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:

• 

  satisfied customer - 2004 Buick LeSabre
  By newtonbill - April 23 - 2:00 am

  The 2004 LeSabre Limited is far an away the best LeSabre Buick has put out. It excells in every way from its mosisture sensing windshield to the XM radio. It is a wonderful car to drive and there has been a great improvement in the ride over our 97 model. I cant say enough about the 30 miles to the gallon either, since gas has gone so high.

• 

  What a nice car - 1998 Buick Regal
  By Buick Driver - April 22 - 2:00 am

  This car is a great comination of style and performance. Only repairs I had to do was replace the alternator at 32,000. I love this car

• 

  awesome - 2004 Buick Regal
  By todd frank - April 22 - 2:00 am

  this is the best car i ever owned.drives like your riding on air.Its a family car and some what of a sporty car to. Like I said the best car out there today.Its just a great car.looks great,drives great,what more can you ask for in a car

• 

  Upshur County - 2004 Buick Century
  By Aldaddy - April 21 - 2:00 am

  Purchased in April 2004. Drive 280 miles a day 3 days a week plus weekend short trips here and there. Gas mileage thus far has been excellent with 30 to 31 mpg on the highway which is most of my driving time. Comfortable, peppy when needed 3.1, 6cyl. Quiet and smooth ride. Easy to read and maneuver controls and dials.

• 

  Love My Ranier!!! - 2004 Buick Rainier
  By Carol A. - April 19 - 2:00 am

  Was originally looking at GMC Envoy - was ready to buy one, and our dealer recommended looking at the Ranier. Boy are we glad we did! It has a way smoother ride, better looking interior controls and features, and a sleeker exterior. This is my first SUV and Im so happy with it. The only downfall I see so far is the gas mileage. With todays prices, it seems Im spending far too much just to get to work!

• 

  Babe Mobile - 2000 Buick Regal
  By JDFoote - April 17 - 2:00 am

  I only wish that it had an OnStar package option when I bought it. This vehicle has excellent pickup. I am 52" and feel totally comfortable in the seating. (can can see over the wheel and my arms still fit comfortably by my side). Compared side by side to a Lexus 350 LS, mine was the nicer looking twin.

• 

  Great Car - 2014 Buick Verano
  By Alicia - April 16 - 2:54 am

  Great car - limited room in back seat but I dont have kids so not a big deal for me. Front seats very comfortable.

• 

  I LUV MY RAINE - 2004 Buick Rainier
  By jane,101 - April 16 - 2:00 am

  I have given many rides and people cant nbeleive the luxury feel of this SUV. Not only comfy, but quiet too. I finally nlearned how to get the trunk light to stay on. Easy just let the dealer show you. I love xm radio, will never go back to fm again. Oh I forgot , I get alot of compliments on the exterior and the interior of the car. I love the heated seats.

• 

  Very Reliable - 1993 Buick LeSabre
  By Buicklover - April 15 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car with 30,000 miles on it in June 2003. With the V-6, the car has performed very well and is very comfortable for my 6 foot frame and my wifes 5 foot frame. We take it on long trips and it is very comfortable. I project that the engine will go nearly 200,000 miles but the transmission is starting to show some wear. I expect to have it rebuilt arount 100k miles. A few chips in the paint but that is expected. I will refurbish this car or buy another like it someday-after this one drops dead because it is so reliable. For the money, it cannot be beat.

• 

  new rainier - 2004 Buick Rainier
  By Chicago Man - April 15 - 2:00 am

  Powerful suv that is also extremely quiet. Ride is more comfortable than other suvs.