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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  The Americans Finally Did It Right - 2007 Buick Lucerne
  By CARL - September 23 - 11:00 am

  Great looking car. I get a lot of complaimts on it. Its loaded to the max. I am 6-3 and the room inside is great. Got the old school split seat 40 20 40. Ii can sit behind me with the seat all the way back. Gas mileage is not what they say, getting 10 miles to the gal not 17 to 19, but I live in Brooklyn, so we stop every 20 feet. I was a Lincoln owner for 30 years. They lost my bussiness and did not care that they lost me. Being old school, the car needs whitewall tires. Put vogues on it. Really a sharp looking car

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  Rendezvous- got it together - 2003 Buick Rendezvous
  By lfkpt - September 20 - 10:00 am

  We have owned our 2003 Buick Rendezvous for only the brief period of two weeks finding it a great meld between a mini- van and a SUV. Toys abound inside and out from the all-wheel-drive to a heads up display and memory seating. Engine power is fair. Removing the second row seats is moderately difficult with the third rows removal which includes taking off four bolts a royal pain in the knuckles.Gas mileage has been in the 19-21 range. XM radio has too many dead zones.

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  My Favorite SUV - Rendevous - 2004 Buick Rendezvous
  By Nancy Smith - September 19 - 6:06 pm

  When SUVs became so popular I thought I would enjoy one. My husband drives a Silverado Pickup and I like to drive it. We had a Cadilac for 2 years. I test drove a buick Rendevous and my husband and I agreed it was the vehicle we wanted. We could get in and out of it so much easier than the car and it is very comfortable and fun to drive! We are 76 years old and want another Rendevous when it is time to trade!

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  Best American Car on the Road Today - 2003 Buick LeSabre
  By Tom - September 19 - 2:22 pm

  Outstanding vehicle. I have never had a problem with it. Never even taken to the dealer for any warranty issue. Ive had many new cars in my 50 years but this is absolutely the best in every category.

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  Very happy owner - 2005 Buick LaCrosse
  By bob raskin - September 19 - 1:07 pm

  Effortless driving, smooth transmission. It handles well on curves and at hiway speed. Very quiet inside, zero road noise. No repair issues after 1 year of use

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  A true luxury vehicle - 2006 Buick Lucerne
  By Mary M- Ft Worth, TX - September 16 - 10:27 am

  Abeautiful vehicle. Turns heads everywhere I go. Very comfortable ride, and extremely roomy in front and back seats. I am a GM girl, however, this is my first Buick. So far, so good.

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  A Kicked-up Uplander - 2007 Buick Terraza
  By mbenge - September 15 - 10:39 pm

  We used this van for six days while visiting the San Diego and Palm Spring areas in California. We actually had rented a Toyota Sienna that we loved, but at 20,0000 miles it began having brake trouble on the second day. The rental company didnt have anymore Siennas so we went for the Terraza. The controls and display are very well appointed. The DVD player was a huge plus. The van handled well for it is. However, the back passenger seats were uncomfoartable and quite narrow. The road noise was incredidble. Where as in the Sienna four of us could easily carry on a conversation in the Terraza it was a struggle unless we were traveling at 30mph. The dash was already vibrating at 1500 miles!

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  Love my Buick - 2005 Buick LaCrosse
  By BearSgt - September 14 - 10:30 pm

  Had my LaCrosse now for a bit over one year. The only problems associated with this vehicle are the rotors and wheel bearings. Only have 14,000 miles on it and had to have 3 rotors and wheel bearings replaced. It needs to get better gas mileage and a handle to assist in opening the trunk. Otherwise, I love the car. Its very quiet and has a smooth ride.

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  Great CXS - 2006 Buick Lucerne
  By Perry - September 13 - 3:38 pm

  I really enjoy my CXS. I decided on the CXS over the 300. It had everything that I wanted and was more reasonably priced. It is definitely a keeper.

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  Disappointed with roominess - 2007 Buick Terraza
  By NOTIMPRESSED - September 12 - 1:02 pm

  I have only had this vehicle a few days, I previously drove a 2001 Olds Silhouette for the last 5 years. I want it back! The Interior of the new vehicle leaves much to be desired. Why mess with something you had almost perfect? The vehicles exterior dimensions did not change. However there is less leg room in the front, very little leg room between 2nd row. The 2nd row seats dont fold back. The sides of the car in the way (shoulder room lost 11 inches in 3rd seat. Why??) The trunk area lost at least 5 inches in depth as well as height. The worst problem of all is that you cant see out the back window using the rear view mirror. All the headrests are so high there is a very small viewing area. Very dangerous.