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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  Awesome - 2006 Buick LaCrosse
  By Sean - February 12 - 2:30 pm

  This car was a total surprise to me. I went in search of a new car during employee pricing. I went to every manufacturer and wound up at a Buick dealer last. The LaCrosse struck my eye. I test drove it and bought it. My first American made car ever, and now I cant see any reason not to buy American again.

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  Thats not a Buick - 2016 Buick Encore
  By Bills Buick - February 11 - 11:09 pm

  This car is a made in Korea car and after looking at Hondas, Nissans, Fords, Lexus I think I made a good choice. Traded in a low mileage Lexus RX350 which I loved but decided to finally lease after having bought some 20 or more cars in my lifetime. And pearl white really shows off the car and it is a dream to drive. Ill probably never use the wi-fi and all the bells and whistles but that is okay and since I dont drive in the snow anymore didnt need AWD like the Lexus had.

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  Awesome convertible! - 2016 Buick Cascada
  By Gina,RN - February 11 - 8:07 am

  I got on here to see if there were problems posted that Im having with mine. Everything is great in this car, comfort is top notch in these seats. They hug you and I love the lumbar support. I love that it is front wheel drive. My last car was a mustang convertible and winters in the Midwest can be very icy and snowy. I havent had a winter yet with this car so hopefully it wont disappoint. The sound system is awesome and I can talk on Bluetooth even with top down. The passenger seat does bang on interior if not buckled when no passenger is in car. Easy enough fix. I do notice a difference with the wind guard in place. No leaks and very quiet ride with top up. My recurrent problem is AFL lamp/ headlamp leveling malfunction. The Buick dealer service dept has been awesome! They have replaced the sensor part but within 2 weeks, the warning showed up again. I took it back, which they always offer a loaner, and of course, the warning didnt show up for them. They calibrated the sensor(which had not been done when part replaced) hoping that was the problem. The warning came on the day I picked it back up(figures). I am now scheduled to take it to a closer dealer as the one I purchased it at was a little far for the frequent trips I was making. Hopefully, they figure it out. However, it is not affecting the performance of my Cascada, I just dont like having any issues on my new car. Im over 9000 miles and am just in love with it. I get a lot of compliments which coming from an orange mustang gt convertible is surprising. You will not be disappointed!

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  Better Buick - 2005 Buick LaCrosse
  By CXL - February 10 - 4:22 pm

  The 2005 LaCrosse is a much better car than my previous 1997 Buick Regal. Handles and rides much better and doesnt have that old Buick float. It feels more like a sport sedan. Fit and finish is also improved and it is quite quiet. I think the old 3.8 V6 has been improved. Smoother and quiter. The gas mileage is still a downer. It gets 30 on the highway, but only 17-18 around town. Overall, its a much improved car.

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  Love the Terraza!! - 2005 Buick Terraza
  By Paul McCauley - February 9 - 3:49 pm

  I have recently purchased this van and my wife and I LOVE IT!! I am very confused with the reviews concerning the van not having enough power and wonder what some people expect. We have driven the van in a mountainous area and never felt the power was inadequate, but then again I did not expect a sports car to haul my family around in. The interior is well laid and loaded with bells and whistles (most of which are easy to understand). This van rides very nice and has performed wonderfully on several long distance trips. We have averaged 25 mpg on the highway and are ecstatic with these numbers. So far after 8K miles we are very pleased and would highly recommend the Terraza to others.

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  Lots of room - 2003 Buick Rendezvous
  By PA Commuter - February 8 - 10:57 pm

  We bought a Certified Rendezvous and a Certified Pacifica within a month of each other. I took the Pacifica originally because it looks and feels sportier than the Redndezvous. Unfortunately after communing in the Pacifica for a few weeks I found the ride to be quite uncomfortable for someone my height (64"). I eventually traded it to my wife for her Rendezvous. I like the sporty look and feel of the Pacifica, but I appreciate the unbelievably comfortable seats (wide, high, heated) and soft ride of the Buick.

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  Love My Car - 2000 Buick LeSabre
  By Anna M - February 8 - 6:17 pm

  I love my Buick. It has so many features that it is a pleasure to drive. I have had only a couple minor problems but they were fixed under the warranty. Id buy it again in a minute.

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  Dont Believe EPA - 2005 Buick Rendezvous
  By Jim Johnston - February 8 - 4:39 pm

  We purchased 2005 Buick Rendezvous new. The principal reason for choosing it over the alternatives under consideration was the 26 MPG EPA on the sticker. The best we can get at normal interstate highway speeds is between 20 and 22 MPG. We like the vehicle, but are very disappointed in the mileage.

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  Love It! - 2003 Buick Rendezvous
  By Krista - February 8 - 2:19 pm

  In two years and over 60,000 miles, its only been in the shop once! Two hours for an emissions sensor - didnt affect performance at all. You wont find a better value in a seven passenger vehicle. 20 mpg rivals any full size SUV. It feels underpowered if you try to pass at speeds over 80, but I keep up on California Freeways. Dual climate control and comfy seats make it perfect for long road trips. Handles well in the snow and tows great.

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  Run from this - $1000 headlamp replacements - 2013 Buick Enclave
  By Harold Andrews - February 8 - 10:50 am

  BIG FYI: a single headlight bulb costs nearly $500 to replace! Wow! I bought our familys 2013 Enclave new and had a couple of smaller light bulbs burn out while still in warranty. The kicker came when a headlight bulb only lasted 3 years. Just know that that little bulb will cost you nearly $1000.00 when they both burn out! Buick should be ashamed of this. And unfortunately, this means we have no choice but to head back to non-American cars when we get a new car this spring. Good bye Buick, Im not in the business of these kinds of surprises.