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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  Love this car! - 2005 Buick LaCrosse
  By garyjerjay - September 21 - 1:16 am

  I am past my "beat the other guy off the line" days but I wanted a car that had decent acceleration and one that did not ride like the old Buick floating ride, but rather one that had a smooth quiet ride, and one that you could also feel the road under you and was firm in the corners. My Lacrosse after 3,500 is all that I wanted and more. No, the accereration does not snap your neck back but is more than adequate. The cabin is incredibly quiet and the power seats are very comfortable. There is enough room in the trunk for four sets of golf clubs and there is room in the cabin for four adults although the back seat could use a little more room. This is a great car for this old baby boomer!

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  Nice Car but Typical GM Quality - 2000 Buick Regal
  By TechMom - September 20 - 6:44 pm

  This car has been solid so far in engine and tranny - its everything else thats the problem. However, to date it has needed over $4000 in extended warranty work. ABS, sunroof, fuel level sensor, climate display, front wheel bearing, tie rod, key assembly, window motors, etc. Were at 73K, and to be honest, Im frightened of the future. When this car starts costing me too much in repairs, Im buying a Honda, Weve always bought American (GM, specifically), but have come to the realization that they (GM)still dont know how to build true "quality" products. After all this time being trounced by Honda and Toyota, youd think they would have learned by now.

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  My Buick - 2005 Buick Rainier
  By Nanny - September 19 - 12:58 pm

  This is the first car I have purchased. I previously owned a Park Avenue and my husband owned a GMC Pick Up. I loved both and didnt need both so the salesman suggested I purchase an SUV. I have made a couple of trips to Atlanta and love the power, V6, the ride, It reminds me of my car and gives me the height of the truck. There is plenty of room for me to travel as I want. My sister and I will make a trip to Norfolk, Va in October and she has a small scooter which will fit in the back real well. I couldnt be happier with my decision. The only way, would be if it were paid for.

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  Nice car! - 2005 Buick LaCrosse
  By Steve - September 19 - 12:52 pm

  This car rides and drives like a Lexus. Buick has outdone itself with the development. Cab comfort is well recieved. I commute a good distance every day and driving this car makes it much easier.

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  Nice wheels - 2006 Buick LaCrosse
  By Frank - September 17 - 1:09 pm

  A perfect car for the times. Not too large but plenty of room and great on gas.

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  This car turns heads - 2005 Buick LaCrosse
  By THOMAS - September 16 - 2:25 pm

  This is the best car I have had in years, ever time I go some were I always here someone say nice car, my car is black on black, over all this is one nice car.

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  Great Vehicle for a Tall Man - 2005 Buick LeSabre
  By RED - September 16 - 10:57 am

  I own two gas hogs i.e. Ford Expedition and Z28 Camaro. Looking for a vehicle with better gas mileage and space. Looked at Honda Accord, Nissan Altima and VW Jetta. All were nice but too small for a man 62. I was tired of my head hitting the roof, the emergency brake sticking into my leg and my legs cramped. Bought LeSabre without sunroof. Great space and legroom. So far it gets better mileage than cars previously mentioned. The only problem is getting one. Now that they are heavily discounted, they go off the lot as soom as they are delivered. Its funny that when GM finally gets the price right they are terminating a hot seller.

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  94 Skylark GS - 1994 Buick Skylark
  By Timothy - September 16 - 5:15 am

  Numerous electrical problems, transmission problems. The worst brakes ever, need to replace them every year

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  A Jewel of a car / 05 LaCrosse - 2006 Buick LaCrosse
  By bill miller - September 15 - 2:06 pm

  This automobile drives and rides better than anything Ive ever owned. It is quiet, confortable, handles well in all driving situations, and is a joy to travel with on a trip. It doesnt pretend to be a trendy sports sedan with too much glitz and impractical compromises. The car is an extremely well made sensible car for grownups.

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  Rendezvous Well - 2002 Buick Rendezvous
  By KingKirkPA - September 15 - 10:00 am

  Rendezvous is a well designed SUV. It is comfortable to drive both on open road and in town. Forward Visibility is excellent although the backward view is somewhat restricted. It drives with a feeling of power and grace. Possibly slightly underpowered however.