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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  The "Baby Limo" - 1992 Buick Roadmaster
  By Joe Gray - March 6 - 11:56 pm

  I wanted a bigger safer car in 1997 then became 2nd owner at 68K miles. New tranny at 122K. New heater core at 130K. Two alternators, 3 or 4 mufflers. Rubber door trim wont stay on, I re- glue it, but looks OK if I dont wanna bother at the time. I rely on rear side view mirrors when changing lanes on the freeway - has a blindspot. Primary around town driving is in Drive, not OD. Ive bought tires once, highway, not all season. This car is not for sale and I drive it everyday.

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  Supercharged Fun - 1999 Buick Regal
  By 69goat - March 6 - 9:56 pm

  A V6 with V8 power and pretty good economy. Its really fun to drive, with great handling. Have a ball at a reasonable price.

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  Mr - 1992 Buick Century
  By dwyczalek - March 6 - 8:18 pm

  Great car. Purchased when it had 45,000 miles on it drove it until it had 135,000 miles on when my 17 year old daughter totaled it when she pulled left in front of a full size pickup. Didnt get a sratch on her, the car did a lot better in the accident than I expected. Really miss it. It was a great car, great mileage, was very dependable. Had great heat and A/C. I had the 3.3 engine had the power of a V-8. The only major problem I had with it was the crankshaft sensor went out on twice, other than that just performed normal maintenance. Seats still looked new didnt show any wear. I did notice a lot of people complained of no cupholders. It folded into the armrest but broke easily at $30

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  4 star - 2006 Buick Lucerne
  By M Frost - March 6 - 4:24 pm

  Great car. Ive owned 2. Need to more highway driving

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  Buick Lesabre - 2005 Buick LeSabre
  By al capone - March 5 - 8:03 pm

  The buick LeSabre is a terrific car in every way, but it has too stiff of a suspension system and seats are way to hard for a comfortable ride.

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  2011 LaCrosse - 2011 Buick LaCrosse
  By phil Sullivan - March 5 - 5:23 am

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  Do yourself a favour dont buy the RDV - 2004 Buick Rendezvous
  By AP - March 4 - 10:01 pm

  First GM vehicle and confirms why I always steered clear in the past. GM deserve their loss of market share, It this is the best they can do then they should give up now. Japanese and Europeans have them beaten on all fronts. All this topped off with appalling customer service, cant wait to get rid of this lemon.

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  Great Car - 2006 Buick Lucerne
  By cc079 - March 4 - 7:42 am

  If you are thinking of buying a foreign luxury car or a Cadillac DTS save your money and buy this fantastic automobile. The North Star engine is superb and the interior is extremely comfortable. The exterior always receives second looks. OnStar Direction and connections is a good service. Only complaint, why is Buick hiding this vehicle! Buick should be shouting the quality and ride of this car from the mountain tops.

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  Love this car - 1998 Buick Park Avenue
  By 1998 Buick Park Ave. - March 3 - 10:56 pm

  Gets 34 mpg on the road if you drive sensible. 22-25 mpg in town. Reliable, smooth handling, roomy, dependable, large trunk, great on trips, handles 5 tall or large people comfortably, plenty of leg room in the back

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  Best Car Ever! - 1996 Buick Riviera
  By Julie Freeman - March 2 - 8:12 pm

  First it must be understood that I have always loved cars, namely Firebirds and Rivieras. The Riviera was my ultimate dream car since I was 10. Bought my 96 Riv when I was 39 and I will never sell her. Dont even know if I can ever quit driving it. My Riv and I have a very special relationship. I take good care of her and she takes good care of me. Truly the car of my dreams. Light Adriatic Blue Metallic with medium blue leather and dash. Gorgeous!