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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  2008 Lucerne - 2008 Buick Lucerne
  By Glenn T. - January 2 - 9:15 pm

  Bought the Buick because of the "quiet interior" advertising and ratings. Interior has an annoying rattle under the dash (started at 1400 miles). Dealer did not get it fixed when brought in for repair. "I think we fixed it, but if it still rattles, bring it back". I expected more from Buick. Every day I hear the rattle and I am dissipointed. If not for that, I would be very satisfied. The vehicle rides nice and handles well, and the price is reasonable for what you get.

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  Great Car - Bad MPG - 2008 Buick LaCrosse
  By Allie - January 1 - 7:52 am

  I love the cars handling and the ride. Its sharp and when I step on the gas pedal it is powerful. A car you can get into trouble with on the highway very easily. Great for long trip! However, as others have said, it doesnt live up to the posted MPG. I get 5 miles less in the city and 2 miles less on Hwy. A real gas hog.

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  Underdog - 1991 Buick Century
  By joesdragons - December 31 - 10:54 pm

  I would recommend this car to anyone. Being that it is a wagon i wasnt willing to give it a chance at first but the car truly caught me by surprise and won me over. great power when you need and great gas mileage to match makes this car a diamond in the rough. its lacks in the looks department but nobody needs a beauty queen to go to drive-in.

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  06 RDV CXL 3.6L - 2006 Buick Rendezvous
  By coywolf - December 30 - 1:29 pm

  Gave it a 8 for comfort due to the leather on the seats which make the seats firmer than cloth. Vehicle ride comfort is awsome....smooth. Have driven all crazy weather conditions and never been stranded, AWD is ample. Clearance height is less than others, but at least I dont have to climb into it like other SUVs.

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  Great Car! - 2004 Buick Century
  By Scott22 - December 30 - 8:15 am

  Ive owned my 2004 Century for 5 months and Im very pleased. I intended on purchasing a Honda Accord and stumbled onto this Buick so I gave it a test drive. I was truly surprised, The comfort, quiet and ride quality both in town and on the highway is unlike anything Ive experienced. The biggest surprise is the gas millage, I ve experienced near 28 MPG in town and over 34 on the highway. This is better than the Accords 4 cylinder. The depreciation was double that of the Honda and subsequently over half the cost for the same year vehicle. It was a easy decision, Im very pleased with the car and expect many years of satisfied driving. I highly recommend a late model Century.

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  the best of its class - 2002 Buick Rendezvous
  By Ikes - December 26 - 10:00 am

  I do not wont to stop driving it

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  A winner for Buick - 2002 Buick Rendezvous
  By RDVforME - December 25 - 2:00 am

  Outstanding ride. We have been happy for three months now. Everything is riding smooth. Features work great. We got a good deal with the Rebate. Very satisfied.

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  Car worth - 2004 Buick LeSabre
  By Walter - December 20 - 5:43 pm

  This car is driven by wife for pleasure. While mileage may seem like a lot they are not city miles but thruway type driving.

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  Terrible Car - 1997 Buick LeSabre
  By Ahagy - December 19 - 12:50 am

  This is actually the worst car Ive ever owned. Since buying it I have had nothing but problems. I had to replace the heater, the air conditioner still doesnt work, the body is in terrible condition and doesnt hold up to anything. Driving in snow in it is a joke, steering locks up and so do the brakes so turning is dangerous and youre lucky if you stop. Im surprised every morning when it starts up. It is definitely not reliable, not something I would ever resell. Because of this car I will never own another buick. Im sticking to Dodge from now on.

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  This Car is a Must - 2010 Buick LaCrosse
  By golddog - December 18 - 9:30 pm

  If you are looking for a stylish, comfortable sedan, do yourself a favor and check out the LaCrosse. The styling of the exterior and interior is absolutely beautiful. The quality of the interior materials and the layout is top notch. The exterior can easily be mistaken for cars costing twice as much. The power, for me, is sufficient and the ride is extremely compliant. Interior noise is almost non-existent. This truly is not your grandfather or fathers Buick.