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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  Almost Perfect Auto - 2006 Buick LaCrosse
  By Dominic - March 22 - 10:30 am

  Have driven this car for over 6000 miles and it has been a most rewarding driving experience. Strong points are solid construction, quiet ride, strong engine and generous trunk. Only weak point is the fuel mileage, about 24 to 25 mpg on the highway.

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  Another Good Buick....but - 2005 Buick LaCrosse
  By James Lorenz - March 22 - 9:19 am

  I am pleased with my Lacrosse except for local gas mileage. On the highway (trips) it gets over 30+ mpg, but around home only about 12-14 mpg. My old Century did far better than that. Also, the headrests are not angled forward like the old Century. I feel they should be touching the neck and head without having to lean your head back. Ride and performance are as good as my Century. The Lacrosse has some creaks and groans that I will be telling the dealer about at my next checkup.

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  Great Buick - 2003 Buick Rendezvous
  By Don - March 22 - 8:01 am

  I drive a lot of freeway miles and have found this vehicle to be quite comfortable and fairly easy on gas. I bought the base model and recommend the upgrade to the safety equipment: side air bags, anti lock brakes, and traction control. I believe they are worth the money and the vehicle list at around $28,500 with the options. However, you can push this vehicle up to around $34,000 with a lot a gadgets that are worth as on most vehicle about 40% of what you pay for them. If you want a good value stay near the base with those options that you really want. My biggest concern with this and most all vehicles of its type is the lack a good way to secure luggage and other items in the rear area

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  Reliable - 1992 Buick Regal
  By Angus - March 21 - 6:37 pm

  When I purchased the car a kid that didnt know anything about cars owned it. He said that this was wrong with it and that didnt work. I got it home looked it over and all it was a couple of blown fuses. Changed them out and never had to much trouble after that. It is one of the best cars that I haved owned.

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  Love this SUV - 2004 Buick Rendezvous
  By JIll - March 20 - 10:15 am

  I have this SUV almost 3 yrs. I love it. The nav screen is incredible and our trips are much more comfortable. I get tons of compliments on the drive and looks int and ext. It may not be as zippy as others but this SUV has everything else. The movable 2nd and 3rd row make getting in and out easy and the seats are comfortable and well made. I have not had any problems with it and am sorry I did not buy outright but leased. I will be trying to by out the lease since this SUV has everything we need as a family of 6.

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  Nice car, no problems, Id buy another one - 1998 Buick Park Avenue
  By paul mockalis - March 19 - 9:06 pm

  My car was bought with 98k from a very small dealership. He put 4 new Eagle GTs on and fixed the stabilizer strut which was worn from normal wear. I had a set of front struts put on and left the rears alone, then tuned it up with a fresh set of NGK Iridium plugs,a K&N air filter and oil filter, and use full synthetic oil. The car runs,drives,and performs perfect,with no problems at all. Theres something to say about putting top quality tune- up components and oils into your vehicle,dont be affraid to invest a little money because the results will be very noticable.

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  Buick Reliability - 1990 Buick Electra
  By buickman - March 19 - 1:11 pm

  Car floats down the road. Extremely reliable. Very appealing astetically. The 3800 is a workhorse and is very fuel efficient for a larger car. Interior made from good quality materials. Would recommend this car for anyone who needs a good daily driver that provides true owner satisfaction.

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  Buick Roadmaster Ownership - 1995 Buick Roadmaster
  By E. Steele - March 16 - 4:11 pm

  I am still driving this vehicle after 10 years of almost problem free operation. The only chronic problem I have ever had is with the dealer installed alarm system. It is now disconnected!

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  clunker - 2004 Buick Rendezvous
  By Tina Geers - March 15 - 2:00 am

  While shifting gears it sounds like a 747. When acelerating or going up a grade you can not hear your pasenger. There is always a distinct whine in the transmission.Have been told by dealer that is a factory problem but have received no satifaction. Company tells me this normal. Am about to look into arbitration program!!

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  nice car - 1998 Buick Park Avenue
  By william p. storti - March 13 - 10:00 am

  second time we bought a used buick,it is a nice car to drive very suprised that this car road just like a cadilac.