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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  The come back Buick - 2006 Buick LaCrosse
  By bernie - January 14 - 1:10 am

  If only more younger people would test drive the Lacrosse CXS, Buick would be on its way to losing its image as the old folks car. The 3.6 liter engine always has plenty of power, but the cars real strength lies in its suspension. This car never meets a curve it doesnt love. And the sound insulation is outstanding. This is a car that loves to be driven and driven hard. Give it a try.

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  Best SUV Ever - 2005 Buick Rainier
  By Mac - January 13 - 5:21 pm

  We have owned our 2005 Ranier CXL AWD for about 14 months. It is by bar the best overall SUV we have ever owned. The ride quality is outstanding, the handling sharp, the performance excellent, and the carrying capacity fantastic. Overall we get about 20 mpg on the highway (70 - 75 mph) and about 15 in town. My wife likes it so much that I seldom get to drive it except on trips. It is one of the quietest vehicles I have ever driven. The size, ergonomics, features, and performance are just about perfect for the two of us. Our friends enjoy very much when we take the Ranier, going out to dinner.

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  Best Car Ive owned so far - 2002 Buick Century
  By Yvonne Nicol - January 12 - 8:28 pm

  This is by far the best automobile Ive owned so far. Had low mileage when I purchased it and I still think I got a deal! Gets great gas mileage for its size. Roomy trunk, lots of bells and whistles. Low tire light saved me from getting stuck on side of the road a couple of months ago. Always lets me know when to anticipate a problem, although there hasnt been anything major. We are very happy with it!

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  Best- value car! - 2001 Buick Century
  By pembo - January 11 - 8:20 pm

  I bought this Century two years ago and have enjoyed it as the best-value car I have had in 20 years for what I paid for. CD, ABS, and many features are standard. It rides comfortably and can sit 6 people with a large trunk. I recommend it to my friend, and he bought another one and still enjoys it!

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  Great vehicle, but... - 2004 Buick Rendezvous
  By Lily - January 11 - 3:21 pm

  Ive loved my Rendezvous and have never noticed the power and acceleration issues Ive read about. It has been great for me. But, sadly, I need to part with it as it has huge blindspots which are a safety concern. The huge front door panel/mirror combo leads to blindspots in the front and there is a rear window panel that leads to blindspots on the sides/rear. If this did not exist I wouldnt get rid of this car!

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  Best used car I have ever bought. - 1996 Buick Century
  By Beatle412 - January 9 - 8:26 pm

  Works fine, had very low mileage when I purchased it and it has never left me stranded. I have had to replace a few routine things on the car, as with any car. I do notice a tendedncy for the 3.1 to have excessive noise. I was told that this is due to some of the rod lenth being off by thousandths of a second.

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  Reliable - 2002 Buick Rendezvous
  By Jim Walters - January 9 - 7:32 pm

  One of the most dependable and reliable ownership experiences I have had owning cars. The poor adhesion of paint on the interior is my only complaint I have, other than the sluggishness in power of the engine at highway speed unless you downshift, but I LOVE the consistent 20mpg that the car gives me with its performance. I waxed the interior painted surfaces after they were replaced under warranty and have had no further problems there. I love this cars transmission. A good reliable car.

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  Excellent vehicle - 2001 Buick Century
  By Vitoria Ferraro - January 9 - 7:12 pm

  Ive had this vehicle for 2 months short of 5 years, and Im extremely happy with it. The best vehicle Ive had ever.

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  Back to America! - 2008 Buick Enclave
  By rokalada - January 8 - 2:50 pm

  After deciding we needed a more economical car to take the family and four dogs to our weekend place about 150 miles from home, we started looking at SUVs, CUVs, etc. I used to drive Mercedes wagons, and I was drawn back to them, but the middle row leg room is too short for our tall, adult-sized children, and the other Mercedes that did "fit" us (the R class) could not haul a trailer that we sometimes use. Enter, the Enclave! I took delivery on a CXL this week, and so far, I am very impressed! Ive only gassed up once, but it got well over 20 mpg in mixed driving. The ride is comfortable, and I like the solid feel to the doors when you shut them --- very unlike a Honda!

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  Excellent - 2003 Buick LeSabre
  By Sam - January 7 - 9:02 pm

  I can drive the 70MPH speed limit to a city 100 miles away, do some driving around in the city and return home averaging 28-29 MPG. I think this is great for a car of this size. Very comfortable ride also.