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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  Best Buick since the Park Avenue - 2005 Buick LaCrosse
  By tjayf - October 7 - 6:33 pm

  I really enjoyed driving this new Buick. It is really quiet and very responsive. I like it better than the Park Avenue I traded in.

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  Rons review - 2004 Buick Regal
  By mickyfinn - October 7 - 2:00 am

  this car has the most comfortable seats my wife and i have experienced. We had a 1999 Regal and loved it. Now we are trying a new 2004. The gas mileage is great and the comfort is also great. There is plenty of power and the engine is one of Buicks best.

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  I like it-- I really, really like it! - 2002 Buick Rendezvous
  By Nancy S - October 7 - 2:00 am

  I have been driving this car for over 2 years: highway and city. It is fun to drive and I have had no mechanical problems with it. I love all the fun stuff on it like the rear parking aid and the window display. Even the third row seats are very comfortable.It has plenty of room to store your stuff: the double decker console is huge as are the compartments. It has all the power I need (I even tow a trailer) however the hesitation and strain are annoying. A bigger engine would be nice.

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  Nice Ride - 2004 Buick Rendezvous
  By Del Dobbs - October 4 - 2:00 am

  Very nice to drive. Great for family under four...or adults who would like to take friends shopping

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  Rendezvous - 2004 Buick Rendezvous
  By gmg1945 - October 3 - 2:00 am

  Gas mileage less than sticker but has enough get up and go. Roomy and holds the road nicely. For the price a real value.

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  Performance Package at a Value Price - 2006 Buick Lucerne
  By bill bane - October 2 - 3:30 pm

  I have owned a number of Cadillac STSs and generallly partial to GM products. However, a new STS with the performance trim list was in excess of $60k and the DTS similarly equiped was $50+k. The CXS was priced just under $37k. It has the all the equipment: Northstar, stabilatrack, magnetic ride control, variable raitio steering, 18 inch wheels and more. I enjoy driving this car. It has ample accelelation and corners well for a large car with plenty of room in the back seat as well as the front. The leather seats and wood trim rival both the domestic and foreign competition. I popped for the wood/leather steering wheel and wood shift. I think this car is fun and great value!

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  Love my Rainy - 2005 Buick Rainier
  By over40 - October 2 - 2:00 am

  Got this vehicle as a rental while work was being done on my van. I have NEVER, NEVER, NEVER loved a car in my life. This car is quiet, and hugs the road, and is absolutely QUIET.

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  Excellent! - 2008 Buick Enclave
  By Whitney - October 1 - 4:36 pm

  We have had the Buick Enclave for about six months and we absolutely love it! Everything is great about it, the drive, ride, sound, gas mileage, and soo much more. This is an excellent car for family but has the luxury of a top car!

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  Love the RIV - 1996 Buick Riviera
  By mmmmmmmmmm - October 1 - 2:00 am

  Great car! 170000 miles later and still going great. to bad they do not make no more.

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  Its A Winner - 2004 Buick Rendezvous
  By michl - October 1 - 2:00 am

  I absolutely love this. I was a bit reluctant to buy because of the lack of history of the vehicle line so I leased. I definitely plan to buy next time. It is a comfortable drive, roomy on the inside, elegant and affordable. I live in the midwest where we dont typically get too much snow, mostly ice, so 4 wheel drive isnt necessary for the extra cost. Front wheel drive is great. You cant go wrong with this pick.