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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  Great car - 2008 Buick Enclave
  By Rob - August 23 - 7:33 pm

  This is the first American made car that I have ever purchased. No American cars ever interested me. I traded a 2004 Volvo XC90 for the Enclave. The Enclave is a big jump in quality especially for the price. The XC90 equipped similarly would cost $10K more. The ride is very smooth and quiet. We bought it loaded. My daughter loves the DVD. I like OnStar, navigation system, back-up camera and power liftgate. Adults can actually sit in the 3rd row comfortably. Behind the 3rd row there is room for luggage or coolers for tailgating. The gas mileage so far (800 miles) is not as good as the Volvo. The Enclave gets 15 MPG in the city. Overall, a great value. I highly recommend it.

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  Junk - 2006 Buick Rainier
  By w gotwals - August 22 - 8:03 am

  1197 total miles and the car would not start. Complete electrical shut down. It"s been out of service for 3 days now attempting to be fixed. Cant GM do a little better job

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  Sporty Meets Luxury - 2004 Buick Rainier
  By Latana - August 21 - 4:37 pm

  I have owned my Rainier since 12/31/2003. I have loved it from day one. I bought it sight unseen from a recommendation and have never regretted it. Mine is loaded. DVD system, Bose sound system with 6 cd changer, XM radio, OnStar, every option they had was on this SUV. It was my first SUV after always owning big luxury cars. I have never had to have any service but oil changes.

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  Try it, you will like it - 2006 Buick Lucerne
  By jabutix - August 21 - 4:07 pm

  The car drives and rides beautifully. The family felt wonderful after a 600 mile drive, so conmfortable it is. I was amazed at the gas mileage. Very good for such a big car.

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  Lucerne is a jewel - 2006 Buick Lucerne
  By jsieks - August 21 - 11:00 am

  After 6 months and a 3000 mile road trip to the midwest, I am still beaming about my Lucerne. Its design, a departure from older Buicks, is forward looking. The chrome portals (four of them) on each side not only designate the car as a Buick but puts a nifty look to the car. The power of the 8 cylinders in the CXL is very satisfying, allowing for safer changes of lanes on the highway and an occasional "gotcha" to all those red sports cars out there. The average MPG on the highway turns out to be about 24, not too bad for so much power and a 4000 pound vehicle. And, it is proof that an American vehicle is better than Asian cars

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  My car - 2006 Buick Rainier
  By mcquiston - August 21 - 9:05 am

  Very limtied cup holders. Front seats need to go back another couple of inches for taller people. The settings should be key linked and not linked via remote

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  So far, excellent - 2006 Buick Lucerne
  By Geonar - August 21 - 8:05 am

  Had to have wheel alignment and tires changed before delivery, because of right pulling, and tires where out of round. After this correction, car ran good. False air bag alarm while starting engine, fault cleared after several starts, no record of problem in black box.

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  My car is great - 2005 Buick Terraza
  By donald szanyi - August 21 - 3:55 am

  This is the very best automobile I have ever owned. I am 56 years old. I have had 5 Chrysler minivans and they do not compare to this van in comfort or style.

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  2007 RANIER - 2007 Buick Rainier
  By BILL GILL - August 19 - 7:13 pm

  I think this is a very under-rated SUV. It is so much nicer than the Envoy which is more popular. Very quiet and the fuel economy is about like everything else.

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  Really disappointed - 2006 Buick Rainier
  By Norman - August 18 - 11:16 am

  We should have taken a longer test drive and done more homework. The seats are extremely uncomfortable. Tried to trade it in after a month, but already no trade-in value. The dealer obviously didnt want it back!