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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  car for life? - 1996 Buick Roadmaster
  By Mike - October 12 - 2:00 am

  Love this car. Fast, reliable, comfortable and economical even for a big V-8. I load 12 foot surfcasting rods right down the middle or 4 X 8 sheet rock flat with the tailgate down. This car is so functional, reliable and so comfortable to drive I have difficulty buying a 2010 Anything! And it still looks great!

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  Great Comfort - 2011 Buick Enclave
  By Great Vehicle - October 10 - 2:00 am

  We have looked at many different crossovers as we have a very specific need for vehicle height and are demanding on comfort. The interior is very nice and a definite upgrade in quality from what I remember GM products to have. The ride is extremely smooth and very quiet! I would have to say I prefer the ride and comfort of this over our Lincoln and the price was even lower. Could not beat the service I received at the dealership either

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  Greatest car ever - 1994 Buick Roadmaster
  By j.emerson - October 9 - 2:00 am

  There is no other car on the market like this gem. It is very spacious, powerful yet good fuel economy due to its aerodynamic design and very reliable. I have a 5.7 ltr. and a tow package with a trans.cooler. Have climbed west out of Needles, CA at a blistering 120 deg.F, 80 mph.on cruise with the air on and the temp. needle never went over half. Its got 150k miles and performs like the day I bought it. Love the two way tailgate and and 3rd fold up seat in the back. Great family car and work horse all in one. I can lay 4X8plywood sheets flat with the rear seat down and has been very handy for construction jobs. Are you listening GM?

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  Outstanding fit and finish - 2008 Buick Lucerne
  By Steve R - October 8 - 2:00 am

  The standard engine power is okay, but a little more would be better. The handling characteristics are better than expected, although the suspension could be a bit tighter.

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  WOW, not your fathers Buick at all! - 2010 Buick LaCrosse
  By Stirling - October 7 - 2:00 am

  Ive had this beauty for 2 months and have put 4,000 miles on it. I get compliments nearly every time I stop to fill up at a gas station or valet park it. Ive really enjoyed driving this car and would recommend it to anyone looking for a nice luxury vehicle at an affordable price. Im 35 and wasnt sure about buying a Buick but the styling really goes a long way and says that Buick isnt what it use to be. Id recommend this car to anyone young or mature and think that Buick hit a home run with this one. My wife has now fallen in love with the Enclave and well soon be a 2 Buick family. Great job Buick!

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  LOVE My Roadmaster - 1993 Buick Roadmaster
  By Maria53 - October 6 - 2:00 am

  So funny that one reviewer commented driving a Roadmaster is like driving from your living room couch. So true! My 93 Roadmaster provides a smooth, comfortable ride, pours on the power when I step on it, and requires little maintenance (due, in part, to my Master Mechanic Al). Just replaced the original shocks. Sooooo tight! On a slight incline, hit the gas. Front end rose up, rear end hunkered down. And the sound of that V8! Awesome!! Had trouble finding P225/70R15 passenger tires for it though. After 20 hours searching online, found General Tire Altimax RT (made by Continental) at local GM/Buick/Cadillac dealership. Cant wait to feel the ride after installation!

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  A good one. - 2001 Buick Century
  By Krystal - October 6 - 2:00 am

  It seems that this model was either spectacular or failed after 33k. Mine seems to be a spectacular one. It has close to 175K and still runs great. It has mostly run on the old green coolant rather than the DEXcool (everywhere you could put coolant it is labeled green from the previous owner). I get an average of 27 MPG from mixed city and highway driving. Once I got 40 on highway! The car is in pretty good shape.

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  Awesome car puts Lexus to shame - 2010 Buick LaCrosse
  By jimboFC - October 6 - 2:00 am

  We purchased the LaCrosse despite the Buick "labeling" we would get from friends. Once people take a look at it, (inside and out), noth compares under 50k--Nothing! The throw in the 100k warranty, quiet ride and reliability-No brainer. Love the car

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  VERY NICE CAR - 2011 Buick Enclave
  By adt - September 29 - 2:00 am

  We have had many cars in our 40 yrs of marriage this might be the best purchased a 2011 infinity qx56 had it 2k mi and could not wait to get rid of it this is very very nice quiet luxury drives great

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  WOW!! - 1990 Buick Century
  By buickman9290 - September 27 - 2:00 am

  I origanly had a 92 Buick Century 4 dr. I cracked the raidatior didnt know over heated it. Then everyone thought i blew it up but i ended up driving it for 8 1/2 months after wit a rod knocking it had 149670 on it when i let her go it was the best dependable car i had till that time. Then i bought a 1990 Buick century 4 dr custom it had the 3300. Got it back in feb. she had 139000 on her when i got it. She now has 147258 on her and ill be darn if i cant kill her. The power is great, handles like a dream, its all i have owend sience i was 16. the body is a lil rough on it but she is in great running condition. every thing on the motor is in great shape all working great the only thing i have