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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  Great Job - 1997 Buick LeSabre
  By NYCBill - May 9 - 2:00 am

  Nice car. I love the new incentives. With $3000 cash back, it is truely an affordable luxury car and American too!

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  Great Road Car - 1998 Buick LeSabre
  By SMT - May 8 - 2:00 am

  After a recent 1,500 mile trip in two days, I can honestly say my husband and I were very comfortable the entire trip. Noticed another review for this model regarding losing coolant. Caveat, my son (an auto tech by trade) installed a new upper manifold in ours, specifically to PREVENT a future inherent problem with the coolant leaking into the engine. Buick corrected this problem in 1999 by installing both upper and lower manifolds. Like the car a lot!

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  Best Buy - 2002 Buick Rendezvous
  By jackjack - May 4 - 2:00 am

  Claims that the Rendezvous is underpowered are fiction. With a 1000 lb. load, I have driven this over several steep mountain passes at 75 mph and had power to spare. I road tested 17 mini & mid-size SUVs. This was the most comfortable with the best laid out interior. The gear shift is on the steering column and the parking brake on the floor where they belong leaving ample room for storage in the center console. Cargo space is superior, if there is no third seat. Plenty of storage space underneath. Interior is not sporty but efficient. Exterior design is the wave of the future. It will not become dated. Dont be fooled by the low ratings that Edmunds and Consumer Reports gave the Rendezvous.

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  Truly a crossover vehicle - 2002 Buick Rendezvous
  By EZSpirit - May 4 - 2:00 am

  Previously drove a GMC Yukon and loved it, but needed to downsize. My initial feeling in this vehicle was that I was in a spaceship once in the drivers seat. The ride is extremely smooth and the appointments on the interior and exterior are nice. I disagree thus far with Edmunds reviews that the RDV lacks engine power. I drive in the Metro NY/NJ area which requires rather fast acceleration onto highways and quick stops - this RDV handles both perfectly in my opinion. I drive at 70 mph and never felt that the vehicle wasnt keeping up. I have the third seat that folds down easily. Plenty of cargo room when necessary. Nice and easy entry and exit from this vehicle.

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  best american luxury car - 1996 Buick Riviera
  By mike swonger - May 2 - 2:00 am

  I love this car, its performance is great. Real comfortable, no problems yet. Everywhere I go I get compliments, and with is great design people mistake it for a brand new car.

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  great car - 1998 Buick LeSabre
  By Sam Mermelstein - April 28 - 2:00 am

  this car is a great car , i hope all of you buy it

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  Buick Regals are the best cars ever. - 1993 Buick Regal
  By Lukemc86 - April 24 - 2:00 am

  This car was my mostest favorite of all of my cars. I had a car before that died after a mere two weeks of my punishing use. The Buick has performed well up to speeds of 110 mph (thats all the further the speedometer goes). Theres plenty of room for all kinds of people, I had comfortably fit six people in my Regal with plenty of room.

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  Enclave - 2008 Buick Enclave
  By Madeline - April 23 - 6:10 am

  Its extremely quiet. The ride & handling are superior. It tows our 3500 lb. boat with the greatest of ease. Its truly a beautiful vehicle inside and out, and has all the bells & whistles. Just want to drive it all the time.

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  A Great American Bargain - 2002 Buick LeSabre
  By Fred Nesbitt - April 22 - 2:00 am

  Well built, tight, rattle-free, visually pleasing design inside and out. The seating and ride are VERY comfortable for both front and back seat passengers. Doors open wide with adequate space to enter and exit without difficulty, even for my parents in their 80s. The driving experience is very secure and completely free of unpleasant surprises.

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  Great value - 2003 Buick Regal
  By Bill T. - April 19 - 2:00 am

  This is a great value for a car that has so much to offer. A boulevard ride, great performance and brakes and an ergonomically correct instrument panel (everything is within easy reach).