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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  What a vehicle! - 2006 Buick Rendezvous
  By Danny - May 27 - 10:59 am

  This vehicle I purchase was a steal. I am so happy with the 06 CXL AWD.I had a Ford Windstar 03 and was eager to trade it in. I was in love my Windstar but with 18 gal compare to 26 it makes a big difference.The Rendevous is of course is shorter in length than the Windstar. But the Rendevous makes up for all the sassy design and features. If youre looking for the crossover vehicle with comfort class and price, then go check out the Rendevouus. Once you go for a test drive you will be driving it home the same day. Happy Motoring !!!!

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  Ready Rendezvous - 2002 Buick Rendezvous
  By Bill Jones - May 27 - 6:55 am

  Driven throughout the midwest in scorching heat & freezing cold, no probs either way. Handled fantastically- smooth, quiet, dependably. Wife uses it to travel to different hospitals, during clinicals,(shes a nurse)with confidence + its sharp looking. We definitely will check out the new Rendezvous when we shop for our next vehicle.

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  Some good things, but some bad too - 2002 Buick Rendezvous
  By Bob - May 22 - 4:32 pm

  Pretty much, I like the car however, Ive had to do an intake manifold gasket R&R, as well as an air conditioning condenser. So, it appears that GM is not entirely up front, so to speak, when they tell you, that the coolant is good for 100,000 miles. Now it appears that the gas mileage is falling off, a little. Additionally, as to the power, this model could use about 25 more horses, and improved gas mileage.

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  Buick? Yeah its a Buick! - 2006 Buick LaCrosse
  By DEE - May 21 - 8:05 am

  LaCrosse is a great car. This is my second Buick had a Rendezvous prior. This one is mine though to drive to work. Nicely appointed, great pickup and it look great. This car is great, and would recommend it to anyone. People say "Oh that is a sharp car, but its a Buick." SO WHAT, wake up and smell the new interior. This car is great, so is it brother the Lucerne, and the new Enclave concept will rock too!! Get in the game people, be ahead of the rest of the sheep. Get a Buick!

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  Hope you like the great outdoors - 2001 Buick Regal
  By Keep Looking - May 20 - 8:15 pm

  I have had to replace all 4 window motors in the past 1 1/2 years for a grand total of over $1800. Was told by Buick mechanic in another state that theyve had nothing but problems with the window motors in all Buick models. But according to Buick, they have no problems. Its normal wear and tear on a car that is 5 years old and has 68,000 miles. My mothers Chevy was stolen and wrecked and the drivers side door was smashed in, but amazingly the window still works! My car on the other hand sits in the parking lot and the unused window motor dies and the window falls down.

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  Ultra - 2004 Buick Rendezvous
  By Cal - May 19 - 5:53 pm

  The Ultra comes with a 3.6 VVT with provides plenty of power 245 hp to be exact. I have put 5 people in it and drove it to the mountains and it pulled just fine. I would say I am pleased with it thus far.

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  The Best Car I have Ever Owned - 1997 Buick Park Avenue
  By Marc Neal - May 19 - 2:00 am

  This is the fourth Park Ave. that I have owned. I have 145,000 miles on this car now and I am shopping for another one just like it. It is a sporty large comfortable car. With only a few minor problems in the four years I have owned it, I would highly recommend a Park Avenue Ultra for a consumer who needs ultimate comfort and reliability, and styling.

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  Nice vehicle - 2002 Buick Rendezvous
  By Redcoat - May 19 - 2:00 am

  Nice to drive. Had problem with electric system, but dealer gave me free loaner for one week while being serviced. Somehow the wires got wet causing the entire system to short out. Once fixed, no further problems. Drives and handles well, best mpg is about 18..thought Id get better than that. Easy to manuever in parking lots.

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  Gas Poor - 2005 Buick LaCrosse
  By Gary - May 17 - 5:04 pm

  Have had for 1 year and 9,500 miles. Just minor irritances i.e. squeak in dash, wind noise. Car handles well on curves and accelerates without hestitation. (and wife) dont like consoles so are trading car in new Buick Lucerne with split front seats for eatra room and longer arm rest.

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  New Rendezvous Owner - 2006 Buick Rendezvous
  By Jacklin - May 17 - 12:04 pm

  I just purchased my new 2006 CXL Rendezvous and so far I love this car! We got a great deal on it because it was a former rental with 9340 miles on it. It has everything - leather interior, faux wood grain dash, rear parking assist, power everything, third row seating, satellite radio, OnStar, automatic climate control, etc. This is the most comfortable car Ive ever owned and also the nicest. I considered a Toyota Highlander, Chevrolet Equinox, Pontiac Torrent and Kia Sorrento. After test driving them all I knew the moment I sat down in the car that it was the one for me. As far as longevity goes, well see. But, Im am very happy with my purchase and the dealer I went to.