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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  buick century limited - 2002 Buick Century
  By glovercv - March 23 - 2:00 am

  really like this car

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  jacks - 1998 Buick Regal
  By J.Siebert - March 22 - 2:00 am

  Good family car

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  I still love this car ! - 2006 Buick Lucerne
  By Terry Schulz - March 21 - 9:30 am

  I like it so much , I may not trade it in yet.

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  Nothing but love - 1992 Buick LeSabre
  By superdave_50 - March 21 - 2:00 am

  Great car

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  1999 Buick Century - 1999 Buick Century
  By G. M. Smith - March 19 - 2:00 am

  There are only a couple of things I have discovered that I would change in the car. One is that the odometer does not show tenths of a mile and I would like to have that. There have been several times that I would have liked to measure a particular distance I intended to walk but was unable to be exact, so I had to use my other car to make the measurement. The other thing is that I would like for the radio sound to be able to be adjusted infinitely, not to click on to the next sound level which may be louder or softer than I actually want to listen to. Overall, a pretty good buy, but I have had it less than a year.

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  Buick, my reliable buddy - 1999 Buick Century
  By Decker - March 19 - 2:00 am

  My Buick was purchased in May of 1999. I now have 100,000 safe, reliable miles on her with no problems of any kind. Great car!

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  Been a great car - 2002 Buick Regal
  By Jack1999gs - March 17 - 7:37 pm

  My second GS and there is no better value, performance, and ride. Fun to drive with a great radio. Most car for your money compared to the overpriced imports.

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  GM hit a home run - 2008 Buick Enclave
  By NorthvilleMI - March 17 - 7:30 am

  This vehicle is outstanding - and my other car is a Honda. The exterior styling is great. The interior detail is top notch. The ride is incredibly smooth and very quiet at high speeds. Great vehicle for a night out or a family trip. Very luxurious and good material and build quality. This is the best vehicle I have ever driven.

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  a great ride - 2002 Buick Park Avenue
  By cleopuppy - March 17 - 2:00 am

  Dollar for dollar this car cant be beat.

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  The Ride is Awesome! - 2002 Buick Rendezvous
  By RDV Fan - March 17 - 2:00 am

  We continually amazed at the ride and tight turning radius. Very comfortable. We get tons of compliments. The RDV is really catching on in our city. The 8 speaker sound system is quite good. Have heard numerous comments about being underpowered. I used to think that as well. Now I believe if it is, its very slight. Great vehicle. High Polished wheels are beautiful.