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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  Value for money - 2006 Buick Lucerne
  By Marine - November 27 - 5:21 pm

  I was seeking a luxury sports sedan in the $30,000 range and reviewed and test drove a bunch of them, foreign and domestic, For its price, the Lucerne CXL beats them all, including the highly touted Japanese brands. I had intended to buy the CXL with the V8 for its high end torque. I had a 96 Olds LSS with GMs tried and true 3.8 liter V6 engine, and my only complaint with it was that it lacked high end torque for passing power, When I drove the CXL with this same engine I was amazed at its pep and passing power, all anyone would ever need, GM has worked wonders with this engine. The car is roomy, has great handling, is comfortable and well appointed inside. Great value for money

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  Great Vehicle - 2006 Buick Rendezvous
  By Al Hummels - November 26 - 11:10 am

  We traded in our like new Surburban for this vehicle and took it on a 1 week 3,000 mile trip. I cant believe how comfortable and easy to drive it is. I am 64" and weigh 275 lbs and have plenty of room. My wife is disabled (couldnt get into the Surburban) and finds it easy to get into and out of. We love it and would recommend it to anyone.

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  You Like? - 2004 Buick Rendezvous
  By rendez barber - November 25 - 4:23 pm

  I bought a pre-owned 2004 Rendezvous in October 2006 which was in impeccable condition. You would have thought it was brand new. This is a fully loaded CXL with almost every upgrade. I love everything about this vehicle except its inability to soak up "rougher" pavement. It is very stiff over just the slightest of bumps. I dont understand because when I read all the reviews, they claim otherwise. Such a sacrifice (stiffer ride) would imply a more sporty agility which just isnt the case. Thats my only complaint. If you can get past that, you will love this vehicle.

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  My last Buick - 2006 Buick Lucerne
  By Richard Bowman - November 25 - 1:24 pm

  Unable to read the instrument panel in daylight. Can see it fine at night or in the dark. Can read the odometer, the outside temperature, and the compass just fine in daylight, but not the speedometer.

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  Big surprise - 2006 Buick Rainier
  By PeterJ - November 25 - 11:40 am

  Never thought Id buy a Buick, but after testing the Rainier vs. the Envoy, Pathfinder, 4Runner and looking at everything else it comes out on top. Smooth, quiet, excellent mix of features, and the V8 gets unexpectedly decent mileage (15.8 city, and 22 highway). It has been perfect, no issues since day one, hope it stays that way. On top of all the pluses, the GM rebates made a great deal, over $9000 off MSRP.

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  Blind spots need to be fixed - 2006 Buick Lucerne
  By Hankdog 1956 - November 25 - 10:39 am

  My CXS is a great road car and as I drive about 1000 miles/week, this is important to me. However, it has one major design flaw that should be corrected. The A-pillar is huge, which when combined with a large side-view mirror, creates a very large blind spot when turning. It is a problem when navigating in city traffic for other cars, but particularly for pedestrians and bicycles. Other than that, its a great car and I recommend it.

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  Happy Camper - 2007 Buick Lucerne
  By william strang - November 25 - 9:58 am

  My only disappointment is that the city mileage (and I drive conservatively) is only 17 vs the 21 I got from my 2000 LeSabre. Highway driving is about 27. A nice car to own and drive.

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  Nice but cheap parts interior - 1998 Buick Park Avenue
  By Foliclle - November 24 - 10:00 am

  Plastic parts inside break easily and often.

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  Dont Waste Your Money - 2006 Buick Lucerne
  By nathanj - November 22 - 3:33 pm

  She had 4 requirements... 1) Upgraded Stereo, 2) Keyless Entry, 3) Heated Seats, and 4) a Navigation System. The Buick dealership told us that they could not locate any upgraded stereo models, but that the standard stereo was great, unfortunately, it is far from satisfactory. The keyless entry works, however the only way your memory seat will work is to push unlock, even if your car is already unlocked and in your garage. Teh heated seats work well. Imdisgusted with the Nav system. The only reason we didnt buy the Lexus ES350 was because we were told that OnStar had a new navigation program. They dont tell you it doesnt work if you are not in a Verizon wireless coverage area! Now we are trying to take it back!

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  2 years - No Problems - 2001 Buick Park Avenue
  By Linda Batson - November 22 - 10:00 am

  I have owned this car for two years and have had no problems. It is driven about 25,000 miles per year. My husband and I both love the car and the ride.