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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  Great Car - 2003 Buick Regal
  By south - November 29 - 2:00 am

  Very pleased with the dealership. The Regal is a very sporty family car. Lots of passenger room but the trunk is a little small.

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  Buick Regal LSE 2000 A-1 - 2000 Buick Regal
  By bogeymon - November 28 - 2:00 am

  My Regal has NEVER been back to the dealer. Plenty of Zip. Nineteen MPG in town, Twenty six MPG on Highway. I would definately lease another one, BUT the new ones look just like my 2000. Why would anybody do that. Those guys at GM are some DEEP THINKERS.

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  buick regal gs - 2000 Buick Regal
  By abel - November 28 - 2:00 am

  I feel the car is the best one I ever leased

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  2000 Buick Park Ave. - 2000 Buick Park Avenue
  By honest ed - November 24 - 10:00 am

  Superb vehicle. I now have 64,000 miles-no repairs. Original Conquest tires still have at least another 10,000 miles. Car gets 30 mpg on the highway, 23 in the city.Only complaint is that brake rotors are thin.

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  Stylish and functional from horn to hoof! - 2016 Buick LaCrosse
  By Guy Yocom - November 19 - 5:30 pm

  This off-the-lot model did not come with the confidence package, which really should be standard due to visibility issues. My fault and I regret not ordering and waiting patiently. But the vehicle beckoned to me, and the killer price (Buick promotion 15% off, plus a bit more on this particular model as 2017s were rolling in) made me an easy mark. Very happy from the get-go with this car. Astonished by the value, and I love it more each day. I rent a great many cars on business and this one is more luxurious than any of them. The quiet is so effective its almost offputting. Near silence even at 50 mph, and then only the pleasant hum of the tires. Handles beautifully. There is but one drawback: Tye poor visibility I mentioned. Thick posts obscure forward view at 10 am and 2 pm, rear view no treat either, and blind-spot is wretched. Thats why I miss the driver confidence package, which dealer says cannot be retrofitted. Sure wish I had the head-up display, too (!) But adding up the other pluses: Heated seats rock, interior lighting is legant, the surfeit of USB ports wonderful. Love the remote car starting, memory seats and even trunk storage, which though somewhat cramped, turns into bat cave by lowering of back seats. Love the push-button parking break. The V-6 engine is plenty beefy for any circumstance, When I need to pass I tickle the gas pedal and--whom!--Im gone. Buick nailed so many details with this model. Headrests are perfect...seats hug you like firm glove; nice balance between cushiness and support...unlocking of door with push of a button is a minor miracle, and entire layout of controls is very sensible. Im a fan, and wish there were a way to add that pesky driver confidence package.

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  built to last - 1995 Buick LeSabre
  By conman - November 17 - 2:00 am

  Ive got 117K miles on it & it still sounds & rides like its new...Great engine!

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  My Review - 1998 Buick Regal
  By kwood627 - November 17 - 2:00 am

  This Buick Regal GS has been an excellent car for me. It performs very nicely, has a great ride and has had no problems at all. It has only required oil changes and regular routine preventive maintenance. I would rate it a 10.

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  Evaluation of the Buick Century 2002 - 2000 Buick Century
  By Ray Pinto - November 13 - 2:00 am

  The car is quiet and smooth. The seats are roomy and very comfortable. The seat adjustments are very good so you can drive comfortably. I find the heating system to be a little slow in warming up. I like the radio controls on the steering wheel so you dont have to take your eyes off the road. We took it on a 2000 mile trip and enjoyed the ride very much.

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  1994 Regal Custom Coupe - 1994 Buick Regal
  By Mark Giordano - November 12 - 2:00 am

  I have had this car since Thanksgiving 1999, I bought it from a local dealer. I love this car, it has the 3.8 l V6, it has a nice sound to it. Its pretty quick too. This car has such a smooth ride, even with 119,000 miles on it. No engine problemes...EVER!!! The only thing Ive had to replace/repair is the battery, rotors and calipers and the shocks and struts. The shocks and struts were put in at 80,000 miles by the dealer at no cost to me. I love this car and would recomend it to someone who loves comfort, performance, and American luxury.

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  Great Car - 2003 Buick Century
  By Frank T. - November 10 - 2:00 am

  This is a realy nice car! I feel like I got my monies worth. I bought a 2002 limited edition. The ride is very smooth and quiet. The leather seats are comfortable. The car seems like it costs a few grand more than I paid for it. If Buick really tried to market this car to all ages, theyd do well.