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:

• 

  never again ! - 2004 Buick Rendezvous
  By smb - February 12 - 9:59 am

  I thought I had made the perfect purchase. Got the car brand new and what I thought was a deal. Less than a month the tires were falling apart. had them replaced. Then, the a/c started making strange noises. The dealership said nothings wrong-- twice! Then last year(2007) we rebuilt the head gasket--very expensive. Now oil leaks and we cant find its source. Looking forward to another vehicle as soon as the negative equitity evens out. Resale value stinks!

• 

  2008 Buick CXL - 2008 Buick Lucerne
  By joe168 - February 11 - 9:44 pm

  I have owned many Buicks over the years. They have all been great cars, but this one may be the best. I love the looks, the smooth, quiet ride, and the quality finish. I have had the car for more than three months now and have driven almost 6,000 miles. I am still enjoying it.

• 

  Great bang for your buck - 1993 Buick Century
  By Conny - February 10 - 8:50 am

  In 1997, I bought a 1993 Buick Century with 160,000. miles for 2500 dollars. In 2004, the car had 253,000 miles. The six cylinder engine enabled me to buy a cheap high mileage vehicle, drive it for 7 years and put 93,000 additional miles on it. Like the consumer reviews state, the car does have so-so brakes. I must always keep 3 car lengths behind the car in front of me to allow for adequate braking. However the so-so brakes slowed me down and may have contributed to the longevity of my 1993 Buick Century Custom. The trim inside and outside the car does have a tendency to fall off, but who cares about trim. My passenger-side windshield wipers and power windows failed at about 200,000 miles.

• 

  Happy with Park Ave - 2004 Buick Park Avenue
  By alley - February 8 - 2:00 am

  This is my second Buick Park Avenue, the first one I put more than 200,000 miles on & it was still a good car that we sold to someone who only drives around town. I still see my other one on the road. I have found the comfort and handling of the Park Avenue to be very very good as I am on the road quite a bit with my job.

• 

  Finally Buick makes a vehicle worth its - 2002 Buick Rendezvous
  By Vandilizer - February 7 - 4:24 pm

  Excellent SUV it fits everywhere, it very fuel efficient, and the rear door opens up so you can really stuff the hell out of the back. love taking it out for long weekend gateways. I look forward to keeping the SUV for 8 years so I still a year and a half to go. So I think I will upgrade to the Enclave. Since I am really impressed with Buick.

• 

  A Very Classy and Stylish Buick SUV - 2002 Buick Rendezvous
  By AC - February 6 - 10:00 am

  Very nice SUV for Buicks first try in this market segment. Has nice looks and standsout from the crowd. Very pleasing interior with many nice touches. Fit and finish inside and out is good. Rides extreemly nice and is extreemly nimble for an AWD vehicle. Has great gas milage for its market segment. With a wife and two young daughters I needed the room and safty features this vehicle provides. Overall a classy alternative to a Minivan.

• 

  Vibration to be corrected - 2007 Buick Lucerne
  By Ted Beernink - February 5 - 1:02 pm

  Prior to the purchase of the new 2007 Buick Allure CXL (Lucerne in the US) I noted a vibration in the steering and seat at 60 - 70 mph. I was informed by the dealer this would be taken care of. After a wheel balance and replacement of tires the vibration did not disappear. I am not satisfied after paying over $38,000.00 and expect GM to correct the problem. This is my 5th or 6th Buick purchase and I have never encountered this before. The console cup holder design inside storage storage at the back of the front seat storage has been greatly limited from previous models. The right hand windshield wiper does not clear road smudge very well. The ride is much quieter and smoother.

• 

  Love it! - 2005 Buick Rainier
  By Jennifer - February 4 - 11:46 am

  I have been reading about this model for over a year. I was so happy to find a 2005 w/only 1 owner. It also had low miles and looked brand new! Now lets talk about the ride. Love it! It handles well and it is heavy for a short SUV and I feel safe in it.

• 

  Sows EAR - 2002 Buick Rendezvous
  By Jack - February 2 - 4:16 pm

  My 3rd Buick and my Last. This could have been a great car if reliability had been there. Head gasket replaced at 55k and 175k, air conditioning condenser, power steering pump, 3 wheel bearings, 4th gear on transmission failed, rear ball joints replaced. All of these identified by service bulletins but cost me just more than $10,000 in repairs with no relief from GM except the first head gasket. Last jab is being left no residual value on resale. GM makes the mistakes and the customer pays. What a disappointment. GM should learn that reputation not just made on successes but how you handle the failures. In this case GM made the customer pay. Losing market share GM? Wonder why? You shouldnt!

• 

  Enjoyable Car - 1998 Buick Park Avenue
  By Big Buddy - February 1 - 10:00 am

  Bought used after it sat for one year and had many problems that were fixed under warranty and those have not reoccured. Interior trim needs better attachments - snap ins do not hold, gave up on trim on side between front and back, exterior door handle broke, cassette player broke 2 weeks miles after warranty expired. Note on seatbelt - there was a recall.