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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  Value of Buick LeSabre - 1991 Buick LeSabre
  By S P J - October 27 - 3:56 am

  This Buick LeSabre has been well cared for with regular service, new struts, lots of very clean trunk space. There are no tears or scratches to the clean well kept interior. A new radio was installed last year with a CD player, multiple AM/FM bands and stereo speakers - front and back.

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  Very happy with our Rendevous! - 2003 Buick Rendezvous
  By tnava - October 25 - 10:00 am

  We really are happy with our Rendevous. We have take 3 road trips with it this summer and it has fit everything we need. Very comfortable seating. Only thing missing is the engine power.

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  Good decision - 1997 Buick Park Avenue
  By jam4568 - October 21 - 10:00 am

  I am very happy to have purchased this vehicle. Because of its high depreciation, I got a real bargain. It is a loaded luxurious sedan in perfect condition with low milage for a great price.

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  Many, Many Problems - 2005 Buick Terraza
  By Cat - October 20 - 10:14 am

  Yes, it does look nice and have many nice features, but the problems (11) I have had for the past seven months far outweigh the good. Neither Buick nor the dealer will do anything to compensate me for my loss of security in this vehicle. it The last and biggest problem was while driving on a major highway on a crowded Saturday afternoon, the steering completely locked up, the traction control light and service stability system lights came on, I had no ability to steer, use the gas or brake, the van kept swerving from side to side. Cause is faulty steering wheel sensor, but because of the other problems that were supposedly fixed but werent, I will never feel safe in this vehicle again.

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  Great SUV - 2004 Buick Rainier
  By rbranscum - October 18 - 4:04 pm

  Extremely comfortable. I am in sales and spend a lot of time in it. It is very quiet and the heated seats and moonroof are great. Also the Bose sound system is a wonderful plus. I have the awd model and have had problems with it. It wants to engage sometimes when you are backing up. The dealership has not been able to stop it from doing it. Otherwise, great vehicle

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  I love this car - 2003 Buick Rendezvous
  By jnwfla - October 18 - 2:00 am

  I bought this SUV about three weeks ago and love it. This is my third SUV after a Ford Explorer and Honda CR-V. I love the ride.

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  Not greatness, but close enough. - 2010 Buick LaCrosse
  By andylibby - October 16 - 10:26 am

  The 2010 Buick Lacrosse is a big step forward for GM and American cars in general. The price is remarkably reasonable. The drive and ride is solid and predictable. The seats are supportive and wrap comfortably to hold the driver and front passenger firmly in place. The cabin is both sumptuous and functional and shelters its occupants from the elements while giving the driver plenty of feedback from the road. Steering is precise and almost nimble. The brakes are very strong and consistent. Rear seat legroom and seating is spacious and utterly comfortable. Trunk space is very good with low lift-over and wide access. Throw in fold down rear seats and youve got a lot of versatility.

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  Rear floor design - 2005 Buick LaCrosse
  By Rosalie - October 15 - 2:26 am

  The rear floor has a very bad curve near the rear door below the rear seat. I had a passenger catch his foot on the lower part of the curved floor as he tried to exit the auto. He triped and fell head first to the ground. He was aware that the floor is a step down, but did not notice the curve near the rear seat. The floor that the seat is resting on should be straight, not curved. This could be very dangereous. Not to mention a law suit if someone is really hurt. I am not sure if GM would fix this problem on MY auto?

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  Smooth machine - 2000 Buick Park Avenue
  By highegt - October 14 - 11:23 am

  This is the nicest automobile I have ever owned. Independent suspension, 4 wheel disc brakes, premier transmission, one of Wards Auto World 10 best engines of all time, a curvy body and an interior as quiet/comfy as my living room topped off with 32 mpg on the highway - what else has all that?

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  Dont buy one - 2005 Buick Terraza
  By Lin Young - October 14 - 1:55 am

  Unquestionably this is the worst GM product in recent history. Seats are like setting on a wood box, engine destroyed itself at 11,000 miles, ABS/Traction Control did not work for over 8 weeks. The horn button requires over 50 pounds to activate. It wont pull itself on level road in 4th gear. The seats will not adjust to anyone large or small. Middle seats are close to front even for a short person. The rear seat is not adjustable. We have owned over 25 GM vehicles over the last 30 years, this one is deplorable. The 1999 Oldsmobile we formerly owned was far superior to the Terraza.