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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  EXCELLENT - 2004 Buick Rainier
  By rmnord - July 10 - 2:00 am

  Wifes car and she loves it. She had a 2002 Bravada and really liked it , but the Rainier much better. The V/8 is much better than the 6 cylinder, the ride is smoother and it is quieter. It is just a richer looking vehicle.

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  Rendezvous - fun to drive - 2004 Buick Rendezvous
  By benchdex - July 10 - 2:00 am

  Fun to drive great on long trips versatile holds 6 people comfortably Stylish well thought out storage Exceleent visibility through large windows

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  First Buick - 2004 Buick Rendezvous
  By mikeee - July 10 - 2:00 am

  We have kids and allways bought mimi vans for the cargo space. Our kids are older so we downsized a little but this car has more room than we expected. My wife really loves it and we have had no quality problems at all.

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  Review of Rendevous - 2004 Buick Rendezvous
  By bogiegolfer02 - July 10 - 2:00 am

  This is my second Rendevous as previously I had a 2002 model and have never had any problem with either car. Also really enjoythe onstar feature.

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  performance - 2004 Buick Rendezvous
  By GBJ - July 10 - 2:00 am

  comfortable and easy to drive

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  2004 Buick Le Sabre - 2004 Buick LeSabre
  By dluvera4 - July 10 - 2:00 am

  I truly enjoy my new Buick 2004 LeSabre. I recently gave some of my friends a ride to a gathering, and they couldnt stop complimenting me on the cars comfort. My entire family also purchased a new Buick, so we are sold on the LeSabre!

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  easy and comfortable - 2004 Buick LeSabre
  By heifergro - July 10 - 2:00 am

  very comfortable to drive in all conditions traction control is works very well in the snow and slippery conditions and the air works very well in the hot desert of the southwest. average milage on the interstate at 70mph 32mph on crusie.

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  Fourth Buick - 2004 Buick LeSabre
  By Top - July 10 - 2:00 am

  Having just returned form a 4000 mile road trip through desert and moiuntains I find the handling excellent, the gas mileage quite good even though a lot of the time I was in the 80-85 mile range on cruise control. Excelleration is great when stepping u to pass other vehicles.

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  Well Done - 2004 Buick Rainier
  By rxrad1 - July 7 - 2:00 am

  My Ranier in GMs Crimson Red definitely turns some heads. Its V8 is quick and the vehicle is extremely quiet... all while getting the same MPG as my 6 cyl Grand Cherokee. With XM Radio, Onstar, Leather and Auto everything... I love MY car!!

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  What a Gem - 1993 Buick Century
  By flsuec - July 6 - 2:00 am

  I purchased my 2 door coupe with its great 3.3 engine, when it was two years old and still have it in 2003. It has been a great car with only expected repairs for a car of its age. The two door coupe is smart looking and a joy to drive. They should bring back this sporty model.