick out of tTgers commercial, "a Buick was always a car for my parents age." Well that fits us but this Buick of ours is not 1970! It is a ride that has no competition, and the 2008 we purchased, more than surpasses any other car on the road.

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  Want another! - 1993 Buick LeSabre
  By Happy in Idaho - April 4 - 11:14 pm

  Purchased at 20000, now has 150,000. Needed alternator and new cruise control but worth it. Car accelerates at 65 like no ones business and gets excellent average MPG on highway of 29-30 on open road. Trim around door is shrinking and expensive to replace. Love this car and will definitely keep it til it falls apart. Excellent car!

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  Poor fuel economy - 2007 Buick Lucerne
  By jbeagle - April 4 - 3:25 pm

  Bought this as a left over and got a good deal. We replaced our 98 Regal GS with this car and have not been thrilled with the mpg. The dealer tells us everything is working fine and there is nothing to fix, the estimates are based on an outdated criteria that is not realistic. We are averaging less than 20 mpg combined highway/city. Even on long trips we do not see an appreciable gain. Otherwise the car is well made, quiet and very comfortable (bench seat in front), and at 64" that is saying something. For the first 1000 miles there was an annoying vibration int he front during breaking, but as the dealer predicted this has gone away

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  bad car - 1994 Buick Century
  By reneetori - April 4 - 12:31 pm

  We bought it used for $2600.00 in 2007 and it had 6200. Miles on it. The transmission was replaced 2xs! And the gas mileage was really bad. I have always had used cars and this was by far the worst. We had other problems here but to many to mention.

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  Not your daddys Buick - 2008 Buick Lucerne
  By Chasarms - April 3 - 3:43 pm

  I have been an SUV guy for a while and really shopped hard for a larger car before deciding on the Lucerne. I drove several comparably priced imports and found nothing that offered the luxury of the Lucerne as well as the roominess. I also drove a Caddy STS. A nicer car, but much more money. I found the CXS Lucerne holds its own pretty well against the Caddy. The styling is elegant inside and out without being boring or too "mature" looking. The car handles well and has plenty of power. The Northstar engine has all the pickup I could ever want. By far, a must have on this car. The ride is quiet and comfortable. I have not given anyone a ride in this car who hasnt commented positively.