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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  I love this vehicle - 2005 Buick Rendezvous
  By Andrita Durbin - May 25 - 4:46 am

  I just completed a 2500 mile trip and have no complaints other than not being able to use the CD player when using the navigation system. The ride was very comfortable, drive was as in a luxury car. Was in a lot of rain and had no problems with traction. Find driving speed has a lot to do with gas milage, when kept the speed down the milage went up. Love the speed reflection on the windshield, never have to look at the speedometer, so dont take eyes off of the road as much. Sets higher than a car so visabilty is execlent, seat sets high enough above floorboard so body alignment is good, less strain on hips. Drove through several mountain ranges and still averaged 20 MPG.

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  Best Ive had - 1997 Buick Regal
  By Harry - May 24 - 5:52 pm

  I bought this car used with 40K miles on it from a local dealer. Ive only had 2 problems with it that required a shops intervention and it hasnt left us stranded. With over 93000 miles on it, Ive only noticed 1 intermittent squeek or rattle, the doors still click closed, the engine still starts with just a touch of the key and I couldnt be happier with it. The supercharger adds that extra kick and the engine isnt hard to modify for those who want some extra HP.

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  Worried about Relliability - 2002 Buick Rendezvous
  By Family man - May 24 - 3:54 pm

  We bought our Rendezvous instead of a minivan because of the looks and minivan functionability. In many respects this is an acceptable vehicle. It it definitely underpowered and this shows up in fuel economy in hilly terrain. In a car that is less than three years old, we have had electrical problems that have left us stranded. Since my wife carts our two children in it most of the time, this lapse in reliability is a serious issue for us. The first time the dealer said is was a dead battery. Then, 2,000 miles out of warranty it was the computer ($500 out of pocket). Now, they think it is the ignition switch (around $200). It seems like a systemic problem that GM is not acknowledging.

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  I love it so much Im getting another on - 1997 Buick Regal
  By happywithmybuick - May 24 - 11:00 am

  We ordered this car new in 97, put 140,000 miles on it with NO problems. We sold it to our neighbor for his college bound daughter and we just bought a used 2004 with 14,000 miles on it. They discontinued the car so I couldnt find a new one. I could not find a car that performed like this one in its price range. I was even willing to spend more and drove the Acura TL. I didnt like the ride nor the performance as well as the Buick. I feel so strongly about this car I had to let people know what a great find it is. Buick did a poor job of marketing it or they would have sold more. Even Consumer Report rates it high. Thats unheard of for an American car.

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  Review of 93 Buick - 1993 Buick LeSabre
  By V. Liem - May 24 - 2:21 am

  The car is very good in general. I have only two problems:the remote-controlled door and ABS stopped working right after passing 36,000 mileage, the warranty was just expired. I left these problems until now because of high repair cost. The engine is still very good until now, with mileage 252,600. I drove the car across the country at least 10 times. Air conditioning system still working very well in driving through desserts. If I do not have problem with the ABS and remote doors, I would definitely buy another Buick.

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  Extended Warranty Required - 2003 Buick Rendezvous
  By Robert - May 23 - 8:24 pm

  A great SUV....but it does have its quirks. At 37,123 (after the warranty) the left wheel bearing (lots of this according to GM and Buick) went out and the headers leak coolant. In for repairs, a major expense but I had Extended Coverage and saved BIG money. I am told that A/C goes out frequently also. Cannot customize factory presets. Annoying. Cant adjust door locks or running lamps or other warnings or features. Buick decided for you.

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  Base LaCrosse CX - 2005 Buick LaCrosse
  By Bill T. - May 22 - 3:21 pm

  Great car--quiet, responsive even with base engine, reasonable gas mileage averaging 25 mpg in city/highway driving. Interior treatments give effect of more expensive vehicle. Basic plastic wheel covers needs to be improved since noise is evident when windows open. Headroom is tight, otherwise interior dimensions are more than adequate. Rear end is not in character with Buick. Needs taillight treatment across entire rearend as in recent Centurys, Regals, LeSabres. Right now, the rear looks too much like a Taurus. ABS/Traction Control needs to be standard on a car of this caliber (GM is including it on 2006 models). Recall is in effect but no dealers have parts to make repairs.

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  Looks Like a SUV Rides like a LeSabre - 2002 Buick Rendezvous
  By Willie Rahlf - May 22 - 7:26 am

  Sits you up nice a comfortable and is a very good riding vehicle.

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  A Joy to Drive - 2005 Buick LaCrosse
  By 2005 Buick LaCrosse - May 21 - 2:55 pm

  We have about 2000 miles on this new car. So far we are pleased with it. On the highway we are getting in perfect conditions around 30 mpg. In town around 19/20 mpg. 1st new car where we havent had to go to the dealership for an adjustment for this or that. Completely happy with it thus far. Like the driver "screen" which tells you EVERYTHING! (MPG, Miles traveled on a trip, how many miles are left before next recommended oil change, etc) :)

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  The Way To Go - 2005 Buick Rainier
  By Roseann - May 21 - 10:22 am

  I test drove this SUV and knew it was the one for me. It drives like a luxury car, handles the road well, very quiet and looks great.