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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  Intrigue alternative - 2003 Buick Regal
  By formersuver1 - June 5 - 2:00 am

  Previous 2000 Intrigue owner, 3.5l engine--got "tricked" into test driving Regal LS w/ Leather and touring suspension package. Easily the equivalent of, if not better than the Intrigue in every aspect. I personally prefer the 3.8l engine over the DOHC 3.5l, because of vastly increased lower end torque. Tranny shifts a lot less in urban driving situations--i.e, accelerating off a ramp from 35-40 mph to 55-60 mph in a short acceleration lane. Plenty of oomph passing going from ca. 55 up to 75 to pass on two- lane roads. Fit and finish (of leather interior) absolutely flawless, as is exterior finish.

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  excellent - 1996 Buick Riviera
  By THE RIVERA MAN - June 4 - 2:00 am

  Best car I ever owned, I have had very little repairs, I change the oil every 3 to 5 thousand miles, and it runs great.

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  Awsum - 2003 Buick Regal
  By Thibedeau - June 4 - 2:00 am

  I expected a compass for the price I paid.Didnt miss it until the deal was done

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  Why you should buy a boring Buick... - 2001 Buick Century
  By MLW - June 4 - 2:00 am

  You may think this car is just for old folks. Well, its not. Im in my early 30s and was sold on this car after driving many different brands as rentals. For the price (under $20K) I got a great sedan with lots of standard features. It is the most comfortable car Ive driven for long hauls (500+ miles w/no leg soreness or neck stiffness at all). It is family friendly, very reliable, and looks good, too. Give it a chance... for the $ it is well worth it.

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  I love this car - 2004 Buick Park Avenue
  By MICHELL - June 2 - 10:00 am

  I could not have made a better choice. I jst love this car. The way it looks to the way it handles on the road. I love Peacock Buick and Bob Evers. He is the best salesman I ever had. No pressure at all. He knew every detail about the Park Ave Ultra , then I ever wanted to know....

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  Loving it, now - 2008 Buick Enclave
  By hawkeye - May 31 - 1:26 pm

  I love the way this vehicle drives! I would have given performance and fun to drive a "7" before I had the May 8th transmission update. This eliminated all hesitation and lugging. It holds the lower gears for instant throttle response. It came with a warning that it may decrease mpg by 0-2 mpg. I saw the 0. I get 22 on the interstate doing 76 mph. My wife got 23.5 mpg on a rural drive with small towns to go through. I get 14 mpg in around town/short trip driving. Its very reliable, too.

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  Reliable car - 1994 Buick Century
  By Jack39 - May 28 - 2:00 am

  We bought this car used with about 61,000 miles on it after searching for a vehicle that would have sufficient cargo room while driving like a car. We believe we got an excellent deal as it has been rock solid. Other than routine maintenance, our only repair costs were for a new muffler and alternator. The car has plenty of cargo room and a nice balance between power and gas mileage. Its increasingly difficult to find a mid-size wagon other than in the luxury range, so we plan to keep this one for 2-3 more years, at least as a second car.

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  Our 4th LeSabre - 2003 Buick LeSabre
  By Jim F - May 26 - 2:00 am

  This is the best one yet. The bouncy ride has been eliminated. Superior comfort and handling. Very roomy.

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  Nicer than Cadillac - 2003 Buick Park Avenue
  By taxdude - May 25 - 2:00 am

  Thats what everyone was saying at the Auto Show. Great American styling inside and out.

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  its not my fathers car anymore - 2003 Buick Century
  By golfnut - May 20 - 2:00 am

  This is the second Century I have purchased..I got the 1997 Limited and enjoyed it so much, I just got a 2003. Hands down, you get your moneys worth out of the vehicle. It is not the same Buick my father had in the 60s. This car if for every age. If you want to "sport it up" get the Regal. Large trunk, great visiability, great power for a small v-6. I drive 100 mile round trip to work and you cant ask for a better American Made Car.