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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  I love my Rendezvous! - 2002 Buick Rendezvous
  By Rendezvous - October 29 - 10:29 pm

  This is my favorite auto Ive ever owned including the Lexus. My Rendezvous is the most comfortable, well designed, and reliable car Ive had. I also love the design. I now have about 150,000 miles on it, and am thinking about trading it in for a new one but I love this one so much Im hesitant. I wont buy anything else. Ive never owned a bad Buick, but this Rendezvous is really over the top in excellence. You have already achieved perfection with the engine and design, now just add a little bling. I would be happy to test one out for you!

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  Mostly excellent - 2002 Buick Rendezvous
  By rotharch - October 28 - 6:06 pm

  Owned my Rendezvous for 4+ years, has been the best vehicle I have ever owned, but its not quite perfect. Relatively quiet, very comfortable seating, much better than average creature comforts. Very easy entry/exit (important for us seniors!). Versatile storage/seating options. Lots of cubbies and storage spaces. Excellent gas mleage - 19/24. Maybe a bit less than perfect mechanically. New A/C compressor, engine water leaks, transmission, fuel system, a few other more minor problems. Also, a few body integrity problems with wind noise, door fit. Very poor resale value. It has depreciated much more than similar vehicles from other manufacturers.

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  A great minivan for the price - 2006 Buick Terraza
  By Tim - October 28 - 4:32 pm

  I know Honda, Toyota, and Nissan are all the rage, with Chrysler products leading the American pack, but I have found this Buick Terraza to be a great ride, with all the luxuries of the top guns, and half the price. I guess because of low consumer ratings, there are great deals for the GMs. Not sure why ratings are low, but I like these vans. It is put together well and has a good look, almost SUV-like. The DVD system with the wireless headphones is great for the kids, and I have found no signs of performance trouble. Its a mini-van for goodness sakes, so Im not looking for the performance of the cars of my youth. Want a good van at a good price? Buy this American made ride.

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  CXL V8 - 2006 Buick Lucerne
  By Tom H - October 28 - 10:04 am

  Have owned this car for 9 months and put over 10,000 miles on it. Very reliable and comfortable. Nothing more than routine maintenance necessary so far. Plenty of power, great for long trips. Gas mileage could be better, but still good for car this size with V8 engine.

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  Love this car! - 2004 Buick Rainier
  By Teresa - October 26 - 8:24 pm

  I love this car. The engine is powerful and the Rainier has a very quiet ride. No one can believe Im driving my car and talking on my cell phone because no one hears anything but the conversation! I have the NAV system, XM radio and OnStar. Its great!

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  My Lucerne CX - 2007 Buick Lucerne
  By rod lowther - October 24 - 7:43 pm

  This car has done everything the manufacture said it would and has better gas mileage than claimed. 20.2 city/34+ highway. It is the quietest auto I have ever owned. Steering, precise, excellent power, solid handling. You can whisper to each other at 80mph in this car with no problem hearing. There is ample leg room in the rear seat area for a 6ft + Man, superior thigh support excellent back support.The ride is very comfortable and complements the handling.I am not at all disapointed in this car, It has exceeded my expectations. After 5000 miles I just cant wait till tomorrow morning for the drive to work.

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  Nice full size car. - 2006 Buick Lucerne
  By Davidb - October 24 - 1:50 pm

  This car is a pleasure in both ride and drive. I had three problems after delivery. Have been working with dealer to correct and have been very satisfied with their response. So far the dealer has replaced three of the Continental tires (unable to Balance). Pull to the right required four wheel alignment. Entire car had what appeared to be overspray

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  Falls Short - 2006 Buick Rainier
  By Barb - October 23 - 2:25 pm

  Our Buick Ranier has plenty of interior room, and has so far been very reliable. However, the interior build quality leaves alot to be desired! Everything from the door handles, and door power panel mouldings, to side door mouldings has fallen off and the seatbelts stick. The rear end makes an "undetermined" noise and it does not handle great if you have to do any sudden "avoidance manuevers" while driving. I drive mostly highway and have never seen anywhere near the supposed 21mpg mark. I average 17.2mpg in a 2WD. It should not be in the luxury class, as it is just another mediocre GM SUV. Admittedly disappointed. Cant wait til my lease is up! Terrible resale value. GM will never listen to what buyers really want...Thats why Toyota & Honda have really taken off. They listen to concerns and work with them to build vehicles people want.

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  Just OK for me - 2008 Buick Enclave
  By Lynne D. - October 23 - 6:56 am

  My 2008 Enclave is one year old with 23,000 miles. I waited a year to write this review so it would be more accurate. Bad things: I get 16 mpg consistantly, much less than I expected. Transmission is a constant issue. Pulling on to a highway from an on ramp into traffic is tricky as this car just doesnt have the acceleration or power needed to pull this off effortlessly. When heat/AC is on with the fan it is very loud. Moulding of the front bumper comes to a point and is very low to the ground. Watch curbs when parking! Good things: Roomy inside and we love the "minivan" seating arrangement where you can walk through to the third row. It looks nice and turns many heads.

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  Decide for yourself - 2006 Buick Terraza
  By firstbuick - October 23 - 12:05 am

  I just bought a Buick Terazza CX. Why? Lets start with the design. Nice exterior, elegant interior. Then look at the build quality. It is great! GM has come a long way since the 1997 Pontiac Transport we had. Some hard plastic surfaces to be found, but so what? I dont see molding seams, everything fits well. The dash is solidly put together. Turn signal stalk is silky in operation. Knobs work with quality feel. Other vans may be benchmarks. Approach these with an open mind..