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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  Almost Perfect - 2011 Buick LaCrosse
  By Jason - September 26 - 2:00 am

  My first time on the road with this car had me sold. I researched for over 2 months before making my purchase and I am very glad that I did. The interior is amazingly designed. While some of the reviews for 10-11 lacrosse are stating that the dash is too cluttered with buttons, I find no problem at all finding what I need (Most of the time its on the steering wheel if you should be playing with it in motion). Exterior design is great as well. Beautiful lines. The trunk line is a little high making visibility a minor issue but thanks to reverse sensing system I think its a wash. A Pillars are a little thick but its not out of hand. Very quiet ride, smooth, yet responsive in its handling.

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  my favorite car to date - 2003 Buick LeSabre
  By carrjm13 - September 25 - 2:00 am

  upon my purchase, Ive very pleased with the car. Im the third owner and currently the car has 147,826 miles with no reports of dissatisfaction. I accumulate about 66 miles on average in daily usage and get a very respectable 28.0 mpg city/hwy. No rattles/squeaks to report and amazingly, all original equipment work without flaws. Even the leather upholstery has remained soft and no cracks/tears. I have a few minor grips the lighting in the engine bay and trunk is very dim, and after so many years, the moulding of the rt. side of dashboard and lt. side has separated due to hot interior, attributed to no ventilation. Ive leave windows cracked open and the separation has ceased.

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  nice car - 2011 Buick Enclave
  By achomes - September 25 - 2:00 am

  I havent purchased an American car for years, Still own 09 Lexus GS 350 and a Range Rover Sport. Traded a 2009 Acura MDX for the Enclave. The Enclave is larger and has an American drive and feel, not as responsive as the others I own. I do like it and I do recommend it. It really is time to buy American and the effort seems to be there for the quality. Had one small issue but GM and the dealer went out of their way to fix it and they did!

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  Luxurious Ride - 2009 Buick Enclave
  By Connie - September 19 - 2:00 am

  We love this car EXCEPT for the fuel economy. We went for something a little smaller than our Suburban to hopefully improve economy while still having enough seating for 6 passengers if needed (rarely). The car only gets about 12 mpg in town. On flat interstate it can get 22-24 mpg. Chrome on dash is attractive but a problem with glare while driving. Otherwise, we love the car - great ride on those Michelin tires.

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  lacrosse 2010 - 2010 Buick LaCrosse
  By formertoyotaowern - September 19 - 2:00 am

  This car is fun to drive. Sit in bumper to bumper traffic an hour a day, and am comfortable in here. Bluetooth and sirius help a lot. Seats good for me (52") and good back legroom for 3 adult. A little stutter on shifting, but overall runs very well. (had a 2003 avalon, decided not to buy another) gas mileage ok, 21 mpg. Middle console not well designed. you cant pull it out and have 2 cups in holders. No cup holders in back. the designers did not consider users needs. storage limited inside and trunk just ok. lots of compliments to date.. you need rear park assist. wish id purchased the blind side too. but price became too steep. oversized sunroof kind of chintzy with the fabric

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  A solid runner - 1997 Buick Century
  By Lori - September 17 - 2:00 am

  Have had the car for over 13 years and it continues to drive smoothly and quietly at 113,000 miles. While Ive considered buying a new car, every time I drive my Century, I cant help but think why would I get rid of a good car like this? Ive been in the cars of some of my family and friends which are much newer than my Buick, but they cant hold a candle to it in terms of the ride, quiet engine, pick- up and solid feel. It still looks good and the paint job and leather interior have both held up exceptionally well. What can I say, I love this car and will continue to drive it until a major repair is needed.

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  Feels comfy and safe - 2004 Buick Regal
  By Mike - September 17 - 2:00 am

  I bought this used car because we have a 1999 LeSabre that just want die. It has 252,000 miles but feels like a boat riding the waves. I thought to myself, Id love this drive-train in a smaller car that handles better. Then, my favorite local dealer gets in this Regal. I loved it from the first drive. Got a great price and now Im lovin it. Who cares if my friends think Im an old man now. Theyre paying alot more to be cool than I am. HA.

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  Buick go it Right - 2010 Buick LaCrosse
  By Russ - September 17 - 2:00 am

  Its been about 20 years since Ive owned an American car. I looked at many cars such as Lexus, Mercedes, Acura, etc. but after several months of test drives and reviews I felt that the Buick LaCrosse had the best overall formula for being the winner & best value. I really like its styling and the new suspension with the 3.6 liter engine makes it a sporty car for its size. Its very quiet, steering is great, and it has a nice road feel versus the older Buicks mushy ride. The Sound system is great. Id rate it equal to the Bose system in my last car. The only thing I would recommend to change would be for more storage space for odds and ends such my phone,coins, et

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  Enclave Excited - 2010 Buick Enclave
  By Buick Happy - September 16 - 2:00 am

  Took Enclave to first swevice at 7500 miles and had no quality compliants for dealer to fix!! Droave to Florida and Milton Head from Pa., car was perfect.

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  2010 Buick LaCrosse CXS Review - 2010 Buick LaCrosse
  By Ding - September 16 - 2:00 am

  I love this car. I have 1500 miles on it already. I cant stop driving it. I never thought Id be back in a Buick, but I am. Got an admiring look and a head nod yesterday while driving home. Excluding lack of storage, the interior is excellent. Guess I dont need all the stuff Ive been carrying. The exterior is very nice. Very modern. Car does have a loud ping when starting and even when sitting in the driveway now too. Does anyone else have this issue? Sounds under the car right behind the drivers seat. Other than this, I love this car!!