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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  Old man - 1995 Buick LeSabre
  By nick - October 22 - 7:18 am

  Im still under 50, but my car gets me called "old man"! I bought the car 10 yrs old with 52k miles Im sure I can sell for teh same. Great value. Real interior comfort, favorite 3800 motor, all in a "snowplow"!

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  2004 Buick Lesabre - 2004 Buick LeSabre
  By John Herman - October 22 - 3:42 am

  Excellent car.This is my third Buick. Previously bought new an 1989 Park Avenue and later, a new 1996 Park Avenue. All have been good trouble free vehicles Sorry to see that Buick has discontinued production of both the Park Avenue and Lesabre, I dont care for their new Lucerne - too small.

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  Love My Buick - 2016 Buick LaCrosse
  By Emily Johnson - October 21 - 4:53 am

  understand technology to be able to use all the features of this car...

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  Oldie but Goodie - 1994 Buick Regal
  By Fred Burgoon - October 20 - 3:28 pm

  This vehicle with minimum part replacement, has been with our family for over 10 years and gone through 4 teenagers. Power, comfort, and reliablity has been the staple from this vehicle. Hated to pass it off when kids went to college. Sbsolutely replaced it with another GM. Great bargin for the money.

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  An SUV with the "Buick Ride and Comfort" - 2002 Buick Rendezvous
  By dws41 - October 18 - 2:00 am

  Minor production problems (ex. Air Bag Light "flickering" while driving, defective Fog Light Bulb on delivery, paint "blob" on roof, missing tire changing "jack extension", vibrating second row passenger "captain" seats) were address over the first few months of ownership. Smooth "car like" ride of this vehicle is outstanding. Note: Has optional passenger lumbar seat (in Japanese cars this is not available) which is greatly appreciated in long rides for front seat passenger.

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  Quality American Car - 2006 Buick Lucerne
  By Al Hass - October 17 - 1:39 pm

  This car has the feel and looks of a luxury automobile and the performance of a sports car. The ride is very enjoyable. Buick has the attention of all ages and within a price tag of reality.I was dissapointed that the Park Ave left but after owning this Lucerne my reaction is "Out with the old and in with the new".

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  Best vehicle weve bought in years - 2006 Buick Rendezvous
  By Paul Cesarini - October 16 - 8:06 pm

  We opted for a fully loaded CXL model (though without the XM radio or heads-up display, since our daily commutes are only a few miles). For us, its the ideal blend of a roomy, family-friendly vehicle with all the benefits of an SUV and a minivan, but virtually none of the drawbacks. Unline the Highlander and competing vehicles, the Rendezvous has a third row seat capable of comfortably holding two adults. Ive even sat back there, myself. The leather and wood grain interior is worth the extra cost. We got all the safety features, though we skipped the AWD. FWD + traction control + ABS is fine. We previously had a Saturn VUE, but Im glad we traded it for the Rendezvous

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  Sweet but tight - 2008 Buick Enclave
  By kookies - October 16 - 12:10 pm

  This car is a little squishy for teens, but has great gas mileage. It is great for traveling long distances, but regret getting the one with out the built-in DVD player for the kids in the back. I recommend the captain seats so the middle bench doesn’t get trashed with people climbing over it.

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  Keep the Miles off the Ferrari - 2007 Buick Lucerne
  By winglow1 - October 15 - 7:24 pm

  Really - to keep the miles off the Ferrari but help with MPG, I bought the new Lucerne and am selling my Lexus GX40 SUV. I first drove a Lucerne in the spring, but I was not sure. I looked at the BMW 5s, the M Infinitis, Lexus, Chrysler, MBs and Lincoln sedans. The Lucerne finally won me over when they added the new GPS Nav systems.

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  Beautiful car, great ride - 2007 Buick Lucerne
  By Thomas Jones - October 14 - 2:59 pm

  Bought the 07 in quartz metallic...WOW, what a looker! Ride is superb and comfort & spaciousness best I have ever seen...I have owned Mercedes in the past.