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:

• 

  Love the ride, not that fun to drive - 2005 Buick LaCrosse
  By Jared Ellars - March 7 - 9:55 pm

  Very comfortable car, smooth ride and quite. Only real gripe that I have with the car is the engine. Ive liked the 3.8 in the past, but I think the performance is poor in this car. Could be gearing, but engine seems to run at too low RPMs to effectively change speeds. Engine seems to labor when increasing speed. After it decides to shift down a gear or two, then the performance is there. Mileage is also extremely disappointing. Only get about 25-26 on highway. That is very poor cause my 3.5L (with more horse power) Olds Intrigue got over 30 on highway. City mileage is poor as well in my opinion, I get 18 mpg which includes two miles of stop and go traffic and 8 miles interstate driving.

• 

  Best car Ive owned - 1993 Buick LeSabre
  By lori - March 7 - 9:00 am

  I bought my LeSabre for $3800 in 2001 after doing internet research on lasting vehicles. I have not been disappointed! It is so comfy that the first time I drove it, the kids fell asleep during the first 15 minutes and I nearly did, too! It had 96k mi. on it then, and it now has 185k. Ive only had the fuel pump and struts replaced, a couple of alignments, and a $100 electronic part replaced twice. When I was looking into getting a new car, I decided I wanted a 2002, or newer, LeSabre. But they seem to have some neg. feedback, so I keep driving mine. I guess Ill replace the headliner and keep driving it until it stops running-if ever. With 22-24 mi/gal on trips, and room for six, Im spoiled!

• 

  Fun to Drive - 2005 Buick LaCrosse
  By Biloxigirl - March 5 - 11:42 pm

  Fun car to drive. Love the remote start feature -- was sold first time saw it. Great stero and XM and daughter loves the dual climate control. Quiet smooth ride. Real upscale car for the price.

• 

  SUPER CAR~ - 2004 Buick Rendezvous
  By usacat - March 4 - 10:00 am

  I love it! It is smooth,classy and fun!

• 

  Junk - 2003 Buick Rendezvous
  By Brian Bryans - March 2 - 11:04 am

  We have had several mechanical issues on our Rendevous. This first was a transmission problem that kept the car in 3rd gear. This was repaired under warranty. We had to replace the tires at 20,000 miles and Buick would not prorate the tires because we did not have full paperwork showing that we had rotated the tires.Our most recent problem was with a check engine light. The light came on with 43,000 miles on the car, 7k miles out of warranty.It ended up being that water was getting into the car under the carpet and had rusted sensors. The dealership had to strip all the interior out and fix the problem. Cost $1200. There is no wonder GM is on the verge of bankruptcy!

• 

  Ive always wanted one of these - 2003 Buick Regal
  By Poor Boy - March 2 - 10:17 am

  I liked the Regals when I was a kid and saw the mid-80s models and thought they were great then, and still do. I finally got my hands on this one, and though Ive only owned it for a few hundred miles, Im already in love. When you kick it, it moves. The ride is comfortable, but you can feel the road and remember that you are, in fact, driving. Buick has the greatest seats ever put into any car, bar none. Im a happy camper.

• 

  I couldve had a V8 - 2003 Buick Park Avenue
  By imagedude - March 2 - 10:00 am

  This is so far a nice car to drive. I think - for the price - it is loaded with features. I really like the room (Im 64") and appreciate the lack of center console. All imports seem to have this annoying "feature" which is always in my way. The drive is smooth, though I wish it had the torque feel of a V8. Hey, its a big car, put a V8 in there. Even the 4.8L V8 in the Tahoe would be nice. Though 240 ponies gets me up and going I feel it lacking.

• 

  Tried American - 2006 Buick Rendezvous
  By Cblaw89 - March 1 - 9:49 pm

  Have the larger engine, good power. People comment the cars attractive. Love the moveable second row seats, allows great flexibility and ample room when the rear seat is needed for the kids and their friends. Given that my lease payments are relatively low, its a good value for an suv that seats 7 but rides like a car. Things I dont like: gas tank gauge dips way down when on a hill, it actually wouldnt start when i had almost a qrtr tank, roadside guy said this is a problem w/the vehicle, must use qrtr line as "empty" the interior lighting stinks, no over head light near the front, little lights on rear view mirror dont help, makes it hard to see stuff gas goes real quick.

• 

  Not your grandfathers Buick - 2002 Buick Rendezvous
  By Tom Raveling - March 1 - 3:29 pm

  After 2 Chevrolet Blazers this is a great change. As desert dwellers who never go offroad we always buy a 4X2. we like the utility of a small tall station wagon (read SUV). This CUV does everything we expected without the truck like handling.

• 

  A pretty good car - 1998 Buick Century
  By Val Bennett - February 28 - 8:41 pm

  This car has been a very reliable mode of transportation. The only major repair was a front wheel bearing. The cassette/radio had to be replaced. My kids call it a "grandma car", but it is comfortable.