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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  Great value for your money - 2002 Buick Regal
  By dawnicrazy - August 15 - 2:00 am

  After trading in our 1989 Buick Regal which gave us 13 great years, we had confidence that this new Buick would give us another 13 good years. They have really updated and improved on the 2002 Regal compared yo ours. They drive is nice Alot of power and handles well on the road. Love the radio (Monsoon) with the controls on the wheel. Dual air controls are also great! Great car to have.

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  Unknown Diamond - 2013 Buick Verano
  By Suzanne - August 11 - 7:11 am

  I LOVE this car!!!! I had been a three SUV (Jeep) person since 1991. When it came time to purchase a new car in 2012, I found the Verano by accident. I bought the 2012 Leather edition on the spot and was happy as a clam until the Turbo edition became available in 2013. Maybe it was stupid financially, but I traded the 2012 for the 2013 Luxury edition Turbo. Dumb move financially or not...Im VERY happy I did. This car is AWESOME! It has every bell and whistle possible, drives like a dream, (quite and suspension) comfortable, good gas mileage, ease of controls, nice looking, etc...I look forward to car drives. Since 2013, the car still looks new. The interior has NO issues. Leather seats show no wear and I am obese! The trims and all are still like new and no little screws or parts have ever come off... very well made! To report complaints, it is that the back seat leg room is tight and the headlights dont seem very bright at night. THIS IS A SUPER DIAMOND of a car.

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  Smooth ride - perfect for families - 2001 Buick Century
  By V Jackson - August 10 - 2:00 am

  Our Buick is a very comfortable vehicle that I very much enjoy driving. At 30 and 27, we are well below Buicks target age, but I wouldnt trade it for anything! We have had no problems with the car other than the driver door needing to be re-greased and a tendency for the brake light to come on when the parking brake is set on an incline (nothing in the computer and the dealership says it is working according to specs.) all of which was addressed at about 31000 miles. Fuel mileage is fine - actually great on the highway. I would definitely purchase another one. My only gripe so far has been with the remote access key fob (see below)

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  2000 Lesabre - 2000 Buick LeSabre
  By Gene Duff - August 9 - 2:00 am

  Had trouble with original tires, replaced at 29000 miles. Mileage is excellent, ease of handling is very good, very comfortable ride

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  I Love It - 2005 Buick Park Avenue
  By BigBoyJr60 - August 7 - 10:00 am

  One of the besat cars I have ever owned. This is the third Park Ave. I have owned, and all 3 were excellent.

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  buick rendezvous - 2004 Buick Rendezvous
  By James F - August 7 - 10:00 am

  I have not bought a GM vehicle in the past 5 yrs. I was quite surprised when i test drove and bought a 2004 Buick rendezous CXL AWD. the overall package is a steal with the cash back that GM is offering right now. There is no other SUV on the market that even comes close to the value and carring capacity of the rendezous. Believe me i looked. I am very impressed with GMs commitment to quality and raising the standard for all American made vehicles.

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  What a steal! - 2002 Buick Park Avenue
  By benthereoften - August 6 - 4:02 am

  Got this as salvage after the driver hit a deer...all fixed up....for only $2200. Drove it 750 miles to Miami in comfort at 31 mpg. Heated seats are toasty! The only thing I would "improve" would be the inside drivers handle so that it is a bit more intuitive/natural. Otherwise, this car is just about the best combination of cost and comfort that I have ever seen. And at 64", it fits!

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  Lesabre - 2002 Buick LeSabre
  By bl - August 5 - 2:00 am

  Great car. A few minor interior fit problems. Ride is great

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  nice sedan !!! - 2003 Buick Century
  By LoverGreen - August 4 - 2:00 am

  I believe this is ideal for many who love kinda simple styles. this is engineered well to work smoothly. its cabin is setup nice for merely housing 04 persons.

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  BUICK STILL HAS A WAYTO GO - 2000 Buick LeSabre
  By retiree - August 3 - 2:00 am

  Overall love car but disappointed with problems. Use car 5,000 miles local. 7,000 miles interstate. Get 32 mpg highway. Overall 3 yr average 25.6 Right at end of warranty 3 power windows went in succession. Common problem apparently. 30 days out of warranty, at 33000 miles transmission required overhaul. Clunking when changing gears.