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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  Excellent deal - 2002 Buick Rendezvous
  By nextmoon - May 20 - 4:56 pm

  Ive test driven several other SUVs and crossovers but this one clearly stood out from the rest. The ride is more like a large sedan. The view out back is not super large but its not worst than other SUVs. The interior room is outstanding. Even two adults in the back can ride in comfort of a good distance. Seats are very comfortable in all THREE rows. Radio buttons are in good reach and sized properly for larger hands. The disc brakes do a very well job of stopping the vehicle.

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  WORTH A LOOK - 1999 Buick Regal
  By Samm - May 16 - 2:00 am

  Drives great. Quick and fast. Lots of good bells and whistles inside, great value even if traded at a higher price.

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  1998 Century - 1998 Buick Century
  By joeb - May 16 - 2:00 am

  All around excellent car - undervalued styling with good performance. Very comfortable ride.

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  Buicks 2001 Grand National? - 2002 Buick Regal
  By Eric Barr - May 16 - 2:00 am

  Well... not exactly... but this car is a sleeper. Just put your foot on the gas and your off to 60 in no time... BMWs need to watch out! I have the Abboud series... so the colors and signage on the car are a little fancy and unique. Very comfy... and... did I say fast? Love this car.

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  Excellent Auto - 2006 Buick Lucerne
  By Wayne - May 12 - 6:53 am

  Drove auto across country two days after purchase. Excellent trip, comfort driving and riding. No complaints, good gas mileage, or 26 mpg. Driven locally since and same positive experience. Did not tire me out to drive.

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  Former LeSabre Owner - 2006 Buick Lucerne
  By Phil - May 12 - 3:33 am

  Having owned three LeSabres, I have been a loyal Buick owner. I was about to change to something new when the Lucerne came along. Its a great improvement, delivering the comfort of the LeSabre with much better styling. The 17 inch wheels deliver a smooth comfortable ride. I opted for the Sharkskin ($900.00) paint and find that the color gives the car a more European look. 3 months of driving and very pleased over all.

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  nice compromise - 2005 Buick Rendezvous
  By doranski - May 8 - 10:00 am

  Problem free nice mix of minivan features and good looks

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  2001 LS Loaded with Options - 2001 Buick Regal
  By lotech1 - May 6 - 2:00 am

  While no vehicle can be everything to everybody, the Regal is one of the best deals going. More standard features than any of the foreign sedans for thousands less plus you get a solid car.

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  KKB REGAL 2001 - 2001 Buick Regal
  By kkb - May 3 - 2:00 am

  Replaced the tail light assembly 3 times due to water in the lens, replaced the name "regal" on the right hand door.

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  A wolf in sheeps clothing. - 2002 Buick Regal
  By Bushwack - May 2 - 2:00 am

  One of the best bang for your buck cars available today. If I was to be picky, all that is missing is a GPS system. For $25,000, the Regal GS is a great car. A terrific city and highway cruiser.