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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  Worst car ever owned - 2002 Buick Rendezvous
  By melissa - January 30 - 2:10 am

  This is the worst and most unsafe car I have ever owned or driven! Heard this was a flop from GM. The car rocks like a boat when driving and on highways the car is pushed when passing of a truck or bigger vehicle. Computer system in this car is a nightmare! Constantly in the shop! Biggest and costliest mistake!

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  Love the Rendezvous - 2007 Buick Rendezvous
  By bobbyolashuk - January 27 - 9:06 pm

  We purchased the Rendezvous and absolutely love the vehicle. The riding comfort is unbelievable. The performance thus far has been great.

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  Disappointed in Buick - 1997 Buick Riviera
  By Bruce - January 27 - 1:03 pm

  Bought as a dealer certified vehicle. Transmission went out in 5 months at 79,000 miles and at 86,000 miles intake, power steering, old pan, and transmission pan all leaks and will cost more to fix than trade value. Car was serviced every 3000 miles

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  Have owned 3 years with very few problems - 2002 Buick Rendezvous
  By adelphi - January 24 - 7:03 pm

  I bought my Rendezvous used in 5/2004 for $17K and have had only one problem. The left front bearing went and was repaired under warranty. It has been a very reliable car, and is superb in the snow. I currently have 66,000 miles on it and no problems. I recommend buying a used one with an extended warranty. The gas mileage is very good for a truck this size. I get about 19/20 mpg average. None of the truck chasis SUVs can come close to the comfort and handling of this SUV. Its not perfect, but its a steal if bought used. Go ahead and compare it to the Pilot, even MDX, its that good.

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  Very nice Buick - 2007 Buick Lucerne
  By thomasw - January 24 - 2:44 pm

  I have found a few very minor things that are annoying but nothing that would keep me from buying another Lucerne. I have not had the car back to the dealer for any problems since I purchased the car in March.

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  A Great Car - 2006 Buick Rendezvous
  By Richard - January 23 - 12:50 pm

  Im on my second Rendezvous and will probably buy a third. I need a 7-seater and I dont like big boats (Suburban, etc.). I was looking for a smallish city car that can seat my whole family, and this is it. The price is about the lowest in class, the quality is good. And its small, which I love. I think only the Hyundai Santa Fe is smaller or cheaper, and Id never buy a Hyundai. It looks stylish on the outside, plenty of space and flexibility inside. Its not overdesigned. Just a good car. Its interesting to me that the customers rating for this car was so much higher than the editors rating. Maybe the editors need to drive it again.

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  Awesome pure outlandish luxury vehicle - 2004 Buick Rendezvous
  By IMJEWELEE - January 22 - 9:14 pm

  Went to CarMax and they had everything under the sun to test drive and when I saw it, love at first sight! This vehicle is as close to a Lexus as you will ever get! Heated seats, XM radio, sunroof, reclining rear seats, and 3rd row total of 7 people. Out of all the vehicles I have owned, I am 43, this is the best! Cant wait to take this baby to Disney World. I have already sold my friends on this and they want one bad! Heads up is totally boss and the two tone paint and shiny chrome turns heads! God bless America!

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  The car that lasts forever - 1998 Buick Regal
  By Robert Standen - January 22 - 4:55 pm

  This car has served my family well. For 9 years it has been extremely reliable which I wouldnt expect from a Buick. We have rarely put money into the car. The electronic displays for the heat/ac died a few yrs ago and it was over $600 to fix (we didnt) and the back inside door panels are coming off with very little backseat use. Those are my only complaints. It really is a great car.

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  Nice Ride! - 1990 Buick Electra
  By andy - January 22 - 2:55 pm

  This car is a great car for the money. The 3800(3.8L) is a great motor and has been known to go over 200k miles. Good power, and mpg. It gets 28mpg hwy. In a big car, thats sweet!

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  From BMW to Buick? - 2007 Buick Rendezvous
  By adamsmith1 - January 21 - 12:49 pm

  I am an owner of a BMW M5 and an Audi S4. But I needed a vehicle with genuine luggage capacity for a vacation. I rented a Rendezvous CXL. I really liked it. My wife really liked it. Even our college-bound son admitted he liked it.The Rendezvous offered very comfortable seats and comfortable ride, quiet and reasonable horsepower, though I always would like more. It provides a great view and command of the highway and there was no difficulty in handling city driving. I had been considering the purchase of a BMW X5 as an SUV but I am now seriously considering a Rendezvous CXL, or Buick’s successor to the Rendezvous, the Enclave. Congratulations to a fine American car.