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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  Another Great Big American Coupe - 1995 Buick Riviera
  By BigTexKahuna - December 14 - 1:22 am

  I bought this car from an old friend, and I remember the day he got it, so I know it well. Ive had it for one month, and I find driving it very enjoyable. The SC-V6 is powerful enough to effortlessly pull this big coupe, the tranny shifts smoothly. Amazingly quiet inside, leather seating is comfortable and very roomy throughout. Slightly short on headroom- definitely cant wear my cowboy hat while driving. Mine has the power split bench-seat option with column shifter. Changed struts, mounts and boots, so suspension is like new. Car is getting custom paint job. I have 18" chrome wheels and tires on order. Will have windows tinted soon and upgrade speakers. Overall a fun car to drive!

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  95 Buick Skylark - 1995 Buick Skylark
  By Linda - December 13 - 12:13 am

  Have been unable to find water leak in rain that causes water to set on driver side front floor. Anti lock brake dash light and service engine soon dash light keeps going on and then back off. Unable to find problem. Also had oil leak that was repaired, cost $900. Horn problem that was repaired and worked for 1 month, cost $280.

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  A car for the Regal. - 1999 Buick Regal
  By dan - December 12 - 11:32 pm

  I love my Buick! I have owned it for 7 years and it has low mileage and runs like its new. This car has so much power. It doesnt seem like it by looking at it. the interior design is conservative, and so is the exterior design but with a sporty look to it. Unless youre driving a luxury car with a massive engine under the hood, dont race me at a stoplight. I will win.

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  Best car we have ever had - 2002 Buick LeSabre
  By Drrodd - December 11 - 1:45 am

  This Buick is the best car my wife and I have ever owned. We bought it new and have had zero problems. It is very comfortable, quiet and safe on the road. Neither of us can find anything we do not like about this sedan. I am serious when I say we would not trade it on a Buick Lucerne even up -- and I have looked at the Lucerne and test driven the car. We also own a Cadillac SRX-4 and we would rather drive the Buick.

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  Lucerne is my choice over Avalon & Azera - 2007 Buick Lucerne
  By Robert Forgue - December 10 - 4:38 pm

  If a quiet comfortable ride is priority one, Lucerne CX will exceed expectations! Built on the same platform as Cadillac DTS it isolates the driver from minor road problems, while Avy & Azera do not! The Buick engineers have found the perfect balance between ride comfort and control in the CX model. For those who favor control over comfort the CXL has 17" tires and a firmer suspension yet delivers a great ride that is not harsh. Auto Level is standard(all models) and enhances the ride with any kind of load. The engine and transmission smootly deliver performance as needed,quietly and without a hint of the hesitation mentioned in other new cars. Highway mileage is 30 MPG

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  First 2500 km impression - 2008 Buick Enclave
  By DanielL - December 9 - 7:13 pm

  I have been driving my Enclave for just over 2500 km (~1500 mi) now in replacement of a Rendez Vous 2002. I really enjoy it. The drive is smooth, quiet and I find performance being acceptable for the size of the vehicle. Plenty of room for people and cargo. I like the overall usability of the cockpit; controls are easy to use and some are available on steering wheel, sliding arm support. Strongly recommend the car based on first impression.

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  I love my Lucerne CXS! - 2006 Buick Lucerne
  By Marcia - December 9 - 10:35 am

  I absolutely love my Lucerne CXS! Great ride for passengers! Day after day the Lucerne provides a comfortable and pleasing ride. If I do not drive it every day, I miss "Sophie" and she misses me! : ) This truly is an unexpected love affair with my car. I am a past multiple (14years) Chrysler mini-van Mom and was protesting my husbands strong encouragement for the purchase of the Lucerne CXS. (He recalled my delight when sitting in one at the Detroit & Grand Rapids Auto Shows) I continually receive favorable comments and inquiries from friends and complete strangers. (all ages/gender)

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  What a car - 2007 Buick Lucerne
  By ibrealfast - December 9 - 5:48 am

  I absolutly love the car! Its great looking and handles like a dream in the mountains. Gas milage is wonderful for a car this size ( over 20 in town and over 30 on the road) and I dont baby it. I did put red line oil products in it like i do everything I drive but the car is in my opinion just great. Ive had 6 Caddys (Devilles) and this car will not only beat them in a race but I think its more comfortable and is aproximately $20,000 msrp cheaper, so how good is that? What a value!

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  Long Term Review of the Super "Sleeper" - 1999 Buick Regal
  By JackY - December 8 - 2:41 pm

  I still love this car. My #2 son fights with me to drive it. Runs great, but of course, needs maintenance care as my car ages. As of this day, I have 130,000 miles on this car, 85% highway and 15% local (all local these past 3 years). At 80,000 miles the dash lights failed. I fitted interior LED dash lights. A $15 fix, cheaper than new interior light autodim controller. Transmission failed at 110,000 miles. Drive faded into neutral and stayed there. Replaced with new tranny. Replaced old, leaky engine manifold seals. Replaced worn-out front passenger wheel assembly. No wings, no lowering. I need to be incognito, and need pothole/snow clearance!

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  Great Crossover - 2006 Buick Rendezvous
  By Matt - December 7 - 5:55 pm

  We love our RDV! We chose the CXL FWD model in Amethyst. The fit and finish of the vehicle are great. The upgrades of the interior on the CXL that really sold us are the sunroof and the "bun" warmers. We are both tall (over 62") and the headroom and legroom are amazing for both the front and 2nd row!