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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  HOW COULD THEY STOP SELLING SUCH A GEM! - 1999 Buick Riviera
  By CanadianGirl - March 18 - 2:00 am

  I had my first Riv in 98 and put 40,000mi on it in 6mths so traded for a 99 - *the last of the best*. Ive driven this one across Canada in the winter snow, Ive commuted to Florida many times and its a breeze. This car has more guts than most, is SO comfortable to drive, lots of trunk space (2nd only to the Caddy SeVille,) sharp looking, and is just plain SEXY. Why on earth did they stop making them? GM - ya goofed big time! (as you did with the Olds Touring Sedan.)

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  I LUV MY RAINER - 2004 Buick Rainier
  By jane,p - March 18 - 2:00 am

  GREAT QUIET RIDE.NICE LUXURY FEEL TO THE SUV. SEDAN QUALITY IN AN SUV. LOVE THE XM RADIO. RATES HIGH WITH MANY SUV PRODUCTS OUT THERE BUT WAS THE QUIETEST RIDING OF 99% OF MANY OTHER VEHICLES THAT I DROVE.SURPRISED THERE ARE NOT MORE OUT THERE.NICE TO BE THE ONLY RAINER IN MY COUNTY

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  LeSbre - 1997 Buick LeSabre
  By rkillion - March 17 - 2:00 am

  I just bought this vehicle. Other than having some fuel problems due to the car sitting over six months, this car has been an excellent choice for my family and me.

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  Instant Love - 2004 Buick Rainier
  By ssanders - March 16 - 2:00 am

  My eyes were drawn to the body style, sleek with enough definition to break the boredom. Nice tail lights. Im getting warm. Comfortable seating, roomy interior, up to the minute features. Checked out Onstar and found their response immediate and friendly, even after I apologized for the non- emergency call. It was instant love and continues to be a growing red-hot love affair with my new Buick Ranier.

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  An Upgrade I LOVE - 2004 Buick Rainier
  By montana467 - March 16 - 2:00 am

  I was a past owner of a Rendezvous The upgrade is fantastic. Very quiet, easy handle, responce is great. A little rich on gasoline--but worth it! My children love the leg room compared to Rendezvous.

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  a great car for comfort ,safty & economy - 2004 Buick LeSabre
  By driver jax - March 13 - 2:00 am

  for the price and quallity you cant beat it..........

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  I love my Park Ave - 2003 Buick Park Avenue
  By Jerry03 - March 8 - 2:00 am

  My wife and I bought our jet black Park Ave Ultra in December of 2002. We’re the only ones in our small town of 4,000 people to have one, and we absolutely love it! We are faithful Park Avenue owners (buying new since 1986; Ultras when they first came out; even had an Electra T-type) and were considering an STS, but fell in love with the new Ultra. Excellent ride, handling, and all the comfort and features of a Caddy for about 15 grand less. Exterior very classy with new grille and portholes. Supercharged 3800 performs well. Havent had many problems with it that werent taken care of under warranty.

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  Thoroughly Researched - 2004 Buick Rainier
  By TrainDR - March 8 - 2:00 am

  Pulled ahead in lease program from 02 Rendezvous. Looked at Infinity G45, Lexus RX330, VolvoXJ90,Nissan Murano,Dodge Magnum Wagon,GMC Yukon and Chevy Tahoe Z71. One test drive says it all. Smooth operator-heated seat backs is a nice plus--but when Tahoe has 290 horse, why spend up to five thousand more to feel like you are driving a truck. Rainier handles better, feels and looks like a Cadillac, sitting up higher yet feeling stable and secure in heavier truck. Good combination of engine choice and transmission.We are so impressed with Buicks new addition and are very satisfied with it.

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  2001 Buick LeSabre - 2001 Buick LeSabre
  By rcnew7 - March 8 - 2:00 am

  This is my wifes car, she uses it for daily travel in her occupation as an insurance adjustor. Car has been entirely trouble free for over 70000 miles, not even any warranty work. Replacement of original tires at 65000 miles has been the only expense, except regular maintenance.

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  i luv my raine - 2004 Buick Rainier
  By jane p - March 7 - 2:00 am

  overall very happy. quiet drive. nice to be the only one in the neighborhood or county with a Rainer.It is rhe only suv out there with a true luxury car ride.i am starting a rainer club. honk if you spot one. hope we will see alot more on the road.