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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  Happy Change - 2005 Buick Rendezvous
  By Tracy G - April 3 - 11:55 am

  This was my second car! I drove a 2000 Ford Focus that got great mileage and never had any problems until one day it just died at 165,000 miles. My husband and I wanted a car that would last and be great for when we have kids. I outright refused to get a minivan. This car was perfect. I drive 60 miles a day on the highway and have no problems. The gas mileage is pretty good for an "suv." (I get 28/mpg) I run a small catering company and the cargo space is great. I love the deep center console that locks. And the several other compartments, as well as the multiple plug in areas for phones etc. There is also plenty of room if my friends and I decide to car pool. Excellent value for the price.

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  Love my CXS - 2008 Buick Lucerne
  By Sorun - April 2 - 11:40 pm

  Traded my 2003 Deville DHS for it. I like the styling, car looks nice with the 18 inchers. Ride is better than my old Deville and the seats are more comfortable also. The handling and steering are tight with the magnetic ride control and steering. The acceleration seems much better than the Deville too.

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  Love my Rainer - 2005 Buick Rainier
  By sally - April 2 - 9:01 pm

  I have own my Rainer for 3 years and love the smooth, quiet driving. But most all I love my satellite radio, I will never go back to listening to AM or FM.

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  Virtually flawless as the miles pile-on - 2003 Buick Rendezvous
  By Dave - April 2 - 12:06 pm

  Purchased 2WD-CXL - Mar 2003. I average about 11000 miles per year. 5 yrs later, no mech problems tires & brakes in excellent shape. All fluids (ABS,p/s, coolant, oil, trans) were changed 3 wks ago. My family & I enjoyed 10 days through the Desert Southwest including TX, NM, & AZ. The highlights were The Grand Canyon & Tombstone. Smooth, comfortable, trouble free, 22-25 miles/gal - 75 mph avg car was fully loaded! Maintain, rotate tires, wash & wax, change all fluids as scheduled, and you, too, can enjoy a terrific SUV. Summertime, I tow the jetski to and from many lakes. I almost traded for an Enclave. My SUV is paid-for & still looks brand new. Wife talked me out of it. Thanks!

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  It does the job - so far - 2005 Buick Rendezvous
  By bri - April 1 - 9:31 pm

  We bought ours from private seller used. Basic model with one or two upgrades for 12,000 with only 20500 miles on it. Would not have paid the advertised 15000 from a dealership for similar Rendezvous. Rides like a truck and uses the gas. I have only had this suv for a little more than a month with no major complaints. If any major complaints come along I will do another review

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  My Final Toy - 2008 Buick LaCrosse
  By acmeo3 - April 1 - 4:43 pm

  Fuel economy is poor, but, I bought the car for performance. Great power and great handling. And the ride, compared to my 2002 Regal GS, is just fine. For an old mans car this one confers bragging rights.

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  the best better than cadillac - 2004 Buick Rainier
  By dolphinsinus - March 29 - 10:00 am

  the best suv ever a must drive experience, buik did it again. If it lastsas long as my lasabre i will be amazed

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  A find - 1996 Buick Regal
  By good car - March 29 - 8:25 am

  Over all the car is good. Transmission was bad but replaced transmission and added a cooler to extend the life of the transmission. The replacement of the front struts was so easy it took only 1/2 hour per side to replace. The rear exhaust manafold was cracked replaced that when the transmission was installed. Car runs like new gets over 25 mpg. Used Bosch 4 electrode spark plugs. The 3.1 liter is a strong engine. The car is kind of light. The ABS system is needed because the car is so light.

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  Best Luxury SUV/Minivan - 2004 Buick Rendezvous
  By New Driver - March 28 - 7:36 pm

  This is the best SUV I have ever owned. The traction control works like a pro. The ultrasonic parking aid is help, because I like to back up in my driveway, and there is a gate and it lets me know when I am close enough. The third row seat is a nice addtion as well. The front seats are first class. The rear seats a first class as well they recline, and and you can push them forward and back.

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  Park Avenue - 2005 Buick Park Avenue
  By Kevin Fix - March 28 - 12:43 pm

  I have driven this car for over a year and have very few complaints. i had a Cadillac Seville that was two years old and was totaled in a an accident. The Buick is not as fast. Cruises just as well and gets 3 to 4 mpg better. I also have grown to like the seating. It just took some getting use to. This a good car for long miles and and highway cruising. I would buy another one to repalce this one.