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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  Well made SUV! - 2004 Buick Rendezvous
  By Betty Finney - May 11 - 8:50 am

  I bought my 2004 Rendevous 1-07 with 24000 miles on it. I love it! I have a new grandbaby. Loading the car seat and stroller in was the selling factor for me. When I upgrade to a new vehicle, I will upgrade to a newer model of the Rendevous.

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  Love my Lucerne - 2007 Buick Lucerne
  By J.R. Cobb - May 8 - 9:16 pm

  Looked at Toyota Avalon and Ford 500, as well as the Lucerne but continued to go back to Lucerne and traded my 2003 LeSabre for the 2007 Lucerne CXL. Rides like a dream, highway mileage is great, city not so good but no terrible for a car this size. Fit and finish outstanding and the body style turns heads. Get lost of compliments. A relative liked mine so well he just purchased one as well.

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  Computer problems - 2016 Buick Cascada
  By Bob Edmondson - May 8 - 1:56 pm

  My new Cascada has "computer problems". Often it will not start. Windows go up and down for no reason. Top wont close. Motor warning light goes on. Stabilitrack light goes on, all warning lights go on, forward collision alert does not work. Dealer cant seem to find a problem. Major continuing efforts to fix the problems associated with this car have proven unsuccessful. The dealership and GM have been great to work with and have continually provided me with either a loaner or a rental car while attempting to fix the problems. Now they are giving me a new 2017 Cascada, at no cost to me, to replace the 2016 Cascada. I should be driving it next week. I hope to update my review after having the opportunity to drive it for a month or so. I really loved the convertible (when it worked).

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  Love it! - 2007 Buick Rendezvous
  By Awesome Vehicle - May 7 - 12:25 am

  Why did I not notice this vehicle for so many years? When it came time to replace the mini van I was looking for something different, but something that still had a 3rd row and a reasonable price. By chance, I found out the Rendezvous did. Took it for a test drive and fell in love. I found it to be comfortable, very roomy, and fun to drive. A quick check on other reviews and consumer reports gave high marks. The rebate was great. Purchased it a week later. Very satisfied.

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  AC control issues - 2004 Buick LeSabre
  By Nick - May 6 - 2:22 pm

  I bought my 2004 LeSabre last year, and I have to say I am very happy with the vehicle. Getting about 28 mpg overall. ABS and Trac Control features are excellent. Have had issues with the climate control. It doesnt seem to work efficiently. The dual zone control doesnt really give you a big difference from driver to passenger. GM needs to look at this and find out what the issue is.

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  Glad I Found This One - 2006 Buick Rainier
  By JB - May 6 - 12:10 am

  I love this vehicle. Ive owned several autos in the past, including two Toyotas and a Chevy Trailblazer (04). I usually go pretty basic on them, then look at the owners manual later and realize all the goodies I didnt have on mine. All that has changed with buying the Rainier. If this truck were a movie, it would truly be a "sleeper." I dont know why more people havent discovered all the virtues of this vehicle.

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  Buick LaCrosse - 2005 - 2005 Buick LaCrosse
  By Shirley Quinn/David - May 5 - 1:38 pm

  Driving this car is good to excellent. Mileage is very poor! It had a recall of the brake, I did not like that. I do not like the locks poping up automatically when the car stops to park. I think that is dangerous. Driver should control that. The exterior receives many compliments.

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  Best Ever! - 1996 Buick Regal
  By Best Ever - May 5 - 5:55 am

  Bought used with 46,000mi and have 120,000. Has been unbelievably reliable. Outside of new tires and routine brake work, only replaced the belt, a radiator and an alternator. Always starts up like a dream. Most comfortable seats. Great engine. Bought an 01 Regal based on experience with this one, but it doesnt even come close in driveablilty or reliability.

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  2000 Buick Century Special Edition - 2000 Buick Century
  By jr1m90 - May 3 - 7:42 pm

  I was given the Century by my Grandmother a few months after getting my drivers license, but it is obviously was not my first choice (even compared to a 2000 Taurus). However, I have been relatively pleased with the car. It is a superb cruising car, and is comfortable in the city. The 3100 V6 is powerful enough, but the transmission seems to sap power from the engine when accelerating from a standstill. It responds to spirited cornering with tons of body roll and pathetic squeals from the 15 inch tires. However, it has been a reliable car that doesnt attract any unwanted attention. Would I buy one? Probably not, but I can never fault my Grandfather for buying two of them.

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  Fine auto - 2006 Buick Lucerne
  By Don - May 3 - 2:28 pm

  This is a fine auto, crafted with care. More economical to buy than Cadillac but similar quality and features. Six cylinder is plenty of power. It is so quiet it has no wind noise and little road hum. The only car I know that you can carry on a conversation front to back seat at 70 mph. Handles very nicely (except tight parking). Impressive appearance