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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  great car for the money - 2003 Buick LeSabre
  By kinch - August 28 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car and love it .. I paid 19.5k brand new on sale .. It is quiet , plenty of room, great fuel economy for a large car.. I get 30 on highway, 22 around town.. Nothing could compete for the price .. I looked at Toyota Avalon, but it was a lot more money.. and Offered nothing more ..

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  excellent - 2001 Buick Century
  By betty leister - August 27 - 2:00 am

  I enjoy my buick century in every way. It is easy to park and rides very nice.

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  Pleased as punch - 1997 Buick Riviera
  By Lilolelady - August 24 - 2:00 am

  This is our second Riviera. We traded a 2001 LeSabre for it and have not been sorry. Great ride, 30 mpg, quiet, comfortable and handles amazingly well for a front drive full size ride. Its a keeper.

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  Best car built for under $40,000 - 2006 Buick Lucerne
  By dave - August 24 - 12:26 am

  This drives like a much more expensive car. It is totally unlike my 2000 Lesabre, which I really liked. Great take-off great handling and pretty good mpg when I keep it under 70, which is pretty hard. One of the quietest cars I have been in.I extended the 4 year warranty to 6 years because I cant see ever wanting to get rid of this car.

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  Outstanding - 1992 Buick Roadmaster
  By Billy Little - August 22 - 2:00 am

  I have driven this car for 210,000 miles (it has 240,000)with no major problems. I have changed the starter, radiator and an airconditioning hose. Other than the normal tires, batteries and lube schedule, nothing else has been done. I still average 20 mile to the gallon and can not even tell it is running while it idles.

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  1997 Buick LeSabre - 1997 Buick LeSabre
  By frances riel - August 18 - 2:00 am

  extremely dependable vehicle. fuel efficient, quiet running roomy with many convenient features no major repairs - just general maintenance, i.e, oil changes, etc a very nice family vehicle

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  New 2003 Buick LeSabre - 2003 Buick LeSabre
  By Rick Thomasson - August 17 - 2:00 am

  After owning a 1997 Buick LeSabre, the first thing noticed on this car was the difference in the suspension. The 97 was way too soft. Go across a big bump with the car loaded, and it would bottom out. The handling of the 2003 is very positive. The suspension, although not stiff, gives the driver a feeling of being "in tune" with the car. All controls are very well located, easy to see, and easy to access. The radio controls and cruise control are conveniently located on the steering wheel. The 3.8 liter engine is a proven performer in the Buick line.

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  Best Car I Ever Had - 1996 Buick Skylark
  By foxhunter - August 16 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car new in June of 96 for my wife, who gave up driving shortly thereafter. I took it over, and its been the best car Ive ever owned. It handles very well, has had minimal maintainence and still looks good.

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  Power - 2002 Buick Regal
  By Buick Driver - August 16 - 2:00 am

  A lot of people have said how much they love the power of this car. You can only appreciate it if you drive it for yourself. But first drive everything else in its class. You will be amazed by the power of the supercharged engine. The amazing thing is how smooth the car is. It is the perfect blend of power and smooth ride.

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  My 2003 Rendezvous - 2003 Buick Rendezvous
  By crbmbb - August 13 - 10:00 am

  The appearance is great. The interior appointments are good and the vehicle has numerous features that I like. Performance is adequate, though wont win any drag races.