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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  Regal LSE - 1999 Buick Regal
  By AL P - August 2 - 2:00 am

  My Buick LSE is 3 years old now and is still very dependable and trouble free. The car is quick, great on gas (uses regular 87 octane), very comfortable seating, and bargin priced. Id definately buy another one but would like to see a updated styling change. Unfortanetly that wont happen until 2005.

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  Review of my 2000 Buick Ultra - 2000 Buick Park Avenue
  By Joe - July 31 - 6:13 am

  The reliability of this vehicle is outstanding. In 5 years of driving not one component of the vehicle has failed. I have only had to change the battery, and replace the tires. I am amazed at the reliability, and performance of the vehicle.

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  DBs Opinion - 2001 Buick Park Avenue
  By rosa/dee - July 29 - 2:00 am

  The Buick Park Avenue Ultra has proven to be an excellent vehicle.

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  Skylark Grand Sport - 1995 Buick Skylark
  By groth - July 28 - 2:00 am

  This car just jumped out out me on the new car lot when I bought it. I have had it now over seven years and do not plan to trade it. I have had minor repairs but nothing out of the ordinary ie. batteries, brakes and air conditioner repair. I did replace alternator two years ago.

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  A surprisingly good car. - 2000 Buick Regal
  By Jeff K. - July 27 - 2:00 am

  After owning a 1986 Toyota Cressida that was very reliable, I had trepedations about buying an Amervian Car. But to make a long story short, I went with a new 2000 Regal GS and I have no regrets. The ride is great, the power is on- demand and it has never seen the dealership other then for standard/ routine maintenance.

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  Classy, sophisticated ride! - 2013 Buick Enclave
  By David - July 21 - 4:38 am

  Great running automobile. Quiet. Peppy when needed. Comfortable on long as well as short trips. All of the instrumentation takes time to get accustomed to, and can be somewhat intimidating to those of us who are electronically challenged. The manual must be consulted frequently. Gasoline mileage is adequate for the size of the car, but not outstanding. One should not purchase this SUV with the idea of saving money at the gas pump.

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  Shes a beauty - 1995 Buick Riviera
  By liljonn - July 21 - 2:00 am

  From the leather seats to the superchared engine, the only thing to complain about is that you cant hear the engine roar, no, she purs like a kitten. A little pricy but a lot more comfortable.

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  Unique Styling, American Luxury - 1996 Buick Riviera
  By Wrigleywrat - July 20 - 2:00 am

  Head-turning exterior design. Very nice power under the hood. One of the very best (non-Caddy/Lincoln) luxury cars Detroit ever turned out.

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  Nice Reliable Car - 1993 Buick Century
  By luvmybuick - July 19 - 2:00 am

  We bought this car 3 years old with 30K miles on it. Great power and handling. Mileage 18-20 with V6. Just put a new tranny in it at 140K miles. This was the only time I have had to call a tow truck with this car. Only other problem has been with sensors. Would have had dealer fix this when I first noticed hesitation if I had any idea... As it is I did not. Ended up replacing numerous sensors (replaced O2 sensor several times) and having various repairs due to sensor gone bad. Were now up to 2 kids. The back seat doesnt allow much room for an infant car seat, so were going to trade in the Buick on a mini-van.

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  Super "Sleeper" Car! - 1999 Buick Regal
  By JackY - July 16 - 2:00 am

  I luv this car! Bought end of lease for $15000 (plus $1K for 5 yr. warranty) with 26K miles on it. NO European or Japanese car could touch this cars value! Change the stock Goodyear Eagle LSs quick! - they hold the car back - I went to the top-H- rated Dunlop Sport A2s. To get top tire-smokin performance, Trac Control OFF and Perf Shift ON and watch the gas needle drop! To get a SMOOOOTH limo ride, Trac Control ON and Perf Shift OFF. Family LUVS the comfort and interior room!