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 wish I bought a foreign car - 2005 Buick LaCrosse
  By kevo - June 2 - 1:02 pm

  I used to be really pleased with this car. Then I hit 1200 miles. That is when it first started squeaking. The dash was first, then the steering column. The seats are a little too firm for my tastes beyond about 45 minutes. The gas mileage after 12,500 miles is 17 mpg 50/50 city/highway, very poor in my opinion. The paint seems very soft because I have several chips in places one would not normally expect a chip, like the rear bumper, the rear decklid and high on the hood.

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  Best By Far - 2006 Buick LaCrosse
  By Roger Cox - June 2 - 12:31 pm

  I have never road in a vehicle that has been so comfortable or quiet. By far it is the best vehicle I have ever owned.

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  Great Car - 2006 Buick Lucerne
  By azguy - June 2 - 5:26 am

  I purchased my Lucerne CXL with a 6 cylinder 2 weeks ago. I added the luxury package as well as the driver confidence package and my M.S.R.P. was still under $30,000. I have owned several luxury cars in past years and I have to say that the Lucerne dollar for dollar is in my opionion the best overall buy of any new car. the ride is just unbelievably quiet, the leather 8 way bucket seats are extremely comfortable,dual climate control is great & the driver information center together with the OnStar keeps you informed of everything from how many miles per gallon to when you need an oil change. I researced all the cars on the market and the Lucerne was in a class of its own for the price.

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  G.M./Mexican Reject - 2004 Buick Rendezvous
  By JohnnyApel - June 2 - 2:00 am

  Worse GM Car I ever owned and I hear the same story from many other Rendezvous Owners. So, I guess its just not me.Everything broke on it shortly after purchase. Permanent shimmy,( which service mgr.said was a "normal shimmy") wore out the front end in 10K so that it wouldnt pass state inspection. It was fixed under warranty but car still has the shimmy. Currently trying to get GM to "buy back" Montesumas revenge on the U.S. Car Buyer.Havent had a G.M. Car this good since my 1980 Cadillac Seville Diesel Motor blew up at 10,000..It dont get any better than this.Never again GM

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  Rendezvous less than 1000 miles - 2004 Buick Rendezvous
  By Norman Landry - June 2 - 2:00 am

  We purchased a buick because of ride,price, reputation of dealer and friendliness of sales person. We had also driven the following SUVs: Merceades; Vue;Lexus; Highlander; Murano;CUV and Element. Vehicle has less than 1000 miles- so far so good!

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  The Norm - 2002 Buick Rendezvous
  By robp63 - June 1 - 12:14 am

  My wife loves driving this vehicle. However, like all the others its 500- 1000 dollaring us to death. We have had the a/c problem. $700 and change. We have the driver side wind noise. $150 and change, now a sensor on the front wheel that causes a AWD off and no antilock brakes caution light to come on. Thats $500 and change. We also have a motor sound that runs in the beginning of a ride. I would call it a ride leveler pump but the dealer cant hear this noise. There are just a lot of problems it seems with this vehicle. Thank GOD she hasnt had the no start problem yet. But this one is no different than the others and I am sure its about to happen.

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  Bulletproof, smooth and comfy love it - 2000 Buick Regal
  By RyanZ - May 30 - 10:35 pm

  Well the truth is I was tired of fixing my Accord and my wifes Camry so I bought a Buick with 900 miles on the odometer. It now passed 110,000 miles and is problem free. I get 31mpg and 27 in town. I put a transmission in my Accord at 65,000 and couldnt stand that piece of junk anymore. I love the way Buick builds their car. I drive very hard but I take care of my car. I just bought my wife a new Lucerne.

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  Buick Rendezvous - 2004 Buick Rendezvous
  By Cletus Gagne - May 29 - 5:03 pm

  The vehicle drives and handles great. The inside dash is rather plain and the rear view for backing is not good. It is difficult to see when backing. The rear lift gate does not lift well during cold weather. The lift shocks were replaced by the dealer but there is not differenc. During warm weather the tail gate lifts up all the way with no extra effort but in cold weather you have to push it up to open. The heating and cooling is marginal. The dealer could not find the problem with not enough heat in cold weather. I found the problem was with the control knob, you have to flick it back and forth to get it to work for more heat. The dealer has not fixed this problem.

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  My Park - 2005 Buick Park Avenue
  By Carol Morgan - May 28 - 10:00 am

  Dear Sirs I am very well pleased with my Park Avenue....in fact...it is so comfortable ,when driving ,that I want to go to sleep. Whatever you do as design engineers at GM. please and I "stress" PLEASE. Do not change the elegant style of my favorite car. Much nicer then its opponent....need I mention "Caddy" Keep up the good work and I will continue to support the All-American Beauty called the Buick. Thank you Carol

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  50,000 mile review - 2002 Buick Rendezvous
  By pjk - May 27 - 8:59 pm

  Ive had my Rendezvous now for 52,000 miles. Had very little problems. I drive 21 miles each way to work, very hilly rough terrain. I live in PA, very tough on vehicles. Salt on the roads all winter. Large pot holes. One day last winter I counted twelve small cars and small SUVs on the side of the road with serious suspension problems after one of our major highways fell apart in Jan. My Rendezvous has a tough suspension, stainless exhaust and large 16" wheels. The activated charcoal cab air filter is great for keeping deisel exhaust etc. out of your lungs. The OnStar is a lifesaver I will not do without. The galvanized metal body does not rust. No problem with half ton loads