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:

• 

  Exceptional and Comfortable Value - 1999 Buick Park Avenue
  By New CA Buick Fan - March 8 - 10:53 pm

  Purchased this car used from a dealer, one owner, with only 43,000 miles on it. The interior looks brand new and the exterior is nearly flawless. Amazing amount of car for the money and a much better performer than the Lincoln Town Car or Toyota Avalon. Amazingly comfortable front power seats, great fuel economy (30 hwy), lots of room everywhere and a pleasure to drive. The Park Avenue soaks up bumps very well and provides a comfortable ride. Maintenance costs very low and also very inexpensive to insure. I think Im a new Buick fan!

• 

  Regal LS Review - 2002 Buick Regal
  By jwellinger - March 8 - 2:00 am

  Wellmade, responsive engine, great driving comfort, finish superb, cant find fault for a vehicle in this price class, a best buy.

• 

  Really Getting My Moneys Worth - 1990 Buick LeSabre
  By Lantaleb - March 5 - 2:00 am

  I purchased my car new in 1990. I have been very pleased with the performance from the car. It still has most of its original parts. I just turned 200,000 miles today (3-5-03) and Im glad to see that someone has gotten 265,000 miles on theirs. Even though I take a lot of ribbing from family and friends, I plan to drive it til it wont go any further. I have looked around at cars from time to time, but none have the ride that my Buick has. I painted the car 4 years ago because the silver paint was chipping. Other than that I have been extremely happy with my car.

• 

  a nice automobile - 1999 Buick Park Avenue
  By mat1776 - March 5 - 2:00 am

  Very pleased with this Park Avenue. It has all the "bells and whistles", making it a comfortable ride on long trips. Have put just under 30,0000 miles in a little less than one year. No problems of consequence - only a small glitch with the electronic odometer. Pleasantly surprised at the gas mileage - well over 30 mpg on the highway. Also, surprised with the quality of road feal. It handles very well on curves and hills at high speeds.

• 

  Not too shabby - 1992 Buick Century
  By Jaya - March 2 - 2:00 am

  I like this vehicle, and its very comfortable. The problem is that I keep closing the door on the seatbelt which is attached to the doors. There is also no cupholders. Overall, its a great car. It drives smoothly, theres powerseat, and everything else is just fine. The car is roomy, and the trunk is very big.

• 

  THIS CAR ROCKS - 1996 Buick Riviera
  By Billy-Bob - February 26 - 2:00 am

  I have over 150000 miles on this car, and it still runs beautiful.. im a traveling salesman, and the company wants to get me a new car, but i dont want one, i love this one too much. from the heated leather to the supercharged V6, this car has it all.. my sunroof is always open and the stereo system in this car is great. when im home, my 17 yr old boy, loves to drive it. Im going to be keeping this car until it wil cost me to much to get a new one!

• 

  THIS CAR ROCKS - 1996 Buick Riviera
  By Billy-BOB - February 26 - 2:00 am

  I have over 150000 miles on this car, and it still runs beautiful.. im a traveling salesman, and the company wants to get me a new car, but i dont want one, i love this one too much. from the heated leather to the supercharged V6, this car has it all.. my sunroof is always open and the stereo system in this car is great. when im home, my 17 yr old boy, loves to drive it. Im going to be keeping this car until it wil cost me to much to get a new one!

• 

  Excellent value - 1998 Buick Regal
  By Bushwack - February 26 - 2:00 am

  Ergonomically, this car is great. In fact, for $26K its difficult to complain about anything. All in all a great value. But...I do plan on selling the car in a couple years and wish its resale value would be much better and comparable to other cars in its class.

• 

  I love this car! - 1995 Buick Riviera
  By trevman - February 24 - 2:00 am

  I really enjoy my 1996 Riveria. Its been really good to me, the only thing is that the trunk is starting to rust, but i guess thats no biggy. The interior has hardly any wear and the outside is equally perfect. i have the supercharged version and i sometimes race it, and i kick a$$ with it.. i really do love this car!

• 

  Buick Regal LSE - 2000 Buick Regal
  By NJDevilsFan - February 24 - 2:00 am

  Rides and handles great. No serious performance or repair problems. Only issue is that the "check engine" light seems to come on whenever I change brands of gasoline. Smmoth ride and very quiet.