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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  Just buy one - 2008 Buick Enclave
  By cd - March 29 - 9:33 am

  We ordered the Enclave without ever seeing it. Have owned it for two weeks and we love it. Great fit and finish, ride is superb, I have to admit this vehicle is so quiet you will think you are in a much more expensive vehicle.

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  Not a Bad Little Ride - 2002 Buick Rendezvous
  By m andrews - March 28 - 11:26 am

  Just got out of a Ford Expedition, which i do not miss. This is a great little ride. Gas mileage is great. Getting around 19-20 compared to 8! Car is fun to drive, comfortable. So far so good.

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  Great SUV - 2006 Buick Rainier
  By BANKER - March 27 - 9:22 pm

  I had owned Jeeps for 20 years. This vehicles is superior in many ways. It drives and handles better. Mileage is better and it rides very nice. It is very quiet and has all the power you need with a V-8. I am very pleased with this purchase and would buy again.

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  Buick Park Avenue Ultra - Underrated! - 2000 Buick Park Avenue
  By Spartanboat - March 27 - 10:00 am

  This is my fifth Buick, plus I have owned 4 Mercedes. This Park Ave Ultra has fast acceleration, due to the high torque from supercharger. It is very quiet, with very low wind and engine noise. It is very stable at freeway speeds, but the shocks are weak over large undulations- the only and major weak point in the car. It grows on you!

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  My Wonderful Rendezvous - 2003 Buick Rendezvous
  By M.J. Witham - March 27 - 10:00 am

  The perfomance of this car is better than any I have owned. It is so comfortable to ride in that we find ourselves taking this vehicle rather than our second car. With the third seat, we can now haul all five of our grandchild(4 are young adults) in one car. I drive it to work every day and have had several people comment on what a nice looking vehicle it is. It is one of the most fun cars I have owned. Like my daughter said, I traded my Grandma car(95 Buick Regal) in for a sporty SUV.

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  Great Crossover-like a BUICK - 2004 Buick Rendezvous
  By happykid - March 27 - 10:00 am

  Rides like a Buick...very smooth. Just love the leather seats. This SUV was not meant to be a rocket ship but more for the creature comforts which I really like about it. My speeding days are over, now I really want comfort.

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  The Perrys review of Buick - 2002 Buick Rendezvous
  By sterling perry jr. - March 25 - 8:14 am

  Reliable, fun to drive great family suv. Have put 30,000 miles in about 7 months. Only service required has been oil changes, new tires and adjustment of wiper arm that had locked together somehow. Have sold Buick for about 12 years and never owned one. Got out of the car business in 2000 now own own one and am verry pleased with the experience.

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  Newbie Park Avenue Owner, and Impressed - 2000 Buick Park Avenue
  By alaskasarah - March 24 - 12:46 pm

  I am a 27 year old woman living in Alaska, with two toddlers. My last car, a base model Honda Accord, was totaled in an accident and I bought this car yesterday as a replacement. I couldnt believe I found a 13 year old Park Avenue in cherry condition with 20,000 original miles on it. An elderly gentleman (is anyone shocked? ;-) had been driving it, but found it too hard to get in and out of at 75 years old so he very reluctantly sold me the car. It is like butter to drive, and quite zippy in acceleration. The interior comfort is second to nothing Ive experienced. I am six feet tall, and for once there is room to spare. The exterior is pure understated class. I couldnt be happier.

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  2005 Rendezvous - 2005 Buick Rendezvous
  By marshall shapiro - March 24 - 9:46 am

  This is my second Rendezvous. It is a very convenient automobile, comfortable for 4-5 adult passengers and large storage capacity. They have been very reliable for me, though I got better gasoline mileage with my first (AWD) one, averaging almost 21 mpg. This present one averages slightly under 20 mpg. My biggest complaint with this one is the ride. It seems to feel every little bump and stone, more than I would expect with 17" wheels. Depending upon the price, I would consider another lease or purchase.

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  My First Buick - 2005 Buick LaCrosse
  By joe kuroski - March 22 - 5:19 pm

  I was waiting for Buick to come up with an all new car, to replace their dated 80s style line up. I was very pleased with the pleasent design, inside and out. I have the CXS model,v-6, It goes like the wind. I have experenced 2 recalls and the heater fan module breaking. But all and all the quality is impressive, and the quietness inside the cabin is wonderful.