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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  New LeSabre - 2004 Buick LeSabre
  By Bill Nelson - November 2 - 2:00 am

  GREAT CAR, GREAT RIDE, ADEQUATE POWER, EXCELLENT HEATING / AIR CONDITIONING VERY GOOD STEERING/ACCIDENT AVOIDANCE

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  Good Reliable Buick! - 1995 Buick LeSabre
  By Buick Bob - November 1 - 2:00 am

  Bought the car for $5500 used in april of 2003, had 60000 miles on it.Interior & exterior in great shape. What a deal! I cant believe how well the original paint held up after these years, it looks new. The fit is better then even brand new cars. The ride is typical Buick , sofa on wheels.... This car is built like a tank!

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  Great - 2005 Buick Rendezvous
  By Dorohtea M. Barger - October 30 - 11:16 am

  My car is a 2002, the leather seats are a fine quality, I dont think they should have given it a poor quality rating. I like my vehicle and would consider buying another one. When people ask me about my vehicle I highly recommend them to buy one. I do wish it had more leg room in the second and third row. I also would like if it had better gas mileage. Also, if the On Star had a phone you could take out of your car so you wouldnt have to have a cell phone with one number and your On Star with another number.

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  From the drivers seat - 2004 Buick Regal
  By RSD - October 30 - 2:00 am

  I buy a new car every 100,000 Klm. and am interested in a vehicle that requiers very little maintenance during that time, this Buick has been trouble free for 55,000 Klm. to date. I like the room, for ease of entry and excit, and good bucket seats. The automatic heat control works fine. Yes I will buy another one.

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  Ultra - 2000 Buick Park Avenue
  By Middlefork - October 29 - 6:06 am

  120,000 miles. City and Hwy. No problems. Wifes car and she has loved it.

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  Comfortable, Powerful and Reliable = A+ - 1999 Buick LeSabre
  By 68VW - October 27 - 2:00 am

  We "car-shopped" for this vehicle. Looked at and drove a variety of other domestic and imported models. Had never owned or even considered a Buick previously. The imports were too small and their rides too stiff. This car has a better combination of power, comfort, leg and trunk room and economy (a consistent 29-31 mpg on the road) than any other of many we test-drove. Our decision has proved to be a good one. It handles well,if not sportily. Only negative: wind noise at the drivers position moderately annoying at highway speeds.

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  Buick LS V6 - 2002 Buick Regal
  By Yao Ming4545 - October 24 - 2:00 am

  With the Joseph Aboud package, the Regal LS V6 looks and feels like a Lexus ES, but costs about $7K less.

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  great car - 2003 Buick LeSabre
  By gembo - October 23 - 2:00 am

  just a fine vehiclle

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  Let the Good Times Roll..... - 2004 Buick Century
  By Matt Long - October 22 - 2:00 am

  This car is fun to drive, extremely quiet, and smooth. I commute to Newport Beach from South Orange County, so I need a nice car to keep my sanity. However, if I need to roar into Vegas, I can cruise going 90 all the way up the 15. So there you have it.

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  Good car / good price - 2002 Buick Century
  By pbm - October 22 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car with 11K and now have nearly 30K. No maintenence needed except oil changes. It is very economical averaging 26+ mpg (30 on all highway driving). It is very comfortable but it is not a sports car as far as handling. I would recommend it to any family wanting good,reliable transportation that is comfortable and a little luxurious.