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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  First ever Buick - 2005 Buick LaCrosse
  By Norman Kairns - September 12 - 6:28 am

  Been a GM person most of my driving life, and this is the first Buick Ive owned. Nice car. Clean finish and very comfortable to drive. However, the car could use a little more head room in all seating positions.

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  Stealth-mobile - 2002 Buick Regal
  By Movin On - September 11 - 9:15 pm

  This car is the real deal. Great looking, comfortable, fuel efficient, very quick, and invisible to law enforcement (especially when painted senior citizen white). As a used car value, it cant be beat. It makes a lot more economic sense than other so called "sport sedans". Try it, youll definitely like it!

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  Disgusted with this vehicle. - 2006 Buick Lucerne
  By Eldon Lindsey - September 11 - 7:03 pm

  This vehicle has a long list of items that do not work as they should. The left side mirror insists on moving to where you cannot use it. The DIC says I get 13.8 MPG, my check says I get 10.2, 10.3, 13.0, 13.1. It locks itself if you do not take the key out. I found a cable hanging loose under the car. The sunroof would not close until I repaired it. I have not been able to get "Mr. Goodwrench to repair anything on this car. The drivers seat races forward when I unlock the car, before I can get in. And they are more problems with this car, the Lucerne CXS. I currently have a commplaint filed with BBB.

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  Doesnt Get Much Better - 2003 Buick Century
  By jimbo - September 9 - 11:43 pm

  38 mpg hwy, 22mpg city, and I can pack a ton of stuff into the trunk. I used it when I moved and put more things inside of it than could fit into an SUV. I cant say enough about this car. Oh, and by the way,I can get rubber with it if I dont watch what Im doing when I take off from a light. Now hows that for performance?

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  2007 Lucerne CXS - 2007 Buick Lucerne
  By cltdriver - September 8 - 8:04 pm

  Worthy successor to the LeSabre/Park Avenue. The CXS has plenty of room, excellent build quality, perfect ergonomics and a smooth, quiet ride. I have received many positive comments about the car, including the cocoa/cashmere interior, which is new for ’07. I checked out an Avalon and the quality and ergonomics of the Lucerne are superior. And no recalls for steering failure or reported transmission issues that have plagued the Avalon. The Northstar delivers turbine-like power with no audio drama. You step on the gas and it moves. The steering is tight and direct which makes this much more of a driver’s car than the Ultra, while still a very comfortable cruiser on the open road.

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  Good Value - 2006 Buick Lucerne
  By jollyviking30 - September 8 - 6:41 pm

  The setting of, and operation of the controls is very confusing. Damn car wants to take over ( ie windshield wipers, lights etc)Brakes are very weak, and I know the pads are going to have to be changed yearly. Mileage is not very good, and no gas station attendant has figured out how to open the gas cap .I love the color and shape of this car. Overall I liked my 1997 Bonnevile better.

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  Talk about value! - 2006 Buick LaCrosse
  By Kirk - September 8 - 4:42 pm

  I put a great deal of time and research in before deciding to buy this car. I looked at 300, Impala, Saturn Azura, and the Grand Prix. I am a GM discount buyer, but even if I wasnt, this would have been the car I would have bought. 4 year 50,000 warranty a plus. It has rear head airbags standard, a $700 option on some cars! I traded my BMW 740i in for this car. The more I drive, the more I like it. Compare and youll see the value. OnStar is great to have. The rebates easily made this a hands down winner.

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  2005 Rainier - 2005 Buick Rainier
  By Pat - September 7 - 10:18 am

  I have had no problems with the car so far. Its very reliable. The ride is very comfortable. It feels like you are driving a car, but youre just sitting higher up.

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  Buick Lucerne - 2006 Buick Lucerne
  By not old - September 7 - 9:03 am

  On a recent 2200 mi trip I really enjoyed my drive. I drove the entire trip by myself. I did find that the seats were comfortable and the heated seat helped with fatigue even in July. Avg about 29 mpg at 75 - 80 mph. There was a problem with the AC dripping condensation on my left foot.

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  Fond of first American car in years - 2006 Buick Lucerne
  By JAY CIPES - September 7 - 1:59 am

  We find it a very quiet, responsive, comfortable car. No regrets. Just the gas mileage.