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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  rayed solid 10s - 1999 Buick Regal
  By mlongjohn - August 13 - 2:00 am

  we are extremll pleased with everything about this car.my parents own cadillacs and this car rides nicer and out preforms it.i wouldnt think of buying anything else but another buick regal supercharged model.simply put its the best kept secert on the auto market.

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  Revelation - 2000 Buick LeSabre
  By John Wilde - August 9 - 2:00 am

  The Buick LeSabre is a revelation. Its quiet, comfortable, powerful, reliable, economical and attractive, a great road car but also an easy car to in which to drive around town. Even my thirty something daughter was impressed.

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  MARX - 2004 Buick Century
  By madhur - August 8 - 2:00 am

  IT IS EXECELLENT. BUY IT. YOU WONT REGRET IT. IT IS VERY LUXURIOUS. IT IS VERY RELIABLE AND HASNT BROKEN DOWN. IT HAS SUPERB HANDLING. I HAVE NEVER HAD ANY PROBLEMS WITH THIS CAR OR ANY OTHER GM CAR IN MY 25 YEARS OF DRIVING.

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  Great on freeway - 2003 Buick LeSabre
  By seniorone - August 8 - 2:00 am

  The only thing I can say is I traded on Friday and left on a 2500 mile trip on Monday and loved the ride. I did have a problem with the cruise control. It pops off and sometimes will not come on. I have an appointment to get it repaired. Lots of room and ave. approx 30 miles per gal. Hard to beat in a car this size. Wish I had bought a Buick last time I got a new car.

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  Supercharged Regal - 1998 Buick Regal
  By Todd Robinson - August 7 - 2:00 am

  Great car! No problems at all mechanically -- only normal maintenance. The GS Regal is a lot of fun to drive and surprisingly fast. Very good overall handling and able to handle tight manuvers at high speeds. Every bit as good as the Hondas and Toyotas Ive driven but definitely the better overall package. I would highly recommend the Regal GS!

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  1992 Buick Century Wagon - 1992 Buick Century
  By George Ehrhardt - August 6 - 2:00 am

  Best Automobile I have ever owned! And I have newer ones. 12 years and 51,000 miles later, it looks like new inside and out. Only had to replace an alternator, A/C and brakes. Everything else is original condition (tires excepted).

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  New owner - 2004 Buick LeSabre
  By Cunningham, David - August 5 - 2:00 am

  I found this car to be quite and quick, I like the smooth ride and all the room inside. The engine is quite and has the power.

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  Love it - 2008 Buick Enclave
  By Kim - August 1 - 7:50 pm

  After checking the Acura, Saturn and GMC crossovers we decided on the Enclave. We absolutely love it . Only two complaints I have so far is that it is so new some of the accessories are not available yet from Buick. (ie weather mats in matching interior color - only black are avail) The only other negative is the sluggishness when shifting. Other than that it is the best ride I have ever owned!

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  Best car I ever owned! - 1997 Buick Riviera
  By freiselt - July 31 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car when I took a job that required a lot of travel and wanted a comfortable car for long trips. It has fulfilled that task very well. Reliability has been great. Ive only had to replace the water pump, spark plugs, etc. Normal maintenance. Changed oil every 3,000 miles and it has always gotten me around in style and comfort.

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  I like my Ultra - 1997 Buick Park Avenue
  By Cimunique - July 24 - 10:00 am

  I bought my first Buick Ultra in 1992. I drove it until it 1997 when it was in an accident. I didnt want to get rid of it because I really liked the body style. I did not have any problems with that vehicle until until I was hit. The Ultra I have now is great like the one before. I make sure all the maintainence is done timely and it has been a job to own. It is a great vehicle. When I buy another car it will more than likely be a Buick Ultra. I dont know of a better vehicle.