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 SUV - 2008 Buick Enclave
  By very happy - December 5 - 4:06 am

  I test drove the Outlook, Acadia, and Enclave. As soon as I was in the Enclave I had made up my mind. Very quiet interior, great looks on the outside, great standard features as compared to the other two, and nice option packages. I find the power to be more than enough and can tow 4500 pounds with the towing package. I dont need a V8 and dont want to sacrifice the milelage. I traded in a Honda for a Buick...I would never had believed that was possible. I could not be more pleased. I am driving a great looking car (people are asking me all the time what it is) that is very comfortable. The sound system is great and when the radio is on you feel like you are in your living room.

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  Regal GS - 2002 Buick Regal
  By j_mac - December 4 - 2:00 am

  In the five months since July 2003, I have driven this car on one 7,000 mile and one 2,000 mile trip in every conceivable mix of traffic, road surface and weather (including some high elevation snow). It handles very predictably under all conditions, has plenty of quickly available power to handle passing or mountain driving, and returns excellent gas mileage. On one occasion, I drove just under 1,000 miles in one day, with another driver relieving me for only about 100 miles. The car was comfortable and not tiring, even with the excess miles/day. Fuel economy hovers around 30 miles/gallon on highway trips.

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  Solid LeSabre - 2004 Buick LeSabre
  By akasueza - December 3 - 2:00 am

  I went from a 1994 Regal to a 2004 LeSabre due to Buick quality and dependability (Regal is still in top condition after almost 150,000 miles). The 2004 LeSabre is a quality built vehicle and a pleasure to drive. You cant beat this car for a smooth ride! Celebration edition has numerous high end features.

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  Very happy with this vehical - 2004 Buick Rendezvous
  By sprenk - December 2 - 10:00 am

  After following the development of the Chervrolet Equinox for over a year, we finally saw one several weeks ago and were very disappointed - especially with cargo space and cheap looking interior. Because of this, we looked at other options. We never considered the Rendezvous figuring that it was out of our price range. But, with discounts, we could get a nice base- model Rendezvous with all of the features of the top-of-the-line Equinox for less money. There were no discounts offered on the Equinox. We are very happy with this car. Love the cargo huge cargo area. Very comfortable, quite, and works great with our little boy.

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  Echoes of Midnight Blue =) - 2004 Buick Century
  By Mara - December 2 - 2:00 am

  The only complaint I have is that there is a vibration with the wheels. Two dealerships have checked this out and have stated there was nothing wrong. I assume it is the engine vibration exaggerated by the light (doesnt feel like heavy metal) weight of the vehicle. Otherwise, it drives like my late dads Oldsmobiles-Yep! Even the feeling that the trani is slipping lol :)

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  Great Car - 2004 Buick Park Avenue
  By Teeter - December 1 - 2:00 am

  Drove Chrysler products for years but switched to Buick - from Century to Park Ave. Best car we have ever owned by far.

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  Big Bertha - 2004 Buick Rendezvous
  By R-MAN - December 1 - 2:00 am

  A functional vehicle with decent gas mileage for its size.

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  Critique of the Buick Rendevous - 2003 Buick Rendezvous
  By Don Myrick - November 30 - 10:00 am

  Previously owned a Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited - enjoyed the vehicle, however, the ride and handling of the Rendevous is far superior. In addition, the gas mileage is slightly better on the Rendevous in addition to more room and comfort.

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  Le Sabre - 1998 Buick LeSabre
  By amandaw - November 30 - 2:00 am

  My car had a dino ride. Ride smooths Drive smooth and was in perfect condition. Interior and exterior was in a1 shape.

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  I love my Buick - 2002 Buick Century
  By john boy - November 30 - 2:00 am

  This is the most reliable car I have ever owned. It has not been in the shop for anything, other than oil changes every 4000 kilometers.