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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  Great Car - 2003 Buick Park Avenue
  By Bart J - July 21 - 2:00 am

  Outstanding car. Great performance, tremedous excelleration and very quick response from steering and breaking.

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  Class & Performance - 2004 Buick Rainier
  By Al Pal - July 21 - 2:00 am

  When we saw the Ranier in the dealer showroom we both were immediately impressed with the classy look, both inside and out. This is a rugged SUV that will look exceptionally good heading for a formal event. It rides like a dream. Quiet, comfortable and full of exhileration - even with the 275 HP 6 cylinder engine. This engine stands right up there with the V8s. The Buick name tag is a plus (at least to us). We had a 1985 Riviera (One of my favorite cars) and a 1988 Skyhawk (which we had bought for our daughter). Both were great cars and we expect the Ranier to be even better.

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  Hockey mom - 2004 Buick Rendezvous
  By hcky mom - July 21 - 2:00 am

  Love it! I put alot of miles on, Roomy, comfortable, great handling

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  I love my Buick - 2004 Buick Rendezvous
  By denhosk - July 21 - 2:00 am

  WE PURCHASED A 2002 MODEL IN APRIL OF THIS YEAR. SO FAR WE LOVE IT. THE RIDE IS NICE AND SMOOTH. THE INTERIOR IS COMFORTABLE ALL BUT THE FRONT SEAT HEADRESTS. THE FUEL ECONOMY IS GREAT AND WE LOVE EVERYTHING ABOUT IT SO FAR

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  3G5DA03E33S51199 - 2004 Buick Rendezvous
  By THOMAS STOKES - July 21 - 2:00 am

  NEEDED BRAKES 4 TIMES,STILL ISNT FIXED,TRANSMISSION SLIPS,OVERHEATS ALL THE TIME,NO ENGINE POWER,10 MILES TO THE GALLON,TRACION CONTROL LOCKS UP,ALMOST KILLED ME!!!!!!!!!!!!! VERY POOR VIEWING OUT THE REAR SIDES AND REAR AN ACCIDENT WAITING TO HAPPEN

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  I love my Rendezvous - 2004 Buick Rendezvous
  By LeonAndrew - July 21 - 2:00 am

  I dont off road so I find the car great in regular situations. The AWD is wonderful. While other cars (including SUVs) were skidding around in the most recet ice storm, mine chugged along quite well!

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  Womens SUV! - 2004 Buick Rendezvous
  By Ronda763 - July 21 - 2:00 am

  I have been following the reviews on the Buick Rendezvous for two years. For the past 13 years I have diven a mini-van (driving kids two and from soccer games). I knew the by next vehicle would not be another mini-van. After driving the Rendezvous, I knew this would be the vehicle I would be buying! It drives like and car, but I still sit up high like I did in the mini-van. I LOVE THIS VEHICLE!!!!

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  Couldnt be happier! - 2006 Buick LaCrosse
  By Herbert W. Hallman - July 20 - 5:05 pm

  My wife and I love this car. We traded a 97 BMW 528i that we purchased new and initially had some trepidations about our chioce. No longer. Other than somewhat skimpy leg room in the rear and a shallow rear seat, I can think of no negatives. It drives and handles superbly. We love the uncomplicated, staight-across dashboard, the quiet engine and feel of solidity the car engenders. Moreover the car offers exceptional value, in my opinion, when you consider all the extras (6-way power seat on front passenger side, remote engine start, OnStar, XM radio, heated front seats, etc.)

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  Great car - 1993 Buick Regal
  By Tim - July 20 - 11:44 am

  Fun car to drive with great power and suspension, reliable car and never any serious problems, factory brake rotors wore out faster than expected that is it, runs strong with 187,000 miles on it.

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  Thrilled I Bought It! - 2002 Buick Rendezvous
  By VeryPleased - July 20 - 10:00 am

  When I decided to go SUV I began w/large models being used to a minivan. Found plenty of room but even luxury models had big truck feel/ride I hated. Mid SUVs were blah! Just when I was ready to give up SUV idea I found the Rendezvous. Reviews were mixed but I was curious enough to check out. Glad I did! I LOVE MY "RUV"! Ride is awesome,smooth & quiet. Leather seats roomy, 2nd row Capt seats keep my 2 kids happy in their own space. When needed 3rd row offers comfortable xtra seating. 3rd row down--great cargo room. Tons of extras. Excellent value for my $$ glad I passed up Acura MXD! Handles beautifully.Was used to better MPGs but I hear 17mpg not bad for this veh type. Test drive & see!