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 Buicks - 2005 Buick LeSabre
  By J. Steele - August 10 - 12:41 am

  After happily owning a Buick Century since 1998, I am now the proud owner of a new LeSabre. The ride and interior comfort are incredible and the gas mileage has been extremely impressive so far. It will be difficult not to run the mileage up on this car! Almost forgot about the sleek exterior styling - I like finding my car in the parking lot.

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  Ds review - 2005 Buick LaCrosse
  By Donn - August 8 - 2:56 pm

  I love this new car. The only item with a problem was a brake sensor recall. I am not completely satisfied as the brakes still seem to grab and are not as smooth as I would like although they do stop well.

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  Enjoying my new Rendezvous - 2005 Buick Rendezvous
  By tablescape - August 8 - 11:07 am

  I am very happy with my new utlra Rendezvous. I am glad I have the bigger engine and the heads up display. I was surprised by how much I like the extras like the heads up and XM radio. The radio controls on the steering wheel and the display of the station on the windshield let me change the stations and keep my eyes on the road. My daughter loves the back seat radio with headsets. The mirrors are big and were a little hard to get used to but they are very helpful especially how they tilt down for parking. I am very careful in drivethru windows.

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  Buick Rainier - rock solid! - 2004 Buick Rainier
  By nrund - August 8 - 2:00 am

  After researching all the luxury midsized SUVs I narrowed the list to; Lexus RX330, Toyota Highlander and 4Runner Limiteds, Infiniti FX35 and Buick Rainier. I test drove all five again. The FX35 felt like a fancy station wagon. The 4Runner was a disappointment as it rattled and lacked the quality Toyota is known for. The Highlander reminded me of the RX300 I was replacing, the dull exterior and price didnÂ’t warrant serious consideration. Only the RX330 and Rainier remained. Both are comfortable, luxuriously appointed and well constructed. RainerÂ’s rock solid construction, luxury amenities and GMÂ’s financing make the Rainier a true value.

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  Getting acquainted - 2004 Buick Rainier
  By palex - August 8 - 2:00 am

  Previously had a van so there is an adjustment going on. The ride is excellent as well is the handling. Had running boards installed but they still do not give much of a platform to enter or exit vehicle on. The rear door is very restrictive for getting in or out. Wind noise is more then I expecdted at highway speeds. Fuel economy is only about 13.8 in town. Have not been on the road yet. Rear seart belts are difficult to connect because of a very short anchor strap. Rear seat heater is o.k. at low speeds but makes too much noise if it is turn up. Brakes feel somewhat spondgy right now..will have to have the dealer chect them.

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  Summer Ride - 2006 Buick Terraza
  By Lester Wright - August 6 - 1:11 pm

  Rides very well under all conditions. The feel is more like a large luxury automobile. The comments from other drivers are all very positive to I am going to buy one. I found that on long trips my back did hurt or my body felt tired at all. I would recommend this van to any looking to buy a van.

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  I Love this Car... - 1995 Buick Riviera
  By Rivi 95 - August 6 - 11:50 am

  I found a pretty much mint 95 Maroon (I swear if it was that ugly green or some dumb color, I might not have bought it) supercharged, fully loaded, from the factory chrome rims to the factory wood trim, (which adds so much character to the car) to the one touch sun roof, I just had to have this car. Im going to be that guy at 50 who gets to say "Yup, I still got my first car and love this Riviera like it was the first time I laid eyes on it. We drove it cross country once. Boston to San Diego (2 week trip we will never forget) The Riviera made the trip even that much more fun. The seats are like sofas. If you can find a Riviera, buy it. I love my 95 Riviera.

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  Terraza - 2006 Buick Terraza
  By terraza - August 6 - 11:42 am

  I have had excellent experience with my new Terraza and would purchase another. Recently we took the van on a 1200 mile trip through the mountains. The van was completely loaded with a packed luggage carrier on the top, two toddler car seats and 4 adult passengers cooler and suitcases in the back. We got 22mpg. We rode in comfort and were fully satisfied.

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  This is a good car - 2001 Buick Century
  By Banana Soup - August 5 - 11:12 pm

  This is a great car. I have 80k on it and not one problem. This car has a soft ride and comfortable interiors. I am selling this car to a family member to purchase my next card. Great used car.

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  Underestimated car - 1998 Buick Century
  By Maryann - August 5 - 10:24 am

  This is the best vehicle that I have ever owned. The only things that have ever needed fixing were: 1) a cup holder, 2) a flat tire, 3) refrigerant added. Thats some recommendation, dont you agree?