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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  2004 Rendezvous Ultra - 2004 Buick Rendezvous
  By Michael M - January 20 - 8:28 pm

  Great all around vehicle. Fun for outdoor activities and cleans up nicely for an evening out. I think that the Ultras upgraded exterior package really dresses up the vehicle. Very comfortable ride on road trips. I dont see very many Ultras. Any idea how many were actually manufactured?

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  A Nice Buggy - 1991 Buick Roadmaster
  By shelley - January 20 - 2:42 pm

  I have had this car for 5 years and have enjoyed driving it. Lots of room for kids and vacation luggage. Its on its second engine with 200,000 miles on it and running good.

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  Unbelievable - 2007 Buick Rendezvous
  By Gabster - January 20 - 10:28 am

  Buick is a step ahead of other competitors, even with GM. I got the CX with all the options available on it. I like the CX because the exterior mirrors are shiny black. The CXL uses body color. I leased this car and was very surprised. It is a luxury SUV with an msrp of $30,000. I leased it for under $400 sign and drive. I have never driven a car that is so refined and drives so smoothly. Another thing going for it is the standard rear park assist. It really helps avoid accidents. Most luxury cars like Benz dont even offer it standard. I cant live without OnStar anymore. I always forget my cell, but I dont need to worry anymore. Leaving my keys in car is a problem too, but no worries anymore. It has features that only the Americans can think of like comfort level and huge compartments. The second row has 2 center pieces that fold away. That means that this car is really wide. It is going to last a long time, will buy again

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  Great older car - 1990 Buick Riviera
  By Make them like this - January 19 - 4:27 pm

  I bought it from its original owner. Its been kept in the garage its whole 17 years. I love this car. You can not buy a car built like this anymore. Solid. I have 2 other cars new and a truck. By far this is the one I like the most.

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  18K later - 2005 Buick LaCrosse
  By neshapop - January 17 - 10:19 am

  Here is my feedback after 18 K mi./28K km. So far the car was problem free, had bearing assembly replaced a few weeks after the purchase but it was a minor issue. Great fuel economy on the highway but a bit thirsty in the city. Great ride and build quality, very satisfied with the vehicle. Outstanding value for the money.

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  Beautiful, Competent, Comfortable - 2005 Buick LaCrosse
  By Steve Rau - January 17 - 3:26 am

  I am thrilled every day to look at this car in the driveway, especially to hear it running (it has the remote start feature) and get into a cool car on a hot day. Yesterday, I was able to get into a toasty warm car with warm seats, because of the seat heaters that also automatically came on when I pressed the remote start button from inside my house. All the great gadgets work perfectly! Ive had the car over 18 months, and have had no problems, despite the wealth of technology.

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  Couldnt love it more! - 2017 Buick Enclave
  By Linda - January 16 - 9:03 pm

  I love my Enclave, it is my second one. Beautiful, comfortable, stylish and classy. These are just a few words that describe my 2017 Buick Enclave.

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  Greatest SUV ever! - 2008 Buick Enclave
  By Buickfan - January 16 - 8:33 pm

  We loved our Enclave before taking a 5400 mile road trip with 4 adults plus luggage, but now we wouldnt part with it for any vehicle on the road. For 5400 miles we averaged 20.2 miles per gallon, which we were really happy about since the vehicle was loaded. We drove through the Pennsylvania hills and the car performed beautifully - not a sign of the transmission hesitancy some people grouse about. The ride was superb, the carrying capacity was more than adequate, and the interior arrangement was really handy for all of the things we took.

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  Great Car! - 2001 Buick Century
  By none - January 15 - 5:47 pm

  I bought my Buick new. It was my first Buick but I was willing to take a risk. It is much better than the Fords I owned in the past. I have 104k miles on it now and it had no trouble. I think that I need a new battery soon though. The car handles great in the snow. When this car was a year old, I was hit by a Chrysler PT Crusier into the left rear door. I was amazed that all there was a pin scratch that was hard to even see!

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  Stop Hating On The Encore! - 2016 Buick Encore
  By Stpo_Crying - January 14 - 7:40 pm

  If your looking for a street racing car or a $100,000 car this is not for you. The Encore has made Buick take a step forward. I used to hate Buick until we looked at and drove the 2016 Encore. Unlike some who leave reviews I actually own it and have been driving it for several months. We have put 4 people in it and drove from Atlanta to Clearwater Fl and had no complaints. I have had a person about 6 5" sit right behind my drivers seat which is back pretty far and they had enough room like they did in my 2005 Quest. I have no problems getting on the highway in Atlanta traffic. Hit the gas and it will go. Dont listen to people who base reviews on what they "think" the car does because they read how much Hp the car has. Thats whats the issue these days..everyone wants to go a million miles per hr but theres no need....Go join the nascar or indy car if you need to..Too many people getting killed because you want to do 100 on the streets..Anyways, the Buick Encore is a great ride and looks sharp. Dont listen to any reviews..just go to your local buick dealer and test drive one for yourself then YOU make your decision and your OWN opinion of it.....