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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  also a good teen car - 1995 Buick Century
  By teen_buick_driver - January 26 - 2:00 am

  this car in my opinion was the best value for my dollar, it was the best buy for only 4000, it was the newest with the less mileage of 97000, which to some may seem a lot, but i am hopeful it will last as long as my grandparents 92 did of 180000 miles, i love the acceleration, and comfort feel of it, i enjoy getting on freeways, all in all a great/excellent car

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  02 LeSabre Custom - 2002 Buick LeSabre
  By jogster - January 26 - 2:00 am

  Always wanted one finally bought one. Should have done it 10 years ago. Some call it an "old persons" car. I first drove one at 42 and discovered why - they are very sensible vehicles. If youre looking for "chick magnet" or "hot rod", move on or purchase a "fun car" with the money you save over other vehicles of the LeSabres type.

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  My Dream Car - 1995 Buick Century
  By lynda - January 25 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car as a used car in August of 1997 with 42000 miles on it, so they must have been mostly highway miles. It now has 85000 miles on it 5+ years later. It has been a very reliable car. I have replaced the battery, brakes, muffler, and exhaust. This car always starts quickly and has been kept in the garage during the time that I have owned it.

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  Park Avenue owner of 2 years - 2005 Buick Park Avenue
  By wb8rni - January 24 - 10:00 am

  I get 32 miles per gallon on the highway. The interior is very comfortable. At 6-2", I enjoy having headroom with the seat-back fully up. It handles well on wet and dry roads at freeway speeds even during heavy wind and storm.

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  2004 Ultra - 2004 Buick Park Avenue
  By Joe Pratt - January 24 - 10:00 am

  Performs as better than my last Ultra. Gas milage/performance are superior as you get both with this vehicle. The Ultra gives the buyer Most available options from GM for the lowest cost i.e. Stabilitrack, heads up display, 12 disc CD player, built in phone, leather interior, sun roof, chrome mag wheels, and many other options.

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  My 2004 Buick Rendezvous. - 2004 Buick Rendezvous
  By CKARIZONA - January 24 - 10:00 am

  We have owned our Buick Rendezvous for about 15 months. The ONLY thing I do not like about this car is the design of the rearend. I do not like seeing all of the undercarriage exposured. It is fun to drive and very comfortable seating. I have even had the opportunity to set in the rear seating. For an adult it seats 7 comfortably.

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  Mr TOM URCIUOLI - 2005 Buick Rendezvous
  By THOMAS URCIUOLI - January 24 - 10:00 am

  VERY STYLISH APPEALS TO YOUNG AND OLD. HANDLES LIKE A BABY CARRIAGE. USES MORE GAS THEN EXPECTED, BUT ENGIN IS SMOOTH AND QUIET. DRIVING BUICKS SINCE 1959, ALL NEW, AVG 5 YEARS THEN TRADE IN. THE LAST 3 WERE LEASES. IM FEARFUL THIS IS MY LAST, DUE TO HIGH PRICES AND FIXED INCOME. HOWEVER IF YOU NEED A CROSS BETWEEN SUV AND SEDAN THE RANDEVOUS IS THE CAR FOR YOU.

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  1994 Skylark custom sedan - 1994 Buick Skylark
  By Jarcys - January 24 - 2:00 am

  I think it`s a great car, handles very good, drives excelent and i have on it 104000 miles. It had a previous owner but that car is in outstanding condition considering it`s mileage. That car almost drives it self

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  Great! - 2000 Buick Regal
  By dvillars - January 21 - 2:00 am

  I like the superior smooth ride compared to others in its class. It feels like luxury without the luxury price.

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  Abboud Regal Is A Great Buy - 2003 Buick Regal
  By 02Regal Owner - January 20 - 2:00 am

  I compared the Joseph Abboud Edition Regal to several imports that sell for thousands more. I am glad I saved the money. This is a great car.