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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  Bullet-proof - 1997 Buick LeSabre
  By Robert - November 11 - 2:00 am

  Bought used from a friend with 227,000 miles and 11 years old. Now with 271,000 in Nov 10. All I do is change the oil ($10 at local dealer). Repaired a couple of minor things (rear springs and struts, front struts and both wheel bearings, rear defroster repair and auto A/C repair), but for as old as my car is, and with as many miles, it gives me excellent service every day. 14 years old, 271K miles, and I still get 26-27 mpg, YES! 27. No need to buy a new car to stretch your gas dollar if you can find one of these late-90s in good condition with low miles, snatch it up! (would make a good second car in case your new expensive one your making payments on leaves you stranded).

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  American At Last! - 2011 Buick Regal
  By JD from MA - November 11 - 2:00 am

  Like many other drivers in their late 30s looking for a new car, the search began on the other sides of the Atlantic and Pacific. Except for the newer Cadillac CTS and maybe the new Lincoln MKZ, nothing state-side remotely sparked an interest. I thought I had cornered the group of cars from which I would make my selection - - the usual suspects: Audi, Saab, Volvo, Acura and always in the mix, BMW. Price was certainly a consideration house, wife, two kids - you get the picture. It was then that I noticed an online ad for a new Buick Regal. Buick? - I had one in High School. I always thought to myself - why doesnt the U.S ever build cars like ...? Maybe they just did. Check it out.

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  A Real Beauty! - 2006 Buick Terraza
  By Dolynn56X - November 9 - 2:00 am

  Fantastic van, we got a great deal on it, didnt have to fianance, price was so low. Features are great, drives great, all around great vehicle. I would definately buy one again.

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  Great Car - 2011 Buick Regal
  By metrosp - November 6 - 2:00 am

  Crossed shopped, VW (JETTA, CC, PASSAT) , Acura, Honda Accord, Chevy Malibu, Hynday Sonata but none could compare with the feature per price. Stopped into Buick to look at Lacrosse but after driving both, the Regal sporty ride won me over. The looks are very distinctive and interior is excellent and roomy for 5.Love the handling and took a 5 hour drive to New Hampshire without stopping once for gas and still had more than a quarter tank left. If I could have waited a few more months I would have tried to turbo, but the 2.4s performance is more than adequate and it is so quite that I am often cruising at 80 without knowing.

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  No portholdes - 2011 Buick Regal
  By Richard - November 3 - 2:00 am

  Never liked portholes on cars - the Regal meets my criteria. Began looking for Japanese import but after driving the Regal, my search was over. Fit and finish are exceptional with upscale styling inside and out. Fun to drive and of course handles well. Warranty better than comparable imports. Plenty of power for me and Id guess for most drivers. Foreign imports in this price range have something to be concerned about.

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  Great touring vehicle - 2011 Buick Enclave
  By Tex - November 3 - 2:00 am

  Excellent cross country vehicle, the type you can drive in for twelve hours in a day. Very roomy with great legroom. Seats are very comfortable with great adjustable lumbar support. Controls are intuitive and well laid-out. Bose premium sound system is good. Bass is tight, but just adequate on response range. Extremely smooth ride with the quietest cabin I have ever encountered. Smooth acceleration and handling. On one hand, I had hoped for better fuel economy. On the other hand, this is a large, heavy vehicle with significant wind resistance. Cargo space is outstanding. Functioning of the laydown seats is great. Nice features. Great vehicle. Absolutely a keeper.

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  Lucerne - 2008 Buick Lucerne
  By buicklucerne - November 2 - 2:00 am

  For people complaining about the speedometer being hard to see in day light, turn the lights on. It really helps. My Lucerne has day running lamps so the exterior lighs are already on. Very nice a comfortable car.

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  Nice Car - 2011 Buick Regal
  By Thomas from NJ - November 2 - 2:00 am

  Comfy, Great handling, power, and MPG.

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  F/U Post after 11 months - 2010 Buick LaCrosse
  By RJP - October 30 - 2:00 am

  F/U review to one posted in January of this year. After almost 11 months of ownership I am still quite impressed with the vehicle. This is indeed a head turner and my family gets a kick out of watching people ogle the stylistic decor. In fact, just purchased a third car for my daughter today, and while not a LaCrosse, it was interesting to watch the sales staff walk around this car, as we stood by from afar, looking, pointing and talking amongst themselves. In fact, I requested the salesman not ‘sell my car’ while I took his for a test drive!

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  Lucerne is the Best - 2006 Buick Lucerne
  By Dave - October 28 - 2:00 am

  I wanted a large car with a soft confy ride on all roads. Glad I bought this car. Tons of room, seating for Fit and finish is great. I had a Lexus rice burner and truly prefer the Buick Lucerne Bigger and better