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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  Dont Believe EPA - 2005 Buick Rendezvous
  By Jim - January 3 - 6:25 pm

  We are generally happy with the automobile and we are happy with the dealership. However, we have been disappointed with the fuel efficiency of the car. The estimated mileage for highway was 26 mpb, one of the principal reasons we purchased the car. The best we can get at typical Interstate speeds is 20 mpg. Dealer says that there is nothing they can do. Very disappointing.

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  Review of 2005 Buick Rainier - 2005 Buick Rainier
  By Lou Kirk - January 3 - 6:12 pm

  This is my first SUV and I couldnt be happier with it. Comfort, driveablity, power, MPG could be a little better, easy to park, visibility to see other traffic on the road is exceptional, maintaince is easy, OnStar makes me feel very secure. I have driven this vehicle from the mid United states to the east coast and then to the west coast and back to the midwest and not one problem. Would like to see keyless entry on the next one that I get.

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  Not convinced I didnt make a mistake - 2008 Buick Enclave
  By Bob - December 31 - 5:26 pm

  I purchased the Enclave 3000 miles ago...less than a month and I was generally impressed with the vehicle until I drove it under various situations. In a nutshell, any wonderful features I enjoyed have been eclipsed by the incredibly terrible transmission. It is just not a pleasure to drive in the hills of western PA. This transmission does not know how to handle them. Im taking it in this Monday for service, Buick tells me there is a recall for "Transmission Calibration" my suggestion for anyone interested is waitil the bugs are cleared up on this vehicles transmission. It will negate all the beautiful and comfortable features this vehicle has and ruin the driving experience.

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  Current Owner Review - 2001 Buick Century
  By Eugene Smothermon - December 30 - 8:50 pm

  Drives good. Has had to have above average maintence,of braking system, and service warning light system {Example: Service Engine Soon Light,Warning etc.] Some unacounted road noise, from rear of vehicle.

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  Hot and Stylish!! - 2002 Buick Rendezvous
  By Stacie - December 30 - 6:42 am

  I couldnt be happier with my car! There is plenty of room for my two children in the back. I feel like hot momma in my Buick! The ride is wonderful!! I have the fully loaded CXL, it is total luxury! It is fun to drive and very economical. My next vehicle will definitely be a newer version of what I now have!

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  Love my RoadMonster! - 1994 Buick Roadmaster
  By Road_Monster - December 27 - 9:27 pm

  I bought my 1994 Roadmaster in August, 2003. This car has a following, like its "B Body" brothers: The Impala SS, and Caprice. The Roadmaster, Impala SS, and Caprice share the same chassis, LT1 V8 engine, 4L60E transmission, etc. My particular car has a gray leather interior. It is extremely comforatable and the leather is durable. On the road, this car is amazing. Lots of power, comfortable ride, and the safe feeling only a large rear wheel drive car can give you. These cars were built to last. Mine is almost twelve years old now. It does not burn or leak a drop of oil! They are truly a bargain, for the ride, performance, and safety they provide.

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  Great features - zero reliability - 2002 Buick Rendezvous
  By Kevin - December 27 - 8:40 pm

  I absolutely loved this car - for the first 51,000 miles. Then the left front wheel hub bearing failed. At 59,000 miles, the upper and lower intake gaskets. 64,000 miles the body control module failed. This causes your lights to begin randomly flashing, while your horn begins honking all by themselves. Then the A/C condensor, right wheel hub bearing, transmission, ignition key switch and security module, and now the blower motor speed resistor. Previous GM Lumina had same reliability, even though I maintain my cars. Thought Buick would be better.

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  Kids Love It. Comfort, Options, Style - 2005 Buick Terraza
  By EL PASO TX. - December 27 - 6:42 pm

  Owning this vehicle has been a good experience so far. We have already taken a trip thru the mountains with 6 people in it and it drove great...no problems at all. Buick hit it right on the money with the look but Im pretty sure they could have used better quality interior pieces. The compartments do feel cheap and are sometimes hard to close. It would have been nice if the back windows can roll down, but over all its worth the money. We shopped around & compared prices. With all the standard options it comes with a Honda or Toyota would have been at least $37,000. With the red tag sales youll probably pay about $28,000 for a Buick Terraza. $10,000 less. Gas is reasonable for a van.

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  Fun,Safe and Dependable - 2004 Buick Rainier
  By Dr d - December 26 - 11:35 pm

  This Buick Is a very stable platform . Fun to drive due to great handling for us , the average driver. Speed and acceleration that makes you feel young when you need it, entering a freeway or getting out of a jam. Sometimes, just showing off. It just feels good to know that youre in command of the road on occasion. Plenty of room for passengers & Luggage. Easily maneuvers in any grocery store parking lot and brings the bacon home safley. Might keep this for 20 years.

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  2005 Buick Lesabre - 2005 Buick LeSabre
  By lesabre custom - December 25 - 4:31 pm

  Not a fun car to drive. It vibrates and shakes at interstate speeds. The dealer balanced the tires repeatedly and ended up replacing the tires to no avail. Buick states that it is normal driving condition due to the newly designed "active suspension". I call it a mistake to buy.