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:

• 

  Ultra! - 2003 Buick Park Avenue
  By Drew - September 17 - 7:30 pm

  i love this car. I dont know how the regular Park Ave is but the Ultra is awesome. The supercharger is such a convienience not to add I rarely loos the random red light races. I get 28 miles to the gallon which is great. It gets the best fuel economy in its class. If you dont have one I suggest you look into it. Great car all around.

• 

  Awesome - 1997 Buick Riviera
  By lisa m - September 14 - 8:56 pm

  Great car. I have had this car since 1997. I have driven to date 233,335. Amazing huh? Very roomy and reliable.

• 

  1998 Park Avenue - 1998 Buick Park Avenue
  By Bobby Hood - September 14 - 8:36 pm

  This car has given excellent service over the last four years. It has only had two major failures both of which had to do with the plenium (intake manifold) rupturing and dumping water on the pistons. Neither instance seemed to have harmed performance in any way. The only other problem--last week the power steering unit fell off. I do not remember any specific thing I may have hit in the road that could have broken the bolts, but the car has had a couple of jolts from things which I ran over at high speed. One of which was the recap off a truck tire at night. It did warp a rim. Its cranked right away (179,000 miles) and it has been a great road car.

• 

  Old folks car - 2007 Buick LaCrosse
  By ron - September 14 - 8:11 pm

  Driving compartment feels cramped, parking seems to require more effort on the steering wheel. Closing the trunk lid requires you to put your hands on the trunk to close the lid. Needs a handle.

• 

  1.5 years old - Favorite car I ever had! - 2002 Buick Rendezvous
  By Realtours - September 13 - 2:00 am

  Love it! Everything - enough said.

• 

  1999 Regal - 1999 Buick Regal
  By sthar - September 11 - 10:04 am

  I had my Regal for five years. One of the best cars I have ever owned. Very comfortable and very reliabale. It is a gas and go. However, I do perventive maintenance on the car. Changing oil every 3000 miles etc. I love all the features. The interior still looks new. I will buy another Regal. I cant say enough about the car. I love it! The car still runs great!

• 

  Buick Climber - 2005 Buick Rendezvous
  By Saratoga-Flash - September 11 - 10:00 am

  A solid people mover just made for the highway with lots of great gimmicks GPS, XM Satellite, On-Star in an SUV that is getting a real 27 per gallon on cruise control interstate driving. Hope next year is as satisfying as the first. Still wish Buick had stood up to GM and put the 3.8 V6 in it instead of the sad little 3.4 from Pontiac. Had four 3.8s and they all ahve gone 250,000 for fun without even pushing oil. Ohn Well!

• 

  Carols review - 2005 Buick Rendezvous
  By carolw - September 11 - 10:00 am

  Overall I am very happy with my Reneavous. Great gas mileage. Navigation system is very helpful. Easy to park for a 7 passanger vehicle. Third seat folds and unfolds easily. Back seat is very roomy for three children. DVD player is a godsend on a long ride with the kids.

• 

  2008 LaCrosse Super - 2008 Buick LaCrosse
  By Jack - September 9 - 9:31 pm

  Im told I was the first 08 LaCrosse Super owner in the state of Illinois. I couldnt be prouder of my new car. I think it should be considered a "baby boomers" dream car because of its powerful V-8 engine, luxurious leather seating, and all the bells and whistles you would ever want.

• 

  Regret - 2006 Buick LaCrosse
  By ?? - September 8 - 5:20 pm

  I traded in a 2000 Buick Century, which I had bought in Jan, 2000 fresh off the truck, for the 2006 Buick LaCrosse in Dec, 2006. The LaCrosse had 14,000 miles on it, but besides my trade-in, the LaCrosse cost an addl $18,000. I realized Id made a mistake almost instantly, but was assured that I would get used to the LaCrosse and like it. I still dont like it and regret that I bought it. I wont get another Buick. GM has sacrificed too much in order to have higher profits and the consumer gets stuck with the flimsy trash. The LaCrosse is smaller than the Century and uses more gas, too.