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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  What a Beautiful Car - 2007 Buick Lucerne
  By Doug Lau - May 26 - 4:44 pm

  Buick has really got it right with the Buick Lucerne. The ride, comfort, quality and quiet rival luxury cars costing thousands of dollars more. This car offers many features found on only the most expensive luxury cars. You get the big car feel when driving this car. The quiet ride is very impressive. GM has a winner here. They need to get this vehicle in front of the public. I have received many positive comments from people when I have been fueling my car. If you are looking for real luxury at a non luxury price, the Buick Lucerne should be at the top of your list of cars to consider.

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  Mediocrity - 2005 Buick Terraza
  By Deano - May 24 - 11:02 pm

  We had the Terraza in the shop for the electric doors the second day we owned it. The build quality is less than satisfactory. However, the seats are very comfortable and the ride is smooth. The leather quality is superior on the seats. Overall, on a scale of 1 to 10, Id give the Terraza a 6.

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  Second time owner - 2007 Buick Rendezvous
  By Sandyflush - May 24 - 10:24 pm

  I like it. It is a shame that Buick would take a SUV within middle class range up. Hey GM Buick, help us middle class out. We love the SUV. The Enclave is out of my league

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  Im happy - 2005 Buick Terraza
  By Mark Lamb - May 24 - 3:14 am

  For a minivan, its super quiet. Sometimes the only sound is kids laughing in back, enjoying a DVD with the wireless headphones. Performance is adequate, downshifts nicely. Handling is very good for a vehicle of this type. Drives more like a sedan than a van.

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  Great car once it meets potential - 2016 Buick Cascada
  By Joe A. - May 24 - 2:24 am

  Went to learn about cascada and test drive at Buick near me. Showroom car looked beautiful in and out. I wanted to see the trunk but it couldnnt be opened by anyone in the dealership. Trunk has no keyhole (does not use a key to open) or open lever or switch inside the car, the only way to open is to press a plate on trunk hood. Problem, is that the battery was dead and that wouldnt work! Disappointed the driver seat has no memory! More consideration for back seat passenger as seat stops if knees are hit. Problem is that I dont ever have passengers in the back seat. Fake alarm system above front windshield. Was told 2017 will bring an alarm sensor for when the top is down. Liked that however Started think I should wait for next model. Hands free microphone worked ok with top down. Radio speaker quality is very poor. Top went up and down amazingly. Not having to use latches to lock the top is a great feature. Premium accessories include a windbreaker that has to be manually attached each time to avoid draft on driver/ front passenger bak and same for back seat. Didnt like the sound of that. I didnt test it though. Really enjoyed the ride. Acceleration is "underwhelming" in that the downshift is slow even though it did pick up speed better than expected. Overall, I really want this car! This could very well be my next car and first convertible. But I will wait for next years model with improvements I hope will make me want to drive right out of the show room as soon as possible.

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  GMs Well Kept Secret - 2007 Buick Lucerne
  By robwel - May 23 - 11:01 pm

  I have owned this CXS for a month and I love it. The magnetic ride control and huge tires on this model provides a far better ride than my 2006 Caddy STS that I traded. This is a great highway cruiser. Very comfortable and extremely quiet. Youre getting a DTS Cadillac chasis and engine at a Buick price. The white gold flash tricoatfinish and the beautifully finished chrome wheels makes this a real headturner and I have had several favourable comments from passers by. Truly, GM isnt doing itself any favours by hardly advertising this Buick. It is the best car I have owned. If you are considering a Lexus E-350 or full size Chrysler Hemi, this car warrants a test drive

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  90 Reatta Coupe - 1990 Buick Reatta
  By Jack Prochaska - May 23 - 6:28 am

  Well built, dependable cruiser. Great driver, not a speedster. Antiquated ABS system is only flaw.

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  Look Out........Here comes Grandpa! - 2002 Buick Regal
  By Fast Buck - May 22 - 12:56 pm

  This car is just right. Right size outside, easy to drive, maneuver, park and looks great in white. Right size inside with plenty of room, comfort and luxury for four adults. The car is just right for spirited driving because its invisible to law enforcement.

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  Sweet ride - 1990 Buick Century
  By wagon - May 22 - 2:39 am

  This car has it all. Wood paneling design, classic tape deck/radio, cup holder arm rest, reverse seat in the back, spoiler, ski/luggage rack on top, power everything. Unbelievably reliable, nothing beyond basic maintenance for a 17 year old car (oil changes, just got new tires, occasionally topping off the fluids). Couldnt ask for more

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  Not my fathers Buick - 2006 Buick LaCrosse
  By Don R - May 21 - 10:14 pm

  I never even thought of a Buick until a relative suggested I go look at one. I had been looking at the Impala but once I laid eyes on the LaCrosse there was no going back. The roadability, quietness and luxury was more than expected. It was at the high end of our budget, $29,000, but well worth it.