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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  great up to 50,000 miles - 2002 Buick Rendezvous
  By great up to 50,000 m - July 16 - 11:14 am

  I loved my buick up to 50,000 miles. Since then I have replaced an air conditioning component, the intake manifold ($1000.00) the secondary injection line, and I am on my way back to the dealer for another repair this week. Some kind of harness for the secondary injection. I have 53,000 miles on the car.

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  My wifes Rainier - 2005 Buick Rainier
  By i loar - July 10 - 8:55 pm

  This one is thirsty, getting only 17 mpg city and 18.5 highway. it has too much body roll. The engine seems to be working too hard at interstate speed. Its missing some features of a LeSabre and is not enough vehicle for the money. I really expected more from a Buick. Its not as quiet as advertised.

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  Poor Handling - 2005 Buick LaCrosse
  By milford jensen - June 24 - 12:58 am

  I find this car has poor handling on the highway at speed limits. It wanders from left to right and I have to correct the direction all the time to keep it on the road.It will not stay on center or netural position. It is very hard to enjoy driving this car. I also feel that it is not a safe car and could cause a accident. This car has had the alignment checked twice and set to specs.The dealer says they are all like this and cant do anything about.If you are considering buying one of these make sure you drive it on the main highway at speed limits and check to see if it tracks without wandering.

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  Mix Feelings - 2002 Buick Rendezvous
  By Raider - June 19 - 10:00 am

  My wife and I were looking for a family car (SUV) that was not too big or to small. When we saw the RDV in the show room we like the roomy interior and the 3rd row seat. The exterior could use more "looks" to it After three one month of driving the car the drivers seat began to make noises at every turn. After three months the rear view mirror fell off. Sure, the dealer fixed the seat and the mirror but who likes to take their new car Overall we enjoy the car but I wonder whether we should have asked for a longer bumper to bumper Warantee because it seems that we may need it!

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  Rides like a Buick - 2005 Buick Rendezvous
  By caltexan - June 16 - 8:57 pm

  Im 39 and my wife and I are both lawyers. We live in San Francisco. We have 2 boys, 6 and 4. I didnt want to buy a minivan so we purchased the Buick. Its nice, but rides like my grandmas car. I wish the ride was firmer and sportier. I went with a Buick because I wanted to buy American. I hope the next time around, if I go with Buick, I will be less disappointed with my decision. On the plus side, it parks just about anywhere and has a nice ride. Also, get the 7 seat option. Without the 3rd row, Im not sure its worth the money. On the downside, its a gas hog. Youd think GM would see the big picture and put more hybrids and efficient rides on the market...

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  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!

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  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

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  Road-Disaster - 1994 Buick Roadmaster
  By josh97056 - April 29 - 7:51 pm

  This vehicle has been nothing but trouble since the day I bought it, It spends most of its time in the driveway because I cant afford to keep up on the repairs. I have driven it only 30,000 miles in 4 years. I have had to replace the starter twice, water pump twice, Opti-spark distrbutor system twice ($350 part) are you starting to see a pattern here, basically everything breaks twice. One time the front suspension system failed and the right wheel feel off while I was driving, luckily I didnt crash. The electrical system also has several problems, as the door locks, interior lights, lumbar support and trunk release all quit working, additionally the vehicle will not stay aligned.

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  Not anything like my Regals! - 2005 Buick LaCrosse
  By dino - April 23 - 4:03 pm

  Missing many of the standards on past Buicks. They have cut corners on everything. Will consider Japanese car next purchase.

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  I thought more of Buick - 2005 Buick Rendezvous
  By disapointed - April 12 - 9:25 pm

  I thought more of Buick. 05 Rendezvous CXL, for a driver, is very small. I want to warn folks about the winter freezing. All of my doors freeze when it is cold or windy. Took it to the dealer and there is no fix for it. I leased the car and had to put a remote starter in just to get in my car. Good luck, if you know of anything I could do let me know. Warning ask about the freezing