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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  Fantastic first week! - 2008 Buick Enclave
  By EMG - November 25 - 6:30 pm

  Just got our new Enclave and couldnt be happier. Had many more "bells and whistles" than we even knew about going in! Such a quiet ride, very solid feel. Decent pick-up on the freeway, but its not a sports car. Perfect car for a family who needs a mini-van but doesnt want to get one. Very comparable to higher-end SUVs. Would highly recommend a close look at the Enclave to any family with three or more children.

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  WOW! - 2006 Buick Lucerne
  By CG - November 19 - 6:10 pm

  Ive owned appx. 6 DL88s and a Buick LeSabre over the past 15 years - all new. This vehicle has all the positive features of those (3.6L V6)- but improved, upgraded, and more fun. Feels luxurious, handles like a sports car and is a head turner. Congratulations BUICK - super!

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  2003 Rendezvous - 2003 Buick Rendezvous
  By ntgumd - November 16 - 10:00 am

  Excellent SUV with 3rd seat/7 pass capacity, adequate power, good fuel economy and a host of gadgets/interior and exterior features that are available only in pricier vehicles

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  Best New Car Ive ever bought. - 2004 Buick Rendezvous
  By rwall5194 - November 4 - 2:00 am

  For the money, this is the best value on the market. The ride is unbelievable and I like the style and features. I previously owned a Ford Explorer and there is absolutely NO comparison. This Rendezvous sits on a van chassis and provides the most comfortable ride! Ive owned Lincolns, Cadillacs, and other so-called luxury cars and this is far and away the best-riding and most comfortable of all of them! We are really pleased with this purchase

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  Ill Keep My Vous for a Long Time - 2004 Buick Rendezvous
  By Brentana - October 29 - 2:00 am

  Ive been looking at the Rendezvous since it came on the market and decided to buy at the beginning of the model year. Ive customized my SUV with full wood interior trim which covers a less than lovely center console. This car had everything I was looking for in an SUV, but particularly comfortable ride. Im beyond my sports car days, but think this SUV has a sporty appearance.

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  Thrilled with the Enclave - 2008 Buick Enclave
  By Randall - October 19 - 6:56 pm

  I took possesion of my Enclave on June 1 and took it for a drive throught the Rocky mountains. Wow, what a ride! I am totally impressed with this vehicle. Gas mileage was decent at 23.9MPG. This is a sexy looking CUV both in and out and is extremely quiet. The seats are extremely comfortable front and back. The nav system is also a great feature that I found invaluable driving in unfamiliar cities. OnStar is also great, I love the personal service that you get with this. This should be standard on all vehicles. I will be using this car to haul long items and I have more room than my old Dodge Caravan. The seats can be configured to fit almost any need. Congrats to the Buick designers

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  Love the RDV - 2003 Buick Rendezvous
  By hwks1 - October 5 - 10:00 am

  Was looking for an SUV but wanted to keep van seating,configuration. The RDV is bigger than the Explorer,Pilot. RDV offers Captains charis second row,not Explorer,Pilot. RDV has back-up sensor which is fabulous, didnt know I needed until I tried it! Same goes for the speed control volume on the RDV stereo, cant get that on Pilot,Explorer. And speaking of tereos.. the RDV ROCKS! There is much to do about RDV performance, Drive it and judge for yourself. If you want pinned in your seat acceleration skip the RDV. If you want a comfortable vehicle that accelerates smartly and delivers excellent (for this type vehicle) fuel economy then take a look at RDV.

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  Rendezvous Review by Bill - 2003 Buick Rendezvous
  By Willy 1 AZ - October 5 - 10:00 am

  This vehicle is just the right size, has the right performance (with the 4 speed auto trans, gearing is just right most of the time for the engine hp) with nice luxury features. Gas milage is as advertised.

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  Park Avenue SS - 1998 Buick Park Avenue
  By y2khorseman - September 28 - 10:00 am

  Fantastic car, never had any problems. Very quick and sporty for its size.

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  buick r - 2004 Buick Rendezvous
  By butchh - September 28 - 10:00 am

  we love it and it cheap to operate as well major fun to drive easy to park and move around in traffic