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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  be careful - 1999 Buick Park Avenue
  By sad - March 13 - 10:00 am

  Have had numerous problems with this car. Windows, air, heat, sunroof, auto seat, transmission. Every time Ive had to fight to get the things fixed even under the factory warranty. Even then still not right. Additionally the mechanic says there is a transmission problem and they still wont fix it saying there is nothing wrong. Crazy. Why cant the Americans build a car that holds up? And this is their top of the line!! Its almost like Buick has a policy of obfuscate. This is very disappointing to say the least. Im going to trade it on one of those imports. Sorry folks... I want to support American labor but it reaches a point....

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  Buick - 2006 Buick LaCrosse
  By Mr.Fizzix - March 11 - 7:16 pm

  Very happy with the car. Drives really smooth, very quiet, and comfortable. Steering is firm and precise. Some body roll exists, but the car handles well (for its size). Good throttle response. Controls are intuitive and simple, nicely laid out. Interior layout overall is great. Im up in Toronto, and had it out on a couple of cold days. Warms up real quick, and defogging works real quick too. Visibility isnt great though. There is a pretty big blind spot to the front left (due to the roof pillar/left mirror). Its actually quite annoying for making left turns, or on windy roads. The car is wonderful otherwise. Dont know fuel economy yet, only had it for a week.

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  Value SUV - 2006 Buick Rendezvous
  By Ernie - March 10 - 6:19 pm

  My first Buick and love it! The build quality is on the level of Lexus to me. I cant figure out why Consumer Reports say the interior is cheap, it is indeed far from it. The fit, finish and materials are top shelf. Ive own two Azteks and it is amazing that they come from the same plant. The Azteks had many shortcomings for a sister SUV. I purchased the leather option and this is the way to go.

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  Buick LeSabre - 1995 Buick LeSabre
  By Frank - March 9 - 3:34 pm

  The gas mileage is great 30 on the road. The ride is smooth and easy to handle. We have not had any trouble the auto

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  My Rendezvous - 2003 Buick Rendezvous
  By Brenda Wendelken - March 9 - 9:57 am

  Purchased this 1 year old car with 13000 miles on it from a dealer. All who ride in my car say it is the most comfortable riding SUV ever. Just like sitting on the living room sofa. It drives and handles like a Cadillac, has great pickup when needed dashboard accessories are also conveniently located on steering wheel making for safer driving (no looking down to change radio stations, etc). Cargo area large enough for most items, middle seats fold down easily to create more room in cargo. Also has Onstar if installed when purchased. My only criticism is color of the spedometer numbers hard to see in daylight. Thank you GM for this great car!!

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  13 years old and still a fantastic car. - 2000 Buick Park Avenue
  By jackt19 - March 8 - 5:37 am

  We bought this car when it was one year old, with 14000 miles on the clock in 2001, to be my wifes daily driver. By far, it is one of the best cars we have owned. Twelve years later shes only got 68K on the odometer and it runs perfectly. It has been an extremely reliable vehicle and is a pleasure to drive. It is very quiet at highway speeds, and gets exceptional mileage for a vehicle this size, 19 city / 30 highway. If youre hunting for a used example, you cant go wrong.

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  BUICK QUALITY - 2002 Buick Rendezvous
  By Magic Tom - March 8 - 2:00 am

  Great car for a great price....was attracted to the Rendezvous because of how cars are equipped (standard); the Buick name for quality (even though Ive owned few GM cars); and not the least because of the value received for the price paid compared to other SUVs of the same type; and finally because my wife loves driving it.

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  BEST VEHICLE IVE EVER OWNED - 2004 Buick Rendezvous
  By WTCW - March 8 - 2:00 am

  I AM IN LOVE WITH THE VEHICLE FROM FIT AND FINISH TO ALL THE EXTRAS INCLUDING ONSTAR, WINDSHIELD DISPLAY, HEAT/AC CONTROLS, NAVIGATION SYSTEM, FOLD-DOWN THIRD ROW OF SEATS. THIS IS JUST A GREAT AMERICAN CAR, OR I SHOULD SAY A WORLD CAR. AFTER OWNING JAPANESE SUVS IT IS A PLEASURE TO OWN ONE MADE BY A COMPANY THAT REALLY KNOWS HOW TO BUILD A CAR! KUD

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  Love the Rendezvous! - 2004 Buick Rendezvous
  By Marla Dee - March 8 - 2:00 am

  I absolutley love this vehicle. Very comforable ride and plenty of space for me and my kids. They love the captain seats in the back and also the earphone jacks. So they can listen to their own music.

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  Bought another - 1997 Buick Regal
  By Happy GS - March 8 - 1:28 am

  After selling our last (97), not my choice, I have purchased another. The car is great to drive always bringing a smile. Comfortable on long trips with good mpg. The only maintence I needed was the normal, belts, brakes, etc. The only other sedan I compare it to is my Cad Seville. For the money its a really good all around car. My only complant is the drink holder. Now that is cheap.