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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  Buick tradition - 1994 Buick Regal
  By Fendo - December 4 - 3:02 am

  Buick has been buiding great American cars since 1903. The 1994 GS is another one in a long line of comfortable and sporty coupes. The engine is responsive and gets surprising mileage. Even with passengers and the A/C running we avg. 26.5 on the open road. Of course we Buick buyers like our power options(seats, locks, windows, mirrors, antenna) and comfy leather seats. Car is ultra reliable!

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  Just like the one my Daddy drove - 2003 Buick Rendezvous
  By msmucci - December 1 - 6:25 pm

  For the most part I love my SUV. Its very comfortable, the seats are soo soft. It handles well. The gas mileage, well, I get 250 mi to a tank in the city a little more on the hwy. My biggest disappointment was that I was told that I could purchase the 3rd row seat later. However, when I went back to purchase it, I was told that you can not purchase the 3rd row seat after the fact it must be purchased when you purchase the vehicle. I have called Buick, GMAC and many dealerships and this is the case. So if you have a CX model and want the 3rd row seat, you will have to have it installed by someone who customizes trucks.

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  FAVORABLE COMMENTS - 2003 Buick Rendezvous
  By LEO GAGION - December 1 - 10:00 am

  I HAD GOTTEN AWAY FROM GM PRODUCTS AND HAD BEEN A CHRYSLER FAN FOR THE PAST 15 YEARS. I BEGAN TO LOOK AT THE 2003 MODELS AND DECIDED THAT i WOULD ENTERTAIN THE IDEA OF NUYING A BUICK. I SPENT CONSIDERABLE TIME RESEARCHING AND LOOKING AT THE RONDEVOUS AND DECIDED THAT IT WAS THE VEHICLE THAT I WANTED TO PURCHASE. I AM VERY HAPPY THAT I DID. THE VEHICLE IS A FINE ONE, DEPENDABLE WITH JUST ENOUGH POWER. THE INTERIOR DESIGN IS GREAT WITH PLENTY OF LEG ROOM BOTH FRONT AND REAR. I HAVE THE THIRD SEAT AND IT IS GREAT FOR THE GRANDCHILDREN. THE ON-STAR FEATURE IS A VERY WELCOME ADDITION.

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  This is a great car! - 2000 Buick Park Avenue
  By Mike Petti - November 26 - 12:23 pm

  This car is powerful, handles great, is comfortable to ride in on long trips, cruises the freeways like a champ, gets excellent fuel mileage for a car its size, and is fun to drive and great to be seen in. I absolutley love it and plan to buy an other one. Its a Cadillac at a lower price. Its the nicest car I have ever driven.

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  Buick LaSabre Rating - 2005 Buick LeSabre
  By stevevg - November 23 - 1:45 pm

  The Buick LaSabre is the finest quality American made car for the money. Its style and comfort are second to none considering the price class. Interior styling and passenger space has been well designed and will keep the LaSabre very high in all ratings. The reliability of the Buick LaSabre has been just excellent with very few problems and miles of carefree driving.

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  Fabulous!! - 2004 Buick Rainier
  By annettem - November 19 - 2:00 am

  This is the 5th SUV we have owned in the last 7 years and so far, the best!! We have owned 3 Ford Explorers and a Mercedes Benz. They all ride hard; the Benz being a little more comfy but still not adequate. The Rainier is very smooth riding, which is paramount to us in an SUV. The heat/AC system is perfect..no fooling with knobs adjusting temps. all the time. The cabin is extremely quiet,supportive but comfortable seats, excellent audio (we didnt opt for the Bose) and a joy to drive. Car steers and handles very well. The outside design of the car is classy. Buick has come through with a gem.

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  One Great SUV - 2004 Buick Rainier
  By vnique - November 19 - 2:00 am

  This is a great SUV that gives a great ride that is quiet. The seats are very comfortable, especially with the adjustable lumbar support. This SUV makes driving a pleasure again.

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  Buick Riviera Longtime Owner - 1996 Buick Riviera
  By mkdeloach - November 16 - 5:22 pm

  I owned and drove my Buick Riviera from 1996 thru 2004 and never had any major problems from it whatsoever. My complaints would be 3. After 3 years of owning it, the front hood paint began to peel/rust and though it should have been under warranty, GM wouldnt do anything about it. 2nd thing was the heated seat quit working after 2nd winter, it was $500 to repair so I didnt fix it. 3rd thing was the CD player had a problem. Those 3 things aside, I only had to do the regular maintenance (tuning, belt changes, oil, etc.) and I drove it 164000 miles and believe I could still drive it another 100000 but moved to city and need smaller car. Awesome car! I would buy another, if it were smaller!

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  salesman - 2005 Buick Century
  By romo)69 - November 13 - 2:24 pm

  Best car around for the money, you cant find a better value at this price. The car will outlast its competitors.

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  Hints for improvement - 2005 Buick Century
  By QRM - November 13 - 11:05 am

  I like the car in general. I most specifically do not like the lights- on/lights-off games, however. I am not senile. I want to turn the headlights on when I want them on, and off when I want them off. I want the interior lights on if and only if I open a door, or if I turn them on. At least, let these features be programmable.