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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  Stuck in the Middle - 2007 Buick LaCrosse
  By Bumpy - July 27 - 8:32 am

  I neither love or hate this car. Exterior looks great with chrome package, except rear end is too bland. Interior is typical with fake wood from Buick. More road noise than I expected. Handles well with a firm ride, not plush, you feel the road. This is not an old mans car. The 3800 series 3 is an outstanding motor despite its unrefined feel. Most of the reviews are, as usual, from newbies and problem cars. For those of you with steering/pulling issues please consider replacing the intermediate shaft. There some bad tires out there but tires are frequently a symptom of another problem. Note the difference in alignment with a loaded vehicle if there is a persistent alignment issue.

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  Electrical Issues - 2010 Buick Enclave
  By Darlene - July 26 - 5:46 pm

  Purchased my 2010 Buick Enclave in August of 2010 with less than 100 miles. Enjoyed it until recently when the electronics started to fail. While driving the dash would fail and the a/c would stop cooling. Now it fails to crank off on on and the dealership states there is nothing wrong with it!

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  Nice test drive - 2011 Buick Regal
  By SJ in Philly - July 26 - 11:17 am

  Considering Regal and took test drive over the weekend. Very good looking car inside and out. The interior quality was impressive to say the least. On par with the CC which friends of mine currently own. Backseat was larger than expected and on par with current car. Trunk was deep and well finished. Car was extremely quiet and handled well. Acceleration was adequate as one would expect for a non turbo four cylinder.

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  Mixed bag but looks great - 2010 Buick LaCrosse
  By lacrosse owner - July 23 - 2:15 pm

  Back to US cars after issue with Toyota. Shopped around, this was a great value for features. Replaces Avalon. Visibility rear and side view is poor, which almost makes me wish I hadnt purchased car. It does have a little kick when it shifts automatic, but nothing horrible. Beautiful finishes and details. Middle Console not large and not user friendly. Too short, and if you extend, you cant use both cup holders. Its like no one at GM test drove for conveniences. Reliability to be determined. Only 2000 miles. Gas use (mostly city and heavy highway only 19.9 mpg). Its a very comfortable car, including large rear seat. You need rear park assist or camera for sure. GM almost has it right!

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  Lack of good service - 2010 Buick Enclave
  By ejk - July 23 - 10:17 am

  Like the ride of the car, that is when it is running. Have brought the car in seven times over the first six months. Service has no idea how to fix the electrical problems with the car and GM has provided no help. Examples turn the car off and remove the key yet the car keeps on running. Check engine light goes on and the best service can say is make sure you replace the cap when refueling tank. Parking brake light and sound keeps going off even though I never even use the parking break.

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  Problems - 2006 Buick Rainier
  By Ken - July 21 - 12:30 pm

  My grandmother bought this car used for me. She purchased the v8. Of course mpg is terrible. Great power and acceleration. Not enough storage room inside car though. Have had many problems and it has been in the shop for about 2 weeks with some sort of engine problem. ugh!

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  Update of last review - 2001 Buick LeSabre
  By Doug Fresh - July 14 - 10:08 am

  14 months later, and now with 250,000 miles on this beast, it has still performed without a flutter from the engine or tranny. I cant believe this car still consistently delivers such solid performance at about 22 - 24 MPG. In the last year, I had to replace the two front axles at about 230K, the lower control arms at about 240K, and the master electrical control, but what can you expect with this kind of mileage? She still turns over every day, looks great, and the interior, except for the cheap door skin pins, has held up well. Too bad they stopped making them, or I would now consider buying a 2010 when I give this one to my son in the fall for his high school commute.

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  Good but could be better - 2008 Buick LaCrosse
  By g. edmonds - July 13 - 10:36 pm

  This is my 5th Buick, but not my favorite. My 02 Buick Regal was more comfortable to drive. The front windshield is set at an odd angle. I lose my peripheral vision in certain instances (possibly due to sleek design - I checked the 2010 and it does not have this problem) and the self-darkening interior rear view mirror is not dark enough for cars that have high beams &/or maladjusted running lights. Otherwise it handles well and has good pick-up. Car has only 19,000 miles and so far, no major problems. Interior front passenger carpet keeps coming away from frame. Ive had it in for repairs 5 times.

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  A solid car - 2003 Buick Century
  By V8 Man - July 7 - 12:53 pm

  We bought a slightly used 2003 Century for my wife. It now has 59K miles on it (in 2010) and has not been high maintenance at all. She really likes the car. Beyond routine maintenance, I do not think that it has required any other care. However, it is garage kept and locally driven mostly. The exterior has a timeless quality about it and still looks up-to-date (at least to me). The interior is a mix of cheap materials and upscale features, but overall functional and attractive. Several years ago, we did have a problem with it refusing to crank. Never did determine what the issue was, but it has never reoccurred. For the price, I recommend the car.

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  Mixed feelings - 2003 Buick Rendezvous
  By V8 Man - July 7 - 12:40 pm

  I bought a 2003 CXL Rendezvous with 40K miles in 2005. I got it for $16,500--I would not even have looked at it for the new sticker price ($30,000+). Overall, I have mixed feelings about this car, leaning toward favorable. On the positive side, it is a good-looking car, has a nice interior, and rides quiet. The 3.4 L V6 engine is strong enough for most trips. We got the third-row seat, but hardly needed it with just two kids (it folds nicely into the floor). On the negative side, I have replaced a number of parts--head gasket, driver-side hub assembly, electric window motor, electric lock, and rear differential fluid. Heater blows cold air on passenger side. Gas mileage is awful (15).