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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  Pretty but Uncomfortable - 2007 Buick Lucerne
  By Laurie - November 2 - 6:42 pm

  Bought it because it was pretty and felt comfortable. After a week of driving to and from work (40 miles per day), my lower back began to hurt. After three weeks I was unable to drive the car. Driver and passenger seats have no lumbar support. Back seat is comfortable. Traded cars with my husband. He now has to drive with cushions on back of seat. Dealer was of no help. They recommended having an upholsterer rebuild the seats which we will try. We like the very quiet ride and many of the features. Headliner is of poor design with raw edges front and back. Cup holder design is poor.

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  I love my 2008 Enclave! - 2008 Buick Enclave
  By Bob Jennnings - October 31 - 8:10 pm

  I had a 2005 Escalade..hard to beat for over all luxury and performance. This Buick has more leg room in a smaller cross over. The Escalade was difficult if not imposible for large people to get into the rear seats. This new car gets very good gas mileage. On a trip to Phoenix I got 21 MPG and that is averaging 75 mph! Being a S Californian I calibrated up to 31 miles per gallon going from Beaumont Ca, to Onterio airport Ca about 50 miles. Every time the freeway: Hwy 10 was going down hill I put the car in neutral. You cant even tell when it is coasting or not! That way I save the expensive gas and it runs on regular. It has so many luxury items I have not learned them all. Move over Lexus

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  Wonderful Car - 2002 Buick Rendezvous
  By mardat - October 31 - 12:08 pm

  I bought my CXL new in 2002 and have put over 100,000 miles on it during the past 5 years. The comfort level is great, even for back-seat passengers. I love the parking aid, the leather seats, and the driver-information center. This car has been extremely reliable. Gas mileage depends on who drives it. I get about 20-21 mpg. My husband gets 18-19. This is on the hills and curvy roads near our home.

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  Crystal Red Tintcoat - 2008 Buick Lucerne
  By Ron B - October 29 - 7:49 am

  As a Buick owner for years now and wanting something "different" I went to Nissan,Toyota and Honda . They were nice but I didnt like the idea of them saying "the cars sell good so we dont have to drop our prices " and another one said "Hay , try it if you want ,or dont , I dont care " made me realize I would try out a Buick again . I just drove it on small local trip, maybe 200 mile round trip and sure enjoy the comfort . The driving of this Cx model is a joy and I feel very safe with the options included. The V6 has enough power ,the gas mileage is great(27 mpg) and yes I have standard options on this that I wouldve had to pay thousands for on the "other" cars. this is an aswome car.

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  Used Rainier Purchase - 2004 Buick Rainier
  By Seaclusion - October 28 - 7:10 pm

  Recently purchased used Rainier with V8 34000 trading in a GMC Envoy 6 cyl.First impressions are very favorable.No complaints and has a better ride than the GMC. Also V8 is a major plus for this vehicle. I have noted that AWD seems to engage in reverse as noted by one of your participants which will require watching.

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  God bless the GM 3800 - 1993 Buick LeSabre
  By Dan - October 25 - 8:00 am

  Its so comfortable to drive, roomy and reliable, that after 175k miles, I just cant convince myself to trade it in on something new. Its been absolutely reliable only breaking down once needing a new water pump. Its really nice on long road trips as the seats are like sitting in a Laz-E- Boy or something. Never had parts of my anatomy fall asleep or anything. Perfect carpool car as there is tons of room in the back seat for even the largest of adults. Gas mileage has been respectable averaging about 17-20 mpg in the city. Ive had 3 carseats across the back seat for the last two years and theres plenty of room. Huge trunk for double stroller and all the other kid supplies.

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  Super American car - 2006 Buick Lucerne
  By Hy. Lasker - October 24 - 2:16 am

  This an excellent car, fun to ride and handles beautifully. The value is great considering the features that are available in the car. The size is excellent for my needs, no foreign car can match it, especially at this cost. The long term reliability will have to be proven with time. But, I have confidence that it will from what I have experienced so far.

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  Nice wheels - 2002 Buick Rendezvous
  By jo - October 22 - 4:13 pm

  I bought this vehicle in 2001 and have enjoyed driving it. I use it for hauling gardening stuff, crafting stuff and grandchildren and friends. Really like my vehicle.

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  Overall, Im satisfied with purchase - 2005 Buick Rendezvous
  By emj - October 19 - 10:30 am

  The Rendezvous drives very nicely, and I find it very easy to manuver into parking spaces. The amount of cargo room is great. Also, the second row of seats fold forward to allow for extra cargo room if its needed. I average about 18 mpg city and 22 mpg highway, so I guess the fuel economy is about average for this size SUV. The back end of the vehicle did start making a "groaning" noise a few months ago, which I was told by my mechanic was a problem with the rear differential fluid (I dont know if others have had this problem), so the fluid was refilled and the problem has not recurred so far. I dont have any kids, but theres lots of room on board for all four of my dogs!

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  LaCrosse - 2007 Buick LaCrosse
  By Dave - October 17 - 1:38 pm

  I absolutely love this auto. Superior if not equal to the so called fancy imports. The interior design is flawless inside and out. All of the outside and inside panels are a complete match,as a result of excellent quality from GM. I would take this car over an Accord or Camry any day.