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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  Very Impressed - 1996 Buick Regal
  By IMPRESSED - April 14 - 7:31 pm

  I have had my Buick for 4 years & only had to replace rear struts & alternator. That is great for a car with 198,000 miles on it. All major parts & transmission is original. Proper care of trans flushes & oil changes I believe will have this car another 100,000 miles. I WILL NOT GIVE IT UP EASILY! I never had a car so dependable before, not even foreign. I definately got my moneys worth out of this one!

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  Buick Owner - 2002 Buick Regal
  By Donna Frankson - April 14 - 5:05 pm

  I have driven a 1998 Buick Regal LS for past 5 yrs. I just traded it in for the 2002 Buick Regal GS Sedan, with turbocharger. I am a hugh fan of muscle cars, meaning I like my cars to perform quickly and quietly. I have owned Chrys, Pont, and Olds. I have enjoyed driving all these cars. The 1998 was leaking oil (small amt.), but ran so good I did not want to get rid of it. I decided that updating to 2002 was a wise move. I tried a 2006 Chev. Impala, but liked the ride and performance of the Buick so much more. Having just purchased it 4-13-06 I have to drive it more and see if it compares as well as the l998, which was excellent. Only draw back is having to use 91 Octane.

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  Ranier, Surprise - 2006 Buick Rainier
  By ranier - April 14 - 5:04 pm

  We bought our Buick Ranier on a whim, while out shopping one day. Normally, this is a foolish thing to do. I had researched so many other SUVs and wanted a 4 wheel drive vehicle for our southwest lifestyle. We immediately went on a four day weekend drive in mountainous Utah. We took a hunters trail over a 9000 foot mountain which included crossing creeks and traversing glaciers etc. No Problem for the 2 wheel drive Ranier. The six cylinder engine moves out very nicely. Comfort is awesome. My wife asked me the other day if I ever suffered from buyers remorse since or impulsive purchase? None.

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  2016 Buick Encore - 2016 Buick Encore
  By Ivon Cruise - April 13 - 5:21 am

  I traded in my Infiniti QX70 for the Encore and love my new car! Its roomy, easier to get in/out of, and has better fuel economy.

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  Best Midsize GM SUV - 2004 Buick Rainier
  By WinterDrive - April 12 - 1:59 pm

  This is great SUV for long distance traveling, towing and light off-roading (which means beyond graded gravel). Winter driving performance has been outstanding. No mechnical issues barring an overiced rear wiper. V8 performance is great, with decent mileage (19+ on the highway). Interior is a bit underwhelming for the price, but functions well and has also stood up well (no squeaks or rattles).

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  LaCrosse Great Car - 2006 Buick LaCrosse
  By Gene Mazza - April 10 - 1:08 pm

  Buick surprised me, I have owned Pontaics, Honda Accord EX-V6,My wife has a Camry. This car blows the imports out of the water, and at a great price. Makes the Honda EX V-6 ride/ perform like a Model T. Highly recommend this car to anyone wanting a great ride, comfort for a price way below imports. Buick finally found the younger market.

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  Love My Rendezvous - 2002 Buick Rendezvous
  By Tucker - April 8 - 2:04 pm

  My requirements were an AWD vehicle for that would handle well in the severe ice and snow which we have combined with lots of cargo room and driver and passenger comfort. I did extensive comparison shopping among all manufacturers and chose the Rendezvous despite the fact that the model had just been introduced and had no product quality history. Immediately took it on a trip of over 1,000 miles and knew that I had bought the right car. Most autos dont have nearly enough height or leg room for me when driving, and the seat adjustments are inadequate - this was ideal. Expect my next car will be a new model of the Rendezvous.

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  Great Car - 2005 Buick LaCrosse
  By CALLEN - April 6 - 1:05 pm

  I have owned the car around one year. No problems at all. The car looks great and people always think that it is a much more expensive car than it is. I really like the front and rear styling, as well as the comfortable interior.I went from an import to this car and this car is wonderful!

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  Thier LeSabre - for a reason! - 2002 Buick LeSabre
  By ssgconway - April 1 - 10:39 am

  I live on the road - 45-50k/year. Comfort is a must. This car provides it, although the seats are not quite as comfortable as in the 94 I traded in. Fuel economy is excellent - with a high-flow air filter & synthetic oil, I have averaged 26.6 combined MPG over the last 35,000 miles. People who wouldnt buy a Buick are impressed by the ride & performance. My teenage son said it has more pickup than Moms Xterra, and there is enough room for six adult males to ride in reasonable comfort. My only significant complaints are an occasional stalling problem (goes away with higher-octaine gas) and a bit more road noise than Id like. Overall, a very solid, sensible car.

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  Buick Rendezvous - 2006 Buick Rendezvous
  By Peter Thorvig - March 31 - 3:38 pm

  The design of the Rendezvous is ideal for my needs. The tie-down rings are an excellent feature. The size of the vehicle makes it easy to maneuver in city traffic, and to park. The Rendezvous has excellent visibility with the big, outside mirrors. The rear parking assist is a very useful feature.