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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  Love new Enclave - 2008 Buick Enclave
  By Gayle - May 7 - 10:40 am

  I have owned my new 08 Buick Enclave, CXL AWD, less than a week and so far I love it. I live in a rural community and everywhere I go is a trip (an hour to the nearest Wal-Mart)and the comfort of the Enclave is wonderful. It has a quite smooth stable ride and is easy to handle. For me, all the controls are easy to use and within my reach.

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  Review of 2003 LeSabre Limited - 2004 Buick LeSabre
  By Repeat - May 5 - 2:00 am

  The 2003 LeSabre Limited provides a automobile that has a great ride on the interstate. The V6 has a long record for reliability and mileage is excellent for this large vehicle.

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  Great - 2004 Buick Rainier
  By Dans Mom - May 4 - 2:00 am

  Really enjoy driving this SUV. Sized down from a Denali to a Rainier and have to say I am not dissapointed. Handles great and much easier to maneuver and park. Very Quiet ride.

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  the best ever!!!! - 2004 Buick LeSabre
  By chuck noll - May 4 - 2:00 am

  My car has the best mileage, the best looks, the best color, of any vehicle I have owned in my 73 years. It is the first car to give me absolute pleasure while driving it, or just sitting in front of my home. My latest drive to Dallas gave me 35 mpg, and its overall average mpg is 24. I love it. Chuck Noll

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  2003 Buick Regal - 2003 Buick Regal
  By justme2 - May 1 - 2:00 am

  Its not your grandmas car! It is comfortable and runs great. It gets good gas mileage. It has pleanty of pep, and goes when called upon.

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  A Real Trooper - 1990 Buick Century
  By Davis - April 28 - 2:00 am

  I now have 256,000+ miles on my Century. It still has the original engine/transmission. This car is very solid and dependable.The last trip I made I got 30.2 MPG. I get about 20-22 around town. Change the oil regularly too. A Buick dealer could not believe the mileage on the car and that this was the original engine. I told him that that is exactly what is wrong with the American attitude- as he was shocked that the car could last so long, and be in the shape that it is.Would he be shocked if it was a Honda, BMW, etc? Probably not.It looks like a fairly old car, but the body integrity is solid, with no dings, dents. All in all a wonderful car.

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  Hail to the Buick - 2004 Buick Century
  By mandus - April 26 - 2:00 am

  This is the best vehicle I have ever seen for sitting comfort and a smooth bump free ride.

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  Frankie - 2004 Buick LeSabre
  By fbrent1972 - April 25 - 2:00 am

  Very comfortable and easy to drive.

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  Love My Rainier - 2004 Buick Rainier
  By EL8014 - April 24 - 2:00 am

  After owning a few SUVs. Ford Explorer, Ford Expedition and A Chevy Tahoe. I love my Buick Rainier the best. It has alot of power and rides so nice. The Navigation system is a added plus. My In-Laws have a new Trailblazer and they test drove our Buick and now they are calling wanting to use our Buick instead of their Blazer.

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  Satisfied - 2004 Buick Rainier
  By Bob Mial - April 23 - 2:00 am

  Ride and performance of the Rainier is terrific. Plenty of room in front and back and very comfortable. Probably not too good off-road but what do I care since Im not doing anything more than tailgating with it anyway. Love the quietness.