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:

• 

  2005 Buick Terraza - 2005 Buick Terraza
  By Shannon - June 7 - 8:28 am

  Weve only had our Terraza for a couple of weeks so far, and we bought it NEW (though it is a 2005) off of the showroom floor with 51 miles on it. We have been really happy with it so far. As far as vans go, its easy to drive and very comfortable for our family. We really enjoy the extras that came with it. DVD system, XM radio, dual climate controls, back-up assist, OnStar, security system, and the very beautiful and classy interior. Its obvious that our boys love both power side doors and the IR headphones. There is just as much (or more) leg room in the second and third row seats as there is in my parents brand new 2007 Yukon Denali and more storage space than their Yukon!

• 

  Im a 45 year old Buick owner - 2005 Buick LaCrosse
  By Joe S. - June 6 - 11:29 pm

  I have had this car for 2 months. Purchased w/15K miles on it. CXL model rides very smooth on the highway. More comfortable than my Saturn L. This car is rated 20/29 mpg but I cannot understand why I only average about 14 mpg in city driving. Highway mpg is great..lives up to its 30 mpg. Steering is a little balky. You can feel it roll and dip on sharp turns. All and all this a comfortable sedan. Looks a little like the Lexus LS330 until you look at the grille. The grille and layout of the front is the thing only way you know it is a Buick. Also, for some reason, every time I turn on the air vents the AC is on. I think if the in city gas mileage was better I would enjoy this car more.

• 

  Great car for the price - 2006 Buick LaCrosse
  By alan - June 5 - 7:29 pm

  After shopping around and looking at most car brands I decided on buying a new LaCrosse. As soon as I took it out for a test drive I knew this was the car I would buy! Because I am in my 40s I wanted something that would be comfortable yet still sporty.I decided on the black onyx with gray interior I also wanted the center console shifter.Yes this car is quiet and has a very smooth ride. For the price I paid (just over 20Gs)I feel like I have a car worth 10 grand more. This is a great car

• 

  Works for me -tailgates, trips, runabout - 2005 Buick Rainier
  By howdydooit - June 5 - 4:15 pm

  12 months old - replaced an aging minivan & sedan. That said, we needed a vehicle for tailgating and trips. It holds all our gear (flag pole, folding table, chairs, grill, cooler, etc & 2 or 3 people, depending on how judiciously we pack - we can get away with only folding down one back seat). The sound system is awesome, the climate controls are individualized (plus rear controls for climate/audio), and its extemely quiet and smooth. Fuel economy is 22 - 23 hwy, 15-18 around town.

• 

  New Buick - 2006 Buick Rendezvous
  By DAN HERMAN - June 5 - 5:25 am

  Thi is our first Buick. It is a lot roomier and better riding than we expected. It is quiet and gets very good gas mileage for an SUV.

• 

  I cant believe GM built this - 2006 Buick Rendezvous
  By Guy - June 4 - 5:18 pm

  We have had Mercedes, BMWs and Lexus. Most recent a Lexus RX330. The Buick is every bit as good and is more comfortable. We needed more room and didnt want to give up MPG. Guess what? The Rendezvous is bigger and gets better MPG. 15% better. We stopped by the dealer just to take a look and were sold and bought it that day. Sold by the vehicle, not the salesman who was very low pressure. Buick should do a better job of getting the word out on this one.

• 

  Better than expected - 2006 Buick Rainier
  By ken - June 3 - 8:48 am

  We bought our Rainier 1 month ago and we both love it. It is quiter & smoother than we expected and so far the build quality is flawless. Like all SUVs we would like better gas mileage however its what we expected. I have no complaints.

• 

  Great overall family car - 2003 Buick Century
  By papawronnie - June 3 - 7:43 am

  I love this car. It is very reliable, and it gets 34 miles to the gallon of gas which is a big plus the way gas prices are going these days. It handles very well in all kinds of driving conditions. Nice interior ,comfy.

• 

  I Love my Buick - 2003 Buick Century
  By Joe Evans - June 2 - 4:11 pm

  This has been one of the best cars I have ever had and I have had many cars. I honestly get 30 mpg at highway speeds and I am a big man and this car is very comfortable for me.

• 

  Happy with the old mans car - 1999 Buick LeSabre
  By rob - June 2 - 4:08 pm

  We purchased our 99 LeSabre after enjoying our 94. After 7 years the car is still smooth, comfortable and quiet. Yes, the 3.8 V6 does get 20+ in local driving and 30 on the road, which is helpful with gas prices today. Friends with newer cars may tease me about the "old mans" car,but they like the smooth ride and the comfortable seats. The only problem has been the battery. Im on the third one. Its best driven easy, but does have good power for a big car.