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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  Buick Regal - 2004 Buick Regal
  By BruceM - January 21 - 2:00 am

  This car was a really pleasant surprise to me. This is a Buick? Sporty handling and excellent build quality. I cant get over how well this car handles curvy roads.

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  Best vehicle purchase - 2004 Buick LeSabre
  By m2spoil - January 20 - 2:00 am

  Excellent reliable vehicle. Plenty of legroom and trunk space for travel. What a great engine. that 3.8 is a reliable workhorse. This is our third lesabre and the engines last over 300000 miles each time

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  Buick Regal GS 2003 - 2003 Buick Regal
  By micmo - January 18 - 2:00 am

  My fully loaded Regal GS Aboud compares quite favorably with enrty level BMW, Infiniti, Caddy, Lexus, and Toyota. I am very impressed with the aspirated engine and the tight handling. It compares well to my Mercedes in craftsmanship as well. Seating comfort is very good and the leather heated/adjustable seats are above average. The cabin quiet is greatly appreciated and the Monsoon stereo system is pleasing indeed. The year end pricing of this vehicle made the difference for me. The trunk could be shorter giving a bit more rear leg room to the passengers and the dash is too reflective on bright days.

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  GREAT VALUE - 2004 Buick Rendezvous
  By KEN ROY - January 18 - 2:00 am

  WE THINK WE HAVE TO BUY FOREIGN, BUT A 10% LESS IN PRICE THAN A COMPARABLY EQUIPPED TOYOTA HIGHLANDER, WITH MORE SPACE IN THE BUICK. BIGGER ON INSIDE THAT IT REALLY LOOKS FROM THE OUTSIDE

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  the car is good - 1996 Buick Roadmaster
  By gene russell - January 15 - 2:00 am

  This vehicle is comfortable, good road car and has all the room for extended travel.

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  best in america - 2004 Buick LeSabre
  By Thomas/ is not alias - January 15 - 2:00 am

  I dont know what people like to drive ,but as an all around sedan is still a great family auto and none better.

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  American Ingenuity - 2004 Buick Rendezvous
  By motav - January 13 - 10:00 am

  A wonderful vehicle with exceptional quality........Buick

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  Wow - 2006 Buick Lucerne
  By JaneandWaldo - January 13 - 12:10 am

  I have owned 3 LeSabres in the past and have been very pleased with them. Once I got my hands on this car I was way past pleased. This car has everything you could want and more. It has performance, styling, and creature features. I just love the heated/cooled seats, heated windshield washer, XM satellite radio, and the power from the Northstar V8. If I could afford to buy another one for myself (This one is my wifes main drive) I would do it in a heartbeat.

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  Great car - 1998 Buick LeSabre
  By Kellys - January 12 - 2:00 am

  Well Buick is great value and well a planed car. 3800 motor is strong and great mileage and the ride is great,and a lot of room and a big trunk.

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  Century - 2002 Buick Century
  By falconbrother - January 12 - 2:00 am

  This was my company car for a while. I put a lot of miles on her. I was very impressed with the century. I would buy one in a skinny minute.