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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  Mikes Buick - 2006 Buick LaCrosse
  By michael paganini - August 22 - 7:41 pm

  I have always loved a Buick since I purchased my first one in 1967. That Buick skylark was the best car I ever owned until this one. This has elegance and great handling at a very fair price. It really is a fun car to drive. I cant wait for my wife to ask me to do errands.(she doesnt drive).

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  Solid sedan - a Detroit success story - 1999 Buick LeSabre
  By Jadziasman - August 21 - 9:45 pm

  Surprised was I when shopping for a used car in the $6000 area. Looked first at a Park Avenue with mucho miles and then searched for a LeSabre. While the styling of the 99 looks like a 79, the car gets me from A to B in comfort and hasnt failed me yet after 23,000 miles of highway driving. While this is not a luxury car by any means, its probably one of the best you can buy for a six year old car. Decent gas mileage about 25 to 27 MPG year round. No maintenance other than the usual stuff (oil, filters, etc.) As to handling, well the big guy is a little scary around corners - oodles of body lean and tire squeal at 45 MPH. I would have liked tighter steering.

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  Terazza - 2006 Buick Terraza
  By Ericzoom - August 21 - 11:51 am

  The van rides pretty well and has decent pickup for its size and weight. The brakes feel good with little fade and no shudder.The seats are comfortable and theres lots of room for hauling things.

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  New Purchaser - 2004 Buick Rendezvous
  By buc fan - August 21 - 10:00 am

  We love it. More space than mini vans in the fornt and second rows. Surprisingly spacious in rear compartment. Solid, well built. Lotsa bells and whisltes. Only knock is pickup 0-45 mph.

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  Quiet Comfort - 2006 Buick Terraza
  By RON - August 20 - 5:14 pm

  Walked through the dealership and noticed that Buick made a van. It caught my eye and the more I looked at it, the more I thought for what was offered at the price it was a bargain. Just an example of the quietness of the vehicle was when it was fully loaded and I could hold a normal conversation. Now 12,000 miles later I walk out to the parking lot and still utter, yeah!

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  Watch out - 2012 Buick Regal
  By John Person - August 20 - 2:13 pm

  Overall a nice driving experience but had lot of trouble with this car. Recall, wheel bearing going in less than 60,000 miles and the dealership could never fix the problems with the front seat. Brought it in 5 times and it never worked right. I had problems with the lumbar support, when they fixed that the seat heater didnt work. Brought it back and they said it was fixed but it still didnt work. Each time I brought it in I had to make a new appointment so they could "send it out." Long story short the dealership could not make it function and GM would not let me take it anywhere else since eventually the warranty expired. This will be my last GM for a while. By the way, once I sold the car I could still open locks, start vehicle, etc. since it was still connected to my smart phone. Beware the "internet of things" and whatever you have connected to the internet. This is a big security risk of these vehicle.

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  I love my LaCrosse-Fantastic Value - 2005 Buick LaCrosse
  By justy - August 20 - 11:51 am

  I bought my LaCrosse a few months ago and I really like it a lot. I traded in a small SUV because I really wanted the comfort of a sedan again. I am 38, but and in a professional line of work, so I wanted to buy a car that is classy. This car fits the bill! It is absolutely beautiful inside. The wood grain is what sold me (yes, I know its not real-but I like it). The thing I am most disappointed in the handling. The steering has some play and I think it needs to be tighter. I agree with others that the trunk is awkward to close. I wish I bought a higher trim level but its still a great value.

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  My best ride yet. - 2006 Buick Rendezvous
  By dawog - August 20 - 10:15 am

  I average 1200 miles per week covering 6 midwestern states and Im averaging 23.6 mpg. The highway speeds in the states I cover are 70 & 75 mph. The handling and comfort are great. I carry product coolers and other sales related materials plus my luggage and still have plenty of room for my golf clubs. Its the best suited vehicle for me Ive owned up to now.

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  Buick finally got it right - 2005 Buick LaCrosse
  By dago - August 20 - 9:50 am

  This is my 4th Buick and by far the best. I was really disappointed in my 03 Regal. The bumpy ride and exterior noise was a turnoff. After reading about all the changes Buick made for improvements I just had to try out this LaCrosse. The ride is so much smoother and very quiet. My only regret is that I didnt get the CXS model. I have had the vehicle only 2 months so it is difficult to rate the reliability, hence the low mark for reliability

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  I love my Rendezvous!! - 2006 Buick Rendezvous
  By Mary - August 20 - 9:41 am

  My Rendezvous has a very smooth, quiet ride. I feel comfortable in it, I sit very well. It is perfect for me. I am getting better and better gas mileage everyday! I am up to 20 mpg - that was a combination of highway and city driving for 40 miles. I thought that was pretty good.