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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  Ill never buy another - 1997 Buick Park Avenue
  By mrmark - April 21 - 10:00 am

  This is the third Buick I have owned. The two previous ones were LeSabres. I have just spent $5100 on a new engine because the plastic manifold plenum used by GM caused my engine to fill up with water and caused major damage. The window switch has broken, the car gets water inside the passenger area when in a car wash or in the rain. The rotors have been replaced because of warpage, the water pump was replaced, the air compressor was replaced, the sensing wipers have not worked properly, the ash tray broke and will not close, the seat control panel snapped off.

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  2005 LaCrosse - 2005 Buick LaCrosse
  By maddog55 - April 18 - 12:34 pm

  Zero problems. Only back to dealer for routine maintenance. I would highly recommend this car. It rides a lot bigger than it actually is.

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  Not Surprised - 2006 Buick Lucerne
  By L. Dillon - April 18 - 11:54 am

  Ive owned more Buicks than any other car over the years. Ive never shopped brands before, with the exeption of Buick. I was originally shopping for a Lacrosse, but didnt want the bucket seats, so I moved up to Lucerne. Glad I did. I even get compliments, lots of compliments, a first for me. I even impressed my mother-in-law. Classy looking and a sweet ride with a solid body and well appointed. Detroit got it right this time.

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  Rendezvous Rocks - 2007 Buick Rendezvous
  By George Schmidt - April 17 - 6:12 pm

  I wanted something a little larger than the RAV4 and CR-V, but still easy to manuever into tight parking spaces. In addition to the extra room, the smooth and quiet ride sold me on the Rendezvous. The V6 engine has enough power for almost every situation. This mid-size SUV feels nimble driving in the city, but is very stable and comfortable on the highway. Body lean during cornering is well controlled. The standard rear back-up sensors are very helpful. With the 3rd row folding seat (optional on the CX), the ability to hold an occasional 7 people is a nice feature. Since Buick stopped advertising the Rendezvous some time ago, you should be able to get one at a great price like I did.

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  The best car I have ever owned. - 2004 Buick Park Avenue
  By nettiemaria - April 14 - 10:00 am

  Bertha, the white Buick - is now at 214,000 miles and still going strong. Its very solid - inside and out. Its a shame that GM disc. the 6 cyl. 3800 series motor b/c now - Bertha might be replaced with a crossover and they dont have those motors anymore - only smaller V6s. I have never done any kind of major repair - only maintenance, in fact - not as I should have. As long as one does regular minimum maintenance, This car is unstoppable!

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  Love my Enclave - 2008 Buick Enclave
  By Media M. - April 11 - 9:13 pm

  This car is so roomy and comfortable.My 64" nephew has plenty leg and headroom in the third row seating! The design is sleek and beautiful.We have the Cocoa metallic color. The car gets head turning stares and lots of comments from other drivers. We have driven in the mountains and it has great pickup on long climbs. Absolutely love the ability to manually shift from 1st to 6th gears. Fold down seats make lots of cargo space. Remote opening of the lift gate helps when you have large loads. It is so quiet thanks to Thinsulate insulation. The mirrors are large,easily adjustable. 12 cup holders means no spills. Numerous airbags make me feel safer,esp with kids in tow. We love the sound system. Great car!

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  Known Problems Cost Money - 2002 Buick Rendezvous
  By ldig - April 11 - 7:56 pm

  Ive owned my 2002 Rendezvous since the summer of 2001. I absolutely loved my Rendezvous up until last year. Once I reached about 50K, its been problem after problem. The A/C condenser went, engine antifreeze gasket leaks, and we had to replace the transmission and the cars computer. In addition, there were other costly repairs, like excessive tire wearing (never in an accident). Weve had to get two wheel alignments and four new tires twice in the past 18 months. Also had the AWD light come on, and of course that was broken. Another major hassle is a blockage in the igintion. Insert the key, and it hits an obstruction which is a metal piece which is suppose to retract, but doesnt.

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  Hey GM, bring back this beauty - 1996 Buick Riviera
  By Harry - April 11 - 2:14 pm

  Bought this great car in Fla. Flew down and drove it back to Ohio. Ive got to tell you I was in the most comfortable seat I have ever been in. I thought I was in a leather recliner. I was amazed by the impressive fuel mileage, 34Hwy. I think I may drive this vehicle till I stop driving. I get a lot of heads turning as the finish is showrom new and the buttery soft leather is a classic. I had to fight the wife for the keys. She hates the 2007 vehicle we just bought. General Motors had a great idea

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  I call this the Buick death trap - 2005 Buick Rendezvous
  By Laura - April 10 - 3:25 pm

  My car has had one problem after another. Do not buy one. I call it the death trap because I will drive down the freeway anywhere from 30 to 70 miles and my car will shut off. No warning signs! The worst part is it stops like I have slammed the brakes, eveything in my car goes flying. So there my car will sit from 70mph to 0 mph in a matter of seconds. You cant steer it off the road, you just have to pray no one hits you. GM can not fix it, so I guess I have to wear my seatbelt, and I am thinking of getting a bumper sticker letting people know my car will stop instantly to prevent accidents.

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  Excellent Vehicle - 2003 Buick Rendezvous
  By K. Peterson - April 7 - 3:29 pm

  The 2003 Redezvous is a great veichle to drive. The truck is more like a luxury minivan, it has everything that someone looking for luxury would want. It drives great, and is perfect for out of town driving.