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:

• 

  A very dependable automobile. - 2000 Buick Century
  By Mr. A. Tobin - May 20 - 11:37 pm

  We purchased this vechile because we had always wanted to own a Buick. We were not disappointed. Excellent fuel economy and comfort at a very resonable price. The only blemish with this car is the fact that the tires(all four) have been replaced four different times due to excessive cracking and abnormal wear. We were not impressed with the General Tire Company.

• 

  I like it and I used to drive Park Aves. - 2005 Buick LaCrosse
  By John Ginther - May 20 - 6:44 pm

  I love the ride and how quiet this car is in comparison to larger wheel-base cars I have owned in the past.Tight finish. Solid feel Easy handling.

• 

  Great all around - 2004 Buick Rainier
  By Connor1989 - May 20 - 10:00 am

  I purchaced 2 days ago. I still currently own a 1989 Lesabre. I loved it so decided to try another buick.

• 

  Buick LaCrosse - 2005 Buick LaCrosse
  By S.kmetz - May 19 - 11:06 am

  I love my LaCrosse. At this point, I would consider another one when my lease is up. Dont change the exterior design. It is beautiful. Would like car designers to take into consideration minor interior changes for the next model year that would add more comfort for a shorter person (52). The LaCrosse is geared more to taller people. See comments below. I love the smooth acceleration and the quiet cabin.

• 

  Dont get with your top off! - 2016 Buick Cascada
  By Dont take your top down - May 19 - 5:18 am

  My top has come loose! 3 weeks in shop, no answers of why this happened and still trying to fix it! I thought Buick raved about this new evolutionary top! So what are your explanation for it coming off the tracks! There also spots in the paint that look like water spots that do not come off! Very disappointed! Wished I had never traded my Cadilac in for this Casscada! And yes , it a year old with 5,000 miles!

• 

  Just OK - 2005 Buick LaCrosse
  By dean812 - May 18 - 11:25 am

  Numerous things you took for granted on other cars, arent there. For example folding side mirrors. In the garage they used to come in handy. Wipers very poor. Nowhere to hold to close downsized trunk. Last 7 cars were Buicks, but not next time!

• 

  2002 Buick Centruy - 2002 Buick Century
  By coffee412 - May 15 - 4:41 am

  One of the best cars I have driven in a while. I first drove this car as a rental on a 800 mile trip to the east coast and thru the blue mountains. I was quite impressed with the handling and ride comfort that I bought one. The ride is very comfortable. The layout of the dash/interior is good. Mileage is good also. I now have 115K miles on it and it still does a good job. Only repairs to car were to replace windshield wiper motor and then catalytic converter. Not bad.

• 

  Smokin Sleeper - 1999 Buick Regal
  By Red Weasel - May 14 - 11:46 pm

  Bought in 2002 used with 49k miles, trading it in now 05/2005 with 109k miles. Very fast car, youd never expect it and it always shocked everyone. I can be rolling 10mph, punch it and still smoke the tires. Sorry to see Buick stoped making the GS. Engine is great, no problems, oil still clear after 6,000 miles. Big drawback is fuel economy which totally stinks in city driving. But car has lots of gadgets, very comfortable, a hot rod and a luxury car combined. Monsoon stereo system is awesome.

• 

  Grandpa likes gGandmas car - 1996 Buick Century
  By russ - May 14 - 5:41 pm

  Oned it for 9 yrs,no major problems,yet little plastic things like to break off like the slide buttons on the radio or the knob on the front seat adjust or the plastic handle on the emergency brake. B after nine years of use that can be expected...still runs good and that is the most important part

• 

  Poor Value - 2002 Buick Century
  By Twhite - May 14 - 12:48 pm

  I would not recommend purchasing a Buick Century. I have had several major problems with this vehicle (which I purchased new in 2002. When the car was two years old, the underside (rocker panel and near wheel wells) had damage (i.e. rust/ paint has come off- I believe that this is as result of a design flaw. I have had this fixed once when the car was under warranty, but now it needs to be done again (15 months later). I had to replace the battery at approx. 25K miles and had to replace the head gasket (at a cost of $1300) at 56K miles. Now, my air conditioning is no longer working. I feel that this vehicle was a very poor value and I cant wait to trade it in.