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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  Driving in Excellence - 2005 Buick LaCrosse
  By teesie - July 14 - 5:46 pm

  It is a joy to own and drive this car. I love it. I love the way it looks inside and out and I love the way it feels behind the wheel. I would definitely reccommend it to everyone.

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  Not bad for an elderly car - 1996 Buick Roadmaster
  By candymanfb - July 14 - 2:00 am

  This car has the power to go - it can give a mustang a run for its money. Even though the mustang may be a current model and my wagon is 8years old (94). The only thing that I hate is the mpg. If I unleash all the horses the gas mileage is pocket denting. The vista roof is great. If you ever see this car or a close relative - Olsmobile Custom Cruiser(91-92) 170BHP Chevrolet Caprice Classic Wagon(91-93) 180BHP (94-96)260BPHP Give it respect - It was built to last.

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  CamdyCarmel - 2001 Buick LeSabre
  By Carmella Echo - July 13 - 2:00 am

  Buick SeSabre saved me from at least four accidents. One of them would have been extremely serious. There was a "pile-up" on a major highway (Rt 24 West in NJ and I was able to "stop on a dime" and avoided hitting the car in front of me. The braks on this vehicle are better than any other vehicle I have ever driven. Thats eight different cars in my lifetime - and Im OLD! (66) I feel perfectly safe in this car and it looks SOOoo Beautiful!

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  a good car - 1992 Buick Roadmaster
  By gmdgc - July 12 - 2:00 am

  my 92 buick roadmaster has been a verry good car. gm put a new moter in it at 5000 miles and anew transmisson at 25000 miles. other than that, i put new brakes at 55000 and new battery in 01. the brakes are better than on my 97 caddy, which i bought in 97 since 96 was the last year for the roadmaster. too bad they quit making them. im only selling it because i moved beside the country club and i now need garage space for my electric golf cart and my rider lawn mower.

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  love my Riviera - 1995 Buick Riviera
  By raycuda - July 11 - 2:00 am

  The car is dropdead gorgeous, and gets looks and comments all the time. A great road car, and a blast to drive. What I like most is that I dont see other Rivieras all the time, it has unique styling.

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  A great car anyone. - 1993 Buick Regal
  By etmss - July 11 - 2:00 am

  This car is a great to drive daily. It gets Great gas mileage. I would recomend this car to anyone.

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  great car - 1990 Buick Electra
  By junior - July 10 - 2:00 am

  great car that is very realiable ,comfotable with a modern body style which is still relivent today. a large car with enough room for 6 adult with excellent gas mileage affordable luxury at its best

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  OMG this car is the BEST! - 2000 Buick LeSabre
  By TheUltimateAuthority - July 10 - 2:00 am

  with 3 teenagers and friends, lots of travel throughout California (ocean, rugged dirt mountain driving, hills, ice and snow-traction is great-never had to put on the chains at Tahoe), a safe car was a MUST! Bought it with 26,000 miles used from a dealer- returned Avis Rental Car-used for a year as a rental. With about 10000 left on the bumper to bumper, I had the drivers lumbar replaced (it was broke), and a new radio because the color wore off the buttons (and its done it on the new one too). I have had it almost 2 yrs and 24,000 miles, and my only cost has been to replaced the front brakes for $95. Paid under $15,000.

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  Auto Trans - 1998 Buick Century
  By Desert Storm - July 6 - 2:00 am

  Bought Veh. new....at approx. 84000 miles had trouble with the trans. While in overdrive slight bucking when going up steep grades. Was told "tourq converter" needed replacing. Other than that I loved the veh. Just purchased a new 2002.

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  Valuation of Buick Regal - 2003 Buick Century
  By Leslie - July 6 - 2:00 am

  Easy to control, original battery life was 7 year! Smooth riding, comfortable seats and good A/C!