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 Riviera - 1998 Buick Riviera
  By Carla Lucchino - July 4 - 12:36 pm

  Excellent car to drive. Great acceleration. Rear visibility could be better. Overall, a fantastic car.

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  Enclave vs, Tahoe - 2008 Buick Enclave
  By Paula - July 3 - 7:10 am

  We just purchased our vehicle on the 19th of February, 2008. We love the way it looks, and the way the interior makes you feel comfortable. We traded in our 2005 Tahoe for the Enclave, and love how it is easier to load the little ones, the only difference is when you are wanting to get up to speed it seems to hessitate, I guess I was just used to the V8, but enjoy not spending $80 in gas every week.

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  Low speed acceleration - 2007 Buick Rendezvous
  By Peformance - July 2 - 7:11 pm

  Just bought the vehicle and have noticed that at low speed with the foot off the accelerator and then trying to accelerate again the vehicle does not engage immediately. I think the torque converter or accelerator (electronically controlled) is a problem. Love the styling, should have the trip computer (fuel economy reading, oil change time, etc,) as standard like on my Chevy 05 Malibu. Disappointed with the storage compartments in the rear and the fact the second row seats do not slide per the brochure. Milage about 22 around town is excellent, ride is fantastic,

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  06 Lucerne - 2006 Buick Lucerne
  By chas4bass - July 2 - 3:02 pm

  Nice vehicle. Looks fantastic - drives OK. Too low for freeway driving. Still feels like your "Grandpas car"! Sold as extremely quiet but has developed too many rattles for 18 months. Time to sell it.

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  97 park ave - 1997 Buick Park Avenue
  By jaamo - July 2 - 10:00 am

  Vehicle with excellent potential. comfortable and quiet. Decent acceleration, good handling(with touring suspension) an honest 30 MPG highway and room for six -- in compfort Minuses: mechanicals not as robust as they should be. Replaced brake rotors twice from warpage, replaced a waterpump at 32000 miles (disgraceful), the power window switch has been replaced once and has failed again, the moisture sensing wipers have never worked properly -- but who needs them. Now, the oil pan gasket is leaking and its a $375 repair, and I know three others with same engine and same oil pan problem. Id buy another, though, as nothing else in the domstic market compares.

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  Loyalty Finally Pays Off - 2006 Buick Lucerne
  By Nice Ride - June 30 - 10:11 am

  The Lucerne is the perfect match of luxury and performance. An extremely quiet, smooth ride that is firm and responsive. Our daily commute includes a mix of interstate and surface street traffic. The Lucerne 3.8 accelerates as quickly as necessary to meet highway speeds, smoothly merge and maintain traffic flow. We live in an area where road construction is a way of life, and the roads change paths more often than the Mississippi River. The Lucerne handles the rough and winding road without a problem. It is responsive, tight and never wanders. The Lucerne is an ideal car for adults who want a refined yet sleek look, and a well appointed luxurious ride.

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  Loved the Enclave - 2013 Buick Enclave
  By Barb Coleman - June 29 - 11:12 pm

  great car - felt safe, rides great, low noise, handles exceptionally, loved it

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  Luxury Vehicle - 2007 Buick Lucerne
  By John Wagner - June 28 - 10:43 pm

  This Buick is a very nice road car and rides very well. The fuel economy is very good also. The appointments are also very well coordinated. However the memory on the seats and outside mirrows were not a very easy learning process.

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  Definitely go in for a test drive - 2004 Buick Rendezvous
  By omowasu - June 27 - 2:00 am

  I went in to drive the Rendez. as it accomplishes everything the Highlander does for much less $$$ (and toyotas are a dime a dozen around here). The Buick does not disappoint. Handling is superb, and the steering is tight and right on track. Actually holds 7 passengers in relative comfort, and looks good doing it. Rear hatch is very easy to lift and close.

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  Great vehicle - 2007 Buick Rendezvous
  By pjkPA - June 26 - 6:40 pm

  We just bought our 3rd Rendezvous. Just couldnt find a better vehicle for 20K. Nothing comes close to the amount of car you get for the money. OnStar. Stainless exhaust. Galvanized metal, and seats that come out which makes more cargo room to haul things than any other SUV. I get 27 mpg on the highway and have gotten 28. Hard to find one now though. They are selling fast. My 2002 will need replaced just in time for me to buy a Chevy Volt unless Buick comes out with something to compete with it.