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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  LaCrosse has comfort, bells & whistles! - 2005 Buick LaCrosse
  By Diane - August 11 - 8:16 am

  Ive owned my Buick LaCrosse for nearly one week and have never before experienced such comfort and safety in a 4 dr. sedan. The heated leather seats are great in cold weather and I love having On-star "just in case" of an emergency. The 3.8 liter engine has great pickup on the highway and gives you a quiet, comfortable, and smooth ride, even over snow crusted roads. This vehicle is superbly engineered and has too many features to mention here. I just love my new LaCrosse, and would recommend it to anyone with a small family or a businessman who travels frequently. This vehicle would stand up to any Mercedes or BMW as far as Im concerned, and its American made!

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  real luxury suv - 2005 Buick Rainier
  By roxanne - August 11 - 2:00 am

  the quietest suv i have driven,plus it runs smooth .and it rides almost like a buick park ave on the interstate.plus its easy to park and a real fun suv to drive.the 6 changer cd works great the heated seates plus lumbar really make it enjoyable on long drives,its so quiet on the inside it makes you want to fall asleep

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  My New Lucerne - 2006 Buick Lucerne
  By Doc - August 1 - 6:26 pm

  Easy to handle and a pleasure to drive. The Harmon-Kardon radio with XM is fantastic

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  Finally a great car from GM - 2006 Buick Lucerne
  By bob politza - July 31 - 11:40 am

  I traded in my 2001 A6 2.7t quattro for this car and LOVE IT! Much quieter than the audi and handles just as good! Fit and finish is on par with the a6 and the styling is better! I test drove the new Avalon, m35, and tl but this car WON. It has the best combination of styling, luxury, price, and performance. This is the first American car Ive owned in a long time! Great car BUICK!!!

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  Rondevous CXL - 2004 Buick Rendezvous
  By Tony Miller - July 31 - 2:00 am

  Overall the vehicle has performed above expectations. Im very happy with the purchase, so happy Im purchasing the ulrea model next.

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  Great car - 1992 Buick Regal
  By calypsoship - July 29 - 2:00 am

  My Regal was hit by another motorist, turning the vehicle into a roll. If my wife and little boy had been in almost any other vehicle than the reliable regal it could have been fatal. They walked away. Very safe car.

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  sweet - 1995 Buick Century
  By lurchmister - July 27 - 2:00 am

  this is a great car for starting teens.

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  Best Car I Have Owned So Far - 2008 Buick Enclave
  By Aggies95 - July 26 - 8:30 am

  The car is simply awesome. Quiet, luxurious, fun to drive. GM has finally decided to compete with Japan and Europe. The car is not perfect, but comes close. I test drove Acura MDX, BMW X5, Volvo C70, Mercedes ML, Lexus RX and Buick won out. The other cars were nice, but not as well thought out and not even close when it comes to value. I traded in my Lincoln Aviator. I was hesitant about buying another domestic car because I have been disappointed on the two that i owned. The Enclave has a generous warranty that should cover most problems.

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  Very Nice Car - 1996 Buick Regal
  By Best_Car - July 26 - 2:00 am

  It has good acceleration and handles very well in the city. I work for a Buick dealership so I have the chance to drive every Buick model from different years, I also have the chance to drive many other cars, domestic and imported, but the Regal is my favorite. I will probably buy a newer Regal in the future.

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  Flagship Quality at fair price. - 2001 Buick LeSabre
  By G. Rivers - July 24 - 2:00 am

  Proven reliability of the 3.8 liter engine with absolutely top shelf appointments. Why buy Cadillac with their history of seemingly endless engine problems when a top flight Buick gives you all the same creature comforts AND reliability. City or highway this car is first class luxury all the way!