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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  One Sweet Ride - 2006 Buick Lucerne
  By john allen newman - January 3 - 11:43 pm

  I just purchased the vehicle this month and can only say that it is one fantastic automobile. The ride is so quiet, you almost dont realize the engine is running at idle. And for those who think that there are some luxury appointments missing, no way. This car is luxury all the way, from the rich leather/wood grained interior, air/heated seats, to the remote starter; yes thats right, remote starter. From 180 feet, you can fire up the engine and have the interior waiting for your arrival at your specifications. The trunk is huge and the 18" nickel chrome plated wheels make one phat ride. If you want performance and luxury,and spend more than this, you need therapy.

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  Top car - 1997 Buick Park Avenue
  By Tom Janes - December 23 - 12:03 am

  Purchased used in 05 $4500 never regretted having a Buick. Best mileage 38 average 27 on long trips. We like the 8 way seats and all the gadgets that came with the car. We have another Park Ave a 92 and what a nice car this is our fifth Buick all Park Avenues. Today it has 155,000 miles and we expect another 100,000 plus miles.

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  Performance and comfort - 1998 Buick Park Avenue
  By J. Previti - December 21 - 5:26 pm

  We have driven this car to Mathais WVA several times and to Myrtle beach three times and were delighted with performance and fuel economy. We got 28 mpg to and 29 from Myrtle Beach. That was driving at or slightly above the posted speed limits and short trips while there.

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  Impressive - 2006 Buick Lucerne
  By Ally - December 11 - 9:30 am

  This is the most impresive vehicle I have owned in my life. Well built, quiet, fun to drive, reliable, sporty, and not to mention great to look at!

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  Buick Enclave - 2008 Buick Enclave
  By a2dan - December 10 - 1:36 am

  Very quiet, very comfortable. The interior is beautifully designed and executed. It gets good mpg for an 8- passenger vehicle. It has sufficient power for passing, and handles well for a big, heavy vehicle.

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  Almost a month now - 2016 Buick Regal
  By Richard - December 6 - 4:05 am

  Search for a good dealership and salesperson

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  Just Drove Away with My New Enclave! - 2008 Buick Enclave
  By kenclave - December 4 - 2:46 pm

  I have never owned a GM vehicle. I have been waiting for this one since its debut at the Detroit Auto Show. Almost bought an Acadia because they came out first and I was chomping at the bit. Am so glad I was patient. It was well worth it. Drives beautifully. Very quiet. Very smooth. Handling is quite responsive. Feels very solid and safe. Looks great. Interior is nice. Plenty of room in all three rows. Traded in a Chrysler Town & Country that I loved. No regrets. Only the third day of my ownership, but so far I am quite pleased. Looking for excuses to drive!

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  Quiet and Smooth are True Luxuries - 2008 Buick Enclave
  By OwnedALot - December 4 - 8:50 am

  I have owned and driven my Enclave now for 5200 miles and still love it. We just had our first child, and I sold my BMW M3 to get it. Never did I think I would love the quiet and smoothness so much, I assume my son likes it as well since he snoozes in it so well. I have also carried a full load of people on a 4-hour trip with no complaints and 20MPG. Not bad for 7 Adults and one child. As for around town driving, I get an average of about 17MPG with mostly local driving. Ive never gotten less than 15MPG, with very city-like local short trips, so I am not sure what some people are doing to get less than that. Finally, we have had exactly 0 problems.

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  I copied my wife! - 2016 Buick Envision
  By Ken Gomes - November 27 - 9:18 pm

  My wife picked out the 2016 Envision for herself. We never agree on what to look for in a car. When I went to look at what she was leasing, I was so blown away by the features and quality of the vehicle, 1 week later, I leased one myself! We are a 2 Envision household! The lease value was also a very convincing factor. The monthly lease cost was similar to vehicles with an MSRP $10,000 less than the Envision. For the 2016 introduction in North America, only the Premium and Premium II trim is available. On next years model, when the full line of trim options are available, I doubt this "buyer friendly" lease situation will be available.

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  Great crossover! - 2008 Buick Enclave
  By Matt Kahn - November 23 - 7:56 am

  This is the best crossover out in the market. We looked at every one and found the Buick was the best priced and had the most options standard. Our Buick has every option available. With GMs OnStar you can do without the navigation. I will only buy cars that have OnStar. Hopefully this will be the start of good things to come from GM.