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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  I wont buy another GMC car - 2002 Buick Rendezvous
  By Cesar - June 23 - 9:48 pm

  Everywhere I read comments, same problems. Coolant leaking into manifold, a/c condenser cracked, etc. etc. I spent over $2000 already. I will get rid of it soon so I wont have to spend more money on it.

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  Not toohappy - 2005 Buick LaCrosse
  By Donna - June 23 - 6:06 pm

  I previously owned a Buick Century and was very upset when I found out they stopped making them. I bought the LaCrosse because I was told it was the replacement for the Century. I have not been impressed. I do like the car, but only at this point because it is a new car, and who does not like a new car. I had very good luck with the Century as far as engine problems went. I was told that the LaCross has a new engine design and I am quite sceptical about that. It does not seem to have the power that the Century had. I have very slow acceleration when I am running my air, and the air conditioning is no where near the performance that the Century had.I am not happy about that. I am disappointed

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  Great Vehicle Fun to drive - 2007 Buick Rendezvous
  By laurie - June 22 - 1:10 pm

  This vehicle handles great and has great comfort features. The third row seat is really nice because it folds down flat. This vehicle has the feel of a luxury vehicle yet the look of a small SUV. This is by far the best vehicle I have ever owned and would definitely recommend it to others.

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  I love the luxury feel and performance! - 2000 Buick Century
  By wuzo15 - June 22 - 10:00 am

  Ive owned my Buick Limited for 5 years. I bought it used. The only problem Ive had was the automatic window on the drivers side stopped working and had to be repaired for about $250.00...otherwise, just the normal wear and tear, tires, brakes, the usual.

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  Do not buy a Buick Terraza - 2005 Buick Terraza
  By Lisa - June 21 - 2:29 pm

  This vehicle has so many problems, weve had it in numerous times for the radio(4 times), the doors( could not get out of car, could not get in car you name it), noise coming from the front, lights flickering, door handles falling off, hatch falling on sons head, abs lights, traction control lights come on saying not working, but dealer can find nothing wrong. Do not buy this van.

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  Buick Century - 1998 Buick Century
  By Quinton - June 20 - 8:34 pm

  I have owned the car for over 4 years now, and it hasent let me down yet. I have had some problems ( i.e. leak in rack and pinion, wheel bearings and abs sensors) but nothing to worry about. The car gives a good ride, excellent fuel economy, however it could use a little more power.

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  Close to very good - 2004 Buick Rendezvous
  By hlstavn - June 20 - 10:00 am

  Comfortable to drive. Great handling. As comfortable as as sedan but corners well. Utilitarian space design. Good looks.

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  Have a Rendezvous! - 2002 Buick Rendezvous
  By by crg/Ga. - June 17 - 10:07 pm

  This was my 1st new car & I can say nothing bad about this beauty! Its comfort is impeccable, its class is luxurious, I love this car. I have had it now for 4 yrs., and I would buy this car again! I have had so many comments about how beautiful it is, from day one. I have had wonderful service from it, and I have taken very good care of mine. I keep up with all service on it. Thats the key. It takes me everywhere safely! Love it!

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  Excellent Vehicle - 2006 Buick Rendezvous
  By Glenn - June 15 - 5:15 pm

  Very comfortable on a long trip. Fuel economy is very good for this type vehicle.There is plenty of room for passengers and luggage and whatever else one needs for trips. Car can be driven for long periods without driver fatigue. I have the CXL option and this gives me everything I need in the vehicle. The visibility out of the car is also very good. The car is also easy to drive and park in the city. The vehicle is very quiet and this makes conversation easy and pleasant. We looked at vans, sedans, and Suvs and found the Buick Rendevous to blend the best of each of these vehicles into one vehicle.

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  2005 LaCrosse CXS - 2005 Buick LaCrosse
  By caddycart - June 15 - 12:29 pm

  Have owned this car for one year and Ilove it. Would like it better if it got a little better gas mileage but I do like the new engine. Would also like mine to have the new 4 year warranty.