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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  Shake&Bake - 2017 Buick Envision
  By Jack - January 20 - 3:36 pm

  We have had the car for four months. Car shakes badly when taking off and even worse if you are turning left or right from a stop. The back up monitor is the worst I have every seen, can not see anything at all at dusk or dawn, exhaust has a bad rattle and the heater motor sounds terrible. All this is normal according to the dealer Thompson of Springfield Mo. nothing fixed

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  Vehicle Rating - 2005 Buick Rendezvous
  By Faye - January 19 - 7:56 pm

  The one item that I have a concern is I cannot use my lighter to charge my cell phone as it blows the fuse. I was told to get an adapter and put it in before I use the charger for my cell phone. I have friends who have the same SUV, not the Ultra and they have no problems.

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  Love this car - 2006 Buick Rendezvous
  By michael - January 19 - 12:07 am

  This is my second RDW that I have owned. The other one was a 2003. I love the ride. Its not overpowered, but how fast can you go anyway? The radio system is great. The ride smooth. Whoever rides with me on long trips also comments how great a ride it gives. Bad weather no problem. It just goes right thru it. Anyway in 3 more years I will be leasing another one.

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  ride and drive lacrosse - 2005 Buick LaCrosse
  By lacrosse drive - January 18 - 11:20 pm

  car has new fresh style and is the quietest sedan i found for any car close to that price. engine is fast and fun to drive.

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  Better than my LaCrosse - 2005 Buick Century
  By David Cowan - January 18 - 4:07 pm

  I also have a LaCrosse and the Century has a smoother ride and more comfortable seats, plus much better gas mileage in the city. Do not listen to the auto experts that believe a harsh ride, stiff seats and a run through the cones is what the real world of driving is. I have 9,000 on the Century and test drove both Camry and Accord prior to purchase, both rode stiffer and were not as powerful. Plus the quality with the Buick is just as good. The six is fine and getting on ramps and passing is no problem.

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  Having a great time driving this SUV - 2005 Buick Rendezvous
  By w - January 18 - 2:06 pm

  My Rendezvous has a very smooth, quiet ride. We have been on several trips and it rides great. The Rendezvous is not the best on gas and I must say that the third row of seats is only for small children and with it you have no luggage space

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  Proud Owner - 2005 Buick Rendezvous
  By Stan Berg - January 17 - 4:19 pm

  This is my first SUV and I am very pleased with it. Gas mileage was better than I thought it would be. The exterior appearance is great. I have received many compliments on the appearance. I have had zero problems with it. The vehicle handles great and drivers perspective is one of a feeling of good control. The interior is a little on the plain side but then I also purchased the no frills version.

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  Perre´s largest wagon ever - 1993 Buick Roadmaster
  By Perre S. - January 16 - 7:43 pm

  Got this wagon from a friend at our head office. It´s sited in Skellefteå, up north in Sweden. Me and my girlfriend drove it from Skellefteå to Piteå about 100 km north of Skellefteå. It was a nice ride on a Swedish, late summer day. Four days later we started off to Stockholm, a trip for about 1000 km. The only problem was a small leak from the heater an some shake from the front brakes. The fuel consumption was 11.6 liters per 100 kilometers, very reasonable for this fullsize wagon. At home in city traffic it wants more like 12,5 to 16.0 liters per 100 km. Some tuning and a light gas foot will help to lower that.

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  Full-size Values - 1993 Buick Roadmaster
  By j.roper - January 16 - 1:48 pm

  Purchased my Roadmaster from my grandmother at 10 years old with 48k miles. Practically new and in great condition. 26k later, it has given practically trouble-free service, except for the fan clutch, power antenna, and spark plugs/wires. Coldest a/c I have ever owned (& never serviced in 12+ years). Gas mileage is great - I get about 20-21 mpg in mixed driving. Other than the size and the dowdy styling (which my wife literally hates), its a great car.

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  Terrazza is worth a look. - 2005 Buick Terraza
  By jwh5700 - January 14 - 10:21 pm

  The Buick Terraza is definitely worth a look. It may not be as powerful as the Honda Odyssey, but the ride is much better, the fuel economy is also better and has more standard features than its sister the Chevy Uplander. Standard leather seats with cloth inserts and standard electronic load leveling and dynamic styling along with a great price led us to purchase ours in April of 2005. We traveled fully loaded to the max from Cincinnati to Myrtle beach through the mountains and all and had averaged 25 mpg. To date we have not experienced any problems other than a loose panel by the sliding door track and the Buick dealership treats you as if you bought a Mercedes.