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:

• 

  LaCrosse CXS owner - 2010 Buick LaCrosse
  By berne1 - November 24 - 2:00 am

  I love this new LaCrosse. Got mine in June, after 5 months it has been flawless! Got the CXS with every option but the Touring package. Blue w/Cashmere interior. This cars performance is phenomenal and returns above average MPG. Standout qualities are interior quietness, exterior design, ride and handling. The Navi system is first-rate with high-def graphics lacking in other GM offerings. I get lots of compliments at the gas station, in parking lots, etc. Really a departure from the previous model they had out. I am glad I gave this car a try, I love it!

• 

  Dream Machine Buick Enclave CXL1 - 2011 Buick Enclave
  By texasdriver7 - November 24 - 2:00 am

  The Buick Enclave proves American can- do and ability to make and deliver a terrific product is still possible! Its a dream to drive, comfort is its first name, style is its second, great design and layout is its third. The Buick Enclave can actually comfortably take 7 people for a nice drive. Its very easy to turn it into a cargo hauler, easy to convert back to a passenger car, or use it both ways at the same time! My dog has lots of room in the back. The back has great AC to keep everybody comfortable. LOTS OF CAR FOR THE MONEY and Terrific design and comfort. This was a good investment in a super set of driving wheels!

• 

  Buick Enclave dream machine - 2011 Buick Enclave
  By Texas Driver - November 24 - 2:00 am

  After so many years of owning Japanese designed cars I decided it was time to try American cars again. Finally the American auto makers are back on track with terrific and extremely competitive products! The Buick Enclave is a beautifully designed and built car, it has all the bells and great technology along with superb driving comfort! Perfect for my family and flexible in design to meet my needs (somewhere between a car and a pickup with a minivan thrown in is basically what I needed). Excellent styling in and out. Excellent layout. EXCEPTIONAL ride! More power than I expected and so so on MPG, looks like its around 17 to 18 around town. Top 5 star safety rating -its a WOW!

• 

  Buick Enclave is Great! - 2011 Buick Enclave
  By trw - November 24 - 2:00 am

  I just traded in my Acura MDX for the 2011 Enclave. I was planning on another MDX but needed a little more interior room with 3 kids. The Enclave offers so many more features than the MDX for less money. It is my "minivan in disguise." The interior is much like a minivan, but with a really attractive exterior SUV / crossover appearance. It is spacious and comfortable, very quiet and smooth to drive. I would highly recommend this car.

• 

  EURO IMPORTS BEWARE - 2011 Buick Regal
  By DAMJUMPER61 - November 18 - 2:00 am

  I have been the owner of a Volvo S40, a VW Passat, and a Toyota Camry. All I have to say is LOOK OUT. The new Regal that I now have rides, handles and is quieter than all of them. The engine is a little underpowered but cruises down the highway @ 75-80 mph with no problem. The transmittion shifts are smooth and quick. The seating is very supportive and comfortable. Controls for the radio and cruise control are easy to use. The most impressive feature of the vehicle is the ride and how quiet it is on the road. I believe these to be as good as any high line vehicle out there.

• 

  Still love it. - 2005 Buick LaCrosse
  By Rob W. - November 17 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car new for my birthday in 2005 and saw it come off the car carrier. It is the best auto I have ever owned. I have just replaced orig. battery as I felt I needed to do so in S. FL and it will be six y.o. in Dec. It rides as tight and quietly as the day I took it and no repairs to date. Only a battery and two tires. If it ever wears out I will be another Buick. I do not understand American love of foreign cars when you can buy this luxury from GM for a lot less.

• 

  I never thought I would buy a Buick - 2011 Buick Enclave
  By 2left - November 15 - 2:00 am

  Pros: comfort, ride, quietness, styling, space, utility Cons: gas mileage, needs tighter steering, better visibility out the back. Summary: I had test drove Pilot, MDX, RX350, Sorento, VeraCruz, SantaFe, Highlander, Acadia, Traverse and Edge. For the size, comfort, range, performance, convenience and price, the Enclave stood out among its competiton IMO) - this selection was not only a surprise to me but those who know me as well - particularly since I have been a Honda/Acura person for many years. The Enclave is a very nice car and if I had to do it over again, I would purchase it again.

• 

  Auto transmission hard shifting - 2010 Buick Enclave
  By Don Ferrari - November 14 - 2:00 am

  Auto trans has a hard shift from 1st to 2nd and or 2nd to 3rd. This occurs most of the time. I expected the shift to be smooth all the time, especially in a vehicle the cost of an Enclave. This problem is anoying to me. Otherwise I like the car. Dealer CSR said its nornal for that vehicle. I thought the shifting would improve over time with more milage,but its still the same. After 70 years plus of making auto trans you would think GM could get it right. Would not buy another Enclave due to this problem.

• 

  VERY impressed - 2010 Buick LaCrosse
  By blcunningham - November 14 - 2:00 am

  I could consider myself Buicks target buyer, im under 40 and my last car was a Lexus. I drive a ton of freeway miles each year, i look for a comfortable car that above all is smooth and quiet. The Buick has managed to impress me on all fronts, a very solid car that has remained that way after 45k miles. It makes me feel good driving a American car again.

• 

  Starship Buick - 2010 Buick LaCrosse
  By Uncle Walt - November 12 - 2:00 am

  Ive owned my LaCrosse for five months and havent found fault with it yet. I traded in a BMW 528i and feel like Ive traded up. The LaCrosse has so many features the BMW didnt have. Living in the South, I like the remote start on hot days and the cooled seats and the rear sunshade. The interior is well designed and functional. I love the high tech "gadgets": the heads up display, the hard drive, the Nav display, the articulating headlights and so on. The exterior is just right. I have had more compliments on this car than any Ive owned. Just the other day, a lady was loading her groceries next to me and said "if you want to sell this car, I want to be first in line!". Great car!