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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  Could Be the Best SUV - 2011 Buick Enclave
  By paulie10 - June 15 - 8:26 pm

  Took delivery of my new 2011 Enclave. I looked at many SUV type vehicles and kept coming back to the Buick it has real seats for adults in the 2nd row, they also slide forward and back for more rear or leg room. Cargo space in the back is very adequate as well. Leather, fit and finish is as good as any. Ride and quietness of the cabin interior is far better than most. The V6 pulls like a V8 with power to spare. The looks are curvey,sporty and apealing. To save some grief while at the dealer have them activate for you On Star, and have them install the Navigation Disc. In case there is a problem. Fuel Mileage is as posted not bad not great. Around 20 MPG So far I am pleased with the Enclave

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  Not bad - 2002 Buick Century
  By analee101 - June 11 - 11:56 pm

  Ok Im 18 so I wasnt thrilled about the looks, but I have to say as far as performance and reliability goes, Im impressed! It has had to have several things fixed and I have had a few problems with the breaks in the past, but the car is reliable, great stopping ability and can get to high speeds fairly quickly, nothing like a souped up sports car, but its good over my work to school then back home commute. I would definitely recommend!!!

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  Rear Bumper - 2009 Buick Lucerne
  By lbernard1 - May 16 - 1:26 pm

  Been driving my car for two years and enjoy the ride but I have a problem. Gravel get behinf the bumper and if touch by another car the stone goes through the bumper making a lump on the bumper I had to get it fixed cosating me over $500.00 and when approach the dealer they call it highways hassard. They should make sure that gravel doesnt get behind the bumper Leonce Been driving a buick most of my life but dont know if I will continue if they are not suitable to drive on road beside paved highways

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  it may be my first but surely will be the best - 1990 Buick LeSabre
  By redneckracer93 - May 5 - 1:30 pm

  yea i may be only 17 and it may be my first car i originally bought the car from my father whom a bought for a little dealership in town and he had to put some money in it but no big deal he drove it for two years then i got the car and had to replace the front caliper slides and the ignition module those have been the only things that i had that really needed replace other than that it is the best riding comfortable ride i have rode in and it is really reliable yea the gas mileage is great for that size of car wish it was a little better but still no complaints

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  this car saved my life - 1999 Buick Regal
  By patrickc1550 - April 30 - 5:52 am

  this car is by far the best i have ever owned im looking for my next regal since mine was totaled. at 50+ mph head on collision i walked away with a brused knee and a broken heart to see her like that i only had to keep up regaular maintance the hole time i owned it. before the wreck it had just went over the 250xxx mile mark and still ran like it was brand new i know i could easily got another 250xxx miles out of her i would reccomend this car to every one for safty and reliability

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  Same thing what they did with the monaro - 2011 Buick Regal
  By don_83 - April 9 - 3:03 pm

  I gave the Regal turbo and CXL a very extended test drive and here are my impressions. Its a very comfortable car with decent mpg for daily commuting. Its not a sports sedan and the steering doesnot give you any feedback and its not weighted properly. Turbo has super light steering. Interior materials are good quality and this is something you dont expect from American cars, but the thing is built in germany so go figure. I still feel that GM has done some heavy cost cutting on the Opel to sell it in the U.S for mid 20s. you get a whole lot with the CXL model but its a little on the slow side. This car leans towards the camry side of the spectrum than the kizashi.

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  11 Regal CXL 4 - 2011 Buick Regal
  By opalcat - March 15 - 7:52 am

  I have a 11 CXL Regal replaced my 08 Buick Lacrosse that was the worst car I have ever owned (and there has been many). So far like the Regal but not real happy with the gas mileage 18 would think with a 4 cyl it would get a lot better around town. The acceleration is slower then with a 6 cyl takes getting used too. Not really good in the snow especially in VT this year. Dash board lights reflect on windshield at night also. The on star phone still does not work correctly - tell it one number and it repeats something totally different they really need to work on that. Compared the Honda accord and the Toyota Corolla to the Regal. All about the same size just priced more.

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  Think Buick - 1999 Buick LeSabre
  By johnasazi - January 28 - 7:51 pm

  The best gas mileage for a car of this size! The gas mileage is better than my sisters Chevrolet Cavalier! Although the styling and seating may seem outdated, this is a great find! If you are looking for a car that has plenty of room for passengers and their cargo, this is the car. It is not meant to be a "fun handling" car. It is meant to be a very comfortable way to get from place to place with a minimum of disruption, which is quite important to some of us who refuse to drive like we are in a NASCAR race! See the Buick" emblem, and leave us alone.

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  Review - 2007 Buick Rendezvous
  By nikki24 - January 14 - 3:20 pm

  I was happy to purchase my 2007 Rendezvous after having a 1996 Lumina. There are a lot of things I love about it, but am not happy about the gas mileage. Got about 5 miles/gallon better with the Lumina.

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  Speedomenter view issues - 2004 Buick Rendezvous
  By beall2141 - January 9 - 3:13 pm

  We love our 2004 Rendezvous for the all over performance, smooth ride and storage capability. Its a good family car. There is one design flaw that needs to be fixed: Speedometer has a silver background and black numbers. During dawn/twilight, it is nearly impossible to see the numbers. The black fades into the silver. During these light conditions, there is no way to see my speed and other guages.