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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  Great car - 2007 Buick Lucerne
  By Bonbon - August 2 - 3:32 pm

  I have only had the car since July, but I enjoy driving it. It is a very quiet and smooth riding car So far, the mileage has been good.

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  I love my LaCrosse - 2005 Buick LaCrosse
  By ABC - August 2 - 11:30 am

  The LaCrosse has high performance 3.8L engine, excellent suspension system, helpful computer gadgetry, and European elegance inside and out. Good job, GM.

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  08 Enclave CXL AWD - 2008 Buick Enclave
  By george - August 1 - 3:00 pm

  My driving style is moderate. My car is fully loaded, the only options I did not get were the rear entertainment system and upgraded wheels. 4000 miles in the first month. MPG (calculated, not from the trip computer) around town 20, Trips as high as 26.5 but usually 22. This is a nice quiet solid car. The seat is comfortable on long trips. There is little wind and road noise. The all wheel drive is great in both snow and ice. The air conditioning is very good. The car gets many compliments on its styling.

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  Why I should have got a Nissan - 1999 Buick Regal
  By Jerry - August 1 - 12:28 pm

  I hate this car. I bought the car because it was more affordable and had very low miles. I have always been wary of buying American cars, but the junk I bought off the side of the road seemed to hold up pretty well for only paying 4-500 for them. This car has had more problems in 1 year than all of my other cars put together. Rear main shaft seal, torque converter, head gaskets, the temperature control unit, gauge cluster, headlights going off for no reason...to make it easy, I paid 9k for the car and have already put 3k into it and now it needs another 1000 to pass inspection. This car is junk.

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  Best crossover SUV - 2003 Buick Rendezvous
  By Had2Move - August 1 - 2:00 am

  Overall it is a great car. Traded in my 2000 Pontiac Montana for it. Got tired of driving the big, typical mini-van. Handling of the Rendezvous is great and enjoy driving it. Just big enough to move around the family comfortably without feeling your driving a house! It also looks prestigious inside and out. Gauges are a little hard to read. Little constrast of grey on silver.

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  Costly Repairs at 64K Easy Miles - 2001 Buick Century
  By goldmission - July 31 - 9:13 am

  Bought this car new. Babied it from day one. Still, at 64K, already had front wheel bearing, alternator, Intake manifold gasket and valve cover, left front tie rod, oil pan gasket all go bad. Total cost $4300. Seems way too much maintenance on this car.

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  Very disappointed - 2003 Buick Rendezvous
  By CX 4DR SUV - July 30 - 11:29 pm

  My husband and I bought this vehicle in January 07, by July 07, weve already had some serious problems. First was the Security light kept coming on, was told it was a battery problem but to have the diagnostics on the vehicle checked out was costly just to have to change the battery. Next was the window, went down wouldnt go back up cost me$430 to get the regulator replaced. Ive read a lot on the Rendezvous and the windows are a hugh problem and very costly. Also, not nearly enough room in the drivers seat and the seatbelts are not roomy enough and the radio keeps changing stations. We have been very disappointed so far and hope this SUV doesnt end up costing us a fortune.

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  Unhappy - 2003 Buick LeSabre
  By Unhappy - July 30 - 5:07 pm

  I purchased by 2003 Buick new. At 52,000 miles the stability system is totally gone. My outside drivers mirror is fogging up on the inside (I have the type that automatticaly goes from day to night plus its heated). My heated seat doesnt work. Half the lights in my dash are out. On the way home from our cottage, my radio and air conditioner just cut out by themselves. (I was able to turn them back on.) My dashboard lights dim. My two-tone leather seat split at a seam (very rarely to I have anyone in back). Im so upset with the car Im trading it in for a Toyota. When American cars start being built to last, Ill consider one again. This was our seventh GM product.

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  Pleasant Surprise - 2007 Buick Rainier
  By Keith - July 30 - 12:20 pm

  We were looking at the Acacia when the dealer showed us the Rainier. The value for the Rainier was exceptional. We towed our boat on a 2,000 mile excursion through the Sierras and it pulled with very little problem. Comfortable seats, quiet and smooth ride. The fold back rear seat headrests help with vision when no one is riding in the back. The built in air compressor is a plus. urning radius is very tight.

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  3-1/2 years and still enjoying the ride! - 2003 Buick Rendezvous
  By JJ - July 28 - 10:46 pm

  Reliable, decent fuel economy, 3rd row seat helps when hauling kids, AWD for the winter and a comfortable ride. This has been a great addition to the family.