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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  One month old Encore performs beautifully. - 2015 Buick Encore
  By Bill - December 6 - 11:59 am

  Reports of underpowered engine greatly exaggerated. Gets smoothly and quietly to highway speed. Cruises easily and, again, quietly. Interior is comfortable, onstar is terrific. Blue tooth is, however, erratic. Rides like a Buick should. Seats fold flat in including front passenger side. Very nice. Warranty of 4 year/50k bumper to bumper, 6 year/70k drive train, and 2 year service included sealed the deal.

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  great little suv for the price - 2014 Buick Encore
  By Will - December 1 - 12:23 pm

  My wife didnt want a car or a large suv. The size is perfect. Shes had the Encore for one year and she loves it. 100% happy.

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  Great ride for 9 years! - 2006 Buick Rendezvous
  By sam - November 29 - 9:46 am

  We were not looking for bells and whistles. No major repairs. Many good trips. Very good head and leg room for tall occupants.

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  2014 buick verano Buffalo NY - Joe Tyson - 2014 Buick Verano
  By Joe Tyson - November 26 - 6:48 pm

  This car is all out amazing. No joke man. Its beautifully designed and well built. My very first car was a 1989 Buick Regal and Buick has come a long way. I came out of a Ford Explorer so getting in and out of the Buick Verano takes some getting use to. The style and view of this car is nice. I feel good about driving it daily. I am confident about it being outside while I work in a rough area in NY. It picks up like a 6 cylinder but its a 4 cylinder. The leather seas are nice and full and nothing is cheap about the car and thats why I understand the price I paid for it. Touch screen, rear camera for the car being in reverse, heated seats and lane assist. This car is beautiful. Not much rear passenger seating but thats okay because I have a small child. I feel good about this purchase and this car makes me want to stay in the family of the American built Buick

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  97 Candy - 1997 Buick Skylark
  By Michele - November 24 - 6:17 pm

  I was recently involved in a pretty serious car accident in my 2009 compact car which was a total loss. My insurance co gave me a good replacement check but financially I cant get involved in another car payment. So my Father saw this Buick Skylark Limited Edition for sale for under 4100.00 (not including taxes and fees of course) with only 64,000 + miles. We went to look at it and it was apparent the other owners took very good care of this car. Mechanically and otherwise. The minuet I sat in the drivers seat I was hooked and knew this was my new honey. The acceleration is fantastic, the ride is smooth, the tape deck still works and there is absolutely nothing mechanically wrong with this car. I get great gas mileage. I drive over 100 miles a day and only need to fill the tank once a week (if I can keep my foot out of the petal). I have only had her a few weeks but I do notice the power windows are a little slow and the seat belts are not the greatest design. But as far as feeling safe I am very happy with this car. My parents always owned Buicks when I was a child so I feel as if I am driving a piece of my childhood history and I just love that nostalgic feeling. This car ROCKS!

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  Great Auyo - 2006 Buick Lucerne
  By Clifford Den Otter - November 12 - 4:34 am

  WE Bought auto new and only costs to us have been rear brakes, tires, and battery besides normal maintenance. All these are expected. We would highly recommend the Buick Lucerne to anyone. My experience with autos started with a 1938 Packard and this Buick is the best auto that we have ever had. Cliff and Judy

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  I had no idea this car was made by Opel in Germany - 2011 Buick Regal
  By Newton Farmer - November 11 - 5:25 pm

  I bought my 2011 Regal CXL Turbo used. It had extremely low mileage and I thought the price for the quality, technology, luxury and options (loaded) was very competitive. The great value may have something to do with the Buicks perception as an older persons car, but this has not always been the case. Dont forget the Buick Grand National. The irony of my purchase is I did not know this Buick was made by Opel when I bought it. I am probably one of the few Americans that has owned two Opel cars. I bought a new 1969 Opel Rallye when I was a senior in high school. That car was a piece of junk. The 2011 Regal Turbo is a blast to drive. Switch to the sport mode and you feel like you have the ride, handling and performance of a baby Corvette.

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  SUPPORT YOUR OWN - 2015 Buick Encore
  By sallyann@iw.net - November 7 - 10:31 am

  Altho not made in the USA, at Least an American company. I have not owned an American car that has not been as good as or better than an import. The Encore is a Delight all around. A great comprimise for Room, Luxury, Cost , and MPG. I am 62" and have NO problems with Room I do have several Classic cars, and a Corvette and I enjoy driving the the Encore. It has a great feel, and works well on Long trips. I do Love the 30 MPG.

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  THE BEST VEHICLE I HAVE EVER OWNED! - 2005 Buick Terraza
  By Cheryl - November 5 - 12:10 pm

  I have owned 5 mini vans and this is the 5th and last. It is so comfortable and seats 7! The kids can watch movies or hook their xbox up to it. It has 2 household plugs in it, a compressor with an air hose! No matter how much weight there is in it, it adjusts in the rear and it is never sagged down. I have folded the seats down and put a full size refrigerator in it. It sits up high like an SUV, but, I LOVE the sliding doors in parking lots and the garage. It is front wheel drive, but, goes through snow like a charm!

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  Quiet and smooth - 2015 Buick Enclave
  By Does it matter? - November 1 - 9:12 am

  Bought a fully loaded model in September of 2015. Im fairly tall and leg room was a big concern for me, so my options were somewhat limited. We wanted a mid-sized SUV but ended up with a large SUV because we liked the comfortable seating so much. The ride is great! It is exceptionally quiet and smooth. You can spread out and make yourself comfortable. The engine is a bit undersized but I dont push it so it works fine. There arent enough cup holders up front for such a big car, my old Toyota Seqouia (sp?) had about 100. And the space for storing stuff isnt all that good. I added an aftermarket cell phone holder which really helped. We charge our phones from the back USB ports to save on clutter. The interior looks luxurious. The AC seats rock, but I wish they were stronger. My biggest complaint is the driver side seat has something that pokes me in the thigh and is uncomfortable - I plan on addressing this at my first (complimentary) servicing. The sun roof is small but doesnt blow you away when open so I ride with it open almost everyday. Mileage is terrible. I drive in So Cal traffic everyday and knew this before buying it from other reviews. The infotainment system is pretty good, but the favorites could be a little easier to work with. The navigation system is a joke. Voice control is non-existent even after taking it to the dealer to get it fixed. Not the biggest issue because I trust my cell phone navigation more anyway. Swapping from my phone to my wifes phone via Bluetooth is easy. I plan on not renewing the satellite radio because I can get everything I need from my cell phone at a fraction of the cost. The Bose stereo system is fantastic - makes me wish I listened to louder music. Needs to have a push button start it has everything else, Im cant believe they left this out. The remote start is a nice feature. Safety features like blind spot detection and front collision warning are extremely helpful. The rear backup camera is very helpful, but I have seen clearer cameras on other vehicles. Tons of space on the inside! More storage than we commonly use. Suggestion: if/when you buy this car make sure you speak with a knowledgeable salesperson who can show you the features. I would buy this car again.