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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  Bests the import minivans - 2007 Buick Rendezvous
  By Tom - March 21 - 7:44 am

  I almost leased a Honda mini van. The Buick has much nicer ride,handling, interior, radio, and its seating with the second row buckets is as good as the Honda all for a lower price. Im very pleased with this vehicle in my first month. With the bumper to bumper of 48mo/50k mi and the 60mo/100k mi waranty my only concerns are resale as it will not be continued in 08.

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  I MIss my Car! - 1995 Buick LeSabre
  By Inez Osmus - March 20 - 2:43 am

  It was totaled by roadrager and was injured in ribs and shoulder but my Mom was notinjured! Thatshows how good this car is. I was sitting up closer to steering wheel. Im shorter than her. I was just learning to drive and she felt this car would be safest! I hope to find another Buick Le Sabre in mid 90s or maybe a Park Ave. It had gold leather and sure miss it as is best for my back! Dont care for bucket seats anymore, hurt the back way too much!

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  Poor A/C Performance - 2006 Buick Terraza
  By dbrown - March 19 - 5:02 pm

  The overall experience has been pretty good. However the A/C has gone out several times. It will eventually correct itself but does no good on long trips. Even the dealers couldnt figure out what to do. I would not suggest this vehicle to anyone until Buick gets the A/C figured out. Very disappointed in this vehicle.

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  Most Comfortable Car for the Price - 2007 Buick Rainier
  By KN - March 19 - 1:29 pm

  My husband and I love this car. The ride is incredibly smooth and the comfort is beyond those in the same price range. There is plenty of room for a family.

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  Owner of 03 Lasabre and 06 Lucerne - 2006 Buick Lucerne
  By Julius L. Brown - March 18 - 10:59 am

  Seat belts cuts into plastic where it comes out of the holder. Should be a harden ring of plastic or metal to stop this. This has already been replaced one time and it is cuting in again. Where headliner comes to the back glass there should be a finish molding strip. I also have an 03 Buick Le Sabre which is better designed, has a valet key and a button on the door to unlock the trunk which is really nice. The 06 Lucerne is inconvient to use the fob or go in the glove compartment to unlock the trunk.

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  Love it - 2006 Buick Rainier
  By Joyce - March 18 - 1:05 am

  I am so happy with my new truck. I went from a 1999 Tahoe to this. There is nothing that comes close to the comfort this truck offers. It is easy on the eyes and you will find your self not wanting to pull up in the garage.

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  Le Sabre review - 1990 Buick LeSabre
  By Chris S. - March 17 - 12:34 pm

  Great car to own, drive and work on. Being a mechanic I find this car overall a great car. Most tasks are relatively easy and for its age the car still looks and drives like a three year old car. I and previous owners were easy on the car, which helps a lot. My car has a great pick- up smooth ride, and is good looking. What else can you hope for?

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  2005 Terreza - 2005 Buick Terraza
  By darin - March 16 - 5:24 pm

  Have had bad front brakes at 18,000. Dealer told me that the pads had heat glazed and wanted $290 for new pads. Put new pads on myself. Car still shaking when braking at 25,000 miles. Headlights and dashlights flicker when accelerating. Replaced radio and DVD player once at 10,000 miles. Not happy with it overall

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  Surprise SUV - 2007 Buick Rendezvous
  By Guy - March 15 - 9:45 pm

  My wife fell in love with it. I was lukewarm at first. I have been converted, it is a great all around vehicle. We have owned 7 different SUVs and this is the best riding ever. 5,000 miles and not one problem. GM got this one right and now they are set to discontinue it and replace it with a totally different vehicle.

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  It Feels Like a Vette - 1998 Buick Regal
  By rey - March 15 - 7:38 am

  Great car. I bought this because of the power I hoped it would have and it has proved me right. The gas mileage is OK but the fun of driving the car makes it all worth it.