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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  Happy Rendevous owner - 2005 Buick Rendezvous
  By Cheek - May 14 - 1:06 am

  My husband & I are very satisfied with our new Rendevous. This is our first SUV. Tested a variety of SUVs & decided this met our comfort level. It is better on fuel consumtion since it isnt as heavy as the SUVs on truck frames. I am getting 21.5 mpg city.

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  Great Car - 2005 Buick LaCrosse
  By Anthony Giglio - May 13 - 9:59 pm

  I have had my La Crosse for about two months and have driven it almost 5,000 miles. It handles beautifully and has the quietest ride of any vehicle I have owned in the last 30 years. I have had no need for warranty work at all. I am very pleased with this automobile.

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  My First Car - 1999 Buick Regal
  By jay99 - May 13 - 12:22 pm

  I bought my 99 Regal as my first car. It has overall been a good car. The only complaints I have had are the low fuel economy (I expected much higher), and the unexpected failure of the transmission at 120k miles. My suggestion, which my friends tell me is good on any car, would be not to buy one with over 100k miles, or just get ready for problems.

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  King of the crossover - 2002 Buick Rendezvous
  By Rendylover - May 13 - 10:00 am

  Great looking, excellent handling, max for the money

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  Ranier - 2005 Buick Rainier
  By richards - May 12 - 3:39 pm

  The ride is the best! So smooth and lots of power and very quiet.

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  2004 Buick Rendezvues - 2004 Buick Rendezvous
  By Marilyn - May 12 - 1:22 pm

  Very comfortable, fun to drive. I wish there was some way to keep the dust from collecting on the back. Hard to keep clean because of this. Wished it had more "zip" when I go to pass someone.

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  Superior fit and finish - 2008 Buick Enclave
  By Jack - May 12 - 12:46 pm

  I had no intention of buying an American car after a poor experience with a Pontiac Montana. Traded a Toyota Sienna after looking at the Enclave at a dealership. I was impressed with the quality and workmanship. Ride is very quiet, smooth and comfortable.

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  LaCrosse is Very Good - 2005 Buick LaCrosse
  By Bud - May 12 - 1:10 am

  Negatives are few and mostly unimportant: engine is noisy on outside of car outside mirrors cannot collapse seatbacks recline by lever instead of power no tire pressure indicators (bad oversight) Overall mpg with a 75/25 city/hwy ratio is only 17 mpg (EPA rating is 20- 29). Thats it! Car is very quiet, has excellent buttoned-down ride, excellent driveability, very good acceleration, esp. at highway speeds and is a pleasure to drive. Fit and finish are excellent, and we like the styling and the interior layout - its clean. In short, we are very pleased with the 2005 Buick LaCrosse.

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  I like the car - 2005 Buick LaCrosse
  By bowlerman - May 10 - 7:04 pm

  The auto rides very smooth and quiet. It is very comfortable to sit in and drive. I do not like the insert for ignition key. It is hidden. It has plenty of room for all to sit in.

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  Excellent Car - 2005 Buick Century
  By gmc - May 10 - 1:56 pm

  I love my Buick! It is so comfortable to drive and meets all my needs. I highly recommend it to anyone. It beats any import on the market!