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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  sweet ride - 1997 Buick Riviera
  By shortdog - November 9 - 2:00 am

  Car is great to drive had to replace alternator and battery after i bought it but no other surprises so far steering sounds a little strained when turning wheels at a stop ??

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  woud buy another - 1996 Buick Regal
  By daddyg - November 7 - 2:00 am

  we bought it from a traveling salesman and love it, but the rear suspension squeaks a lot. a/c stopped working this summer, and so did the tape player. great gas mileage on trips over 30mpg.

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  my first lesabre - 2003 Buick LeSabre
  By ty tirey - November 7 - 2:00 am

  This is my first Buick Lesabre,But not my last.It is a Limited with all options.I average 26.2 mpg around my town and 32 to 33 mpg on trips at 70 mph with the air on.I ordered the Grand touring package and it handles very well.Plenty of interior room and trunk space.A very comfortable car to drive for 10 hours at a time.My next car will also be a Lesabre.

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  Best car - 2002 Buick Regal
  By old man - November 4 - 2:00 am

  I am 83 years old and have driven many makes of cars. My last was an Intrepid ES. Much more fun to drive the Regal. Plenty of power with the standard engine. Regular gas and good milage

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  2017 LaCrosse fits like a glove. - 2017 Buick LaCrosse
  By Craig Wendorf - November 1 - 6:24 am

  Although the tires can be a bit noisy on some road surfaces, I love driving my LaCrosse. Ive had it 8 weeks and still look for reasons to go driving. I got the Premium model because I wanted the safety alert seat among other standard features.

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  Lucerne Full Of Fun - 2006 Buick Lucerne
  By JNN - October 31 - 1:06 pm

  The 2006 Buick Lucerne is back to the real Buick! This automobile is a true Luxury Buick at an affordable price. Quiet, comfortable, style, all only a small part of this exceptional automobile.

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  Best vehicle I could ask for - 1995 Buick Century
  By originalgangsta - October 31 - 2:00 am

  This was my grandmothers car, then my mom took it from her, it became mine in 2000, Im the hardest driver on it but Ive put a few miles on already (55,000 25,000 mine). Keeps on going, only problems were due to my stupidity (125 for 8 miles bad for tranny). Price was right at free but I would buy same car if I totalled this one tomorrow. We were so impressed my mom bought a new rendevious cxl, another nice car.

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  Nice Car - 2003 Buick Regal
  By Doogie - October 31 - 2:00 am

  Nice comfortable ride. Excellent power. Recommend heated leather seats for the northern climates. Handles very well.

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  Deuces GS - 1996 Buick Regal
  By deuce - October 28 - 2:00 am

  An outstanding vehicle. I purchased my Regal Gran Sport with 70,000 miles on it and have added almost another 40,000 in a yeat and a half. The 3800 engine is probably the finest engine made in this country. Very powerful and smooth. Great ride and handling with good brakes.

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  Deuces GS - 1996 Buick Regal
  By Deuce - October 28 - 2:00 am

  An outstanding vehicle. I purchased my Regal Gran Sport with 70,000 miles on it and have added almost another 40,000 in a yeat and a half. The 3800 engine is probably the finest engine made in this country. Very powerful and smooth. Great ride and handling with good brakes.