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:

• 

  OK car - 1992 Buick Regal
  By pop123 - August 19 - 3:07 am

  I have had multiple problems with the alternator and electrical systems. This car is only good for city driving, not highway. It has been in the repair shop overall 13 times for different reasons!

• 

  My Rendezvous 2004 - 2005 Buick Rendezvous
  By Dr. Rod - August 17 - 2:08 pm

  Very good automobile. My one big complaint is that the third seat is practically useless. It can be used for small children but not an adult. I have bucket seats so my R will seat only four people. I never thought GM would design a seat interior which is so confining. Gas mileage is rated at 26 highway but I can consistently beat this by a couple of miles per gallon as I drive to conserve my car and gasoline. Because of the seating I do not think I would buy this car again. If anyone buys one they should look carefully at this.

• 

  Buick Ultra - 2005 Buick Rendezvous
  By dave - August 17 - 9:48 am

  The 05 Ultra is comfortable and luxurious. The HUD display is fun and funtional. The 3.6 ltr. engine has lots of pep but less then advertised fuel economy, best we have seen out of this all wheel drive model is 21. The vehicle is nimble but steering is somewhat choppy at higher speeds with the steering wheel pulling you one direction while you steer another. Best described as a pulsing sensation. The car rides great and has good visability. Large mirrors compensate for a small blind spot on the drivers side. The seats have excellent driving positions and the stereo is excellent. With the third seat installed your room sor storage is extremely limited. Overall a stylish car.

• 

  Love my Riviera - 1998 Buick Riviera
  By gg - August 17 - 1:39 am

  This is one of the best cars! I love to put the sunroof back and ride on sunny days. I chose this car over a 2004 sports car. It had only 29,000 miles when I bought it and was in perfect condition.

• 

  Buick Riviera - 1993 Buick Riviera
  By sherry wornkey - August 16 - 3:58 pm

  I love the way it handles and the seats are comfortable. It has small scratches, one on the fender and the rims on the hubcaps are dented. And it of course use a lot of gas. Has an 18 gallon tank

• 

  2003 Buick Century - 2003 Buick Century
  By JT - August 16 - 3:14 am

  The engine is powerful enough to provide good acceleration from a standing start and when passing or merging into traffic. Basic trim and accesories no frills. Seat adjustments make it easy to get comfortable. Stereo passable. Instrument cluster very functional. Handling OK for a large car, but on very windy roads, its work to drive. Easy in and out, both front and back.

• 

  Awesome Car! - 2000 Buick Regal
  By Steve - August 15 - 1:17 pm

  I purchased the car as a trade-in while I was working at a Jaguar dealer with about 78,000 miles on it. From the first day I drove it I was impressed with its comfort and performance. I have had it for close to a year now and I cannot picture driving any other car. To be honest, this car feels about as close to a Jaguar as GM will probably ever get. However, the exhaust is a bit wimpy and a Pontiac Grand Prix exhaust would be perfect for the Regal. Also the headrests are very small and do not support the head whatsoever. Im searching for Century headrests to put in so I can feel safe if I get into an accident, God forbid. The Regal is still a great car and I will always be a Buick buyer!

• 

  Ralphs view of Park Avenue - 2004 Buick Park Avenue
  By Ralph Marteri - August 14 - 10:00 am

  Having first decided to buy a US made car that is roomy and gets good gas mileage, the list came down very quickly. I have had six cars with the Buick V-6 engine, and it seems to be a decent compromise. Reliability has been generally good, and I am comparing that to three S-Class Benz models I have owned.

• 

  VERY PLEASED - 2003 Buick Park Avenue
  By WIDENHOUSE - August 14 - 10:00 am

  I ALWAYS THINK OF BUICKS BEING A CAR FOR THE ELDERLY. I AM OLD BUT THE STYLE OF OUR BLACK ULTRA IS NOT. WE GOT EVERYTHING ON THE CAR THAT BUICK OFFERS AND WE COULDNT BE MORE PLEASED.

• 

  Excellent SUV - 2005 Buick Rainier
  By Jay - August 14 - 2:15 am

  We have owned the vehicle since June 05 after owning a 1990 Toyota 4 Runner. The Rainier is such a wonderful ride and very quiet. It is easy to get in and out of and with all of the standard options included, it was a no brainer. On the highway, set your cruise or before you know it, you will be over 80 mph. Mileage is 20 highway and 15 city. Leg room is plenty, both front and back seats. The Bose audio system is outstanding. The front drink holders need to be redesigned as to location, but overall, we love this vehicle.