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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  Two Months of Complete Satisfaction - 2002 Buick LeSabre
  By Scott F. Rosenberg - March 1 - 10:39 pm

  I replaced a Buick Park Avenue with a Le Sabre Limited two months ago. Only option is 16 inch wheels. Its a couple of years newer design. Not one problem or complaint so far. Yesterday I drove 380 miles roundtrip to see a Spring Training Baseball Game. We were extremely comfortable cruising most of the time at 75 MPH. Only used 3/4 tank of gas (29.5 miles per gallon burning 87 octane gas). Very pleased to say the least!

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  My first Buick! - 2001 Buick Century
  By rirowla - March 1 - 12:34 pm

  What a Value! We bought this car with the 0% financing for 60 months and love it. Our two kids fit fine and we dont miss our minivan. Id recommend this car to young couples, its a lot of comfort and space for the money. The secret bonus is that insurance rates are really cheap in this vehicle. We went from our used minivan (value $4000) to this new Century (value $19000) and our insurance rate actually went down! I couldnt believe it.

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  Excellent Value - 2002 Buick Rendezvous
  By BillF - February 23 - 1:13 pm

  I rented this car over christmas and drove from Dallas to Nashville. Outstanding millage and performance. So much room for luggage. Very comfortable. You need to try this out!!

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  Great for twins! - 2002 Buick Rendezvous
  By dean&cathy - February 21 - 10:00 am

  We have been very impressed with the price point and the quality of this car. It was well thought out and very user friendly. We have the captain chairs for the second row and highly recommend that configuration for baby seats.

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  mikes big bad buick - 1990 Buick Skylark
  By mike - February 8 - 11:15 am

  this has been the best car I have ever owned by far (out of thirteen diffrent vehicles).

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  Stunning car, love it - 2006 Buick Lucerne
  By JMB - January 29 - 2:23 pm

  Only had it a week but I just fell in love with the pictures. I was going to go for Infinity or Jag but I wanted to wait for this car. Im glad I did. No kidding. I work at a law firm and my coworkers teased me that I had bought a Buick. Then we went out to lunch today and they were amazed. Absolutely amazed. One of my partners -- a die-hard Lexus owner -- asked to drive it. He really liked it.

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  Buick Has Scored - 2003 Buick Rendezvous
  By D1 - January 29 - 10:00 am

  This is the nicest ride I have ever owned. At 61 and having had many new cars, this one has pleased me the most. It is really engineered well. Solid, noise free comfortable ride with plenty of guts when needed. The options are great. Best deal for the money out there in SUVs.

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  What a vehicle! - 2008 Buick Enclave
  By Elwyn Davis - January 24 - 5:26 pm

  This is the best vehicle we have ever owned, or driven. It is exceptionally comfortable, and a joy to ride in. The quietest vehicle in my experience of 50 years of driving. Some pseudo sophisticates gripe about the fake wood. Of course it is fake, but it is beautiful and adds to the excellent interior design. Get over yourselves. A friend, and MDX owner, is green with jealousy.

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  Love it!! - 2004 Buick Rendezvous
  By JAZZ - January 24 - 10:00 am

  The Rendezvous is the best SUV with minivan qualities! I highly recommend it. The bucket seats in the back are great and the DVD player is a big hit with my son. Its a great car if you only have 2 kids. If you have 3 that are older then it would be ok too. Not enough room in the cargo area for a stroller, you have to put the 3rd row down.

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  Owner, 4 day"s - 2005 Buick LaCrosse
  By Charles Skaggs - January 16 - 1:53 am

  Ive driven this Buick 100 miles,itis the quietest car I"ve ever driven. Ride is excellent.