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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  Very Good Car - 1998 Buick Century
  By lyrical - August 4 - 1:14 pm

  Have not had one problem with this car. If you are long legged, this car is not for you, otherwise perfect car for ride and looks.

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  Love My Buick Lacrosse - 2005 Buick LaCrosse
  By decor1 - August 3 - 12:43 am

  Smooth is the best way to describe the LaCrosse. You can keep your SUVs, Im back in a sedan and loving it. Controls are well placed and easy to use (No tiny buttons to try and find). Seating position is comfortable..thanks to a telescoping steering column. And quiet.....so quiet.

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  I love it - 2004 Buick Rendezvous
  By Kegel - August 2 - 2:00 am

  After being in a sedan, I love my car. And since the dealer misquoted, I got it for 3000 less than kelly book price.

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  Exciting Fun SUV - 2005 Buick Rainier
  By Gary - August 2 - 1:46 am

  Purchased my new 2005 Rainier in July, and have 600 miles on it. It came with most every option available. GM Employee discount and rebates helped. Having a 97 Ford Explorer for 8 years, I was tired of the rough truck ride. I test drove the new Explorer (better) and a couple others. After reading consumer reviews the Buick sold me for what you got for the price. Wanted a bit more luxury & smoother ride. Its a fun SUV to drive, very quiet, very comfortable, very smooth ride, nice handling, responsive, V6 has plenty of power. Bose sound system is worth the money. Major complaint in all reviews, the front cup holders, I totally agree, they are too small & worthless! More safety features would be nice

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  CXL fun to drive - 2006 Buick LaCrosse
  By Paul Colella - August 1 - 5:23 pm

  I have had my CXL nearly a month and already have 1800 miles on it. I love it. This is a big improvement over the Regal (I had 3 previous Regals). The ride is much smoother and quieter. I was disappointed in the performance of the 03 Regal and found it rather noisy. After reading about the new design and engineering of the LaCrosse I just had to try it. After 1 long test drive I fell in love with it. Although I passed on the heated seats option, it is a nice feature. My only regret is that I didnt get the CXS model.

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  Rainier - 2006 Buick Rainier
  By John T Valentine - August 1 - 12:27 am

  A gook looking SUV with all the options. Nice drive with power. Very quiet and a smooth ride. The fuel economy is poor, city 16 highway at 20. Headroom for a big guy like myself is not as much as I would like, but would be fine for anyone under 6 foot 1. Nice engine.

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  LeCrosse Sport - 2006 Buick LaCrosse
  By diefer2 - July 31 - 10:10 am

  I love driving this car! On the freeway, its like Im being chauffered, but on turns and winding roads, it handles like a sports car. There are so many bells and whistles attached, that I spent my first weekend just reading and reviewing the manuals and CDs that came with it. Ive always liked Buick vehicles, but until the LeCrosse came out, I thought Id have to dye my hair silver-blue and move to Sun City Center because thats where all the LeSabre drivers were!

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  2008 Buick Enclave CXL is a perfect 10! - 2008 Buick Enclave
  By D.S. - July 31 - 6:10 am

  Buick has really nailed it with the Enclave CXL AWD. The Enclave CXL exceeds comparisons to any simliar luxury class vehicle. At first look your eyes cant help but notice the attractive styling looks of the exterior. Buick is on track with one of the finest SUvs ever built by GMs so called "Mom and Dads" Buick vehicle line. The luxurious leather and wood grained interior, Bose sound system and extremely quiet ride is worthy of a world class luxury automobile costing tens of thousands more! The interior experience and ride and handling is so impressive. After I park it, I cant wait to drive it again! My VP at work was so impressed, he mentioned trading in his Wifes Lexus for the CXL.

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  Best Large Car Gas Mileage - 2005 Buick LeSabre
  By Dave - July 30 - 3:16 pm

  This is the second LeSabre we have owned. This one is better than the previous car.

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  Excellent rating for Buick LaCrosse - 2006 Buick LaCrosse
  By nammtapp - July 30 - 1:21 pm

  This is an excellent automobile. It is a much better car than the Toyota Camry, Nissan Altima, or other Japanese cars. It is much quieter and much better built. It is not an old folks Buick.