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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  The Best Buick Ever - 2006 Buick Lucerne
  By Steve Engel - July 7 - 6:10 am

  I picked up my new 2006 Buick Lucerne CXL at the dealership on June 9th and drove it immediately from Daytona Beach to Boynton Beach, FL, a distance of 210 miles. The car was so smooth and quiet. Up to today I believed the foreign made Lexus had the smoothest and quiestest ride but that title now belongs to the Buick Lucerne CXL. Weve had Park Avenues in the past but this new Lucerne is a much nicer car than the Park Avenue. Being a native Detroiter, I was glad to see Buick bring back the portholes. This vehicle is every bit as good as a Cadillac DTS and at a much less price. We liked the car so well, that we bought TWO 2006 Lucerne CXLs the same day.

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  An Excellent Choice - 2004 Buick Rainier
  By C. Jones - July 6 - 10:08 pm

  I have been very surprised at the performance of this vehicle. No return visits to fix problems, and it just is excellent to have. Quiet, comfortable, handles good, with better than expected gas mileage. I bought it 3 months ago and went across the states from south to north and then from east to west coast. I really love it. Has the goodies on it, but they came standard, not at added expense. I had a Mercury Grand Marquis before and this vehicle lives up to the comfort and ease of driving that the Mercury has, besides having the luxury items that a Mercury spoils you with. They are hard to find, but well worth the trouble and time spent.

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  Weighted second seat - 2005 Buick Terraza
  By Ronald DeMarco - July 5 - 11:30 pm

  I have driven many SUVs and this is the first one to turn peoples heads.The only problem is the middle seat is heavy and hard to remove. Chrysler has the right idea for the second seat.

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  Good Idea-Poor Implementation - 2002 Buick Rendezvous
  By Basil - July 3 - 10:00 am

  Owned this SUV for 9 months. I drive 300-500 miles per week on highways. Ignition switch was defective from the first day. Engine lacks torque/power. Intermittent rattles in dashboard and steering column. Some features of Driver Information System are unreliable. Seems to have defective electronics. Good SUV idea that was cheaply implemented but carries a hefty MSRP of $34,000. Hopefully parts will be less expensive Japanese SUVs. Horn sounds like a toy.

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  2000 BUICK PARK AVE - 2000 Buick Park Avenue
  By BANG DO - July 1 - 1:50 pm

  THE VERY FIRST TIME WE DROVE IT OUT AND BEFORE EVEN FINALIZING THE DEAL THE BRAKE WARNING LIGHT CAME ON AS WE DROVE HOME ON A SATURDAY EVENING. ONLY WENT 2 MILES FROM DEALER. AFTER TAKING IT BACK FOR REPAIR. SEVERAL WEEKS LATER ANOTHER WARNING LIGHT CAME ON TELLING SOME OTHER SENSOR WAS ALERTING US WITH THE BELLS AND LIGHT. AFTER TAKING IT IN TO THE DEALER THEY DID NOT HAVE THE PART SO THEY TOOK ONE OFF OF ANOTHER NEW VEHICLE IN ORDER FOR US TO BE ABLE TO DRIVE THE BUICK.

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  Smooth and powerful - 2005 Buick LaCrosse
  By rwisem - July 1 - 12:56 pm

  This is the best Buick I have driven. The build quality is world class and the ride and handling are the best yet for a GM mid-size.

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  Rendezvous - 2005 Buick Rendezvous
  By kbyers - June 29 - 4:31 pm

  i really like driving it. It is fun, comfortable, and really drives nice. My husband is very picky about his cars, and has always had me drive Chevrolets, especiallay Blazers. But he is sold on the Rendevouz. We do not like the interior. We wish cloth seats were more durable.

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  This vehicle is great! - 2003 Buick Rendezvous
  By David - June 29 - 3:55 pm

  Definitely a great SUV. Comfortable to ride in, roomy and gets good gas mileage. I get about 400 miles to a tank. Not too shabby! Wheel bearing on left did go out after warranty but luckily I purchased the extended warranty. Also hit a deer with it. Its fixed now, but the damage was minimal due to the sturdy build and great crash test ratings. I love it, love it love it!

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  Rendezvous - 2005 Buick Rendezvous
  By Connie - June 29 - 3:50 pm

  My Rendezvous is a joy to drive and very comfortable. I love the large side view mirrors. Mileage exceeds estimated numbers. If anything, the back has more room than is convenient for me (Im very short, cant reach things that slide forward.) I do have a problem with closing the back hatch. I have no desire to cross over, so that isnt an issue for me. I wanted room and comfort.

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  Only liked it - 2002 Buick Rendezvous
  By MOM - June 29 - 3:44 pm

  I bought my Rendezvous 2 yrs old from a dealership. The A/C was not working and two weeks later, the wheel bearings on the front went out. I had to pay 1/2 on the wheel bearings to the dealership because they claimed it wasnt covered on the warranty I purchased, saying it was "normal wear and tear". But, Id only had the vehicle two weeks and couldnt have done that damage. They decided to charge me 1/2 to fix it. I thought it odd that a vehicle only 2 years old had such problems. I have not had any other problems and really the vehicle.