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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  Quietest car on the road - 2005 Buick LaCrosse
  By Daniel Moore - July 16 - 12:27 pm

  I took this vehicle for a 2500 mile trip shortly after purchase and in all of my years of driving I dont believe I have ever had a car that performed better and offered such a pleasant non-tiring drive. It is interesting that the editors, who dont regularly drive this car dont rate it as highly as do the owners. I took this vehicle through the Eastern mountains and found it great to handle. The first day on the road, and this car was not really broken in, I got just under 33 MPG.

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  great up to 50,000 miles - 2002 Buick Rendezvous
  By great up to 50,000 m - July 16 - 11:14 am

  I loved my buick up to 50,000 miles. Since then I have replaced an air conditioning component, the intake manifold ($1000.00) the secondary injection line, and I am on my way back to the dealer for another repair this week. Some kind of harness for the secondary injection. I have 53,000 miles on the car.

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  Buick Rendezvous - 2005 Buick Rendezvous
  By Cincy - July 16 - 10:13 am

  I love my Rendezvous. Its perfect for daily travel, with a very comfortable ride and great visibility. I love having the 3rd row seats that can hold 7 passengers or for extra storage. Unfortunately, when the 3rd row seats are up, theres very little storage but for an umbrella stroller. Im averaging about 17-20mpg Hwy, and thats with construction and stop and go traffic. Its better on longer stretches on the highway. Its a great vehicle for a small family with all the extras and not the huge price tag.

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  My old Century had a softer ride and seats - 2005 Buick LaCrosse
  By Mike - July 16 - 2:30 am

  I really shopped and already have an 04 buick century.. The LaCrosse is only slightly quieter, mainly the engine, but tire noise is there. Also the seats are not as comfortable as the Century and the ride seems stiffer... Power in the LaCrosse is smoother and more responsive, and fully loaded on vacation to Florida we got 28 MPG. If the Century is replaced, then the LaCrosse may take its place, but ride quality and seats are an area for improvement...

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  2005 LaCrosse - 2005 Buick LaCrosse
  By CXL 4dr Sedan (3.8L - July 15 - 10:57 pm

  The car is very good on the road. It has a very quiet interior, and you dont hear road noises. I believe the gas consumption is about 18 to 20 miles in the city, and on the road it is 25 to 27 miles to the gallon.

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  Excellent Vehicle - 2005 Buick Park Avenue
  By Martin R. - July 15 - 10:46 pm

  I drive my Buick daily. I also take long trips. Iv found this vehicle to be one of the best cars to drive besides my Landcruiser. Those friends that have driven my car will be considering the Buick as there next vehicle. I purchased my vehicle after driving my wifes Buick Park Ave Ultra.

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  This car is junk - 2005 Buick Rendezvous
  By ckinny - July 14 - 4:19 pm

  GM is clearly cutting corners. The interior of the 05 compared to earlier models is subpar. The fabric is cheaplooking and feeling. The dash has been changed and not for the better. Very hard and uncomfortabel to get to/sit in third row seat. Gas mileage is a nightmare.

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  Love My Buick - 2005 Buick Rendezvous
  By Steve - July 13 - 2:25 pm

  The only problem with my car was squeaking brakes, and GM had a fix for it at no charge. The dealer has been excellent and the AWD works very well in NH winters. It handles well on the highway, and gas mileage is decent. I get many positive comments about the style.

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  Its not a minivan, its a sport crossover - 2005 Buick Terraza
  By MN photographer - July 11 - 10:20 pm

  We never need utter those "van" words again. I went looking for a new vehicle, worn out from the minivan mom appearance. I told the dealer "I need something that has enough space for photography backdrops and equipment, is comfortable to drive, looks good, gets better than 20 mpg, and it CANT be a minivan." He showed me one. It was big enough. He said the only other suggestion was their new minivan that was right there. "Where?" He had to point it out because, ladies, this is not a minivan. It looks like an SUV with power sliding doors. Awesome! Im in love with my new sport crossover. If we all get together on the lingo, itd be perfect. Key words: comfort and luxury.

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  I Love this Pain - 1995 Buick Riviera
  By RM - July 11 - 4:00 pm

  I just stumbled upon this beauty in a Dodge Dealers used car lot, and got a great deal because I guess nobody wanted a big car. Lucky me! This car is my favorite ever. Power, handling, fun, and a real head turner. Its not like all the other cars that all look the same. Ive been asked countless times to sell it, but I wont. Shes got 140K now, and drives like the day I bought it. The engine is great. one warning, fun costs money! The car is expensive. Since its 10 years old, things are starting to break, but Ill just get it fixed and keep driving.