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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  EXCELLENT MOTOR CAR - 2003 Buick Regal
  By dale muller - January 8 - 2:00 am

  The first buick i`ve bought in which I purchased (5) other cars in the past. This by far the best car I`ve ever owned the past cars were chev. I`m most satisfied with the Buick GS Regal 2002 .The only problem I`ve had was a rattle in the glove box. This problem was rectified in quick order by the dealership ,which is the best I`ve had experience with all the cars I purchased in the .

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  My LaCrosse - 2005 Buick LaCrosse
  By dmn - January 8 - 1:06 am

  I purchased this vehicle last November and drove it from New York to Florida for the holidays. This vehicle is comfortable, quiet and I got around 26 miles to the gallon. Thats pretty good for a brand new vehicle.

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  Its Not Perfect, But GM Got It Right - 2008 Buick Enclave
  By Vig Rig in Ohio - January 2 - 2:00 pm

  FWD CXL has all bells and whistles. Punt the Nav and save $2k w/Ent Pkg#2 DVD w/ surround. OnStar does everything the nav does and has significant safety benefits as well. My 9 year old had the rear audio wireless system operational in minutes! The engine is smooth and pleasingly powerful. The exhaust note is perfect. The cabin is exemplary, with outstanding switchgear that has excellent tactile feel. Interior lighting is superb. The "Googley-Eyed" Bi-Zenon articulating headlamps light to the horizon. I traded in a 04 Sequoia: I could hardly read the dash in any lighting. Enclaves dash is the new benchmark. What? No red line on the tach? This car is one sexy station wagon: The Real Roadmaster

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  Best American-made Car - 2002 Buick Century
  By Centuryforlife - December 31 - 2:00 am

  I rented the Century for a multistate trip and found it to be excellent in every regard. The power was great, handling was adequate and the features were well appointed. Ive never driven in such a comfortable and smooth-riding car in my life! I recommended it highly to anyone considering a car purchase!

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  Good Family Car - 1993 Buick Regal
  By hkerwien - December 30 - 2:00 am

  Virtually maintenance free. Brakes were the biggest issue to maintain. Not a sports car but otherwise a good ride, good fuel economy (27 mpg), good handling in all weather, lots of room and not very expensive in the first place.

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  Fun Family Car - 1998 Buick Regal
  By Jim M. - December 30 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car fresh out of college planning ahead for a family. I have owned it for exactly one year with no regrets whatsoever. With leather, a great sound system, fog lights, and a sunroof its a blast to cruise around town in, even without the supercharged engine. The interior styling uses a little more plastic than I would like, but the exterior lines are well coordinated. I would highly recommend this car to anyone looking for a well designed 4 door ride.

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  I Luv my GS - 2003 Buick Regal
  By Glengrandsport - December 29 - 2:00 am

  I love my Buick Regal GS. Best performance family sedan you can buy for under 35K. Great highway car,also a great sleeper.

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  Poor mans Cadillac - 2003 Buick Regal
  By AJ Wilson - December 29 - 2:00 am

  I now have about 19,000 miles on the car and it has never been back to the dealer. On level highway driving, Ive been able to achieve 32 mpg. The car is comfortable, quiet and fun to drive.

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  Fantastic! - 2010 Buick LaCrosse
  By Heidi - December 28 - 2:13 am

  I traded in my 2009 Toyota Venza after only 2800 miles on it for this. That car was starting to have squeeks and terrible rattling noise coming from the dash. My husband drives the 2006 Lucerne which is fantastic as well, the LaCrosse is just the little sporter version. Very happy with the "quietness" and wonderful ride. Good handeling and styling. Great quality, you get a lot more for your money with Buick products and luxury. We used to be Toyota and Honda buyers, have learned quickly about the quality and luxury Buick has to offer with a MUCH MORE superior product! Love it! Cant go wrong with either the Lucerne or LaCrosse!

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  Rendezvous Rock - 2002 Buick Rendezvous
  By little bo pig - December 24 - 2:00 am

  Built like a truck, rides like a car. Smooth & quiet. Room to breath. Huge headroom.