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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  Wow - 1999 Buick Regal
  By Abu - December 17 - 4:17 pm

  My mother bought me a 99 Regal as a high school graduation present and OMG, this car is awesome! It has everything, power, looks and most importantly reliability. People automatically assume that just because its a Buick that old people drive them and there is nothing much under the hood, false, and I only have the LS, the GS must be sweet! When I got the car (03/06) it was 119,000 miles on it, and now in 12/07 I have 132,000 miles on it. No problems at all! People say that American cars arent that dependable, with regular mileage they are! My only problem with the car is the gas mileage but then again I am an aggressive driver I mean you gotta be especially here in Michigan.

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  Favorite Ride - 2002 Buick Rendezvous
  By Mark - December 17 - 1:51 pm

  Purchased this vehicle used with 15K on it. (now 72K) Three body computers, head gasket, both front wheel bearings and the radio all had to be replaced under the extended warranty. Still kept the car for our touring vehicle. Love the HUD and dual climate control. This is one of the most comfortable vehicles I have owned. Love the versa trac AWD. I am shooting for 200K. A little underpowered for cross country driving but has been a joy to own (while out of the shop)

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  Great used car value - 2007 Buick Rendezvous
  By NevadaJim - December 17 - 12:06 pm

  Given that 2007 is the last year for this model, good off-lease and used examples can be a bargain. We purchased ours for $10,000 under original list price. While not a Lexus by any means, it is still half the price for similar comfort and capacity. Great warranty coverage. Our only real complaint is that the 3.5 engine could have been the 3.6 with better power and mileage. Also, the radio stinks. An aftermarket radio is in our future.

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  I Love my Buick Enclave! - 2008 Buick Enclave
  By Rosita2001 - December 16 - 6:23 pm

  Okay, I just picked up my Enclave a week and a half ago; has 1000 miles on it right now. This is probably the nicest vehicle I have owned and that includes a Cadillac. The Enclave is so quiet and so comfortable, I cant say enough about it. With the V-6 it takes regular gas, and gets decent mileage. Beautiful interior! A wonderful luxury vehicle!

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  Need to know - 2001 Buick LeSabre
  By Peggie Schnur - December 14 - 7:35 pm

  Have enjoyed this car fully. Gives good gas mileage and is confortable to travel in. Nice color to keep clean. Leather interior which is easy to clean also. Large trunk space and tires are two years old. Tape deck and CD player along with radio. Heated seats and heated window mirrors.

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  Rendezvous does a lot of things well - 2007 Buick Rendezvous
  By bxd20 - December 14 - 12:54 pm

  Bought it new, now has 10000 miles on it. Trouble free. Lots of cargo room with 3rd row folded, way more than any other crossover, approaching minivan versatility. The car is very quiet and comfortable.

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  Great car made in USA - 2001 Buick Regal
  By Cuppajoe - December 12 - 10:24 am

  Back when I was looking to replace my SUV I wanted a reliable 6 cyl, with good gas mileage, and larger trunk and interior space. Compared Camry, Accord and Regal. Bought the Buick - equal mpg, much more space, reliable and sporty. I drive this car a ton for work and family, and its been great. Its got great features and options that I like too, such as the stereo controls on the steering wheel, the compter that keeps me updated on miles till empty, oil life, and so forth. I could not have gotten a Toyota or Honda with all this for the same money. By the way, I have owned and enjoyed Toyotas and other foriegn made cars. So Im not a made in the USA only person.

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  Why hasnt Buick Enhanced and continued? - 2002 Buick Rendezvous
  By Ken Ruhland - December 11 - 3:40 pm

  All around good vehicle - reliability, comfort, great little amenities, great fuel mileage for type and size of vehicle. Dont understand why Buick did not continue and enhance this vehicle.

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  My second leased Ultra - 2003 Buick Park Avenue
  By rdg - December 8 - 2:00 am

  Car is very comfortable. Get alot of complements - appears the new port holes get attention with Ultras chrome wheels. The 2003 addition of front and rear stablizer bars keeps the car relatively flat in corners as compared to the previous 2000 Ultra I leased. Overall I have found Ultras (2000 & 2003) very reliable and mechanically troub

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  Love my Car But??? - 2007 Buick Lucerne
  By Steve - December 6 - 3:42 pm

  I love my new Lucerne, however I do find it a little difficult to get in and out of. Wish the trunk open button was is a move conivent place (believe this has been changed for 2008). Wish there was a lock on gas door. Open from inside of car, and find it hard to use ATM from car.