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:

• 

  A fantastic car and a great value - 2006 Buick LaCrosse
  By KZ - March 16 - 6:34 pm

  I have driven the car for several weeks including a 6 hour road trip on the highway. The Lacrosse was a stellar performer in all respects. I owned a 95 Buick Regal GS and a 95 Camaro Z28 previously. Both were awesome cars for their intended design highway cruiser vs sports car. All cars are compromise vehicles, as a result, you cannot have a sports car that is as comfortable as a family sedan. However, the new Lacrosse meets this goal better than any other car I have driven. I drove a new Accord and also a Camry and must say they cannot compare to the Lacrosse in terms of looks, performance, and value.

• 

  Miss My LeSabre - 2004 Buick LeSabre
  By Bill & Jane - March 16 - 2:34 am

  We bought our 2004 Celebration Package new and loved it for 59,915 miles. A month ago someone pulled out in front of us (ice & snow) and its now totaled. We have looked at cars for a month now and are disappointed that Buick doesnt make the LeSabre or the Park Avenue. Minor problems (post warranty) we have had include burned out heated seat, broken cruise cable, and a few switch/indicator lamps burned out. The OnStar didnt work when new and the dealer took 6 months to fix it, but in the end we got a call from OnStar when the airbags did their job! They sent the police right to the intersection where we were, thanks!

• 

  Great Car - 2007 Buick LaCrosse
  By squarx - March 15 - 11:52 am

  Try it, youll like it. Smooth ride and solid power. Use the underrated editor reviews and the grandpa image to get a bargain from the dealer. I found mine after it had been sitting on a lot for 2 months - deal of a lifetime.

• 

  2008 Buick LaCrosse - 2008 Buick LaCrosse
  By Leonard Hatteberg - March 14 - 5:05 pm

  Much will be a comparison of our 2008 Buick LaCrosse vs. our 2001 Century. Buick advertises a smoother, quieter ride. This has proven true. Our car come with the convenience package which gives us heated seats, lumbar support and much electronic instrumentation which is good, but hard to learn & understand. The LaCrosse I believe has a little less headroom over the door when getting in and out which has made it a little more difficult for my slightly stiff 80 year old 510" frame. The Century had directional lights which lit up the road in the direction you were turning, which we miss. The LaCrosse does not. The gas mileage has gone down considerably. 19.5 MPG vs. 23 mpg. Good car overall.

• 

  This car is hot! - 2008 Buick LaCrosse
  By Brian Selvey - March 11 - 4:57 pm

  This vehicle is made for driving. The performance, braking and handling is superb. I have always been a Buick lover and I think Buick has outdone themselves on this one. Besides being very satisfied with its handling, performance etc. I own a Red jewel Super with Cocoa interior. This is an absolute hot looking car too! My wife and I took it cross country on a route 66 trip all the way from Chicago to L.A. - what a ride! Very satisfied!

• 

  good car - 2005 Buick Park Avenue
  By pcs - March 11 - 10:00 am

  THIS CAR HAS BEEN THE BEST CAR MY HUSBAND AND I HAVE OWNED. I LOVE THE FACT I DONT HAVE TO LOOK DOWN TO WATCH MY SPEED OR OTHER IMPORTANT INFO BECAUSE ITS IN THE WINDSHIELD. HAVENT TRIED CD PLAYER YET BUT SOUND SYSTEM IS GREAT. THIS CAR IS VERY NICE RIDING. I REALLY LIKE THE HEATED SEATS AND INDIVIDUAL SETTINGS FOR AIR CONDITION.

• 

  My Buick - 2003 Buick Park Avenue
  By J.Rheney - March 11 - 10:00 am

  It has been apleasure to own and drive this automobile. Routine service by the dealer has been excellent.

• 

  Platinum silver LeSabre - 2005 Buick LeSabre
  By ANGELCHILD - March 8 - 11:20 pm

  I have enjoyed my LeSabre since I purchased it in August 2007. The LeSabre rides very smooth and has the luxury of a Cadillac at a better value! I would recommend this car to anyone looking for luxury at a great price!

• 

  Engineers should consult regular drivers - 2006 Buick LaCrosse
  By Jim S - March 8 - 3:40 am

  The location of several functions could be placed in a better location. The fuel mileage is much worse than I thought it would have been. I was having problems with the tire pressure, to find out there is some kind of sensor that can only be reset by the dealer, and unfortunately my dealer was unaware of the sensor until recently.

• 

  Just a great automobile! - 2008 Buick LaCrosse
  By DanandBobbi - March 8 - 12:20 am

  My wife and I both love this car, our second car is also a Buick with the 3800 V6. We now draw straws to see who gets to drive the LaCross. The car has better response than our other Buick and handles much better. The trim and design are second to none. We looked at a Honda and were undecided until we drove both. No question the Buick is a better ride and feel. The mpg is excellent on the highway, 27.5mpg, not as good in town though. Worth a look and even more worth a test drive.