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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  Worst I have ever owned - 2005 Buick Terraza
  By bmgilb2036 - February 8 - 12:49 am

  The only reason we bought this van was because of my wifes employee discount. The 3.5 engine has no torque and constantly has to down shift to pull small grades. Front leg room is adequate if you starred in the Wizard of Oz as the mayor. Access to the third row is great if your name is Pegleg with the table folded flat. The genius who designed the back up warning lights never put the DVD screen down or he would have noticed that it blocks the lights.The seat system is from 1998. There might as well be a semi trailer attached as you can not see out the back window since the head rests are the size of Montana. And finally, I wanted to trade it, but it depreciated by $13000 in 11 months. Trash

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  Lazy-boy on wheels - 2002 Buick LeSabre
  By Mike - February 7 - 12:18 am

  I am 23 years old, and while most people my age would not consider buying a Buick, it was my only choice. I had a 94 Park Ave, and loved the comfort and safty of it. I recently bought this LeSabre used (in 06) with 23,000 miles on. I just LOVE it. It rides like a dream, and handles great. I spend a lot of time in the car, and it is so comfortable and enjoyable to drive as well as ride in. People used to always tease me about my love for full sized sedans, but once they drive the LeSabre, they change their tunes.. they love it too.

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  Century 1999 - 1999 Buick Century
  By emanuel - February 6 - 3:52 am

  Great car, good fuel economy, lots of power. The cosmetic - poor job. The plastic around the windshield is falling apart and the power window is terible. By 120,000 I already replaced 5 power window motors assembly which cost over $320 parts only.(have to buy the whole assembly) The car is fun to drive but the little things drives me crazy. Great engine and very comfortable. It could be a great car if GM motors pays more attention to detail. Power windows is a major problem for the Century.

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  Great Car - 2003 Buick Regal
  By Sam - February 4 - 10:52 pm

  Buick outdid themselves on this car. I love it, power when you need it. Enough options to keep you satisfied and an all around good car. I enjoy just cruisin in it.

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  Awesome Car - 2006 Buick LaCrosse
  By Jan Busch - February 4 - 1:53 am

  We love this car! It is fun to drive and great to get into after it was started from inside the warm house. We feel very safe in it. The body style is very modern, the seats comfortable and warm in the Minnesota winters.

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  Rendezvous is a great vehicle - 2005 Buick Rendezvous
  By Steve_PA - February 2 - 4:29 pm

  Being a very satisfied Honda and Nissan minivan owner for the last 14 years, I was hestiant when we bought the Rendezvous. We love it. Great ride. Very intelligent design.

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  Great car ... until now! - 1996 Buick Century
  By Kim - February 2 - 1:02 pm

  My car only has 50k miles on it - it has never left me stranded. We recently had an incident where it was in park, with engine running, in someones driveway. After I got out of the car, it automatically locked and about 7 seconds later rolled forward on the uphill driveway. It hit a car in the driveway and a house. Upon impact of hitting the house it unlocked. My 2 children were in their carseats in the back seat when this happened. Mechanic finds absolutely nothing wrong with it. We have had no problems with it before this.

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  Rendezvous, I love it! - 2004 Buick Rendezvous
  By jzbwh - February 1 - 2:00 am

  I thought I got "hooked" with GM before I purchased 2004 Rendezvous CXL because I had accumulated some GM Credit Card points - all "expert reviews" at Blue Book and Edmunds appeared to favor Japanese cars over GMs. However as a commuter between home and work with little off-road requirements, Ive found driving Rendezvous quite pleasant. I love its smooth ride, excellent gas mileage (I got 21 mpg with avearge of 38 mph), the commanding view and the On-Star system. AWD just starts giving me peace of mind when climbing hills on snowy days. Yeh, you may argue that other SUVs or Crossovers can do the same tricks but its nice that my Rendesvous does them all!

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  Great car - 2003 Buick Regal
  By RJ - January 31 - 11:43 pm

  The series II 3800 V6 engine has plenty of underlying power when you need it. Road noise is nonexistent. Suspension is sure and straight. Good overall cabin visibility. Controls are easily accessible. Night turning lights are great for seeing in the dark.

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  American cars on the comeback trail - 2005 Buick LaCrosse
  By Kevin - January 30 - 8:04 pm

  If you fancy yourself as an educated buyer, do yourself a favor. Dont overlook this vehicle. Even the most hardened Camry or Accord fan can appreciate and buy this car. I know, I was one of them. Its the best car Ive owned. Go drive one and see for yourself.