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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  03 Buick - 2004 Buick Park Avenue
  By Molly & Bob - May 26 - 10:00 am

  The Mrs. & I both drove Buick Regals & had no idea that the Park Ave was so comfortable. My wife suggested we try & test drive one - oh my, what comfort. I purchased one & am soo thrilled I did. Thanks to her I feel so happy every time I get in the car. told so many people about the comfort. Was at the local hardware store & when I came out 2 men were admiring my Park Ave. I talked one of them into sitting in the drivers so he could feel real comfort. Thanks GM

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  Rendezvous 2002 - 2005 Buick Rendezvous
  By Bob Ash - May 26 - 10:00 am

  Excellent vehicle for travel on the expressway. Creative styling and commitment to quality. Many excellent features built into this vehicle.

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  Our Rendezvous - 2003 Buick Rendezvous
  By Don Theisen - May 22 - 2:00 am

  First wek we had it we drove 2000 miles. Was very comfortable and fun to drive. Very responsive. Good overall view of the road.

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  Far better than any import!! - 2010 Buick LaCrosse
  By Import Killer!!! - May 21 - 3:33 am

  The quality of this car is far better than any Honda or Toyota! No cheap plastics like the imports! The comfort ans styling of this car are just awesome! Anyone giving this car a low rating must work for toyota or something because this car is incredible for the price! No other car compares to it in the same price range. Even my wife is going nuts over this car (and she not easy to please when it comes to cars)!

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  Love This New Crossover - 2008 Buick Enclave
  By bondguy - May 19 - 10:10 pm

  I have only had the Enclave for a few days but love driving it. I get many stares from people and people cant believe its a Buick once they see it and look inside. Very roomy and great looking from every angle. Looked at Mazda CX9 and Volvo XC90...the Buick puts both to shame. It is roomier than both and although fully loaded doesnt have all the Mazda has to offer, and the Mazda was a lot cheaper to lease, I dont regret my decision to go with the Buick over the Mazda. The steerable headlights are great at night...and, unlike the Mazda, you arent forced to choose between a rear seat DVD and a sunroof...the Buick has two roofs...Congrats GM on finally getting it right!Former Audi owner

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  Love the RDV - 2002 Buick Rendezvous
  By stevenbridge - May 17 - 2:00 am

  Great value! Great design!

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  2005 - My 5th Park Avenue - 2005 Buick Park Avenue
  By Michael - May 8 - 9:06 am

  We purchased our 5th and sadly last PA, as our new 2005 was the last year available. We currently own a 1999 with 105K miles as well. Previously owned 85, 88 and 94 PA models. All 5 have been the most reliable vehicles I have owned and the most comfortable car to drive. Very good economy for a large car, consistantly 21 in town and 29 - 31 mpg on the interstate. The only major repair necessary on any of the 5 was a transmission service at 125K miles on the 1988. None have ever used oil and the GM 3.8L V6 is bullet proof and very quiet. If looking at pre-owned, I highly recommend finding one with the touring package. Ill be keeping the two I have now until the wheels fall off.

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  the "Buick" - 2004 Buick Rendezvous
  By Beth - like the KISS song - May 2 - 11:12 pm

  I love my Rendezvous. It is a 2004 AWD and will soon celebrate her 14th Bday. I chuckle at the Buick commercials about not your grandmas Buick, as I have grandpups. Such a smooth ride. I love driving it. I sorted reviews in date order prior to mine, the man mentioned a wet floor. If his came off same line as mine, that is a factory defect, I learned this in 2014. Always had wet carpet but I had a garage. Then I moved and it was outside, got very wet. I think because i lived in Iowa and had snowy feet, went thru 100 year floods about every year, and lived on a muddy gravel road, i chalked it up to that. The seal was not tight on the window. The GM dealer had the window guy work on it, not a problem. I live in Iowa, in 2016 I drove it to Pueblo, Colorado to my sisters for Thanksgiving. On the way home I hit 170,000 miles in Lincoln, NE. Averaged about 20 mpg. Prior to that (with high mileage) I drove it to Mall of America twice. I loaded it up with stuff my daughter wanted from IKEA and it fit in the back end well. I have never worried about reliability. Repairs have been wheel bearings, which is a known problem to GM on this model. I think at about 130,000 the differential fluid dripped off the back, so some gaskets or seals were replaced - since took it in right away, no major damage done. Had the tranny fluid and radiator flushed at this time. At 160,000 the oil pan was replaced along with the transmission fluid lines. In 2016 a new tire rod on on right side (pot hole side of the road) and in 2017 a muffler. Registration is $51/year, runs like a dream and I will keep it for a very long time. I was told I got the "good engine". Has the best heater and a/c unit you could want. I take care of her, and she takes care of me :) :) :)

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  Best Buick in Years - 2008 Buick Enclave
  By PA_Dave - April 15 - 6:53 pm

  My last car was an Infinti G35 coupe, and I traded it for a Blue CXL FWD two weeks ago and love it. They should have called it a Roadmaster: Quiet comfortable cabin, great styling, tons of room, plenty of pep, very smooth over bumps even with 19" rims (if you keep the tire pressure at 32 fr/30 rr). Excellent handling for a big SUV, much better than the Trailblazer I rented last year. So far gas mileage is not bad, 19-20 in mostly city driving, 24 on a short hwy run. Only rarely noticed trans downshift issue reported in mag reviews, but the terrain is pretty flat here.

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  My favorate car - 2003 Buick Park Avenue
  By poppy - April 10 - 2:00 am

  This is the finast car I have owned. It is so smooth riding. The only problem in the 4000 miles that I have had is a sticking drivers door and that was fixed in 10 minutes. Dealership is the greatest in South Florida. I would give this car a 9