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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  GM finally has a real winner - 2008 Buick Enclave
  By Mike - May 31 - 11:06 pm

  My wife and I are both very picky when it comes to cars and we usually only stick with imports that have high reliability ratings. A little over two years ago, we wouldnt have even considered Buick (or any GM for that matter) when we wanted to look for a new SUV, but when I saw the Enclave revealed at the Detroit Auto Show back in 06, I immediately liked its styling. My biggest complaint with U.S. auto makers over the last 20 years or so is primarily not build quality (although it has been relatively poor), but design. The Enclaves design is what did it for me. We absolutely love the Enclave. I don’t regret it for one second.

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  Like it so much, we bought a second one! - 2003 Buick Rendezvous
  By scuba1n - May 31 - 10:00 am

  As a new family with an infant, we needed a car to replace my wifes VW GTI VR6. After much research, we decided on the Rendezvous. Dropped by Avery Greene Motors and were very well taken care of by Bruce Rodger and Juan Mancha. The entire team was terrific and met our needs and our budget. I liked the vehicle so much,I just bought one for myself to replace my SAAB 900. Feels god to support the U.S. economy and get a quality product too! Keep up the good work.

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  a very cool unexpensive car - 2002 Buick Century
  By cornel - May 29 - 2:00 am

  It is an inexpensive car comparing with Toyota Camry, Honda Acord and it has similar performances. Drives smoothly, has power, comfort and high quality features.

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  Best Vehicle Ive Ever Owned - 2008 Buick Enclave
  By schwarz - May 28 - 2:20 am

  After buying the 2008 Enclave my husband and I never looked back. This is by far the most car for the money. It turns heads wherever we go and rightfully so. Its sleek style and detailed design commands attention. I would recommend anyone who needs a vehicle which seats more than 4 to take a good look at the Enclave. You will not regrete it! It is fun to drive and very comfortable. I hate long road trips, but for the first time in a long time, Im looking forward to one. Buick, you did an outstanding job. This American made vehicle will give the foreign makers a run for their money.

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  Good Ride, and Prettay - 1998 Buick Riviera
  By Nicka - May 28 - 2:00 am

  This is an attractive car right out of the factory, but when you play with it right.... Its Beautiful

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  Love my Century! - 2002 Buick Century
  By snoopygrl - May 28 - 2:00 am

  I think this is a very underrated car. After owning unreliable Fords and Pontiacs, this is by far the best car I have ever had. I dont know why everyone refers to Buick as an "old mans car," Im 30 and I think this car is way cooler than the Honda Civics that you see everyone driving.

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  My Car is Great - 1998 Buick Century
  By Female - May 25 - 2:00 am

  Since purchasing my Century,I have had excellent service/performance from it. I would recommend the Century to anyone who wants a comfortable riding car that handles well and looks good.

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  Suprisingly good! - 2002 Buick Regal
  By BiteMe - May 23 - 2:00 am

  The car is simple yet elegant. Its functional beyond most means and has styling that is conservative yet will remain fresh for years to come.

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  An excellent rider - 2001 Buick Park Avenue
  By Allen Johnson - May 22 - 2:00 am

  Great gadgets, excellent ride, plenty of room. Lots of trunk space.

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  Love the car! - 2002 Buick Rendezvous
  By paulson1 - May 22 - 2:00 am

  I was looking for an SUV that wasnt a gas guzzler and that rated fairly well in safety testing. I drove a million cars, and I definitely got the most bang for my buck with the Buick. I drove an explorer before, and there is no compairson. The ride is smooth, there is no road noise, and the back seats are easy to remove. I could not be happier!