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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  Super car, great traveler - 2005 Buick Terraza
  By Fred - December 25 - 12:02 am

  This is the third van we have owned - 90 Chevy Lumina and 98 Olds Silhouette. Both previous cars were very satisfactory with virtually no extra service required in 107K and 93K respectively. This one looks equal or better in smoothness and build quality. In 12,800 mile over 11 months, there hasnt been a single blip of any kind. The interior is just beautiful I had compared Mercury Monterey, Windstar, Chrysler, Sienna, Odyessy and other GM, but none of them compare to feel and look of quality. There are many fine touches in car. Only negative is that I wish GM would adopt Chryslers stow and go seating. Second row seats are hard to remove/replace. Great ride on trips.

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  Always fun to drive - 1990 Buick Reatta
  By Wish I could keep it - December 23 - 9:19 pm

  I have always been very pleased with the car, why else would I have kept it for 16 years! It was always fun to drive, both in the city and on the open road.

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  Nice car - 2005 Buick Terraza
  By Rich - December 20 - 2:26 pm

  This is a very comfortable vehicle for us. I am pretty big 64" and the front seat is very comfortable. The second row seats dont have a bunch of leg room behind a tall person but our kids are young so this isnt a problem. Inside is nice. The ride is quiet and smooth. We have not had a problem with the power. No doubt other vehicles have more but we find the engine adaquate.

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  Love my new Terraza - 2005 Buick Terraza
  By Nebraska Owner - December 20 - 8:02 am

  Terraza is a dream to drive. Inside the cab is very quiet and the ride is comfortable. Dials are easy to read, 2 sliding doors are great. There are only a few minor design details that I would change if I were the designer ... the 3rd row seats are hard to lift once they have been lowered forward as there is no strap or handle to grip and lift..Im short & would love "move forward" pedals to keep me back from the airbag..hotter heat. Compared to Hondas Odessy, and for the money, I have all the bells & whistles for a lot less. I find it is a exciting vehicle to drive. Gas Mileage about 16-17 mpg/city

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  Smooth driving, quality car. - 1997 Buick LeSabre
  By Houston, Tx - December 18 - 4:38 pm

  Work, drive, and family vacation for several years. Did regular service maintenance and car responded with no disappointments and no bad surprises. Very satisfying car with excellent reliability, durability, workmanship and gas mileage.

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  Rendezvous - 2004 Buick Rendezvous
  By Rendezvous - December 18 - 2:29 am

  I was very pleased with the handling and interior quietness of my Rendezvous. I was also very pleased with the gas mileage. I recently drove to Atlanta Georgia from Ohio and averaged 28 miles to a gallon.

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  Rating our Buick Lacrosse - 2005 Buick LaCrosse
  By Roy G. Botts - December 17 - 11:29 pm

  I bought this car for my wifes birthday. She claims it is a perfect 10 and though I dont drive it very much, I feel it is one of the nicest cars we have ever owned. We have owned new Buicks since 1975.

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  Second one - 1992 Buick LeSabre
  By larry - December 16 - 12:06 pm

  Bought a 92 limited with 69,000 miles for $1800 dollars that 85 yr old lady traded in. Arctic white, very tight, nice looking with red leather interior. So far with 3000 miles no problems. Average 28mpg in comfort and safety. Im not a fan of the 4 speed overdrive auto so I am careful with it.

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  Its a Buick - 2006 Buick Lucerne
  By Jeff - December 15 - 7:48 pm

  Only owned the car for a couple of months, but I love it so far. Not the best on gas, 23 mpg freeway, but not horrible. Its a comfortable ride, looks better in person than in the pictures. Lots of interior room, black leather looks awesome, plenty of room for a family of four. Some reviews complain about it not competing with Avalons or BMWs, well, thats because its a Buick. Its big, its comfortable, its not a performance sedan, but it does have power with the Northstar. Big and heavy, front wheel drive, good for Minnesotas winter. It is what it is, its a luxury car with a good mixture of old and new. If you like full size Cadillacs, Buicks or Lincolns, then youll probably like this car.

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  BUICKS LITTLE KEPT SECRET - 2002 Buick Rendezvous
  By dFOMBYKIDS - December 14 - 2:00 am

  I WAS IN MARKET FOR A VEHICLE WITH A THIRD ROW, NEEDED TO BE ABLE SEAT 2 CAR SEATS AND A 10YEAR OLD, GROCERIES STROLLER ETC.THE TEST DRIVE WENT VERY WELL, THE SUV HANDLED MORE LIKE A CAR, WHICH WAS GREAT. iT RIDES SIMILIAR TO A MERCEDES, VERY SMOOTH. INTERIOR SPACE IS WHAT WAS THE DECISION FOR US TO KEEP SHOPPING. THERE IS NO ROOM FOR ANYTHING BEHIND THE THIRD ROW. THE SECOND ROW SPACE IS CRAMPED. IF YOU HAVE 2 KIDS IN CAR SEATS I SUGGEST YOU KEEP SHOPPING.