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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  2000 Mile - 2002 Buick Rendezvous
  By ducksrus - November 7 - 10:00 am

  The car has performed well and been without mechanical of assembly problems. One trip of 1000 miles taken, ride slightly more uncomfortable than Park Ave. Air cond a bit weak in 90 degree temp. Overall it performs well and handles well on highway and city. Be cautious of considerable blind spot on right side, this may not be uncommon in the SUVs but it takes somme adjustment. Seats are a bit weak for this type of vehicle.

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  Right off the bat - 2004 Buick Rendezvous
  By holdinmybreath - November 4 - 10:00 am

  400 miles on a brand new Buick and I come up with an oil leak. I thought buying new would eliminate problems like this (for a few years anyway). All of a sudden the extended warranty doesnt sound so bad. This thing is going to have to be perfect for awhile to regain my confidence.

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  Pretty but Uncomfortable - 2007 Buick Lucerne
  By Laurie - November 2 - 6:42 pm

  Bought it because it was pretty and felt comfortable. After a week of driving to and from work (40 miles per day), my lower back began to hurt. After three weeks I was unable to drive the car. Driver and passenger seats have no lumbar support. Back seat is comfortable. Traded cars with my husband. He now has to drive with cushions on back of seat. Dealer was of no help. They recommended having an upholsterer rebuild the seats which we will try. We like the very quiet ride and many of the features. Headliner is of poor design with raw edges front and back. Cup holder design is poor.

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  How old are you? - 1996 Buick Century
  By boshsb - October 13 - 11:44 pm

  Car is a good first car with outdated styling(they kept the body from the early 80s to mid 90s) and bad handling. Bad understeer tendency that is exaggerated by wet weather. I got the car at 90k and killed it around 115k. Stock struts are miserable and I killed a total of two front pair. Went through 8 tires on it (1sets rear, 3 front) until it finally died, the differential went out, but not before the rear window motors starred going (hence not my fault, the diff was). If you are good though, it can out handle a Civic due to its ability to power out of turns. It can do burnouts, drifts and anything else you make it do, but it will fight you all the way.

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  My Buick Rating - 2007 Buick Lucerne
  By H.Higdon - October 8 - 2:48 pm

  With a few exceptions the Lucerne is a fantastic automobile. It drives and rides like a dream and is the quietest vehicle I have ever ridden in. The drawbacks: visability is poor - cant see where the front or rear is in the case of parking - windows too high obstructing visibility in tight parking areas, cant see parking slot markings. Dont campare vehicle with its competition in close proximity because the rough sounding 3800 V6 just doesnt sound like something coming from a real classy car. Gas mileage is also 6 to 7 MPG less than my 03 Lesaber with same engine/trans, etc. Softer leather on the seats would also help. Even with these problems, its a fine road car.

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  It is not a Park Avenue by any standard - 2007 Buick Lucerne
  By Terry - September 18 - 6:39 pm

  The seats are too small and the seats do not cool as they should. The entry and exit system is a laugh. The only real problem I have had is vibration. I took it back to the dealer, but it did not help. It is not a good buy at $33000.

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  Thought Rendezvous was a great deal - 2005 Buick Rendezvous
  By 2005 rendezvous cx - September 3 - 10:09 am

  Now there is a unusual sound that comes from the engine and the car shakes if we drive over 75mph. This vehicle is now we realize made for the first time in 2002, it doesnt have a long history of good record like lasting long. We still own a 96 regal and a 01 century and both of them drive superb. We heard great things about the Rendezvous from friends but they already returned theirs because he was on a lease. The sound for the bass in the newer Buicks are horrible, which includes the 05 Rendezvous. Seems like a great car in the beginning but not really good.

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  All U, but no S in this SUV - 2002 Buick Rendezvous
  By byebyebuick - September 2 - 10:00 am

  The 3.4L engine is the same as the several hundred pounds lighter GM minivans, and the mismatch shows badly at the first steep hill ascended. Even worse, the stress of occasional uphill driving upon the under-powered engine causes excessive heating and strain on the engine and transmission. The result in my case was a blown transmission after 14000 miles. And this was AFTER a complete engine replacement due to an improperly installed radiator causing three overheats and a blown head gasket. Surprise! For 2005 GM is putting a new engine/transmission in the Rendezvous. Perhaps worth a second look at that point.

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  Falling apart - 2007 Buick Lucerne
  By thirty year owner - August 30 - 8:52 pm

  I have had the car only 600 miles and today as I opened the front driver side door the door handle pulled out of the door frame. It took me a good while to try to get it back in so that I could get into the car. I finally did but have no idea whether the same thing will happen again. I have just had it into the dealer to repair a dent in the make ready opearation and hate to think about having it tied up for another long trip to the dealer. Are others having trouble indicating such sloppy workmanship? Such a mishap makes me wonder whether I can trust the car or not. The so-called cool seats do not cool much of the seat.

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  Stranded - 2002 Buick Rendezvous
  By kerap - August 28 - 3:11 pm

  Drove my Rendezvous with about 80k on a 4 1/2 hour journey into Northern Michigan--an hour away from our destination the "Hot Coolant" light came on. Blew a head gasket--now What? Have had a wheel bearing replaced under recall, rear hatch replaced under recall, now a $1500 head gasket, have had problems with a/c, hard to find tires. Great fun to drive and comfortable, but would I buy another...um....Not a chance!