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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  Nicer than I thought..... - 2004 Buick Rendezvous
  By John Thorsen - November 13 - 2:00 am

  After 2 minivans (villager and then a sienna), we were ready for a more grown up yet functional car. The rendezvous sold us ultimately due to the 3rd row seat, and the interior room. We had read the reviews here first before deciding, and found the reviews to all be correct. My wife and I love it, the kids think it is cool. It was great in the winter, felt sturdy and "tank like" in a good way. My wife felt secure in it driving in snow and other bad weather, yet it is not too big that it is clumsy or hard to drive. Turning radius and parking is great (our Sienna was HORRIBLE in this department).

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  Buick Rainier is a HIT - 2004 Buick Rainier
  By L. Dennis - November 11 - 11:14 pm

  Driven right off the bat to our vacation spot. Handled well, comfortable to ride in, unlike other SUVs which seem like a truck ride. Easy, easy easy to get in and out. Even elderly can manage and kids. We love our Ranier. Planned to buy something smaller, this is perfect.

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  Buick - 2003 Buick Rendezvous
  By klos - November 9 - 4:00 pm

  Vehicle is versatile - big enough for people and sports gear and can still fit into any parking space. Fun w/ surprisingly positive fuel economy. I have been nothing but pleased with this vehicle and with my selling dealer. Although I bought and have 0% for 5 years, I will probably purchase another Rendezvous before they stop making them!

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  2000 Regal GS great value - 2000 Buick Regal
  By mobill - November 8 - 11:49 am

  I bought my 2000 Buick Regal GS in June 2004, with 114k miles on it, only have had to replace the supercharger belt and serpentine belt, this car has lots of power, very comfortable, and gets 35+ mpg on the highway. An awesome combination of luxury, comfort, and performance. running with Mobil 1 synthetic oil, the motor uses absolutely zero, zilch, nata oil! What a machine!

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  Just 2 weeks old - 2004 Buick LeSabre
  By Poppy J - November 7 - 6:30 pm

  We had 2 Park Avenues before this LeSabre and this car has all the features for almost $6000 less with the exception of the back up sensors in the rear bumper. The car was sitting on the lot for many months, probably because of the Red color, but Red is what I wanted. Because of this, the tires could not be balanced, so 3 new tires had to be ordered, also the radio had to be replaced because some of the features did not work. My dealer is an excellent dealer and took care of the every complaint without any problems. This my third car that I purchased from them. Now the car is a dream, but I dont know what to expect in the way of gas mileage. Being a 04 leftover, I also saved $10,000.

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  the ideal car - 2005 Buick Rendezvous
  By DAVIDD251 - November 7 - 10:00 am

  Exilent! Best SUV in history!

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  Lucerne - 2006 Buick Lucerne
  By paul - November 7 - 8:23 am

  The Lucerne is the quietest and smoothest riding automobile I have ever owned in my 50 years of driving. It glides along with ease and the Northstar is powerful and quiet.

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  Rainer - 2004 Buick Rainier
  By abr - November 6 - 9:34 pm

  My Buick Rainer is loved by both my husband and myself. We have had zero problemswith it and have not been back to the dealership for anything. We have a V8 which gives more than enough power to tow our 5000 lb. boat.

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  A great car - 2016 Buick Regal
  By TJ - November 5 - 9:52 am

  Malibu lease was up. Looked at Buick and fell in love with AWD Regal. Beautiful, sporty, solid ride. MPG is a little disappointing but AWD is worth it to me. The car handles superbly.

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  great - 2000 Buick Regal
  By pjw - October 30 - 2:00 am

  great I love this car best one I have ever owned. I will buy one again.