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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  Ownership experience - 2006 Buick LaCrosse
  By Glen L. Wright - February 12 - 11:08 am

  I get 29.5 mpg highway and 19 city. Consumer reports says 17 mpg overall. All Japanese cars are rated higher so why does GM allow this. The engine is much quieter than many cars including Japanese so why does Consumer Reports say engine is coarse. The car handles beautifully and is fun to drive. The back seat could use a bit more head room and the trunk lid needs a handle. Overall, this car is excellent. I have owned three Buick Lasabres and they all got 30mpg or better highway driving. I drove from Mcintosh, FL to Franklin, NC a distance of 540 miles on one tank of gas. The fit of doors, trunk lid and hood is excellent . This heavy car is safer than many Japanese cars in a crash

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  A good Buick LaSabre - 2001 Buick LeSabre
  By Warren Rowe - February 11 - 4:19 pm

  My 2001 Buick LaSabre has been a trouble free car and very reliable. It has given me a pleasant comfortable ride. My next car will certainly be a Buick.

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  Luxury SUV at 1/2 the price - 2005 Buick Rendezvous
  By Alfred - February 10 - 11:07 am

  I never thought I would buy an American car until I saw the great quality ratings and how little this cost compared to a comparable RX330 or Acura MDX. This was a steal for the same quality and comfort!

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  More GM junk - 2003 Buick Rendezvous
  By ken kondrat - February 10 - 6:25 am

  We bought this vehicle because it has enough head room for me to drive it. I am 67" and I do not fit in many vehicles GM makes. The full size pickups have less head room. During warranty they changed 3 front wheel bearings, stereo speakers and 2 starters. Now at 88,000 miles the intake manifold gasket is bad and I am getting quotes from $400.00 to $1200. A piece of Mexican made junk!

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  Envision yourself in an Envision - 2016 Buick Envision
  By Karla Noonan - February 9 - 4:48 am

  Believe the hype!

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  Standard of Quality - 2007 Buick Rendezvous
  By Bill Chaky - February 8 - 9:15 pm

  Great looking. Great driving. Many features that no other SUV offers for the price. Looking forward towards many years of driving pleasure.

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  comfortable car - 2005 Buick Rendezvous
  By Joe01545 - February 8 - 10:00 am

  pretty much as advertised. plenty of up front room. good performance with biger engine. poor gas,14.1 cty 18.4 hywy.

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  Love my CXL - 2007 Buick Rendezvous
  By Julie - February 7 - 4:55 pm

  This is one of the best handling cars that I have ever owned. The Rendezvous CXL is very comfortable when driving in town or out on the highway. Huge amount gadgets for the price.

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  Vibration or shake - 2006 Buick Terraza
  By Eugene J Seifert - February 7 - 10:41 am

  This van has had vibration or shake from the first mile. Buick has tried to repair. Replaced tires 3.5 times. This helps but the problem is still there. Buick says this is acceptable and that all the Terraza have it. The van has been in the shop 6 times about 5 weeks total. It has less then 5000 miles on it

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  Everything I Need - 2006 Buick Rainier
  By frank - February 6 - 1:00 pm

  After driving a Cadillac Deville for the last 10 years the Rainier compares in features and comfort. I needed a vehicle with the luxury of a Cadillac and towing capacity of a truck. Behold the Rainier is the perfect vehicle for my needs.