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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  Disappointed - 2006 Buick Lucerne
  By fred - May 21 - 3:19 pm

  We have had a lot of problems with our Lucerne. Bad battery after 5 months. Fuel problems that required over two months to fix. Steering problems and lots of rattles. Very poor gas mileage. I would trade back for my 2003 Park Avenue, straight across.

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  Dream Car - 1995 Buick Riviera
  By Rivieralover - May 20 - 5:14 pm

  I love my Riviera! It drives so smooth, even for an older car it is such a nice ride. The car is so beautiful, I get compliments on her everywhere we go. I was leary about buying because I knew that repairs would be expensive. She has had minimal problems and the parts werent as expensive as I thought theyd be. Very comfortable interior! I can never live with out heated seats after having them with my Riviera. Definitely a must buy if you see one for sale, dont pass up the opportunity to own such a great car! Youd be missing out!

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  Dont buy a Terraza - 2007 Buick Terraza
  By Carwile - May 20 - 7:43 am

  We have come to hate this vehicle and after only 8 months are getting rid of it. The seats are uncomfortable If I adjust the AC on the drivers side to be a little warmer and then want it colder again it blows warm air. Twice the middle on one side has opened without anyone touching it. I had error msgs regarding the brakes and traction control when I turned it on so I called the dealership and they told me what to do to clear the msgs. When I took it in and they kept it for 3 days they could not find anything wrong for numerous problems and told me there was no error msgs in the computer. The OnStar hands free phone is terrible and difficult to use. This purchase was a waste.

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  The little SUV that tried too hard - 2016 Buick Encore
  By Bob DePino - May 20 - 2:22 am

  Take a good look at the cars that you have been admiring on the road and note that it is their body design that makes them appealing. The basic design of the Encore is overshadowed by a ton of unnecessary glam. An overpowering front grill and a lot of randomly placed chrome has basically turned the car into a distasteful quinceanera dress. And dont even consider having a front seat passenger that weighs more that 150 pounds as they will not fit in the seat. Think long and hard before buying a car and then go and purchase one that you will get compliments on. The Buick Encore wont do that for you.

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  96 Hotrod Buick Roadmaster - 1996 Buick Roadmaster
  By biggsteve - May 20 - 1:03 am

  This is the 3rd Roadmaster that my family has had the priveledge of owning. The first 2 were 1992 models with the 180bhp 350 V8. The first one was sold but I still own the second and it has just over 197,000 miles and rufuses to die. The 96 I have now has a dynomax 2 1/2 in exhaust system that has allowed me to achieve 36.5 mpg highway and 18-22 city depending on how i drive. I have also added a K&N cold air intake to eliminate that ugly dual box system GM used as well as a throttle body airfoil and intake elbow for a Camaro. Other than some fit and finish issues that my other cars didnt have this car looks better and at 62" i have plenty of leg room.

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  Buick LaCrosse CXS - 2007 Buick LaCrosse
  By J HARLOW - May 18 - 11:07 pm

  I have the performance engine and it is great! I also like the chrome accents that are optional and the chrome wheels. We get outstanding comments on this car. The light leather interior is perfect!

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  Buick Roadmaster Estate Wagon - 1992 Buick Roadmaster
  By Al Stimson - May 17 - 3:21 am

  This has been an amazing automobile for our family. Purchased used in 1996 it served as the "Mother Wagon" dervied as a cross between the mother of all wagons and mons daily duty hauler.

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  Overall very happy - 2007 Buick Rainier
  By Mike Gurnee, Il - May 16 - 11:40 am

  When it was time to replace my DeVille, we decided to purchase another Ranier. Now my wife and I both drive Raniers and are extremely satisfied with them. We have had no problems with the 2004, only going back to the dealer for oil changes. Hopefully we will get that same level of satisfaction from the new one. Gas mileage is not great but as advertised. We get 21 to 23 on the highway which is not bad for a heavy vehicle. Buick did cheapen the interior since 2004 with different sun visor brackets and mirrors and no overhead assist handle over the driver. They did however, add the wood trimmed steering wheel and gear shifter.

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  Wow! - 2000 Buick LeSabre
  By glanceup - May 11 - 4:58 pm

  I needed a luxurious and large car to haul real estate clients around in. This more than fit the bill. Extremely smooth, comfortable ride and incredible gas mileage for such a large car (28 hwy, 18 city).

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  Who knew - 2001 Buick Century
  By Buicksrule - May 11 - 2:09 pm

  I got my Buick Century by chance. It didnt appeal to me in looks. But, in the first week I had it, it took me and a 3 yr. old grandson on a 400 mile journey that was so comfortable that I wast tired. The gas mileage is outstanding as compared to what I had been driving. After 2 years, I couldnt be happier. Buicks rule!