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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  Most fun car to drive - 2004 Buick Rendezvous
  By Sallie Herman - November 22 - 5:05 am

  This car is so reliable, comfortable, no back strain, and so easy to load with the hatchback at waist level. Large storage compartment, and comfortable seats for passengers. Added phones in passenger seats for comfort in listening to music. Great visibility in the front windshield, in fact that is why I purchased this car. The vista is great when traveling to beautiful places, panoramic view. My whole family loves this car, and I am a 76 year old grandmother, and everyone wishes they owned this car. I wish I had bought the wine colored car, instead of the gun metal, which many people have. That would have been a little a fun color for me.

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  CXL - 2008 Buick Enclave
  By BillyG - November 22 - 12:30 am

  Most quiet/comfortable vehicle have ever owned. Looking forward to long trip. Gold Mist Metallic is an awesome color. Mileage on par with an Acura MDX, Lexus 350 without premium fuel. Put those marques on this vehicle and they would be proud.

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  A decent car - 1999 Buick Century
  By good car - November 21 - 9:32 pm

  I really did like this car for the quality of driving, but I had serious problems with the electric windows. I replaced 3 of them within a year and my brother is now having to replace all of them again since buying the car from me. A very comfortable car. I would reccomend it to anyone. Just dont use the windows

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  Snow Mobile - 2002 Buick Rendezvous
  By Shelby349 - November 21 - 6:15 pm

  It is a reliable, surefooted AWD in snow, slush and rain, but only when coupled with premium aftermarket tires. A comfortable ride. It seems from research as well as my own experience that common problems include A/C condenser failure, engine antifreeze gasket leaks, and some have experienced transmission problems.

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  2007 Lucerne - 2007 Buick Lucerne
  By Lucerne - November 21 - 9:21 am

  Just purchased a few days ago. Excellent fit and finish and very comfortable interior. Smooth ride

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  Dissapointed - 2006 Buick Terraza
  By G.F. Dicob - November 21 - 9:19 am

  Very poor interior design. Accelerator pedal is very uncomfortable and places a strain on foot. Seat adjustment for six foot driver is insufficient. Storage space in between front seats is non-existent. With cup holder up unable to get into storage space. Only one power outlet in front area. Unable to use phone charger and GPS at same time. Need hand grip on passenger side to hold onto when entering or exiting. Many other deficiencies but at this time unable to list due to time restraints. Way too much wind and road noise. Extreme amount of rattles. Dealer unable to locate and fix them. Return visits to dealer too frequent to attempt a fix. The CD player had to be removed and sent back.

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  My Buick Rendevous - 2007 Buick Rendezvous
  By melissa jacobs - November 20 - 8:34 pm

  Im very happy with the truck. I wish it had front sensors too. The drivers mirrors on the outside of the truck are a great size. Im really able to see whats coming up on me. I love the OnStar in it. I would love to get another one when my time is up. I would definitely recommend this car to anyone, plus I already get a lot of compliments on it now.

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  A Classic - 1990 Buick Riviera
  By hewey - November 20 - 5:25 pm

  Have over 200000 mi. Never had any major repairs to engine or transmission. Love this car. I will keep this car to the end.

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  Awesome Car - 2005 Buick Rendezvous
  By none - November 20 - 3:25 pm

  We bought this Rendezvous because of the price, and the fact that this is not our first Buick. The Rendezvous has many features with the CX base. The ride is very comfortable with a lot of leg room. There is also a lot of cargo room. You can fit many boxes in the car if you are moving. There isnt that much wind noise in the car even if you drive fast. The car also is high in the back and lower in the front to prevent the car from tipping over. The gas mileage is great. We drove from Connecticut to Maine and it took about 1 full tank of gas.

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  Nice car - 2006 Buick LaCrosse
  By Jim - November 20 - 2:11 pm

  After 3 months of shopping for a car for my charming wife, I decided on the Buick LaCrosse. Nice fit and finish, very comfortable ride, and lots of safety features. This car has great manners! GM put a lot of attention into the details on this one. Quality materials with an expensive feel on the inside, fit and finish to rival the best cars on the market, great ride and stereo. The exterior styling is pure class.