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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  I Love My New Car! - 2006 Buick LaCrosse
  By Debbie - September 6 - 8:37 pm

  I have only had my car a few days, and really love it! It looks great, the drive is really quiet and comfy, and I am very satisfied. I get great compliments on the looks also. To anyone who thinks a Buick is a "grandma car" I say they need to take a new look at the Buick line, especially the sporty look of the LaCrosse!

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  Unexpected maintenance cost - 2003 Buick Rendezvous
  By 03Rendezvous - September 3 - 5:09 am

  Overall drive is fun. It feels like a car, but gives you room. Third seat option a must. Only used it a minimum amount of times but it was worth it each time we needed it. It was the highest maintenance cost vehicle we have had in about 15 years. As much as I liked the feel and ride, will not buy another one because of the maintenance cost.

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  Stylish enough for the younger crowd - 2006 Buick Lucerne
  By Ray - September 1 - 4:48 pm

  This is the best car I have ever been in. I am so happy to own this car. The 0% does not hurt either. So quiet. I dont have the worry that I would have if I had bought the Huyndai Azera. Toyota fell off with the 2007 Camry and Avalon. Now that I own a Lucerne, I dont want any any of the others. When driving the other cars I still wanted a Lucerne. And Im only 31 yrs old.

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  Dependable Car - 2000 Buick Regal
  By A McKay - September 1 - 9:58 am

  This car has been dependable from day one. No breakdowns in 6 years. No repairs other than maintenance. Still a solid feeling car after 6 yrs and 80K miles.

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  2006 Buick Rendezvous - 2006 Buick Rendezvous
  By DMD - August 31 - 10:40 pm

  I have owned my 2006 Rendezvous that I purchased used for almost 5 months. In short, I love this car. It is very quiet, smooth, has reasonable power, and has reasonable gas mileage. It is flawless with its fit and finish, and its quality of components is also very good.

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  Well kept secret - 2002 Buick Park Avenue
  By EggSmasher - August 31 - 10:00 am

  The Park Avenue is a well-kept secret. It has all the amenities of any luxury car, is well-built and designed, and is reasonably priced.

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  Awesome & Safe - 2008 Buick Enclave
  By Awesome & Safe - August 29 - 3:00 am

  I bought this vehicle in March of 2008. June 4th a storm came through our area and a tree fell on top of my Enclave. I can honestly tell you the car had no (zero) damage. The Enclave is a safe vehicle. This only disappointment I have is the acceleration and gas mileage. Otherwise, everything is great. I feel 100% safe in this vehicle.

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  Disgusted with the vehicle - 2006 Buick Lucerne
  By Eldon Lindsey - August 28 - 10:40 pm

  I have discovered a multiple of defects in the mechanics of this vehicle. Prominent is the left side mirror moves to unusable positions. Mechanics have refused to repair the defect after bringing it to them about 10 times. Also, the sunroof would not close. I had to repair it. I found a cable loose under the car the second day I owned it. Gas mileage has registered as low as 10.2 MPG, while the DIC says 13.8 consistently. The doors sometimes lock on their own when the vehicle is setting still, unattended. And there are more.

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  Pleasant surprise - 2006 Buick Rendezvous
  By Andrews T - August 28 - 9:08 pm

  This vehicle has been a pleasant surprise. After 14k and two trips of at least 500 miles each way, Ive been impressed with comfort, mileage (26+ W/ 87 Octane). Around town driving is 23+ w/ 87 octane. Storage space is great and the seating options provide a family w/ a 2 year old latch options for car seats in both 2nd and 3rd rows. Went w/ base model as it provided best value for money. Have had no major issues. Tire pressure monitor gave false reading (reset myself aftering checking) and oxygen sensor was replaced under warranty. Excellent experience. Surprised by quality and behavior of vehicle under load and spirited driving.

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  My Rendezvous - 2004 Buick Rendezvous
  By Rolland Belcher - August 28 - 12:58 pm

  I drive the intersates from Nebraska to Texas twice a year and back. I have had nothing but the best experience dirving the 2004 Rendezvous.