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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  New Park Avenue - 2003 Buick Park Avenue
  By A. Glockner - April 27 - 2:00 am

  I traded in my 1998 Park Avenue for the 2002 model year. The changes made in ride handling and performance were amazing. Gas mileage on both city and highway combined is 26.7mpg. Simply outstanding for this large comfortable model. I strongly suggest get the handling package. It is worth the extra cost.

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  Excellent American car - 2008 Buick Enclave
  By Tom - April 18 - 7:33 am

  Ive had this vehicle for about a month and have driven 2300 miles. Everything about it is a joy. This replaces my Acura TL. The Buicks quality is superior to Acura. No rattles, no issues. Its the most comfortable car Ive ever had. If GM pays attention to design and quality like it did with the Enclave, it will begin to compete again.

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  A good choice for a large sedan - 2006 Buick Lucerne
  By Bob - April 17 - 1:36 am

  This car is comfortable and very quiet. It is a real performer on winding roads and on the highway. I have never driven a front wheel drive with practically so little over steer on sharp turns. GM engineers got this one right. Found it more confortable than the Avalone and Azera, maybe due to the longer wheelbase. Were I to do it again, I would have bought the V8. The gas milage on the V6 is not that much different, and you need a little more "spunk" for such a heavy car.

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  Beats the Imports - 2006 Buick Lucerne
  By Mike - April 13 - 10:40 pm

  The Lucerne is a fantastic car. Better looks, design, features and quality than any import (including Lexus & Toyota) we looked at. The car rides, handles, performs better than the imports. This is a major step forward for GM & the Buick line. The fit and finish on the care are exceptional. The standard features make this a great car and the price is very reasonalbe. The navigation system is better than any offering from Japan or Germany. We love the car.

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  Wow ! What a car.. - 2008 Buick Enclave
  By natalulu - April 12 - 5:40 am

  Goodbye Honda Pilot - work horse. Hello Enclave - luxmobile ! Everyday enjoy it more and more. Spacious, very quiet, smooth ride, handles very nicely, and has lots of admirers - strangers just stopping to take a look or ask about it. Loving it.

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  A great new car, the Lucerne - 2006 Buick Lucerne
  By Stan - April 2 - 7:30 am

  This is one of the quietest cars that I have been in and that includes my brothers Mercedes. You ride in complete luxury while traveling down the highway. It is also one of the best looking cars on the road.

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  Performance - 2006 Buick Lucerne
  By Al Yates - March 29 - 12:30 pm

  I purchased my new Lucerne in January and went on vacation and I thought the performance was great. The ride and quiteness were very good. I have owned Buicks since 1997 and I believe this is the best,judging on the first 2800 miles. I think anyone should be happy with this car. The highway gas mileage was 28 as rated. I encourage anyone to try this full size car.

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  perfect cruiser - 1998 Buick Park Avenue
  By Garrett M. Benson - March 24 - 2:00 am

  This is the perfect car for any occasion. It is comfortable and gets incredible fuel miledge for the size of this interstate cruiser. I am only 24 years old, and I know that this is typically an older mans car, but I, and my friends my age, are very impressed. I clocked in on our last vacation a 500 miles tank of fuel and averaged 34.4 Miles Per Gallon!! That is truley amazing! Garrett

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  Awesome vehicle - 2004 Buick Rendezvous
  By Grandma258 - March 24 - 2:00 am

  I am leasing my second Rendevouz. I like the ride, features, and style. The right colors are also important. Some do nothing for it. I have never leased the same vehicle more than once.

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  LACROSSE TEAM IN CT - 2008 Buick LaCrosse
  By John Ramsdell - March 21 - 2:07 am

  Awesome awesome awesome vehicle!!! Before this car, we owned a 1997 Buick Riviera. We loved that car to death. But the engine blew, so we decided to buy another used car. We looked at six different kinds of cars and SUVs. Not only did we tend to steer clear of other Buicks, just for a change, it didnt work. The minute my husband got behind the wheel, it was love at first sight/drive!!! Lol so in conclusion, we stayed with Buick because we knew we were getting a great car for the money.