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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  Exterior design - 2005 Buick LaCrosse
  By M Beacom - November 8 - 9:33 am

  I found that the outside mirror on the driver side is in the way of seeing to turn left especially in driveways, etc. There is a reflection in these mirrors of the chrome on the dash making a streak reflection in the mirror. The tilt lever is hard to locate at times and gets frustrating. Make sure you put locks on the wheels because mine got stolen. I also added an additional alarm system because there is no motion sensor on the factory alarm. Other then these few problems, it is a wonderful car to drive. Not as smooth riding as the LeSabre but it is sporty and that may be the reason for not having the smooth soft comfort ride. I do recomend this car and hope to get good service.

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  The Most Comfortable & Reliable Car. - 2004 Buick LeSabre
  By Prakash D. Salvi - November 6 - 6:34 am

  I am fifty one years old. I really liked the size of this car,and the money I invested in it,was worth it. I got this 2004 LeSabre custom in Feb 2005, with 31000 miles. It is very comfortable car and very good on long runs. It is very quiet inside and very roomy. It has a very nice, quiet & powerful engine. The push rod 3.8 liter engine is very smooth. It gives very great gas mileage. Cant beat for the size, roominess, stability, and dependability. I love my car the way it serves me. I would surely prefer driving my car rather than driving my wifes small tiny car, because I feel more safe and comfortable in my LeSabre.

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  My LaCross - 2006 Buick LaCrosse
  By Pat - November 6 - 2:10 am

  Excellent mpg on the highway. City driving is another story. When a tall person is sitting (6ft husband with long legs) in the front seat with seat pushed back, there is very little room in the rear.

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  Dont buy this car it has a GM defect! - 1999 Buick LeSabre
  By Mike Naveau - November 2 - 4:08 pm

  I was schocked to see all the other positive reviews. This car is a ticking time bomb and GM knows it but wont do anything about it. It should have been recalled. They used a plastic plenum part in the intake manifold cover that melts. No getting around it! Possible problems include coolant leaking, head gaskets blown etc, all very labor expensive repairs that will cost in the $800 dollar range. I bought this car used at 48,000 and spent 600 dollars on that repair. Two years later at 75000 spent 800 on a head gasket. Dont buy this car unless you want to keep pouring money through the hole that will develop in the plastic part that GM wont issue a recall on.

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  Great car - 2006 Buick Rendezvous
  By donna - November 2 - 1:40 am

  I traded a 2002 Rendevous for another Rendevous. I was so happy with my first one, that I couldnt think of getting another car. Am as happy with this one so far as I was with the other. My 2002 had 77,000 miles on it, and never had any trouble. Very comfortable!

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  One owner 1997 Buick LeSabre - 1997 Buick LeSabre
  By Christian Valin - November 1 - 6:36 pm

  The 3.8liter engine has been GMs best kept secret. Who would have known that such a large car would give such great car mileage on the highway? City mileage is average for a car this size. This Buick has been among the most reliable GM vehicles Ive ever owned. Its too bad that this old fashioned technology is going by the wayside as Buick tries to attract a younger crowd. Im in my forties but I guess my taste is more conservative and dont look for fast cornering cars but very comfortable and always it always feels like a safe car.

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  Buick Rainier 8 cyc. - 2004 Buick Rainier
  By Golfer - November 1 - 2:00 am

  I just bought the 8 cylinder Rainier with satellite radio, navigation system, and sun roof. The 5.7 engine has plenty of pick up, more than most people will need. The handling and quiet ride is better than any suv I have driven. My other choice was the Cadillac SRX. It is less money, quieter, and I could not even get 2 sets of golf clubs in the SRX. There is no comparison in value and ride. Buy the Rainier.

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  Looking for luxury - 2005 Buick LaCrosse
  By marty ambrosecchia - October 30 - 10:10 pm

  If you are looking for luxury at a low price this is your car. Car has avery soft ride and is roomy inside. Soft leather seats, good sound system, and it gives you a big car feel. The only drawback is the 3.8 V6 engine.could use more power, although some people might like it that way.

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  Made in Mexico - 2003 Buick Rendezvous
  By unhappy in ohio - October 30 - 1:59 am

  Rides wonderful except for noise in rear end when going over joints on highway. Dealer cant fix, big outer mirrors easy to use, plenty of room in front and second row, third row useless except for lepricons. Sometimes it doesnt know who is driving forgets to reset seat and mirrors. Has some problems cropping up, noise from front wheels, suspect bearings.

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  Stress factor - 2002 Buick Rendezvous
  By booo buick - October 27 - 11:59 pm

  Ever since I got this car it has caused tension, especially in the winter. The electrical problem is such that the car just dies and its not the battery! The a/c has gone, the brakes have gone, and there was a bearing problem and tires getting worn due to easy skid on the turns, no control. Very disappointed with this car. I hope it lasts me another year or so at least.