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 Car - 2004 Buick Century
  By Westphal - May 15 - 2:00 am

  I bought this 2004 Century only recently, but like it a lot. It continues my great experience with Buicks. This 2004 Century replace a 1992 Century which I also enjoyed a lot. I also own a 2002 Buick LeSabre which replaced a 1990 Buick LeSabre, which had replaced a 1980 Buick Regal. Buicks have very good quality, few problems and last long.

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  My - 2004 Buick Rainier
  By Tom Weiss - May 15 - 2:00 am

  This was an unexpected replacement vehicle for my 2002 Pontiac Grand Prix Anniversary Edition auto which was totalled in a car accident. I couldnt be happier with the Buick Rainer. Quality, Fit, Finish is excellent and I have the 6cyl which is getting @18 mpg which isnt great, but not as bad as previous Explorers and Mountaineers that I have owned. I have the navigational system which is alot of fun and is much more reliable than a friends Range Rover of the same year. The ride is incredible smooth and quiet and completely untruck like.This is just a very comfortable and luxurious vehicle which gets alot of compliment and is a headturner.

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  2004 Rainier - 2004 Buick Rainier
  By Dr Tim - May 15 - 2:00 am

  The graceful look. The magnificent vortec power, and the fact that it is not my fathers Buick

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  Beverlys Buick - 2004 Buick Rainier
  By Beverly Stephens - May 15 - 2:00 am

  I test drove my new Ranier 1/2 mile and knew I had to have it. It is the most comfortable vehicle I have ever owned.

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  Rainier Excellence - 2004 Buick Rainier
  By Mr Diggs - May 15 - 2:00 am

  The quality of the Rainier shows in many ways. The smooth ride, fun to drive and high engine performance are there. The ability to look out from any angle is amazing. The amount of room to transport people or put the seats down and haul items is very nice feature. The ability for each individual to have their own temperature control is a very smart idea. I still am in awe when I drive the Rainier for the quality and the price! Great job Buick!!!11

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  la sabre driver - 2004 Buick LeSabre
  By buick lass - May 15 - 2:00 am

  This is a comfortable and easy handling car. It replaced an Acord and a Civic. We love the gas mileage and the quiet on the road compared to those two Hondas. It is really luxury compared to the Hondas.

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  I love this car!!!!!! - 1997 Buick Regal
  By Tony,WI - May 11 - 2:00 am

  What a sleeper and a great find. We bought this car new and it now has 120,000 miles on it. The only repair was a waterpump at 95K. Buick is making a big mistake by taking this car off the market. They should have done a better job marketing the GS. Its a power house. I wish I could buy another new one. If you like performance and comfort. This is the car.

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  BUICK RANIER - 2004 Buick Rainier
  By MENDELSON - May 8 - 2:00 am

  EXCELLENT ALL WAYS RIDE IS COMFPRTABLE, AIR PUMP IS EXCELLENT AND OVER ALL RIDE IS FANTASTIC

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  Great Car - 2004 Buick Rainier
  By printman2004 - May 8 - 2:00 am

  The ride is real smooth but it has the power to cruise into openings on the highways or freeways. When youre driving down the road the Rainier just feels solid and well-built. The only things I dont like are the cupholders.

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  Randys Review - 2004 Buick LeSabre
  By Randolph Rash - May 8 - 2:00 am

  I never thought I would own a Buick because I used to prefer smaller cars for sporty handling and fuel efficiency however after testing numerous cars I settled on the LeSabre. It has tremendous pick-up and still gets 21 mpg. I am 62" and finally realized there are cars out there that are really comfortable which makes a big difference when Im stuck in rush hour traffic and need to be in top form at work. My previous European model did not provide that feeling. Also I was very pleased to find that first year reliability has been perfect, unlike my German car. Good job Buick.