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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  Hard to Improve - 2007 Buick Lucerne
  By Buick Fan - November 18 - 8:52 pm

  This is my fourth Buick since 1989 including 2 LeSabres and a Park Avenue. The quietness of my test drive convinced me to buy. The luxuriouness of interior and exterior are impressive for the money. Handling with 17-inch wheels is a plus. I love to drive it.

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  What a Car! - 1993 Buick Roadmaster
  By Mary Ann - November 17 - 7:19 pm

  This vehicle had belonged to my Mother. It was given to me 2 years ago. It is the most comfortable and reliable car by far. Everyone who rides in it cannot believe how comfortable it is. I love it and will keep it even if I eventually buy another vehicle. It now has 104,000 original miles and we just recently put a new stereo system with CD and new speakers.

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  Im buying another - 2005 Buick Rainier
  By skeet - November 15 - 10:37 pm

  I have never owned a vehicle I have liked more. Traded a BMW and would never go back. Feel reviewers have given this vehicle a bad rap. I like everything about this vehicle and cant wait to get my new one. Also own a DTS Caddy and really would just as soon drive the Buick. Runs like a scalded dog. A/C is fantastic. Ride is wonderful. Edmunds say Toureg or 4Runner? I say pooey. 61 250 lbs this is one roomy vehicle. Wonderfully reliable. What more can I say? Have owned Suburban and like this much better. Turns on a dime. Easy to park.

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  WarrantyExpires... so does this car - 2002 Buick Rendezvous
  By DisgruntledBuickRez - November 15 - 10:00 am

  Was a great car until the warranty expired.... Summary of our ownership experience between 36000 and 47359 miles: * Left Front Wheel Bearing $400 * Right Front Wheel Bearing $400 * Condenser for Air Conditioning $820 (hard to believe but true) * Fuel Pump (died on the road) $400 (estimated; theyre working on it now... And I still have 3 1/2 years of payments left. This feels ugly. DO NOT BUY THIS CAR WITHOUT AN EXTENDED WARRANTY. I have only read a few of these reviews and there are others with many of the same problems. Buick acknowledges the AC Condenser and wheel bearings are "known problems" meaning lots of failures, but wont hel

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  You have to drive it, to believe it - 2007 Buick Rendezvous
  By Nate Spencer - November 14 - 8:08 pm

  This is my wifes car. She says it drives like a luxury car. Its very good on the highway and we drove it from Friendswood, Texas to Chatham, Ont. Handling and acceleration is good. Its comfortable and no blind spots looking out the back. We have 2nd row buckets seats. You need to drive it. we average 415 miles per tank of gas. You need to drive it.

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  Nice - 2007 Buick Lucerne
  By budeboy - November 14 - 11:28 am

  This car has great features, a great ride, and great looks. Quiet as a Lexus

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  Good Solid Car - 1997 Buick LeSabre
  By michael - November 13 - 10:30 am

  This car is my 10th car and its a good solid car. In the past Ive had Camaros and Mustangs, however those dont compare because theyre sports cars, but this car is a good fit for the daily driver. It runs great, and it feels like youre floating with the dynaride system. The only problem Ive had with the car was installing a new tranny. I bought the car with 54,000 miles on it from an elderly woman who never peaked past 45mph and the first few expressway times I blew the tranny at 80mph. I installed with labor $1000. Im not a big fan of the exterior looks, a little outdated especially being young and good looking like myself so I may buy a convertible for the summer

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  Wow - 2005 Buick Rainier
  By Melody Myers - November 13 - 12:20 am

  I have enjoyed the ownership and smoothness of the ride, great amenities, and ease of handling.

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  Buick Ranier - 2007 Buick Rainier
  By Andy Anderson - November 12 - 7:26 pm

  A real truck with real towing capacity, yet as quiet and smooth as most luxury cars in town and on trips. Optional sound system is very good. The nav system in my 2004 was cumbersome, so we left it off the new 2007. Buick fixed the AWD system, and it engages smoothly in 2007. Competent handling for a luxury truck. Dont drive or evaluate it as a sports sedan. I used to make jokes about people who drive Buicks, but this vehicle grows on you.

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  Too young for a Buick - 2008 Buick Enclave
  By TOO YOUNG 4 A BUICK - November 11 - 7:43 am

  I have owned every vehicle imaginable and the Enclave is by far the most comfortable and user friendly vehicle ever. It was a choice between the 08 CTS or the Enclave and hands down the Enclave was the clear choice. i am used to driving Yukons, suburbans, bmws and never thought i was in the age group that would own a Buick as I am 44 my wife is 28 and neither of us regret our choice. You truly owe it to yourself to drive the new Buick Enclave!