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:

• 

  Great car for travel! - 2005 Buick Terraza
  By fred154 - July 6 - 8:29 pm

  This car is sensational for comfortable long distance travel whether just for the two of us or when we take other adults up to six on a trip. It even beats our Lincoln Town Car for a comfortable long distance trip. Besides being handy to haul bulky items too large for an autos trunk, it has an elegant interior. In 90,000 miles, we have had to replace one front wheel bearing and one rear hub. Otherwise, only normal maintenance has been required. I dont want to give this car up since there is no suitable replacement on the market now.

• 

  Changed my opinion of American cars - 2011 Buick LaCrosse
  By ar15 - June 24 - 6:05 pm

  I am in love with my 2011 Buick LaCrosse CX. The car exudes the kind of quality i have expected from more expensive cars and the models made in Japan.

• 

  Best in Its Class - 2011 Buick Enclave
  By rvanparys - June 19 - 8:44 am

  We wanted to move from our minivan to something more compatible with our long NW winters. After many weeks of in depth research we finally decided on a GMC Acadia. The dealership also featured Buicks. After test driving both my wife and I came to the conclusion that the Buick outshown the Acadia in fit and finish and overall quietness and ride. I found the car responsive and while it will never be the first one away from the starting line, it does have the requisite power on demand to pass safely. The ride is exceptional as is the quietness. Both of these were prime concerns for my wife. The interior is well laid out and materials above average. I would highly recommend this car

• 

  Will not quit - 1992 Buick Roadmaster
  By rdmoore - June 18 - 7:12 am

  Bought my Roadmaster with 38K in 1997. Now has 315K and STILL runs and drives better than the other cars we have owned. It is the go-to car for towing our travel trailer, and everything else you can think of. Absolutely no rust and the paint still sparkles. The largest repair bill so far has been for a new radiator. When the engine and transmission finally quit I am happily going to put new ones in and keep going. This car owes us NOTHING.

• 

  Turbo T07 - 2011 Buick Regal
  By wacmando - June 13 - 3:45 pm

  Great Car! Buick has it down.Build quality is wonderful and car is really fun to drive. The Nav system is good and easy to use. Reminds me of my Infiniti G35...just not as powerful but much better economy!

• 

  exceptional - 2011 Buick Enclave
  By pkirk618 - June 12 - 10:00 pm

  Purchased a fully loaded Enclave. Towing, chrome, 20" wheels, DVD rear....and those directional head lights, thats just so damn neat. Ive never owned a luxury SUV and well, its a pleasure to drive. I dont care about mileage as I feel it cant be avoided in something this big. It could be better I suppose, but I expected 20mpg average and thats what I get. Their paint and chrome, especially in the tri-coat diamond enclave is beautiful. The front end, especially with the blue ring in the headlights and waterfall grill compliment each other well. Its what sold my wife on this vehicle. ...and remote start standard? Heck yeah!

• 

  A cargo hauler with class - 2011 Buick Enclave
  By rvanparys - June 10 - 9:50 am

  When we started our automobile research we had a number of requirements. The car had to be 4WD because of our location and sometimes elongated winters. It had to be comfortable, quiet, handle well, get reasonable gas mileage, allow my small stature wife to sit comfortably while driving and have enough cargo room to tote our Old English Sheep Dog in spoiled comfort. This last requirement eliminated a number of fine candidates and pricing further shaved the list. We finally came down to a GMC Acadia or Buick Enclave. The Buick wasn’t originally on our list due to pricing but with manufacturer and other discounts it was brought into our budget. We could not be happier. The car is quiet,

• 

  L-O-V-E MY NEW TURBO! - 2011 Buick Regal
  By dadsgmgirl - May 30 - 1:51 am

  Well, Im back to GM after 2 foreign cars had a VW Passat lastly (and extremely costly to maintain! NEVER again), prior to that had an Accord (boring!). Anyway, love the power, all the extras, got a T06. Didnt want nav since I will keep OnStar. Smooth quiet ride, extremely comfortable for my long 50-60 minute commute (one-way!), good head turning quotient too. Love everything about it, I will never stray again......

• 

  2011 Buick Enclave, Gold Mist - 2011 Buick Enclave
  By wayne107 - May 28 - 10:18 pm

  Purchased our Enclave in 2/11. It replaced a 1998 Toyota Avalon. Weve put more than 7,000 miles on it driving on trips down to San Diego, and up to Sacramento and Redding. It is a joy to drive and ride in. Passengers have commented on its ride and quietness. So far there has been nothing to require taking it in for service (other than its first oil change) or replacement under warranty. The Gold Mist color is proving to be a good choice for not showing dust/road grime. Best gas mileage has been 21.9 on mountainous highway driving at 75 mph.

• 

  Cadillac What? - 2011 Buick LaCrosse
  By zheigs - May 21 - 1:21 pm

  I have been in the automotive business for 17 years and I have an overall love for the automobile. Ive had many, from my 79 Ford Granada to my 2000 Chrysler 300 and Cadillac Deville to my 2008 Honda Accord. I have a special love for luxury cars. I fell in love with my Deville for its refinement, its quiet, smooth and comfortable cabin. Until my 2011 LaCrosse CXL-V6, I thought my Caddy was the gold standard. This car is everything Cadillacs are without the price tag and the interior actually looks so much better. It speaks high-tech luxury that is unmatched by Cadillac, Lexus or Infinity (for the price). If yourre looking for a nice family car with plenty of options, look no further.