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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  completely satisfied with 2003 to date - 2003 Buick LeSabre
  By kerr2 - January 19 - 2:00 am

  this is third buick- trade every 3 years-have been cmpletely satisfied with all 3 cars

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  Big Blue - 2008 Buick Enclave
  By schapman - January 18 - 2:36 pm

  We exhaustively shopped for this X- over vehicle, and selected this Enclave in Ming Blue (hence, "Big Blue.") It is without doubt, the finest vehicle I have purchased in 20 years (most recent purchases have been premium european sedans). The build quality and quality of materials used is awesome! I did not expect this from a US car company. I have 9300 miles, and everyone at the office fights to drive it. I would encourage anyone who has to haul people and their stuff on a routine basis to seriously consider this vehicle.

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  Good & comfort car - 2003 Buick LeSabre
  By - January 15 - 2:00 am

  I had before a grand merq endless problems so i dicidet to try this car. unbelivebel happy,drives good comfort its a good car to owe.

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  2002 Regal LS - 2003 Buick Regal
  By lamronh49 - January 13 - 2:00 am

  Bought this with 15K, traded Accord LX V6. This car needed tires badly, the 215.70.15 badly limit handling, wail like banshees. I replaced with Yoko Avid 235.60.15. Torque is great, far superior to Honda 3L, such instant grunt is appreciated. Transmission well mated to the excellent 3.8 torquemeister. #2 need is shocks, a Koni option would be nice. This car is handsome but invisible, std. ABS with 4wdisc excellent. Seats could be firmer, would like a 20 gal tank. Only problem has been with aftermarket struts.

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  One of the best cars I have ever owned - 2005 Buick LeSabre
  By David Wilkie - January 10 - 5:40 am

  I always run a Car fax on ANY vehicle I buy! I fell into a bed of roses with my purchase. This car has spent its entire life in Florida. Pristine condition, with a 2 year bumper to bumper warranty.

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  My personal experience - 1995 Buick LeSabre
  By Ampy - January 10 - 2:00 am

  This car is my 5th Buick LeSabre for the last 20 yrs. It always run like new, well maintained with regular oil changed & tune-up. The only thing I have replaced are the wiper blades.

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  very happy - 2000 Buick Regal
  By ERRsta - January 10 - 2:00 am

  When my 1992 regal died (r.i.p.) I knew I wanted a later model. Today was that day. I got a 2000 GSE regal. Let me tell you, its more than I expected. I love the ride and acceleration. While some call the interior/exterior styling outdated I prefer to call it understated. It is beautiful in its conservative simplicity.

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  FOUR +YEARS OF USE - 1999 Buick Century
  By betty lou becker - January 10 - 2:00 am

  VERY COMFORTABLE AND SMOOTH RIDE VERY GOOD GAS MILAGE AS HIGH AS 33MPG ON THE HIGHWAY AND AS LOW AS 24MPG MIXED DRIVING CONDITIONS.CHOOSEN FOR ABILITY TO ACCOMDATE 6 PASSENGERS IN WHEN NEEDED THE CAR IS QUITE AND RESPONSIVE WHEN NEEDING EXTRA POWER

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  Buicks rocks my world - 1990 Buick Reatta
  By My name is - January 8 - 2:00 am

  fast little car, good handling, cool interior, sporty look, moon roof, electronic dash/guages, leather

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  buick reatta - 1990 Buick Reatta
  By ALIAS - January 8 - 2:00 am

  nice car, fun to drive, nice 165hp 3.8L V6, 210lb torque , all around fun car