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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  Rainier all its supposed to be - 2005 Buick Rainier
  By kuba - September 6 - 2:00 am

  Ive had my Rainier for 6 mos. now and am EXTREMELY satisfied with it. Its powerful, smooth, and quiet. The engine is terrific delivering good torque from a standstill. Its 50-70 mph acceleration is good as well. Fuel economy has been good for an SUV, about 19 mpg combined city/hwy. It also has been incredibly smooth and quiet, the most car-like ride Ive experienced from the various SUVs Ive test driven. I had a Toyota 4Runner before and was going to buy another or a Nissan Pathfinder before a friend suggested I look at the Rainier. I was skeptical at first, but after looking at it and test driving it, I was convinced.

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  Very nice Ride - 2002 Buick LeSabre
  By Carola B Wingert - September 3 - 2:00 am

  We had our Lasabre for 2 years and 3 month now.We never had one problem with it.It is a very reliable,a very good car that has style.It is comfortable and is easy on gas.We drove 1300 miles from TX to VA and not one stiff bone in our bodies.

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  Happily Surprised - 2004 Buick Rendezvous
  By MN-Rink - September 2 - 2:00 am

  The new monotone paint looks great. many good comments from passerby . 7500 miles & no problems. A trip to Glacier & Banff was very comfortable. XM radio is great & Onstar reassuring. Although not a sportscar, it is a great blend of utility, ride & looks. Back-up alarm offsets problems backing up like my other SUVs.

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  Rainier Rules! - 2004 Buick Rainier
  By NancyW - September 1 - 2:00 am

  Everything from the buying process to the trips and commuting I do in my Rainier has been a pleasure. The car itself is beautiful - a dark green with lots of chrome highlights. Everything is automatic, from the seat positions to lights turning on. It rides smoothly and quietly, but without that floating feeling that can make luxury cars less handleable. Weve already had to call on the services of OnStar when the family was locked out of the car while on vacation - they came through with flying colors and got us back in the car within five minutes.

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  So Far So Good - 2004 Buick Rendezvous
  By andypapp - September 1 - 2:00 am

  Purchased a CXL with the 3.6L engine. only two months old, but so far so good. Have driven it around town, on long highway trips and up and down hilly areas. Have none of the complaints about the undersized engine, well worth the added money. the ride is smooth and stable. After the rebates its so cheap relative to the Acura and Lexus.

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  Buick Enclave Avenir beats the imports - 2018 Buick Enclave
  By Kevin - August 30 - 2:27 am

  The 2018 Buick Enclave Avenir just arrived in AZ the last week of October. I had been looking for a car for a year to replace my 2012 Lexus RX 350. I was about ready to give up on finding a car with a good ride, that is quiet, has room for adults on long drives, and is still able to fit in a parking space. Oh yeah, and it had to have a decent engine. These are the attributes of the Lexus brand, but I find the new Lexus just mean-looking. I test drove all SUVs: Honda, Toyota, Porsche Cayenne, Audi Q5 Q7 SQ5, Chevy Traverse, Jaguar, Acura, GMC. I like to think I pretty much covered the universe and I liked the Buick best. It is extremely quiet and yet has the guts to handle a high speed pass 70 to 90 smoothly. The long wheel base and great suspension give it a very smooth ride. This was not the most fun car I drove, but it was the most practical. We dont need the 3rd row often, but I like the immense storage with easy parking. BTW, the most fun car was not the Porsche, but the Audi SQ5. I would highly recommend it for a sporty 2 row. Buick has upped its game and matched the prestige badges with a 4 year, 50,000 mile warranty. The Avenir trim is worth the money over the premium. Looks better and seems quieter. If any of my checklist matches yours, go drive the Buick.

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  great car - 2001 Buick Century
  By vferraro - August 30 - 2:00 am

  No problems with vehicle whatsoever. I drive mostly on surface streets, which tends to be harder on any vehicle, and this car has been outstanding. Would not think twice about buying another.

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  Better than Cadillac - 2004 Buick Rainier
  By Col. John Paul - August 29 - 2:00 am

  I traded in a 2003 Cadillac Deville for the 2004 Rainier V8, the ride is quieter, smoother, and the only thing I miss is the mileage per gallon.

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  A good solid car and excellent value! - 2004 Buick LeSabre
  By Bobjone88 - August 29 - 2:00 am

  This is the second LeSabre I have owned. The car is reliable and is very comfortable. The LeSabre drives and handles well....a pleasure to drive. It is a very good car for the money! I am 42 years old. If this car is really for old folks as many people seem to think...why should the old folks have all the fun????

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  review - 1990 Buick Century
  By dd013943 - August 24 - 2:00 am

  great car that i have had for a while. rust was a factor--but the seats were comfortable.