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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  Enjoyed my LaSabre - 1997 Buick LeSabre
  By P Howell - July 22 - 2:00 am

  I got a good deal on a two year old LaSabre. I wasnt quite ready to shell out the money for a new one and I liked the trim package on the 97(limited). I was disappointed that I had to replace the trans @ 70k but it was such a nice car I knew I would get my monies worth out of it.

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  I never thought Id buy a Buick! - 2008 Buick Enclave
  By Tencjedd - July 17 - 3:20 pm

  This car is hands down the classiest looking large crossover/suv on the market. Fully loaded with the 7 passenger seating this car is nicer than a Mercedes GL or R Class. I never thought Id buy a Buick, but after istting in this car and test driving it, we knew we had found a winner. GMs 100K mile warranty makes ownership hassle free. Other reviewers have mentioned it, the car would benefit from more power, but then again, gas isnt going back to $2/gallon anytime soon, and for around town theres plenty of power. How many people are going to drag race with this car anyway. Second row bucket seats make 3rd row access easier, and really make this a hands down winner it its class!

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  Buick Value - 2004 Buick Rainier
  By Wdyer - July 16 - 2:00 am

  Overall this is a great value with the current rebates. Surprised about a few things though. No hydraulic lift for the hood? Even Rendexvous has this. Too much plastic. Faux wood. Unexciting instrument panel. Poor range of low beam headlights. WOW! What a quiet vehicle and great ride!

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  New LeSabre Owner - 2004 Buick LeSabre
  By applelwa - July 14 - 2:00 am

  My 2004 LaSabre is the first full size car Ive owned in a few years and really enjoying the larger size, comfort and outstanding gas mileage.

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  On the road again. - 2006 Buick Lucerne
  By Mary - July 13 - 5:53 pm

  I love my Buick. It is 10 years old now. And always reliable. Only thing I did wrong was buy heavier snow tires for it and dont like the ride. So am changing the tires now. But have 83,000 miles on it and this will be the third set of tires. Maybe they will be the last.

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  My new Rendezvous - 2002 Buick Rendezvous
  By Sandy Steinle - July 12 - 10:00 am

  The dealership at Ancira was the best experiance I have had with a car dealership. I was looking for a new SUV to replace my 1998 Blazer, and had never noticed a Rendezvous before the day I took a test drive on 4-15-02. I was so impressed with the vehicle I almost bought on the spot. My husband convinced me to try out some other vehicles, so we shopped and drove several models before returning to Ancira to buy on 4-19-02. We have driven several short trips and plan a trip to Dallas later. We still love our new Rendezvous!

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  review of buick lesabre - 2004 Buick LeSabre
  By gene behrens - July 12 - 2:00 am

  we purchased our vehicle just prior to vacation trip of 2500 miles. we had a very relaxing ride and the gas mileage was every bit as good as advertised which was 31 miles per gallon. the only bad thibg i have noticed is the seat belt is nit the easiest to find to put on.

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  A Great Little SUV. - 2004 Buick Rainier
  By Dr Tom D - July 11 - 2:00 am

  Fun SUV to drive Small footprint,extremly quick and agile with the V-8. Quiet and easy to drive on rough and smooth surface. Psycologicly it "fits".The valets fight to drive it. It even pulls an 18 foot Four Winns Boat or a trailer full of trash.It Gets you up out of the water. Now thats important when you live in Texas. Recently weve had Gully washers at least once a week.

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  Buick - 2004 Buick Rainier
  By goodguynva - July 10 - 2:00 am

  The vehicle is much more quiet than its brother and siste GM mid size SUVs. The technology is full blown and could be somewhat confusing to anyone not used to pushing buttons without word descriptions above them. I would rate the ride as above average but if youre looking for a really smooth ride, you may want to move up to a full size SUV. (GM product of course!)

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  BUICK RANIER - 2004 Buick Rainier
  By fred FROMI - July 10 - 2:00 am

  EXCELLENT TRUCK, VERY COMFORTABLE AND THE EASIEST TO GET IN AND OUT OF THE 5.3 V8 HAS GREAT PERFOIRMANCE