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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  A Must Have! - 2008 Buick Enclave
  By Rodder - November 29 - 2:30 am

  Owned a 2000 Jimmy, & my wife wanted something new. I actually wanted a GMC Acadia since they came out but also looked at Ford, Lincoln, Chrysler and Mitsubishi SUVs and crossovers. Needed something that could tow my boat, haul my 2 sons and their instruments (Cello & an upright Bass) and room for 2 big dogs. The dealer had a couple of Enclaves on the lot so we test drove one - it became a must have. Nothing else that fit our requirements compared. We bought one in Moca w/ Ebony leather, sun roof, (the wifes must have and 2 are better than one) and the 4500# towing package. So far, after 1500 miles of mostly around town w/ some expreesway driving we are getting 18.5MPG - pleasently suprised

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  2003 Rendezvous FL owner Rating - 2003 Buick Rendezvous
  By Tom M - November 29 - 2:00 am

  I have been very satisfied with this vehicle. Very good ride and stable on the highway. Replaced a Ford Explorer with this, much better ride and comfort in the Rendezvous. A couple of minor issues the dealer took care of promptly.

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  Rendezvous a womens dream - 2005 Buick Rendezvous
  By mercedes - November 21 - 10:00 am

  The car has it all. Plenty of storage from shopping to hauling around future NBA stars. The look is smart without being stuffy. You can easily see Rendezvous in a middle school parking lot as a student limo to a quality dinner with friends. No hiding this vechile down the street.

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  My Regal - 1991 Buick Regal
  By Richard Armstrong - November 20 - 2:00 am

  My father bought this car from Mark Combs, and for my sixteenth birthday, he gave it to me.

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  Buick sets new benchmark in Luxury Sedans - 2017 Buick LaCrosse
  By Firemedic1105 - November 16 - 7:22 am

  "I own the redesigned 2017 Buick LaCrosse, Premium/AWD. Previously I drove the 2010 LaCrosse, purchased new and redesigned that year. My satisfaction with the previous generation was outstanding, delivering exceptional service and reaching nearly 80K miles at trade-in. The NEW generation LaCrosse for 2017 undoubtedly sets a higher benchmark for Domestic Luxury Sedans! In addition to its superior comfort and quietness while in motion, this model simply excels in technology and efficiency. Loaded with every safety feature imaginable, this Buick also includes the most advanced 3.6l VVT 310hp V-6 engine, that includes Auto Cylinder-Deactivation and Auto Start-Stop technology. These features collectively assure impressive gas mileage without compromising on rapid acceleration. The latest available, 8-speed auto transmission, is operated by a very intuitive, shift-by-wire control knob. Gear transitions are flawless at speed. Being completely fair & honest with such low mileage currently, I choose not to rate my experience in reliability. However, if this model meets or exceeds my experience with the 2010 Buick LaCrosse, I will surely give it a 10/10 as well. I have no doubts on the future of this car. Every Professional review that Ive researched, suggests that this Buick will indeed give most comparable Foreign Luxury Sedans a serious run for their money! "

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  Best car ever owned - 1997 Buick Riviera
  By Moto - November 15 - 2:00 am

  This car is a joy to ride and at 6 years old still turns heads. Gas milage is great. Only problem I have had is the Traction control unit went bad and its rather expensive to fix. Other then that, I still enjoy this car like the day I bought it!

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  Excellent Value - 2003 Buick Century
  By sargeantcm - November 14 - 2:00 am

  Bought this vehicle as an ex-rental 6 months ago ($14000, 13000 miles), and its been a complete dream. Ive had to spend exactly $0.00 thus far on this car except maintenance. Excellent ride quality and more features than I probably need. This is my first Buick, and Im a third-generation customer. Ill never buy anything else now. I hear it gets alot of bad marks on styling but thats personal preference and it doesnt bother me. Ill take an understated statelier car compared to all those ugly new ones.

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  Won us over to SUVs/cross over vehicles - 2003 Buick Rendezvous
  By P Caro - November 6 - 2:00 am

  With 2 children still in carseats-wed been looking for more room and definitely got it. Reliability- excellentcomfort-excellent.Its easy for everyone to get in and out of.3rd row comes in handy when traveling and having guests. I really didnt want to sacrifice luxury and a smooth ride for more space and we didnt! Definitely would suggest seat heaters with the leather interior-however!

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  Love my LeSabre - 2004 Buick LeSabre
  By longwoman - November 6 - 2:00 am

  I love my new LeSabre, with the exception of getting into the console. The dealership had a little trouble getting the right remote keyless entry, the second one, but finally did it about a week and a half after purchase. I owned a 92 Custom for over five years, and there have definitely been some improvements made. I would buy it again. Its really too bad that color choices werent more readily available, or less generic.

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  Love my Enclave - 2008 Buick Enclave
  By Terie - November 4 - 9:03 pm

  We looked at the CX-9 and thought that was as good as it got, until we found the Enclave, which is a super sized CX-9. The Enclave is so much more though, we bought the 8 passenger seating, which we could not get in the CX-9 and it still feels like we have lots of space. I really enjoy the roominess of the front seating area and love the looks of the Enclave. This is the best vehicle we have ever bought and doubt we could top it anytime in the near future, we are spoiled! It was worth the six month wait!