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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  Surprising Luxury - 2002 Buick Rendezvous
  By Kaarli - July 15 - 10:00 am

  Buick Rendezvous is the perfect vehicle for a family looking for a stylish, quality vehicle with a great ride and storage. The exterior resembles an SUV, but the interior offers all the functionality of a luxury sedan. I love all the compartments - to store my belongings and my passengers. I have the optional 3rd row seat, which is great for hauling around my kids friends from soccer! The Rendezvous is functional for every day use, but also great for longer trips - its very comfortable. A family vehicle youre not afraid to show up in - whether its your high school reunion or the new hot restaurant in town. Highly recommend it!

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  Hot - 2006 Buick Lucerne
  By Maury - July 14 - 12:40 pm

  New warranty great improvement. What a feeling of luxury and at a modest price! Handles like a dream on the open road, fantastic steering responce with little roll on normal curves. Plenty of power even with V6 loaded heavily, but will not compete with V8,s of 300 horsepower. Interior identical to Cadillac with same features and controls. Very quiet!

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  An awesome vehicle - 2000 Buick Regal
  By Spike - July 11 - 2:00 am

  I rented a Buick Regal last year and was pleasantly surprised to discover it was a really cool car with great performance and a sporty personality. After test driving a lot of other cars, including Mercedes, BMWs, Suburus, Mazdas, etc., I decided to buy a 2000 Buick Regal last week. So far I am totally in awe of this incredible vehicle. The funny part for me is how many people laugh when I tell them I bought a Buick. The image of Buick as a car for Alzeimers patients is locked in peoples heads. But the joke is on them. This car is outstanding in every way, and surpasses other vehicles that cost two or three times as much.

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  Drop Dead Gorgeous - 2008 Buick Enclave
  By smd - July 9 - 4:33 am

  I bought my Enclave in late February. I have never even considered a Buick, (always thought of as a grannys car), until I saw the Enclave. I knew it was what I wanted. I drove to many dealerships for about 5 months to see all the colors they had to offer before choosing. I have the White Diamond Tricoat and 19" chrome wheels. It is absolutely head-turning gorgeous. I drive my cars for a very long time (10-12 yrs) before buying a new one so I thought about it a long time before I was sure that this was what I wanted. Im glad I choose it. My kids love it. It it fully loaded with Cashmere leather. I get plenty of stares especially because the White Diamond is so hard to come by.

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  ONE GOOD BUICK - 2002 Buick Century
  By billyboykeyser - July 6 - 2:00 am

  I HAVE NOW OWNED THIS CAR FOR ONE YEAR AND STILL LOVE IT LIKE THE DAY I GOT IT... THE CAR DRIVES SO WELL AND LOOKS LIKE NEW... I LOVE THIS CAR AND WILL STAY WITH BUICK FOR MANY YEARS TO COME..

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  Worthwhile - 2000 Buick Regal
  By Guamvet1 - July 5 - 2:00 am

  Good ride with excellent fuel economy for engine this size. Can easily average 30MPG on Interstates.

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  Sporty & Luxurious - 2016 Buick Envision
  By PC Schlegel - July 1 - 2:54 pm

  Love this car from the sleek exterior, the rich interior & its sporty ride. The 19" tires hug the road and its so quiet inside the car. All the little extras make this car a ride to remember. Full panoramic moonroof, Bose speakers, all the safety features you would want. Tailgate lifts easily with your foot or automatically with keyfob. Love the articulating headlights!

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  Beats My Wifes Mercedes 380 SEL - 1994 Buick Roadmaster
  By Mario Bruno - July 1 - 2:00 am

  I was going to sell my Buick because I bought a Mercedes 380SEL for my wife. After driving the Benz,I decided to keep the RoadMonster. The ride is plush without sacraficing handling. It also feels that it can haul a trailer and take a beating the car sits on a ladder frame, very durable. Power is great with great gas milage on regular fuel. Realize we are talking about a car that weighs 4500 lbs, the Benz weighs 4600 lbs.The ride on the Benz is OK you do feel the road and it bumbs, Europian.If you want to hopup the car look at Impala SS.Weve put 45,000 commute miles since we bought it 19 months ago with no major repairs done or in sight.

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  A Great Car - 1995 Buick Riviera
  By GrannyConnie - July 1 - 2:00 am

  This has been a wonderful car... it still looks as good as brand new and still drives and handles wonderfully. Ive always gotten many compliments on it, and in the eight years Ive had it, have had no major repairs needed. Brakes, battery, general maintenance.

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  Been fine with me - 2003 Buick Century
  By Burke1 - June 27 - 2:00 am

  This is my 4th Century from same dealer. smoothness and trans noise improved from my 98. Actually I like one model with option custom or limited to select from. Seat lumbar improved since I have a lower back problem. Price is Ok will do it again.