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 Overall - 2006 Buick Lucerne
  By Excellent Overall - August 11 - 7:55 am

  The Buick Lucerne drives smoothly, handles turns to perfection, and looks great. I am very pleased with this car and enjoy riding it every day. I would recommend a test drive and you be the judge.

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  GM known defects - 2002 Buick Rendezvous
  By Shar - August 10 - 7:46 pm

  Id say its been a pretty good SUV. 20 mi to gal in town, never failed to get me there and back, but when something goes wrong it will cost you an arm and leg. Why do I keep it? Because in 6 mo. its paid for!

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  Luv-it Lucerne - 2006 Buick Lucerne
  By Chas. Stauber - August 10 - 1:37 pm

  Having owned four LeSabres prior to buying this Lucerne, I can give an accurate evaluation, I think. It is so silent one thinks you should be in a Caddy or Town car.

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  Bessie the Buick - 2002 Buick Century
  By Tim - August 8 - 9:27 pm

  I bought this car from Enterprise rent a car sales in 2003. Ive been reading all these reviews in looking for a new car, and I chose to submit a review on this car for those who may be looking for a great used car. This has been a great car over the last 60,000 miles that Ive owned it. I put new tires on it when I got it - still look good. Oil changes and a set of brakes - thats all its ever needed (and Im really picky). I get 30 mpg on the highway all the time, and about 20 in the city. Its not flashy, but it runs great and is fairly comfortable until you hit the 3 hour mark on a drive. I highly recommend this model to those who are looking for dependable cheap transportation.

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  Horrible Gas Mileage - 2006 Buick Rainier
  By shrimp525 - August 8 - 10:02 am

  I really love the way my new car drives, but the gas mileage is horrible. I have been averaging 10.1 miles per gallon. I have tried driving with the windows open but nothing helps. I do love the car but I would like to get more mileage from a tank of gas. I drove almost all highway and got 239 miles on a full tank.

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  Classic Car - 1990 Buick Reatta
  By Dan H - August 7 - 11:18 am

  Great little car, excellent handling and performance. Hand built in Michigan, build quality excellent. This car is bound to be a collectable classic, since not many were built.

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  Lucerne - 2007 Buick Lucerne
  By blueride - August 7 - 10:15 am

  Excellent ride, room, and reliability. Great mpgs for a car this size. Amazingly quiet. Traded a trouble prone 5 series BMW for this one

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  A lot of bang for the buck - 1999 Buick Regal
  By bill - August 5 - 8:43 am

  I get so tired of Americans whining about American car quality. If you do not maintain a car properly, it wont last. The Buick Regal is a great car and I will definitely continue buying them.

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  Love My Ranier - 2006 Buick Rainier
  By LENA BELSHER - August 4 - 5:18 pm

  I have owned many SUVs over the past 15 years, and the Ranier beats them all, in comfort,features,and quality. There are so many standard features, which will be extras in any other SUV. It is fun to drive, and gas mileage is decent for a mid size SUV. My sister, brother, and cousin all bought TrailBlazers, and now wish they would of checked out the Ranier. They love it. You will get your moneys worth! I highly suggest that if you are in the market for an SUV, you have to check out the Buick Ranier!

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  Buick Evaluation - 2006 Buick Lucerne
  By V.J.Romano - August 3 - 5:59 pm

  The car is very new-1000 miles on it. But it is a joy to drive, comfortable and quiet. I like the information about the car as you drive that is available on the instrument panel. The fuel economy is amazingly good for a full sized car. I traded in a Buick for this one and had no problems during the life of it and hope the same with the new one.