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:

• 

  Good car - 1999 Buick Regal
  By Sargon Marsinium - October 21 - 2:00 am

  Regal GS has great acceleration. Front seat could use better back support - I use a cheap back support cushion I purchased for about $20. Horn is small, difficult to hit - and stupidly designed - definitely not a safety feature. Engine seems to be gradually getting louder as car ages. Extremely comfortable car for long drives (with addition of cheap back support cushion). We love the car - good value for the money & super great Monsoon radio.

• 

  OOHLALA - 1990 Buick Riviera
  By Marquita - October 19 - 2:00 am

  THIS CAR IS DA BOMB! Talk about a head turner! People are always asking me about it and if I am ready to sell it. The engine is very responsive and the car stops on a dime. Rebuilt trans put in two years prior to purchase and was just replaced with another trans. Runs like new!

• 

  CALIFORNIA REGAL - 1995 Buick Regal
  By SANDIEGOHOMBRE - October 17 - 2:00 am

  Has everything. Styling, power, sporty look. The only thing I did was change the muffler. With that sporty look I had to have a muffler with a little "throat" to it. The cruise control is a great feature. It is very resposive and has a greatmind of it own on small inclines. Just sit back and let it kick in.

• 

  Love that car - 1998 Buick LeSabre
  By anklebone - October 17 - 2:00 am

  This 1998 Buick leSabre is the best car Ive ever had. Ive driven many brands and models , including Chrysler, Ford and GMC products over 60 years. I drove my first Buick in 1949. This has been the best.

• 

  The Blue Buick - 2003 Buick LeSabre
  By Ted Brinson - October 16 - 2:00 am

  The Buick LeSabre is a car with much get up and go, offers good gas mileage, both in town and on the road. The driver information system is helpful and thanks for the dual trip meters. Its a comfortable vehicle and rides smoothly. The gagues, and knobs are easy to read and reach when needed. Ted Brinson

• 

  Perfection - 2006 Buick Lucerne
  By Bobbie - October 13 - 5:56 am

  Nicest car I have ever owned. Quiet & smooth. Lots of things to learn & program. Safety features were important to me & the Lucerne has them all. Feel safe & secure in that car. Love the way it handles. I look for places to go so I can drive it every day. Took it on a 7 hour trip. The Rain- sense Wipers were extremely efficient. Having all the controls---Radio--- Cruise on the steering wheel. Great Idea. Beautiful, Rich looking interior. Hope to have this car aroound for a long time.

• 

  Awsome!! - 2003 Buick Rendezvous
  By mee - October 12 - 10:00 am

  Great car, almost a year with it!! Love the "elephant" mirrors, didnt like the exterior when it first came out, but like it now!!

• 

  It has been a good choice - 1999 Buick Park Avenue
  By Dal - October 10 - 10:46 pm

  Purchased it used and being in what seemed to be in decent shape. Love the ride and room. Get about 26 mph which I thought was a couple of mpg short. But it is supercharged. Traded in an older LS400 Lexus which I liked. But I think this rides better,just as comforable,and I would guess a lot less to repair. Havent had to yet. Has 94000 miles now. This car looks like its going to be a keeper. My next used car will probably be another Buick thanks to this one.

• 

  Nice Car - 1992 Buick LeSabre
  By Eup - October 9 - 2:00 am

  The car is Awesome very comfortable. Smooth Drive Gas mileage isnt great though but its tolerable.

• 

  The sled - 1993 Buick Regal
  By Hugh - October 4 - 2:00 am

  The best vehicle Ive ever owned. It has power to spare, exceptional creature comforts and style. Looks are still in style and still get compliments on the vehicle. Exceptional reliability. The vehicle is almost 10 years old and still drives like new. Id recomend this vehicle to a friend and would purchase another on in a heart beat.