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:

• 

  Buick Regal GS - 2003 Buick Regal
  By peetcool9 - June 26 - 2:00 am

  I love this car and is handles very well (with new tires). i find it wery comforatble and is very nice. this is my favorite car i own. the engine has a lovely roar at higher rpms and just makes you love the car.

• 

  My Lil Rendezvous - 2002 Buick Rendezvous
  By ft - June 25 - 10:00 am

  Ive driven this car from New York to Florida and back twice since I bought it and found it to be a sensational long distance running vehicle. I disagree with the road test editors opinions regarding the power of this vehicle. It had plenty power accelerating from 65 mph to 80 mph when I needed to pass other cars on the highway. Also, the gas mileage was extraordinary at 30 mpg. for the duration of both trips to Florida. I found the handling to be rather tight as compared to the Ford explorer and the Isuzu Rodeo which I have owned previously. I would strongly recommend this vehicle to anyone who is looking for a roomy, comfortable SUV like vehicle.

• 

  jAANA F MEEKS - 2003 Buick LeSabre
  By MEEKS - June 25 - 2:00 am

  I purchased my 2001 LeSabre approximately 16 months ago. It has been a real pleasure - not to mention excellent gas mileage. I wouldnt consider any car other than a buick.

• 

  Buick has raised the bar - 2018 Buick Enclave
  By H Williams - June 22 - 7:40 pm

  Purchased the 2018 Buick Enclave Avenir FWD after test driving the BMW X5 and Audi A7. Both the BMW and Audi are excellent vehicles but do not match the smooth quiet ride of the Avenir trim level of the Enclave. The interior gives the passengers an exceedingly quiet ride while moving effortlessly down the road. The sound system is just outstanding and the technology control panel is easy to learn and use. Passenger safety is enhanced with features that keep you at a safe distance from vehicles in front and blind spot awareness. Have not found a better value in this price range.

• 

  The Gran(dest) Buick Sport Sedan - 1992 Buick Skylark
  By ESumma - June 21 - 2:00 am

  This car is a rarity from Buick. There were several styling enhancements that made this vehicle special. The GranSport model made the workaday Skylark shine. It gave a special interior, exterior scheme, and performance oriented nature. The GranSport should be considered by anyone looking to purchase an older Buick for cheap thrills.

• 

  One Month Of Ownership - 2008 Buick Enclave
  By Peter Manchester - June 20 - 5:46 pm

  A thorough delight and living up to my highest expectations. I had considered the Lexus and Acura, but believe the Ecncave blows them away. It also puts the Mercedes to shame, and at a lesser cost! My only complaint is the lack of smoothness in the transmission, but based on all of its attributes I can forgive this slight flaw. This automobile is on a par with my Cadillac DTS!

• 

  2001 LeSabre Custom - 2001 Buick LeSabre
  By scobrn - June 17 - 2:00 am

  Ive had this car for 2 years now. Runs great. Ive never had a problem with it. Suspension is very smooth, but handling is still very good. Gas mileage is excellent for this size car. I get 30 MPG on the highway and just over 20 in the city.

• 

  Great Vehicle - 2004 Buick Rendezvous
  By John P Carl - June 12 - 2:00 am

  I have had this vehicle for 1 yr now and I love it, especially for winter driving. I live in upstate NY and we get lots of snow, this vehicle handles great.

• 

  I didnt think Id like it, but I do.. - 1994 Buick LeSabre
  By sharla - June 7 - 2:00 am

  Im not a teenager...39. I have driven SUVs for 6 years, and liked them, but my dad spotted this Buick, and said that it was a "great deal". I had my reservations. I drove it...felt like I was navigating a fish tank, but I coudnt deny the smooth ride, and the sure handling. I couldnt find anything mechanically wrong with it-at all. I bought the car, partly due to my dads well known ability to find a deal, and partly to trim down my expenses. This car has turned out to be very reliable, and comfortable. My kids even say they like it...imagine! Im glad now that I have it.

• 

  Nice car for the price - 2002 Buick Century
  By to44199 - June 7 - 2:00 am

  Quite and smooth ride. Acceleration and mileage are a good tradeoff. Turning and handling not as good as BMW or Audi but for half the price I can live with that.