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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  One Buick Regal GS is not enough - 2004 Buick Regal
  By MLS - January 24 - 1:58 pm

  After totalling my 1998 Buick Regal GS, I could only find 2 GS on-line. One in Trenton, NJ area and the other in White Plains, NY. I emailed Coleman and the salesman called the next morning. A pristine condition fully loaded 2004 Black GS just off a three year lease with 42k enticed me to drive over 50 miles to see it. After getting the sticker reduced by over $1000, and seeing the excellent shape of the black paint, I bought it. Now I have a car that I know and love and am making sure that all the tips and techniques that I put into the first will go into the second. I also got an extended 3 year and 36k mile Major Guard Coverage GM Protection Plan, which was mostly paid for by my savings.

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  Love this car - 2002 Buick LeSabre
  By Barron n Carol - January 23 - 5:54 pm

  The USA built cars seem to always get bad reveiws. Well, Im here to tell you that this Buick far exceeds anything Toyota, Nissan, Honda or Mitsubishi has. Ive owned em all. The Buick gets good gas mileage, its very quiet inside, and handles very well. I love it! The engine is powerful and quiet also. Front seat accomodates a rather large driver very comfortably. Im 62", 225lbs. and I fit in the car with ease. What more can I say? This is simply one of the best all around cars that Ive ever owned. Rent one for a few days and drive it or test drive one. Once you drive it youll buy it. No more Toyotas for me. Two thumbs up for the good ole USA & God Bless America!

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  2006 Lucerne - 2006 Buick Lucerne
  By Stan Bowers - January 23 - 5:46 pm

  Have owned (3) Park Avenues in the past 12 years. Looked with anticipation to the Lucerne. Found a vibration throughout that has not been fixed even though wheels were balanced twice. No trunk key entry. Gas filler flap opens when touched. Great for those disposed in siphoning out your gas. Because of recessed instrument panel dials, can not see them in the daylight. Steering is much too stiff. The ride is "harsh" and the noise level is no better than my Camary, or Miata Rides like a pick up truck. Engineers have gone to great lengths to ruin the traditional great ride associated with Buick. Very disappointed in this car and would like to get rid of it as soon as possible.

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  Perfectly satisfied - 2002 Buick Rendezvous
  By Alg - January 23 - 10:36 am

  For anyone looking for a good family vehicle, the RDV desreves serious consideration. The only criticisms Ive heard about the vehicle pertain to mileage or power. Well, it is a 3400# SUV, and Im pretty sure that if youre looking for power in a car that size, the MPG will stink, and vice versa. The power has been perfectly adequate (for LA hwys), and our overall MPG is around 22 after 3000 mi. In short, a very nice balance between power and econony. That said, the comfort, quiet, convenience and luxury cant be beaten in this price range. We paid less than $24k, and everyone in the family is thrilled with the convenience and creature comfort so far.

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  My new Rendezvous - 2005 Buick Rendezvous
  By NikiCST - January 23 - 10:00 am

  I bought this after renting one for a week to go on vacation. I love driving it! I am a Stay-At-Home-Mom, who totes 3 kids all day. I find it very easy to get the kids in and out, and driving around!

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  nice little SUV - 2016 Buick Encore
  By mn pig farmer - January 18 - 4:47 pm

  I was very pleased with comfort & handling. very easy to get in & out of

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  hate this car - 2005 Buick Rendezvous
  By blattner4 - January 17 - 2:55 pm

  dont buy this car... have had nothing but problems and have had the car not even 3 years and it has been in the shop 19 times. im on my 3rd flywheel and after replacing the first flywheel they gave me a warranty of 2011. dont buy anything from GM they dont take care of their customers.

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  Low quality interior craftmanship - 2006 Buick Lucerne
  By Adina - January 16 - 6:22 am

  This car handles very well, doesnt get good gas mileage, but its been reliable. But I wasted too much time in the dealership for minor but annoying fixes. Right now its at the dealers, again, for probably the 5th or 6th time. I had gaping wholes in the posts liner, the headliner is not trimmed at the windshield, started rattling and is ragged. Ive had a rattling speaker replaced. Dashboard lights are on supposedly not because theres anything wrong with the devices they warn about, but because some absconse electrical parts are defective (unclear answers from the mechanics annoy me as well). And the latest: a bulge in the tire.

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  Buying american - 2002 Buick Rendezvous
  By ocleite - January 14 - 2:00 am

  Great car, great ride, comfort, room, etc. at a great price after 10% discount and 3500 rebates. It downshifts frequently uphill. Addition of a supercharger to add low rpm torque to this underpowered engine. Alternatively, use a modern DOHC or SOHC engine to provide the some type of performance as the Acura MDX. With either engine, fuel consumption would improve moving the vehicle without much effort. 3rd seat part of the CXLplus Package, should be an individual option. Even the CXL package cars on the dealers lots were loaded with that option.

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  Pleasently Pleased - 1997 Buick LeSabre
  By Pleased Driver - January 13 - 10:56 pm

  I love my LeSabre. I am so sad I have to get a new vehicle. After three years of having my baby I am so sad to see her go. For some reason she sometimes will not start. However considering how tough I drive and the abuse I put her through she deserved a break. The body is built wonderfully and strong. I have backed into brick walls, cement lamp poles etc. (all accidental) and my LaSabre, she kept right on moving. The car is sooo roomy as well and it is a comfy smooth ride. This is what all cars should aspire to be!