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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  Good Solid Family Sedan - 2002 Buick LeSabre
  By ktgister - July 10 - 11:26 pm

  Have had the car for three years with only a single problem - one of the window mechanisms broke. Other than that it has been as reliable as any Honda or Toyota I have owned. I have not had to get it tuned up, replace the tires or any other issue. I think anyone looking for a car of this size would do well purchasing a Buick LeSabre. The only real issue I have is the resale price - it seems to drop faster than I would like. Your best option could be to buy a used one about two years old.

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  My wifes Rainier - 2005 Buick Rainier
  By i loar - July 10 - 8:55 pm

  This one is thirsty, getting only 17 mpg city and 18.5 highway. it has too much body roll. The engine seems to be working too hard at interstate speed. Its missing some features of a LeSabre and is not enough vehicle for the money. I really expected more from a Buick. Its not as quiet as advertised.

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  Solid car - 2005 Buick LaCrosse
  By Carolyn - July 10 - 9:26 am

  It has a nice exterior look, and it doesnt look like every other car in the parking lot. It has a very comfortable ride and take bumps well. As a person who has driven smaller cars in the past, it was easy to get used to.

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  Love, Love, Love! - 2014 Buick Verano
  By kerri - July 9 - 11:02 pm

  Nothing I dont love about this car, and this is coming out of a Cadillac. Snappy, sporty, great entertainment/phone system, no lag at all. Warranties are excellent as well. Cant say enough, and Im back in Buick for good.

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  LaCrosse vs Ford 500 - 2005 Buick LaCrosse
  By John Beach - July 9 - 2:53 pm

  This car reminds me of the Olds Aurora in design. The quaility of workmanship is fantastic.Its very comfortable to drive, with effortless steering and smooth acceleration. Great radio sound. We made a wise choice with the LaCrosse over the Ford 500, which is under powered.

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  First SUV - 2005 Buick Rendezvous
  By Kathy - July 9 - 2:49 pm

  I have driven a Buick Riveria or LeSabre for the past 20 years, so am used to the luxurious ride. My new Rendevous meets the challenge. Have used it for three long trips in the last 3 months and find it thoroughly enjoyable. I wish the gas mileage was better though.

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  What a great car! - 1999 Buick Riviera
  By John - July 9 - 12:54 pm

  Ever since I was old enough to appreciate fine automobiles Id wanted a Corvette. Id also grown over the years to admire the Riveria. 1999 rolled around. My wife and I found our sparkling diamond white dream car on the showroom floor and knew it had to be now or never if we were ever going to own a new one. Guess what? I dont want a Corvette anymore. Who needs it? This car is a keeper. Ill treasure it for the rest of my life.

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  Bought used, new to me - 1999 Buick Regal
  By Ms Jones - July 9 - 1:04 am

  I love this car, and bought used w/ 41k, with oil changes and gas needed. Im disappointed in the economy on the streets, but highway driving is better . It has a smooth ride, but I kept thinking something was wrong with the tires. I get a whining noise. Also, the low tire light has started to malfunction, and it stays on even though I have tires properly inflated. The climate control display comes and goes when it feels like it. If you can overlook some minor things this is a great car. Its stylish and can be souped up just like those other cars. On the brake system, use ceramic. It doesnt need brakes, just sounds like you do. Oh yeah, great stereo system. I almost replaced it, but decided to keep it. Great sound. Id recommend this car to anyone

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  Pretty satisfied - 2001 Buick LeSabre
  By lciancola - July 8 - 5:44 pm

  Ive owned my LeSabre since it was brand new. I purchased one due to the fact that my mom also owned one and has been very satisified. Ive also been very happy with mine. The only complaint I have is that the ABS light comes on, and I was told the whole component in the wheel hub needs to be replaced at my Buick dealership. It cost about $517.00. I dont feel that this should have gone so soon, since that light went on a week after I got the car. I think that they need to improve their ABS system since my moms car has had the same problem from the time it was new and hers is a earlier model. Theyre great, roomy, comfortable, and for the most part very reliable, but pricey to repair.

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  Buick LaCrosse - 2005 Buick LaCrosse
  By RoccoM - July 7 - 4:11 pm

  The steering takes a little getting used to after driving for many years with power steering. The panel lighting is great, and the automatic lights on/off function is welcomed. I like the safety feature of the daytime running lights. A year of free OnStar is enough to get me to pay for it when it comes up for renewal even though it is rather expensive. Fuel economy could be better as could the rear seat room which is very tight especially in terms of head room. All in all a very good card with a great appearance (especially in cardinal red metallic).