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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  love a buick - 2002 Buick Regal
  By im a queen - August 23 - 2:00 am

  This car is the ultimate in road driving and great in the city. I love the clean lines,the interior is a dream - friends who own BMWs, Lexus, Bentley and cadillacs are surprised how this car is so "smooth" in its ride both inner city with holes and on the road. My auto is fully loaded withe heated leather seats, roof, automatic lights, etc. No one believes this car was less than $30,000. I wont make the mistake again by leaving buicks.

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  Rendez Vous - 2003 Buick Rendezvous
  By Brian Eidson - August 23 - 2:00 am

  Overall, I like driving the 2003 Rendez- vous. Its comfortable and typically enjoyable to drive.

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  2004 Buick Century - 2004 Buick Century
  By Luvinlaughs - August 21 - 2:00 am

  Ive owned my new Century for 2 months, and true to Buicks form, its a great car! It handles well, is comfortable, and not too bad on fuel mileage either. My old car was a 1992 Buick Regal that had 320,000 miles on it when I traded it off. . . it was a great car! I expect the Century to be equally great. When I trade . .I trade for a Buick!

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  The Best - 1999 Buick Century
  By val de vargas - August 19 - 2:00 am

  I purchased this vehicle originally to show Real estate in Albuquerque, NM. aaaaaaaaaand I did . the only reason I am selling is because the Buyers in Santa Fe would like me to take them in avehicle that can handle dirt roads. so now I need a SUV. I am currently 69 years old. I drive this wonderful vehicle as I would show a beautiful property. In other words I have retained all maintenance records.You won"t believe this vehicle has 95000 miles. See for yourself.Call me for a Showing. 505 4121593. They call the color GOLD.This vehicle handles like a LEXUS.And the best part of it all you can seat 6 grownups. Thank you for your time.

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  2004: New and Improved - 2004 Buick Rendezvous
  By Tim from WI - August 19 - 2:00 am

  Just bought a new, Rendezvous CXL AWD with the 3.6L engine. Always wanted a vous but didnt like the anemic 3.4L. The new engine is GREAT and well worth the wait..plenty of power/torque! The good news is that You dont have to buy the Ultra to get the larger engine.The larger engine is available on the CXL AWD for thousands less. For me, the CXL AWD is just as luxurious. The CXL shifts smoothly and has a quiet ride. For those of you that have complained about the gauges, the new heads-up display clearly displays the speed, turn signals and the radio station so you can keep your eyes on the road without having to look too far away.

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  Love my new car - 2004 Buick Rendezvous
  By contract employee - August 19 - 2:00 am

  I am a first-time SUV owner and love my Rendezvous. I considered several cars and SUVs before selecting Buick, and I couldnt be happier. It is very comfortable, provides a very smooth ride, looks great and it is everything I hoped an SUV would be. I dont think Ill drive a car again. I highly recommend the Buick Rendezvous.

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  Great Car - 2004 Buick LeSabre
  By alb57 - August 19 - 2:00 am

  This is the third LeSabre Ive owned, and its definitely the best. The steering wheel controls for the radio and cruise control are definitely a great feature. It is nicely equipped, and a good value.

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  Excellent car for the money - 1998 Buick Regal
  By jpstax - August 18 - 2:00 am

  Like some other GM cars (namely the Corvette and Camaro Z-28), the Regal GS has a lot of "bang for the buck". I bought my 98 GS mainly because my wifes 00 Regal GSE is such a reliable and fast car, and so I decided to get one too. Neither car has given us any problems. The car dealer suggested regular preventive maintenance for the engine and tranny, which should pay off in the future.

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  My Buick CXS is a Dream Vehicle - 2006 Buick Lucerne
  By RDS - August 15 - 1:00 pm

  I initially drove the XL & purchased a CXL for a weekend. The CXS is a whole different breed of vehicle. The V8 engine & the 18-inch wheels make the drive a lot like the Buicks of old. I love the ride as well as the four pseudo vent holes on the front fenders. The Northstar V8 has excellent acceleration -- I felt that the V6 engine even though very adequate did not have the smooth acceleration of the V8. I know that gas is very costly now but the ride & the power of this vehicle make it wonderful. I feel like a little kid when driving it. I considered a Cadillac STS but this car was $6,000- $7,000 less with the same engine & drive train. I love my CXS very much & highly recommend it.

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  Buick LaSabre Limited Celebration - 2004 Buick LeSabre
  By Helen L. Kuhnert - August 12 - 2:00 am

  The new Le Sabre is more than satisfactory. It is great in appearance (the color is a unique White/Gold)and is an eye-catcher in any parking lot. The seats are multi-positoning, selectable for two drivers at the touch of a button, and the lumbar action is a great stress reliever. Driving it is a distinct pleasure. It is smooth riding, quiet, comfortable and a joy to drive.I would highly recommend it to anyone.