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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  Rega GS - 1997 Buick Regal
  By fall2696 - April 21 - 2:00 am

  The Regal GS is powerful, fun to drive, and a much better value than other sports sedans.

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  Fun car to drive - 2005 Buick LaCrosse
  By Marie FOy - April 20 - 2:00 pm

  Everyone loves my new car, would be very happy with it if the gas mileage was as good as my LeSabre

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  Understated - 2002 Buick LeSabre
  By dodger - April 20 - 2:00 am

  This car gets you where you want to go in great comfort. Acceleration is more than adequate. A lot of safety features come with this car.

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  luxury for less - 2014 Buick Verano
  By Chris Chestnut - April 19 - 1:15 pm

  Excellent power and handling I love this car

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  the best - 1991 Buick Century
  By mert /sewer - April 18 - 2:00 am

  low upkeep repairs at a minuim fast on the picup 3300ltr v6 the new one cant hold a candle to this one

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  great value quiet on the road - 2001 Buick Century
  By leslie2 - April 18 - 2:00 am

  looking for a quiet car this is it I cannot believe the change in road noise with this caar. the side mirrors need to be redesigned I must readjust them when I want to park the car I love the way the back seat folds in 2 parts and the fact that both front seats are completely adjustable handles well on and off the highway great mileage too

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  bobs review - 1999 Buick Century
  By besegrell - April 15 - 2:00 am

  In July, 1999 I contacted my local Buick dealer via email & told him what I was looking for. In a few minutes I learned that what I wanted, (with exception of a $75 stripe on the side)was on his lot. I did not dicker on the following offer $200 over invoice $1500 rebate $500+ credit from GM Card.

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  My new Buick - 2005 Buick LaCrosse
  By Marie Foy - April 10 - 5:20 pm

  Very good fun car to drive, nice and quiet and this is really good.

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  stus buick - 1995 Buick LeSabre
  By stu - April 8 - 2:00 am

  Very dependable, No major repairs,Does use some oil but has since it was new,in 7.5 years only had to replace tires once has 95000 miles on it.Finish is as good as new.

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  Best value in America - 2002 Buick LeSabre
  By peterman - April 7 - 3:00 am

  Drive any large or midsize car in the $40,000 price range and then drive a $25,000 Buick Lasabre. Unless you are biased again American cars, you will agree that this car is a bargain.