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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  Gorgeous underated coupe - 1999 Buick Riviera
  By sburch23 - October 3 - 2:00 am

  This is simply one of the most sensuous looking cars on the road. While not a sports car, it has very good acceleration and handling. I am getting 26 MPG on the highway (75 MPH) and 20 MPG around town which is about what I expected. Even though it is a coupe, there is a lot of room in the back seat. Trunk is huge.

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  This is a GM product? - 2008 Buick Enclave
  By PJ - October 2 - 2:46 am

  Was ready to buy an Acadia AWD, and then saw the Enclave CX FWD. More standard items. Acadia has no traction control. It was a no brainer Enclave all the way. MSRPs really close. Saturn Outlook would not discount MSRP! Extremely quiet, Buick did a great job on keeping the quiet in and sound out. Driving a pleasure, even my wife says it’s "so big" but does not drive that way, comfortable luxury ride, good handling for its size. Its surprising on turns. Very nice fit and finish. All around gas is decent according to the cars computer 17.5 Waiting to take it on a trip. This is my first GM in a long time and I do not think it is a GM car! I traded a Sienna van and have no regrets. What took Buick so long!?

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  Great car, small trunk - 1995 Buick Roadmaster
  By momdriver - October 2 - 2:00 am

  Got my car at 10,000 miles from a relative. Super fast pickup with a lot of power for the highway. Very smooth, very well appointed.

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  A great new car - 2006 Buick Lucerne
  By Linda - October 1 - 2:13 pm

  This vehicle has all of the necessary features that are required in todays luxury cars. The OnStar is a great extra safety feature when traveling a long distance from home.

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  I Own an American Car for the First Time - 2008 Buick Enclave
  By Analyst365 - September 30 - 6:36 pm

  I own an Acura MDX and owned a Lexus RX in the past. I test drove most of the SUVs in the mid and large sections. I was very surprised to find that the Buick Enclave had fantastic handling and good gas mpg(for its size). It is a beautiful and logical car making it easy and fun to drive. The large capacity is perfect for all the members of my family, most of them being very tall. It is larger than most of the big truck SUVs, but it drives like a car. I have never considered owning an American car before. I must say, I love my new Buick Enclave! It is a quality car that comfortably fits seven people for a much lower price than the Acura or Lexus.

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  high quality car - 2004 Buick Park Avenue
  By David Linton - September 30 - 2:00 am

  I have had this car for 11 months. To date it has not been back to the dealer for any warranty repairs. The supercharged engine gives it plenty of power and it was very comfortable on the one long trip (3000 miles) that I have taken.

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  great buick - 2004 Buick Rainier
  By hayes - September 30 - 2:00 am

  had a gmc envoy, doors rattled. no rattles in the buick very quiet.very nice ride

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  Great road car. - 2004 Buick Park Avenue
  By papanav - September 24 - 2:00 am

  Effortless acceleration and smooth, gliding ride. Gran touring suspension is the only suspension I have ever had in my Park Avenue, this being my second. Although the engine is12 valve push rod technology, the supercharger provides ample power with excellent gas mileage. My 94 Ultra was a great car, that is why I bought another one.

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  Century Hits the Spot - 2003 Buick Century
  By KSGofGA - September 20 - 2:00 am

  My wife and I rented an 02 Century while traveling. As I drove, I thought to myself that I could really get used to a vehicle like this. I traded in a 98 Grand Marquis and havent had a days regret. My Century is comfortable, quiet, smart. It handles predictably and surely. Theres plenty of room and support for big guys like me and plenty of trunk space too. Whatever the Buick people did to get this buggy going they ought to do again and again and again. We love this car. Occasionally, it even gets whistles from appreciative onlookers in spite of its generally non-sporty appearance. Its a terrific family sedan.

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  The Luxury Car I Always Wanted - 2000 Buick LeSabre
  By KSGofGA - September 20 - 2:00 am

  It has all the bells and whistles Id never had:leather interior, CD radio with all the trimmings, automatic rear view mirror dimmer, even a moisture reading automatic windshield wiper. Driving this LeSabre is like driving a well-behaved living room. Room for five large people no matter where they sit. And the power front split bench seats can be adjusted to the most persnickety drivers needs. But the gas mileage!! On the open road, I typically get between 33-35 mpg and thats with a V-6. No matter what well do, well never be able to fill that trunk. All in all, its a marvelous car. I delight in the day I bought it.