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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  Is This Really A Buick? - 2011 Buick LaCrosse
  By John 178 - August 31 - 6:02 am

  Drove away in my 2011 Red Jewell Tintcoat CXL 3.6 L V6 on 8/30/10. After comparing/contrasting with the Acura TL and Lexus 350, the LaCross won hands down. The LaCross is sporty, yet refined and priced just right- mid 30s. It is definitely a head turner.

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  A great car for the money - 1998 Buick LeSabre
  By Terrific Automobile - August 29 - 3:15 pm

  I purchased this car from a BMW dealer who had taken it as a trade in for a new BMW from a older lady. When I purchased it, it only had 27,000 miles. It now has just under 90,000 miles and has never had a major problem. It gets fantastic mileage. On one road trop to Branson I average nearly 34 miles to the gallon. It uses regular unleaded and yet has great performance. It has sleek styling, great comfort, and the luxuary touches you would expect from a much more expensive make. I would recomend this car to anyone seeking a reliable car, at an affordable price, with good performance and great gas mileage. I would definitely buy another Le Sabre. No wonder they hold their value so well.

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  200,000+ and still going - 2002 Buick Century
  By clrm - August 28 - 12:23 am

  This car has been a really reliable one. Have had it 8 years and now has over 200,000 on it. The care is just now giving me trouble. The intake gasket has broken, a transmission valve had to be replace, the dashboard odometer has to be replaced, as well as the selector switch for the heat/ac. Most everything else has ran well. My drivers side window switch has a short in it, but I wont spend the money for the whole panel, when I know it needs only a new switch.

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  One Cool Car - 2011 Buick Regal
  By Henry - August 24 - 11:01 pm

  This is a great car and is smooth on the road. Engine has good power and is more than you need. On the hwy it smooth sailing. The brakes are powerful and bring the car down from speed fast.

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  Head Turner - 2011 Buick LaCrosse
  By Terry Bommer - August 24 - 6:09 pm

  I bought the car primarily for the styling and price. GM loyalty and GM card credit made it a bargain compared to Lexus and others of similar size. After 1700 miles the mileage has been aroung 23 in the city, which is better than I expected. While in a restuarant recently I watched group after group stop to look at the car as they passed it. Have had many people ask me about it. I think Buick has a winner.

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  Lacrosse love - 2010 Buick LaCrosse
  By Pat - August 22 - 8:14 am

  My husband and I drove the 2010 Malibu and the Ford Taurus since these were the other two considerations for our purchase. Neither one held a candle to the Lacrosse. It didnt take long to decide after we took it for a ride. This is a beautiful car with the handling of a sportier car, which I like. Do yourself a favor and test drive one.

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  Overall great car - 2010 Buick LaCrosse
  By Joe A - August 19 - 2:12 pm

  I traded my Mercedes C240 4matic in for this car. I have to admit I was reluctant to buy this car because Buick was always a car driven by older people (my father always owned a Buick). Needless to say, I was pleasantly surprised at how much I love it. It has a lot more interior space. It also has a more plush feel but not too plush. I have read in the reviews that people have been complaining about the limited arm rest and that it is too far back. By accident, I found that the top of the armrest actually moves forward a few inches. In order to do so you must push it forward and it snaps into place. Overall, I am extremely happy with the purchase.

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  Its my first! - 1990 Buick LeSabre
  By Buicklover89 - August 9 - 11:02 pm

  It is a good reliable first car. I have had this car for abut 4 years and the only major issues were the struts, and once they were replace, it ran like a champ!

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  1997 Buick Riviera 2 Dr STD Sprchgd Coup - 1997 Buick Riviera
  By Gr8engineer - August 8 - 7:44 am

  I bought this car, brand new, right off the show room floor. We added a Wood View, dash and council kit. This car, with all the options, and additions, equaled the same model Cadillac, for $7000 dollars less. Those years of Cadillac had nothing but problems, this car had almost none. Had to replace water pump.

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  Awesome! - 2010 Buick LaCrosse
  By kcrnmale - August 7 - 10:54 am

  I use Edmunds as one of my primary tools for buying a car. I therefore, take this review seriously. The car is gorgeous inside and out. Many people have complimented my car and I think many also like the fact that its an American vehicle too. When reviewing, take in consideration the model and also the wheels. The CXS has the bigger V6 and the Touring package comes with 19" tires which will give a more sportier AKA rougher ride. The 18 wheels are chrome and dont look small at all. I did NOT want the Touring package because I prefer the softer, quieter ride. All upcoming cars will have bad blind spots because the new Fed rollover laws will mandate thick roof pillars.