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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  Affordable Luxery! - 2003 Buick Rendezvous
  By Philly - June 1 - 2:00 am

  Once dealer incentives were loaded on, the Rendezvous became the value leader in Luxury SUVs. If you want comfort, style and storage it is #1.

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  95 LeSabre Custom - 1995 Buick LeSabre
  By M - May 31 - 2:20 am

  Wonderful car! I bought my 95 LeSabre with 41,000 miles from Buick dealer that sold it originally. I have it serviced there for everything, too. Have 91,000 miles now. 30-34 MPG highway, 22-26 MPG city. Looks and drives like brand new. Only replaced water pump and power door lock relay. Thats it! Comfortable, powerful, reliable, economical, safe, and roomy. Cant ask for anything more. The 3800 V6 is the best engine ever made.

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  Disappointed - 2005 Buick LaCrosse
  By C.Werth - May 30 - 2:10 pm

  Well, it isnt as quiet as the ads proclaim. Tire noise, interior rattles, and a constant buzzing sound from the dash after starting that the dealership cannot fix. I wish I had waited for next years model. Perhaps, the bugs would have been worked out. Im ready to trade it after only 6,000 miles.

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  My LaCrosse CXS - 2005 Buick LaCrosse
  By JoeZip - May 28 - 2:56 pm

  I have enjoyed driving this car on several long trips. It is comfortable and doesnt tire me when driving for several hours.

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  I love my LeSabre - 2005 Buick LeSabre
  By Deborah Ledermann - May 27 - 6:37 pm

  I love my new LeSabre limited anniversary edition. Lots of room, very comfortable leather seats. Fun to drive for a larger car. Huge trunk. Good power on the engine for the interstate and passing. Gas mileage was 29 mpg at 70 mph on the interstate on long trips. Very smooth ride. Really good A/C. I am a happy owner.

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  Informative - 2005 Buick LaCrosse
  By Jim Yount - May 27 - 1:03 pm

  I find it drives well. I truly believe it could use a little more horsepower. The gas mileage doesnt seem to be as good as what I was getting in my 2004 LeSabre in city driving. Highway driving I get close to 26-28 mpg. Would like to see the dimmer mirror on the outside drivers side as it is a good feature. Car is extremely quiet except when moonroof is open.

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  Satisfied customer - 2005 Buick Rendezvous
  By Michael Small - May 27 - 10:47 am

  This is my second vehicle and I am completely satisfied. I wish they had put in a little larger engine, such as the 3.6 litre V6, which would have made it perfect. It would also have increased the fuel economy. In the past three and one half years, I have only had one service call, and that was due to a short that occured after adding a trailer hitch.

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  Buick-2004 Century - 2005 Buick Century
  By Marina - May 26 - 3:29 pm

  I love my 2004 Century. Its stylish looking, drives great, gas mileage on long trips is great!!! I city drive alot and the gas mileage is not that bad!

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  Well Done Buick - 2005 Buick Terraza
  By Larry H - May 26 - 2:03 am

  I traded in my Chevy Venture Warner Bros. Edition for this fully loaded CXL. I love the styling and the ride is very quiet. Improvements over the Warner Bros. include the XM radio, seats are 100% leather (no cloth inserts) Heated front seats, factory remote starter, steering wheel controls. Mechanically the cars drives a little stiffer but is more responsive. Gas mileage is down from the 3.4 engine. Chevy Venture with 3.4 averaged close to 29 mpg on highway according to trip computer, Terraza is between 25 and 26. Performance difference is hardly noticable, but I dont think my wife plans on racing it. Very nice vehicle, not just a repackaged Olds silouette.

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  96 Regal GS - 1996 Buick Regal
  By SoBig - May 26 - 1:16 am

  Ive owned my 96 Regal GS for 3 years now and its been a joy to own and drive. The only major fix was replacing the fuel pump a few years ago but, other than that, have just performed regular maint. Its got good power and performance with great gas mileage for the vehicle type. Even with it being 9 years old, its still in excellent condition and looks better than the newer Buicks on the road.