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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  great mid-size sedan for young family - 1997 Buick Century
  By Mike U - June 2 - 2:00 am

  Been great, despite perception of "old mans car". Havent had any mechanical/electrical problems at all. Comfortable ride & front seating. Back seating (knee room) can be tight for adults/larger teenagers (it is a mid- size, not full-size, sedan). Good in snow. Handling is fine for everyday driving. Test drove Nissan Altima same day and there was a big difference going around curves in favor of the Nissan. Century had more rear headroom, softer seats.

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  My park avenue - 2003 Buick Park Avenue
  By Supercharged me - June 1 - 2:00 am

  This vechical is safer , Faster, more reliable in any situation then anything in its class. The Lincoln and Cadillac may have a V8 but this supercharged v6 does 0-60 in 6 seconds. My family and myself love to travel in this vechical and we have had no problems with it so far. I love Buick, its a family legacy.

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  American Sportscar - 1995 Buick Riviera
  By PsychUOut13 - May 27 - 2:00 am

  When my dad rolled home with this beauty, I fell in love instantly. I because a Buick fan, both new Regals and old GSXs thanks to this car. From 60K to 160K miles, it was amazing. Since 160K, repairs starting coming, as can be expected, some which are expensive... but all in all, its a great car, I loved it day 1, and I love it after 5 years. Supercharged 3800 is the best engine ever made (and Im an import junkie)

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  Ultra - 1999 Buick Park Avenue
  By sherwood - May 26 - 2:00 am

  Third ultra, the other two I drove 250,000+ miles each with no problems and excellent fuel economy for a luxury car.

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  Excellent vehicle for the money - 2004 Buick Rendezvous
  By MJK123 - May 26 - 2:00 am

  Excellent subsitution for a mini-van. If your looking for minivan practicality and SUV style /performance, this is the vehicle for you. Looked at over 10 models, settled on the rendezvous after carefully considering alternatives.

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  96 Riviera a joy to have - 1999 Buick Riviera
  By LDrunner - May 25 - 2:00 am

  Have had car 7 weeks. Put almost 5000 miles on it and now near 94k. Have not put a dime into car and it has no issues to deal with. Starts instantly, plenty of power, room, comfort ,features and safety. Just figured my gas mileage is 28.4 for last 4000 miles, of which less than half is on interstates. My new Silverado has been parked since I got it

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  Great all around car - 2001 Buick Century
  By billk - May 25 - 2:00 am

  Great all around car. Fuel economy 20 - 22 in town, 30 - 34 on trips. Adequate power. Runs at high speeds effortlessly. A lot of interior room and trunk space. Good ride and handling, good visability. No problems to date, absolutely reliable We bought it new for just under $ 20,000, very well equiped. A really good car for the money.

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  Happy with Rainier - 2004 Buick Rainier
  By Mary Mix Up - May 25 - 2:00 am

  This was a step smaller from my real love the Tahoe. Reason for change was the Toyota was 11 years old and by keeping the 7 year old Tahoe in excellent condition and new tires, I had the best of both. For the kind of everyday errands and general getting about the Rainier gave me the fun of a new vehicle with the better mileage with increased gas prices.

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  My Opinion of Rainier - 2004 Buick Rainier
  By judy - May 24 - 2:00 am

  We love the comfort and the quiet interior. The tow ability is good and excelleration is quite acceptable.

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  Love it!! - 2000 Buick Regal
  By Debi2sly4u - May 23 - 2:00 am

  In May of 2003, I got word that I had to retire my 1986 Park Ave. and I was devastated. It wasnt the 3600 engine that was to blame, it was frame rot that couldnt be avoided living in Chicago with our salt and harsh conditions. Bottom line... I couldnt be happier with this Regal. Our family has had Buicks for as long as I can remember and we have never met a Buick that we didnt love (never kept one less than 12 years with repairs that we consider normal wear and tear). I bought this Regal used (3000 miles left on the original warranty) because I just fell in love with it, rather than taking a new 2003 LS for the same price.