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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  New Owner Loves Lucerne - 2006 Buick Lucerne
  By Lucerne - August 3 - 5:53 pm

  We are new owners. My husband, in the past, has bought Chevy Caprice and Olds Delta 88, would still be driving if they were still available. Someone suggested we look at the Buick Lucerne and within 4 hours we traded our Chevy Impala for the Lucerne. He likes the drivers space since he is a tall person and is looking forward to going on a long trip.

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  My Rendezvous - 2005 Buick Rendezvous
  By 2005 rendezvous - August 3 - 1:32 pm

  My mileage is averaging 24mph with the air on, (nice) tachometer approx 2000 rpm (65-70 mph) I enjoy the feel and safety if this car. It has lots of safety features that I never had on any car before, door lock, etc. I like the feel of safety in AWD. The Rendezvous was an Avis rental, no problems as of the writing this report

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  Excellent vehicle - 2006 Buick Rendezvous
  By James Mire - August 3 - 12:47 pm

  This is an excellent car for the price. It has great ride and handling. I could not ask for a better vehicle

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  abh - 2003 Buick Rendezvous
  By skipper - August 3 - 10:00 am

  love it. only 1 small problem in over a year.

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  My Rendezvous - 2003 Buick Rendezvous
  By LAURIE - August 3 - 10:00 am

  I just love my Buick Rendezvous. It gets great gas mileage and is very comfortable to drive. It manuvers well, doesnt feel like it would roll over easily. All the controls are within easy reach and easy to use. Lots of room!

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  Needs improvement - 2003 Buick Rendezvous
  By Joe Chianti - August 3 - 10:00 am

  The front and side appearance of the car is great. The rear appearance out of wack. Too much red and plastic for sure. Same engine as the Venture which was my previous lease. Averaged 22/23 mileage per gal overall and only getting 18 on this car. Dont not believe car is heavier including a smaller fuel tank. Other then the above really like the vehicle.

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  I like it - 2003 Buick Rendezvous
  By phne - August 3 - 10:00 am

  The vehicle is comfortable and economical. Im averaging over 23 mpg with about 50-50 city and hwy driving. The layout of the dash is impressive and functional.

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  This is the one - 2003 Buick Rendezvous
  By lef - August 3 - 10:00 am

  Bought my Rendezvous a year ago almost to the date. Love everything about this vehicle. The stereo (upgrade 6cd) is fantastic. I have given myself vertigo playing deep bass cds, really, really loud. Im a 35 yo mom of two. The seats are comfy, ride is quiet and smooth, a lot of luxery for not too bad a price. Cant be beat!

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  Best car Ive eve owned - 2002 Buick Rendezvous
  By Susan Blunck - August 3 - 4:00 am

  My 2002 Rendezvous has been a joy since the first time I test-drove it prior to purchasing. The ride is smooth, quiet, reliable, quick to respond. In four years of ownership, I have not had a lick of trouble with it.

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  My Opinion of Buick has Slipped - 2003 Buick Rendezvous
  By Jon Tao - August 1 - 9:04 pm

  We bought this car new, not knowing it was made in Mexico. Shame on me for not doing my research. At 60k, the intake manifold started leaking and at 84k, the transmission needed major work. I am disappointed. GM needs to do better. It seems that these two problems are very common for this engine and transmission.