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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  Not an old mans car anymore - 2005 Buick LaCrosse
  By Mark R - February 28 - 3:50 pm

  I bought the car two weeks ago and have put on 1200 miles- mostly highway and Illinois tollway in Chicago area. Averaging 26 mpg with avg speed of 48mph. Looks great, runs great, best value for the money so far. I have had Bonnevilles, a Seville and a Saab and this is the best of the lot.

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  Poorly Built, GM deserves its troubles - 2001 Buick Century
  By Publlius Publico - February 27 - 9:54 pm

  We Bought this car because of a previous good experience with a 1997 model. This car is a disaster. This car belongs to a grandma that has it serviced regularly at her local Firestone.THis car rarely get up over 45 mph, It drives to the local stores and back. It had a Catastrophic Transmission failure at 33,000 miles costing 2,500 dollars. The cruise control never worked. too many rattles in the dash board and instrument panel to list. And no at 38,000 miles leaking head / manifold gaskets losing coolant with no warning lights going of due to low coolant level. The low washer fluid light works though!

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  Dont buy a 2002 Buick! - 2002 Buick LeSabre
  By Disappointed - February 27 - 6:45 pm

  This Buick has nice styling, performance, and a great ride. However, the 3.8 engine has a reoccuring issue with Intake Manifold gasket leaks that GM refuses to take responsibility for. Check out NHTSA vehicle bulletins for this model. I experienced the same problem in my Chevy Lumina with 3.1 V6. You will be replacing your gasket approx. every 25- 30k miles at a cost of $700-900 a pop. I went thru this 2x with my Lumina and now my Buick has its first failure at 60k miles. Time to trade it in.

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  Performace - 2008 Buick Enclave
  By wroblewski - February 27 - 2:46 am

  This is a first class luxury vehicle in everyway you can think off. The driver information center is easy to view. The power liftgate is a plus. The Buick accessories help to make this a world class looking vehicle,and at a reasonable price. The ride is exceptional. The transmission shifts often with city driving, but it is smooth. This, I think helps with fuel.

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  Rendezvous Has Mechanical Defects - 2002 Buick Rendezvous
  By Kathlyn Garcee - February 25 - 8:46 pm

  I loved the vehicle, and still do with the exception of major problems occurring at 51,000 miles. Needed intake manifold gasket replaced as well as new head gaskets. $1,680. Then 2 days later found a crack in the A/C condenser. Condenser needed to be replaced. GM finally paid the cost of the condenser ($400+/-) and we paid the labor ($423). Even though other Rendezvous were having manifold gasket and head gasket problems they refused to help us with the repair costs. 51,000 miles is to early to have these types of problems. I do like the interior design and feel when driving this vehicle. Due to the mechanical defects, I would not recommend anyone purchase this vehicle.

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  Excellent Family Car - 2008 Buick LaCrosse
  By Dave - February 23 - 10:35 am

  We have about 2000 miles on it thus far. Our first Buick after years of only Japanese car purchases. We havent been disappointed. The 2008 LaCrosses redesigned front end reduces (or even eliminates) the "grandparents car" look with a sleeker more attractive style. The comfort and convenience package is worth the price, which adds fold-down rear seats, heated front seats, and a few other amenities. Very nice. City mileage has averaged in the high teens or 20 mpg, and highway mileage in the 28-30 mpg range. The car rides smoother and quieter than any Camry/Altima we test drove, has great acceleration, and comes with many standard features you pay more for in the Japanese cars.

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  Great car - 2004 Buick Rendezvous
  By TLC - February 21 - 1:12 pm

  Ive had this car for 4 years, and its been a delight. Comfortable but with all the functionality of clunky SUVs. Only one recall, so it was well-built. Ive had no (knock wood!) major problems with it just typical maintenance issues. Id buy another in a minute if GM still made them. Was never crazy about the exterior design, but the interior is what I see most, and I love it. Got great mileage until recently (probably need to change fuel filter or something). Ill be passing this car onto my daughter when she turns 16 next year, and feel good that shell be in a safe, reliable car. Ive been spoiled, and Im not sure I can ever return to a sedan!

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  Affordable luxury - 2013 Buick Verano
  By Dan W. - February 18 - 7:08 pm

  Great car for the price. Affordable luxury for the average guy.

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  Engine Reliability - 2003 Buick Rendezvous
  By JM - February 16 - 10:42 am

  Purchased used at 33k. Head gasket replaced at 40K at dealer expense. Since then a number of catastrophic failures - 3 different rocker arms and one cylinder head have been replaced. Afraid to drive other than locally. GM needs to stand behing their cars that have these sorts of problems

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  I love this Enclave! - 2008 Buick Enclave
  By Connie - February 13 - 2:20 pm

  I bought this vehicle 2 months ago and l. With 3 boys and all their friends, it has enough room for eveyone. It is sporty yet elegant. You get noticed in this car. I have yet to see another one. It handles great and for a 6cyl, it has the power. I wanted to purchase the 2nd row console, but nobody can tell me when it will be available. This car is very comfortable and quiet. I shopped around for months before I found something I love. My kids love the DVD player. My husband loves the telescopic steering wheel. I would recommend this car to anyone. I have a hard time seeing at night, the headlights light up everything.