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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  1st year - 2002 Buick Rendezvous
  By Buick Lover - August 27 - 4:52 pm

  Wonderful driving experience, only. Quality is questionable when purchasing a first year car. A lot of bugs to work out, e.g. window relay switches bad, sensors, bad, tracks on bucket seats, bad, brakes, very bad, engine bad, transmission recalled, problems with airconditioning unit within first two years of ownership. Car drives very well, just poor quality parts.

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  Luxury at low price - 2007 Buick LaCrosse
  By Bill - August 27 - 11:44 am

  Just driving from the dealer after the purchase and driving home, I found the ride to be smooth and very quiet. With the acustical laminate glass, there is no wind noise. Quick response when passing. Under-rated by the editor. this is my third GM vehicle and I plan to stay with GM.

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  Not my dads Buick! - 2006 Buick Lucerne
  By 4bealls - August 25 - 2:23 pm

  I have had this car for more than 18 months and enjoy it now as much as when I first bought it. Love the look and the comfort. Out of all the cars I have owned (of all types), I have gotten more compliments on this one than any other - from people admiring the looks as well as passengers.

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  Baby Boomers dream car - 2008 Buick LaCrosse
  By Jack - August 23 - 3:14 am

  I was fortunate to be able to get the third Lax Super made at GMs highly acclaimed Oshawa assembly plant. So far, no problems to report. The cars acceleration, exhaust note, and seating comfort are great. It came fully loaded, except for the sunroof.

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  It Really Should be Called a Wildcat! - 2007 Buick Lucerne
  By JEFF SHADOW - August 21 - 4:58 pm

  I finally relented and traded in our 1998 Aurora with 105,000 miles. It had virtually no problems. I did not want a Cadillac yet and will never buy an import vehicle. With Oldsmobile gone I turned to Buick and leased a black 2007 Lucerne CXS with the Cadillac Northstar 4.6 litre V8. The Buick now has three "Wildcat" badges from the 1968 version and has the style to go with the name. GM should have brought back a name like Wildcat rather than Lucerne. In California a "Lucerne" is a half gallon of milk from Safeway, not a county in Switzerland!

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  Beats a BMW - 2008 Buick Enclave
  By Chuck - August 17 - 2:16 am

  Looked for a replacement for my BMW SUV. The Enclave caught my eye with its sleek design, stylish interior. The fit and finish is first class, the engineering is current, and the price is $15 to $20 below the BMW. First new American car Ive gotten for myself in almost 40 years. Not your grandfathers Buick! Will help bring quality reputation back to the marque.

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  Love This car - 2008 Buick Enclave
  By Vanessa - August 16 - 6:33 pm

  We have a two year old and one on the way and purchased a Cadillac Crossover 3 months ago. The Cadillac design was impratical and designed poorly. The Buick Enclave is a breath of fresh air. I love that not only does it look great- it functionality and practicality rivals any minivan. Both my husband and I love driving the car and are looking foward to the many miles that we will be able to drive this car.

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  Kinda wish Id kept my Park Ave Ultra - 2006 Buick Lucerne
  By Ron S - August 16 - 9:43 am

  This is a very nice car but it is definitely not a Park Ave replacement! So far Ive not had any problems but I miss the roominess and some features of the 2003 Park Ave Ultra. I miss the Ultra Heads Up Display feature the most but it appears to be not available in any type of sedan style auto. I swore that I would not buy a new vehicle without HUD but I broke down since it appears that no HUD is forthcoming in the next several years models. Center console convenience of this car leaves a bit to be desired. Door and window posts are a bit too thick and impair visibilty. Also needs more infinite steering wheel adjustment so when in driving position view of speedometer is not obstructed.

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  Great ride - 2004 Buick Rainier
  By born1980 - August 15 - 10:19 am

  We had been looking mostly at imports and then stumbled upon this little known beauty. It is amazing the amount of car we got for the price. It is hands down the quietest vehicle I have driven, cars included.

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  Young to Buick - 2006 Buick LaCrosse
  By LS Feldman - August 14 - 4:34 pm

  After owning Hondas and Toyotas, all are good cars but I must say Buick gives you more for the money. Ride is quiet, MPG is 30 on the HWY and the car looks big and is roomy for four large guys for a golf day. I paided less than Honda and have more car and the OnStar is a great tool. Monthly service reports online via email. Go Buick, the LaCrosse is what it takes to win back the Honda Toyota buyer. I was reformed.