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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  We Love It! - 2005 Buick Rendezvous
  By Marcia L - May 15 - 9:32 pm

  We love our Rendezvous. This was my first American vehicle and so far so good. Weve owned it 10 months now. The ride is smooth and comfortable. Gas mileage is exactly as advertised on the sticker (19 city/26 hwy). Its roomy and comfortable on longer trips. Lots of storage space.

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  Rendezvous smelling like a lemon... - 2003 Buick Rendezvous
  By Rick Olsen - May 14 - 10:00 am

  My experience with this vehicle has gone from good to very bad, such that I wouldnt recommend it. After 1 month the engine developed a pinging noise upon acceleration. The dealer has made every attempt to correct it, but is at a loss as to what the problem could be. The GM rep. was consulted who stated this engine noise is a characteristic of these engines, even though the dealer has never had or heard of this problem before. Its GMs stance to not fix it or do anything about it, likely because there so-called engineers couldnt even engineer there way out of a paper bag. I would have thought a company like GM would at least stand behind there products.

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  I Love My New Car - 2006 Buick Rendezvous
  By mindala - May 13 - 11:55 am

  I was in the market for a Nissan Murano or a Toyota Highlander, and once I drove the Buick, I was sold. Beautiful interior, and spacious. Drives like a luxury car and has plenty of power for me.

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  Let me tell you a little secret... - 1997 Buick Regal
  By Eric - May 12 - 9:22 pm

  After exhausting research for a third round vehicle (~100K, well maintained, clean), I decided to go with the Buick GS. For $4300, I stole this car. (Which, by the way was the private party value). Fully loaded and fast as heck, I couldnt be happier. Read these reviews, they are true. For a 1997 that has the same styling as a 2004, I have what others think is a newer car, 36mpg at 55mph, 240HP on tap, incredibly comfortable seating, and a record of superior reliability and safety. I turned down Camrys, Accords, Volvos, and countless others. I pay $298/year for 250/500 insurance in NY (no collision), and found this to be the most cost effective, fun to drive foreign or domestic vehicle

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  Better then my 2000 Maxima - 1995 Buick LeSabre
  By bobbym - May 11 - 12:48 am

  I purchased my 95 LeSabre custom with 67,000 miles almost 2 yrs ago, now have 78000 miles on it. A great car. Runs great like a new car,and its got quite a kick to it. It moves smooth, fast and easy. Even though my last car 2000 Maxima was a very good car, I honestly have to say...this LeSabre is an all around better car. I love it.

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  Lucerne 2006 CXL - 2006 Buick Lucerne
  By Jim - May 9 - 8:16 pm

  The initial drive was very good. However, several problems occured immediately. First the catalytic converter failed and was replaced at 1200 miles under warranty. Second the engine is giving off noises during acceleration at 2200 miles. The front seats creak during starts and stops after 2000 miles. Initially it seems a great car, however I am not so sure anymore.

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  A little disappointed honestly - 2008 Buick Enclave
  By smiths - May 9 - 4:00 pm

  I was really looking forward to better fuel economy than my Toyota Sequoia - but Ive been very disappointed (avg 13 mpg - Sequoia avg was 16!). The dealer service department said they get tons of calls with dissatisfied customers regarding mileage of the Enclave. The transmission is also a bit screwy, you really have to push on the gas to convince it to downshift on a hill - and mine supposedly has had that transmission "fix" from the earlier versions. Even on level roads it seems to jump between gears unnecessarily. Its nice overall, maybe I just had my hopes set too high?

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  Wheel bearings - 2002 Buick Rendezvous
  By liteice - May 9 - 10:00 am

  I have owned this vehicle since 10/01 and while I am happy for the most part, I am starting to have issues with it. The tires wore very quickly compared to the other models I have owned. I am in the process of replacing both front wheel bearings and hubs with only 43000 miles. This car has not been off road and only sees highway travel. This level of quality is unacceptable. A poor showing for GM in my opinion.

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  Fun to drive - 2006 Buick Rainier
  By JAMES ZUNIGA - May 8 - 9:46 pm

  Fun to drive. Very smooth riding and quiet. Comfortable seats. Easy to park. Lots of power for an inline 6. Has lots of extras that are optional on other vehicles. The navigation is simple and handy.

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  Tough Car - 1996 Buick Skylark
  By LostRealist - May 8 - 9:29 pm

  This is a really tough car. In the 3 months Ive had it, its held up to a lot of abuse. I push this car everyday, and while I get pretty bad gas mileage from driving in a very "spirited" way, I get really good performance and the entire car is extremely tough (engine, chassis, trans, suspension, etc). Ive heard some really good things about this car, and so far its lived up to the expectations. Theres only few minor electrical problems with the car, but all of them have been previously recalled. The previous owner did not fix them. Basic maintainence is all that has been needed for this car. Overall, this car is a tremedously good buy.