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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  These owners are preaching the truth! - 1999 Buick Regal
  By TG Smith - February 4 - 2:00 am

  My fathers generation used to say, "People with money buy Cadilacs, but SMART people with money buy Buicks!" I would update this for my generation to say, "People with money buy BMWs (or Lexus or Infiniti), but SMART people with money buy the Buick Regal." I have owned several new BMWs over the years and dont get me wrong, the Regal GS cant match them in the handling department, but overall my Regal is much more car for the money than any BMW I ever owned. These other reviewers are preaching the truth. The Buick Regal GS is one of the best values and one of the best kept secrets on the road.

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  A Wonderful Automobile - 2000 Buick LeSabre
  By Ron Altwies - February 3 - 2:00 am

  My Buick was pre-driven by a Buick CEO. It had 5000 miles on it when I bought it. It was in perfect shape and still is. I have a very bad back condition having had 8 lumbar operations. When I drove this car for the first time, it was like riding on a cloud. I had to only drive the car less than 10 miles when I knew this was the car for me. I have had no problems with the car. It still rides like a dream. I will definitely buy another buy LeSabre. I love the controls on the steering wheel. Its sound system is terrific. I would recommend this car in a heartbeat.

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  Great Car - 2004 Buick LeSabre
  By Markie B - February 3 - 2:00 am

  I have owned enough autos the know the difference between not so good,good, and excellent.My Buick LeSabre Limited is the best I have ever owned. Ride,style,comfort,and the standby 3800 engine is the greatest.The second best car whatever it may be is left far behind.

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  First long trip - 2004 Buick LeSabre
  By johmar - January 31 - 2:00 am

  Had the opportunity drive from New York to Florida for first long trip in 2004 Buick Le Sabre. Ride was comfortable drove like a larger car Highway mileage was good about 29, 30 mpg. cruise worked well. Radio played well.

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  Best on Market - 2004 Buick LeSabre
  By Jack Farley - January 31 - 2:00 am

  I am extremely happy with this car. The only thing I would do different would be to make the bottom of the seat a little longer.

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  Mostly excellent - 1999 Buick Regal
  By Auguja - January 29 - 2:00 am

  My LS has been a very solid and reliable car. Maintenance, other than routine, has been "zero" and very few cars can match that. It has an excellent suspension and smooth ride. Its been a very comfortable and spacious car. No complaints and no regrets about buying it.

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  Best New Car Ever Purchased - 2006 Buick Lucerne
  By Randy Reddell - January 25 - 11:46 am

  Buick got it together this time with the Lucerne CXS. Great appearance and smooth, quiet ride. The Northstar V-8 is awesome on power and response. Built tight and handles smoothly with the 18-inch tires and stabililty-track system. Interior is elegant in appearance; leather bucket seats are extremely comfortable with every adjustment feature at fingertip or memory. Interior is roomy with plenty of leg room especially in the back seat. This car is in the luxury class. As a previous Cadillac owner, the Lucerne CXS has it all at a great price. Best new car Ive seen for 2006. The Lucerne CXS is top choice for new car full-size sedan.

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  BUICK REATTA - 1990 Buick Reatta
  By HARLEYPARTS - January 24 - 2:00 am

  HAVE HAD THE REATTA FOR 14 YEARS. MAINTENANCE HAS BEEN MIMIMAL.OIL IS CHANGED EVERY 3000 MILES.WHEN LIVING UP NORTH, THE CAR WAS STORED FOR THE WINTER.NEVER SAW SNOW OR SALT. THE "FLIP UP" HEADLIGHTS WERE FIXED TWICE BY MYSELF BY GOING ON THE REATTA SITE (LOTS OF GOOD INFO THERE)AND THE BRAKE ACCUMULATOR HAS BEEN REPLACED. OTHER THAN THOSE, THAT IS IT.

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  Id buy another one - 2000 Buick Regal
  By SoapLover - January 24 - 2:00 am

  If I had to do it all over again – I would purchase ANOTHER Buick Regal LS without hesitation. Leather seats are comfortable. Great Climate control. Excellent Sound System. Flow of interior is smooth. This car thinks for itself. It has save me and itself a dead battery on more than one occasion when I left interior lights on. Power is fully available for 5 minutes after the ignition is turned off – great feature!! Kudos to GM.

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  Bought for safety ratings - 2002 Buick LeSabre
  By Larryarc - January 24 - 2:00 am

  This vehicle has a well thought out interior design and a comfortable seating arrangment for all passagers. I bought new, but one year old is best value given the depreciation of almost ten thousand the first year. Drive one (Buick La Sabre) you will probably buy it.