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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  Best Ever - 2006 Buick Lucerne
  By Don - August 17 - 4:29 pm

  I am a 73 year old male and so have had some experience behind the wheel. This is by far the best car I have owned. The ride is smooth and quiet and the quality and fit of the interior materials is better than I expected. There are better rated cars on the road but considering the price range and target market for this vechile, it would be hard to beat. This is my third car with the GM 3.8 liter V6 and it has plenty of power at the low end where you need it. I drive freeways 5 days a week and have no trouble merging and cruising along with the traffic flow.

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  2005 Park Avenue - Prestege - 2005 Buick Park Avenue
  By Richard Wallman - August 17 - 10:00 am

  Automobile is a comfortable large sedan with a very pleasant ride. Mine has the touring suspension - giving a much more comfortable ride than one without the extra suspension. Although the car could use a little more power (on hills it is constantly shifting) I can find nothing else to change.

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  First Buick Ever - 2008 Buick Enclave
  By abittel - August 16 - 6:33 pm

  We started looking early 2007, but really wanted to see the Enclave. Test drove Edge, Pacifica, and Veracruz. We finally got to see the Enclave and it was truly spectactular. We just had a hard time finding one to buy. People come up to us all of the time and want to see the car and want to know about it! I have only had Lincoln Continentals for the past 20 years, so this was a big step to buy a Buick. We have not been dissapointed. It is actully shorter and narrower than my Lincoln (more room in the garage!)

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  Our Lucerne - 2006 Buick Lucerne
  By John R - August 16 - 10:41 am

  We have owned Buicks since 1988. Our first 3 were all Buick Rivieras - the last two were the retooled luxury sports sedans of 1995 and 1998 and we loved them. We were most disappointed when Buick shelved the Rivs. However, even though our Lucerne is 4- door, we equate its handling to that of our beloved Riviera. It is fun to drive and it is quiet. And it is sharp looking as well. After only a couple of weeks my wife and I were both saying - we love this car. Thanks Buick. You kept us around by introducing the Lucerne.

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  06 CXS - 2006 Buick Lucerne
  By Fixation - August 15 - 10:22 am

  Great car. Many people are suprised to learn that it is a Buick. Superb ride and confident and poised handling. The elegant appearance, and refined interior make this the best kept secret in the automotive world.

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  Our best vehicle yet - 2002 Buick Rendezvous
  By Raymond Smith - August 15 - 8:08 am

  This is my wifes SUV and our first one. My wifes feelings are this is the best driving vehicle we have owned yet. There have been many during our 40 years together. I like how it handles, as well as its appearance. It also comes in handy when we need the space to haul something. My wife calls it her shuttle because she drives myself and my oldest son to our VA doctors appointments. It is a lot better as for getting in and out of compared to a car. I guess you could say we are completely satisfied with our Rendezvous.

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  Amazing value, great style too. - 1999 Buick Regal
  By Jonnyman - August 14 - 4:27 pm

  I was shopping for mid-mileage cars and my price- range couldnt find anything I really liked, then I saw my Regal LS with 145,000 miles on it. Car drove like new and was clean inside and out, loaded with features, quiet engine with loads of power and uses regular gas. I dont need the GS (Im not racing). This car will transport 5 in style, great value better hwy mileage than Camry, better looking and bigger trunk too. The LS turned me into a Buick man, I put 6000 miles on it already and no problems so far, My family now travels in style even on a budget, if you can find a Regal LS get it!

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  V6 handles very well, very reliable - 1992 Buick Regal
  By Katie - August 14 - 12:08 pm

  I bought this about three and a half years ago with 80,000 mi. The body was in excellent condition for a car that was over 10 years old, no rust. It now has over 125,000 and still looks beautiful (despite the damage from a little run in with a deer). Ive had to do very little routine maintenence outside oil changes (serpentine belt replacement, o-ring replacement, fuel pump, and starter). Smooth ride on the highway, hasnt given me too many problems and surprisingly decent gas mileage.

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  Great van - 2007 Buick Terraza
  By adam - August 14 - 1:17 am

  Its a great van to drive. I love mine. Im 18 years old and in a wheelchair, and this is the van my parents got for me. Its more like an SUV than a van.

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  Rear ended - 1990 Buick Electra
  By Dave M - August 12 - 10:27 am

  We loved our Park Avenue. Super comfy seats with loads of room for tall people. We drove it for a year until some joker re-ended us and put an end to a lovely relationship! The 3.8L engine was a powerhouse but still got us 28 mpg on the highway. Very reliable car, rock solid and smooth on the road.