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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  nice SUV - 2004 Buick Rainier
  By vic22 - September 5 - 2:00 am

  Bought the car almost a month ago. Rides great - exceptionally smooth but not too soft - still has good cornering ability for an SUV. Without the rebates the car cannot compete well against imports mainly because of the interior design. Otherwise performance is at a par if not better. It has been a surprise to get only 15-16mpg in mixed suburb/hwy driving. Maybe during the summer it will get better.

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  Our Buick - 2004 Buick Rendezvous
  By Kristine - August 30 - 2:00 am

  We purchased our Rendezvous after much consideration and deciding we werent ready for a van, but wanted the room and convenience of one. We knew we wanted better gas mileage than a traditional SUV, but didnt want a compact. We were sold after the first test drive. The comfort, the little extras, the storage...all great with the most smooth and quiet ride ever! We call it our utility vehicle, having no intention to use it road, it serves our every family utility and is simply beautiful inside and out.

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  Enclave - 2008 Buick Enclave
  By mary - August 27 - 6:53 pm

  I love my Enclave! It rides so smooth, handling great in the snow. I was hopeing for a little better gas milage, averages 16/17, 20max on highway. The interior is sharp w/wood grain and leather seats. I did get the DVD/Nav combo and use the Navigation daily w/my job. This vehicle is very roomy, I have space in the back to store items and also seating for 7. Do wish the 2nd row of seats could be adjusted front and back to give the back seat passangers more leg room if needed.

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  2008 Buick Enclave CXL FWD - 2008 Buick Enclave
  By Tuckermech - August 25 - 9:16 pm

  Love it and have had it 1 month and have 600 miles on our Cocoa Metallic with Cashmere leather interior. Have Driver Confidence Package, 19 inch chrome wheels and entertainment package #1. A thrill to drive after parting with our 2004 Cadillac Deville. Love the seat height, Onstar and the attention we have been getting. Purchased the cargo shade and net and think Buick could have done a better design job on the shade. Love the room as my wife and I intend to do a lot of traveling.

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  2010 LaCrosse 3liter cxl - 2010 Buick LaCrosse
  By 1st Time Buick Owner - August 17 - 5:46 pm

  This is an impressive auto and in my area it was only appx $4K more than the Accords and even closer in price to the new Malibus list so I got the Buick. Insurance same as the Malibu. Appears large on the inside but sporty and stylish on the outside. This is due to the small trunk which some have panned but which I think was wise. Ext dim is somewhat wide and you sit tall (if desired). The steering is very responsive and smooth. The acceleration is not linear or quick. Its slow at first (weight?) but will then kick in. Eventual high speed very easy. Everything seems very tight and made of quality. Currently 17.7 mpg mixed. Back seat is too large for me. Rear auto sun screen is nice.

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  Elegant car - 2008 Buick Enclave
  By Julie - August 2 - 9:46 pm

  We finally upgraded and graduated out of our beloved family Honda mini van. I feel like I have finally grown up and have something just for me. The Enclave is quiet and smooth driving. ours is fully loaded and it will take a while to learn all of the bells and whistles, but our decision to buy this hard-to- find Buick was a good one! We looked at the Lexus, but the Enclave rated much better for emissions. I love this car!

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  Surperb - 2004 Buick Park Avenue
  By w gray - July 18 - 2:00 am

  All I anticipated and more.Love the heads up display and the ultra sound on backing

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  Fine Auto - 2003 Buick Park Avenue
  By Jake02324 - July 18 - 2:00 am

  Had a few defects (why on a new Buick) but the dealer fixed everything right away! Beeen good now 6600miles. Gas mileage could be better but the 01 Lesabre did not good until 30000 miles.

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  Awsome - 2004 Buick Rainier
  By tdex10 - July 18 - 2:00 am

  If you have tried the rest now try the best! Total suv refinement.

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  Why Dont I See More of Them? - 2004 Buick Rainier
  By mapwsenn - July 18 - 2:00 am

  I have the 8 cylinder. My previous car was a luxury European model, and I dont miss it all. Great pickup when I need it on the turnpike. Quiet with very little outside noise. It is hard for me to understand why I am not seeing them on the highways.