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:

• 

  Buick: Depenable & Luxurious - 2006 Buick Lucerne
  By Robert - May 23 - 12:16 am

  This has to be one of the best automobiles GM has ever built. I just picked it up a couple days ago, and I love it. I have owned a few GM vehicles in the past, and all I can say is GREAT job. The car rides smooth, drives smooth, and GM was not kidding when they said this car is QUIET. I feel safe in this car being a large sedan, but you feel like you are driving a midsize sport sedan. The craftsmanship of the car is "Beyond Precision." Gas mileage is 27-28. This is one car that GM should not have to use rebates to sell, especially when the car is competitively priced. The car won me over, and I said I would never drive a "grandpa car." Thinking of a Toyota, think again and try a Buick!!!

• 

  a great buick - 2004 Buick LeSabre
  By Bob Mount - May 22 - 2:00 am

  A very nice comfortable car. I have had the vehicle for over 6,000 miles now and have had no difficulty of any kind. The only thing I would have preferred would be a cloth interior. I have ON- STAR and the voice recognition needs attention. It was good, they worked on it and it became bad and they worked on it somemore and now it is fair. My driving is mostly 10 miles to town then around town. I get 23 MPG.

• 

  great - 2004 Buick Rendezvous
  By LARRY ZUNICA - May 21 - 10:00 am

  it is very dependable,very smooth,and comforting ride.i like the third seat in the back

• 

  Love My Buick Rainier - 2004 Buick Rainier
  By Kathy S. - May 20 - 2:00 am

  This is my first brand new vehicle in my life and I do not regret anything about purchasing it. I know gas is expensive but riding in this vehicle I try not to think about it. I love the way the vehilce handles and its quietness and the feeling of a well built automobile. Recently I drove a Trailblazer, which I test drove before purchasing my Rainier boy am I glad I made the right choice. There is no comparison.

• 

  Good First Impressions - 2008 Buick Enclave
  By Andy - May 19 - 2:10 pm

  The 2008 Enclave has been a great car to date. It has been a pleasure to drive. Very comfortable and very roomy. Gas mileage has been as expected. Have been getting 22.7 MPGs on highway / 16 MPGs around town. Very good for a vehicle this size. Another buyer who never thought hed be in a GM or Buick product but was won over (considered Mazda CX-9 & Toyota Highlander). Great car after 2,000 miles. Very smooth ride (my mother is ready to trade in her Lexus RX 450). Well see what the future holds.

• 

  Buick quality - 2004 Buick LeSabre
  By RL Brodie - May 19 - 2:00 am

  Preobably the best auto that I have ever owned. I average 32 miles to the gallon on the freeway and about 24 in town. I have had only two minor warrenty problems. A loose trim piece and a defective cruse button. This is only the second Buick that I have owned.

• 

  great auto - 1995 Buick Skylark
  By papanana - May 16 - 2:00 am

  triple aaa with power to spare on hwy at high speeds ,very comforable and safe..

• 

  92 RoadMaster - 1992 Buick Roadmaster
  By Frank Livingston - May 16 - 2:00 am

  Very comfortable to ride.Highway gas mileage about 20/gal, city about 13. Front brakes just now replaced at 68000 but had .125 in. left. Red maple paint is like new. Tires are now new on the front and the rears has about 15000 on. Radiator had to be new about 20000 mi. Heater had to have the blower control replaced two years ago.

• 

  our regal - 1993 Buick Regal
  By ecmr plumber - May 16 - 2:00 am

  The interior is nearly flawless, unusual for a car of this age and milage. this car runs superbly and will roast the front tires if it is required to. This car gets 21-23 mpg in town and 29-33.8 on the highway at 75 mph. this gets better milage and has tons more power and has a much larger and more comfortable interior than the geo prism we had before it. my wife and I both think that this is the best car either of us has owned This car is in good with a beautifull paint job in amazing shape for its age. I would reccomend one of these to anyone looking for a older car, make sure that you get a 3800 v6.

• 

  Quality used car - 2001 Buick Park Avenue
  By SilverBulett - May 15 - 10:00 am

  General Quality: Very Good to Excellent. 44K Miles on odometer when purchased. Minor problems with: power seats, CD changer (nio instructions), brake lights (fuse), and transmission (some slippage when started & humidity is 90+%). Nice ride. Good fuel economy. Comfortable interior. Great room for a passenger car. A big factor in buying this car was the big depreciation: originally a $40K car I picked it up for $16K. Compared to Nissan Max, a $34K car (2001) sells for $17K, this is a bargain.