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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  Surprising Car For the Money - 2007 Buick LaCrosse
  By Al Frank - May 2 - 11:36 am

  I had every intention of purchasing the 07 CXL with leather, heated seats and all the goodies but the price tag seemed a bit steep. I looked at a 2007 CX with 12,111 miles on it, no leather, no heated seats but bought it anyway. I am so glad I did because it is really a quiet, well mannered car (and I saved $10K). It is an absolute pleasure to drive and the fit and finish inside and out are excellent. I am very happy with this car and believe it stacks up well compared to the equivalent Toyota and Honda.

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  Rainier Awesome - 2007 Buick Rainier
  By Donna - May 2 - 10:43 am

  The last 3 SUVs weve owened were all Oldsmobile Bravadas which was a step above the Envoy and step below a Cadillac. When Oldsmobile closed, the Buick division cloned the Bravada with the Rainier. After recently buying the Rainier, we were pleasantly surprised at how beautiful this truck truly is. The ride is great, performance great and totally compares to the Bravada. Buick came a long way when they created this truck. Not an old mans vehicle anymore!

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  The Most Awesome Car Ever - 1995 Buick Riviera
  By twemaine - April 28 - 11:18 pm

  I purchased this car used with 43K, and it looked like it just came from the showroom. That was in 1998. Its now 2007 and it still looks brand new. I have never had anything done to this care other than routine maintenance. Its quiet, smooth, fast, comfortable and is the best car I have ever been in. It beats all the expensive imports any day. The mileage is great (30 mpg highway). It now has 112K and I wont consider parting with it. I think I will keep it forever. Buick, please make this car again!

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  Buick...I thought they had better quality - 2004 Buick Rainier
  By ???? - April 27 - 5:52 pm

  My Buick Rainer has 57,000 miles. Every three or four months since I purchased the SUV I have had major problems. The drive train, the driver side seat, and major problems with the four wheel drive mechanism. I am very luckly that I purchased the extended warranty. I would not recommend purchasing this SUV. Just recently one dealship that I brought it to because it was making a very loud banging noise said, "You must have purchased a Friday afternoon car," after they saw the long list of things that I have already had to fix. Basically agreeing that there are and has been some major problems with my SUV. Buyer beware. I would not recommend this SUV

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  Great car! - 1995 Buick Regal
  By bm1979 - April 26 - 11:36 pm

  It had high miles on it when i bought it and I have put many more on it. It now has 180,000 with very little repairs to keep it going. With 3 and a half years and 70,000 miles all I have done to it is two wheel bearings and two injectors and some brake work. Now Im pretty hard on a car becouse I do mainly city driving, so I think thatss pretty darn good. $1500/70000 miles later it still a very dependable car. How many cars can you say that about? I have worked in automotive service for ten years now and I have to say its one of the better cars out there.

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  1995 Buick Century user history - 1995 Buick Century
  By Midland, Michigan - April 26 - 9:43 pm

  Generally good experience. Car has 180,000 miles. We are the second owner. Comfortble ride, good acceleration, 30 MPG highway, power windows/seats still work. Inconveniences: service engine light on a lot, rotors warp, rust on trunk, passenger door sagged (closes hard), engine would "miss" or "bog down" under acceleration but replacing the ignition wires solved that. Developing rust around the windshield. We added after-market cruise control and a CD player improving an already comfortable riding experience. It is showing its age. But no car payment makes it tolerable when repairs do occur.

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  Dont buy a Terraza - give me my Chrysler - 2006 Buick Terraza
  By taylor72 - April 25 - 6:24 pm

  I was impressed by the name Buick and the incentives but after driving it for a few months and comparing it to my previous Dodge Grand Caravan, it isnt as roomy, its more difficult to get in and out of the back seat, it just isnt as nice inside and theres not as much room behind the 3rd seat. I just want my Chrysler minivan back.

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  First ever Buick, nice but... - 2016 Buick Encore
  By Nikki - April 22 - 3:47 pm

  I bought this 2016 Encore brand new in April. Ive never owned a Buick. Cant say that I ever will again. I loved it until I had to take it to the dealership on October 28th. 10,000 miles and it had to have 3 pistons and rings replaced. When I picked it up yesterday, the check engine light came back on as soon as I pulled off the lot. Took it back, they checked it and "fixed it" and I took off in it again. Just out of the parking lot and the light comes back on. SO, my car is still in the shop with no idea of when I will get it back. Im thinking I bought a lemon.

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  Satisfied Driver - 2002 Buick Regal
  By Donna Frankson - April 22 - 12:08 pm

  I like this Buick Regal GS Supercharger very much. I have experienced some problems but overall love the car. One thing I have experienced is that when driving at night, when I put on my high beams all the lights on the dash and my head lights go out, I have to hit high beam switch again and all come back on, this has happened numerous times. Also, my Low Coolant light came on, I took to my garage and all was fine, reserve was low but not empty, radiator was full. The light stays on when I am driving saying low coolant, but all if fine, temp. gauge normal on this car stays in the middle. I really like this car.

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  Most Underated SUV - 2005 Buick Rainier
  By Randy Bloem - April 21 - 12:06 pm

  I test drove many of the SUVs including the new Ford Edge. The Buick Rainier beats them all in ride, comfort, and style. This has to be the most under-rated vehicle in its class. A tremendous used car value.