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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  Great Car - 2008 Buick Enclave
  By MH - March 18 - 1:30 pm

  Have had this vehicle since Sept and love it. Quiet, smooth ride and a pleasure to drive. Have put 13,000 miles already. Inside is roomy enough for adults to sit in the very back.

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  Another Buick - 2000 Buick Park Avenue
  By vuittion - March 18 - 11:50 am

  I would have to say that over all this is the last car that I would buy for a long while. This car may be big but it is stylish and is one of its own class of cars. When i drive this car I feel the long history of true American Style every time I drive my car it feels as if I am driving a car from the 50s the craftsmanship, the style, the look and the handling its what Buick has for years always offered with its cars my Park Avenue is by far the best, reliable, dependable and going strong at 110000 miles and will for a long time to come. My hat goes to the designers of this car they truly made one hell of a good car.

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  Return to Buick - 27 Years Later - 2006 Buick Lucerne
  By Steve Johnson - March 15 - 2:13 am

  I decided to buy a Buick after a 27 year hiatus after viewing and riding in the LaCrosse. I decided to purchase the Lucerne because it was roomier. It most reminded me of the luxury and comfort of the Duece and a quarter., The port holes really caught my attention. The only reason I did not get the V8 was due to availability (none in pool). The only thing that needs to be improved in the interior is to add an additional 12VDC power outlet at the ft or rr base of the front seat on the bench seat version. On the exterior option package, please make the chrome 17 wheels standard. The dark metal ones in VIN 6U145870 are not appealing to admirers.

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  No More Round - 2006 Buick Lucerne
  By Carl Losapio - March 14 - 5:36 pm

  Best car for the price considering options and quality. Glad to see Buick finally getting away from the Le Sabre look theyve had for the past 15 years. The car is tight and handles well in traffic and is smooth on the highway. Visability is excellent and plenty of headroom for my 64 frame. I only wish they wouldnt charge me an extra $1000 for my one year of free OnStar. I know its in the base price somewhere.

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  GREAT SUV, VERY PLEASED, - 2004 Buick Rendezvous
  By Jerry Gibbons - March 7 - 10:00 am

  I am nothing but pleased with my new SUV very comfortable and I am on the road all the time(7,000 miles in the first month) Car grows on you even more when you drive it. Rommier than it looks like. I tried several model and for a big guy this is the one I chose for room.

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  Who needs Lexus - 2006 Buick Lucerne
  By rolf westgard - February 11 - 3:16 am

  Have owned LeSabres since 99. Liked comfort, good mpg, and reliability. Handling and styling were average. The Lucerne keeps the good features of LeSabre and is much improved for styling and handling. Also quietest car I have ever ridden in. Getting about 25 mpg in local driving like LeSabre. Hwy should be the 30 mpg I got from LeSabre.

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  Simply a great vehicle - 2006 Buick Lucerne
  By AHK - January 28 - 12:30 pm

  This new Buick has it all, excellent styling, performance, ride, handling, workmanship, etc. Just got it and it is a dream come true. A world class car. GM has come up with a winner. A real head turner. Drives and handles so much better than past Buicks and other vehicles. My wife loves it. So glad we made the choice. First saw it at the Auto Show, and we knew this was the car.

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  Buick finds its way again! - 2006 Buick Lucerne
  By Sam Spear - January 28 - 10:43 am

  This car is quiet, powerful, well- built, comfortable, and an absolute joy to drive. The sound system is exceptional. The drive train is smooth, but gets the car up to cruising speed in a hurry. Mine is Black Onyx and is quite eye-catching. This is Buick as Buick should be - a premium car in every respect!

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  Great Car - 1999 Buick Park Avenue
  By cmann - January 27 - 10:00 am

  Bought this car new and have enjoyed it ever since. It is the second Park Ave. that I have owned after owning Cadillacs. Had 1 problem with the electronic dash, dealer fixed it under warranty and have not had any problems since. The back seat is slightly smaller than my lst Park Ave., but still quite comfortable. The suspension has really been improved and rides as smoothly has the Japanese Luxury cars. I bought it fully loaded and love all the bells and whistles.

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  Big car, great gas mileage - 1997 Buick Park Avenue
  By TMM - January 19 - 6:36 am

  I bought this so I could have a big luxury car, yet also wanted to be able to get wife and all 4 of my kids in if necessary. Great on cruising interstates, and pretty good on curvy roads as well. Its very roomy and comfortable with a large trunk. Surprisingly great gas mileage, around 27-30 on highway. It has served my purposes well as a luxury car for business driving, yet its good for family trips. Its reliable with no mechanical or engine problems, and gets good gas mileage for a car of this size to boot.