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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  Mini Cadillac - 2011 Buick Regal
  By Bill - August 5 - 12:14 pm

  I have had the car for almost a month now and I love it. Was driving a 2004 Pontiac GP. What an upgrade! The quality inside is as noticeable as the styling outside. It not a race car but the power is adequate thanks to the transmission. The six speed transmission always finds the right gear unlike the six speed in my Acadia. Highly recommend this car if your budget is <$30K. I owned a Cadillac STS before and this feels like a mini version of that car.

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  Just as Good as My Excellent 2008 - 2010 Buick Enclave
  By E. Nicklas - August 3 - 8:54 pm

  Had a 2008 and this one is just as good. Like the handling, performance and quality. It seems to turn a lot of heads for a car that is not really a new model. Many people complain of fuel mileage. I get 18-19 overall and 22.6 at 75 MPH. I doubt that many cars this big that will haul 7 with comfort will do this good.

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  Great car, but for drivers seat - 2007 Buick Lucerne
  By tament - August 3 - 4:47 pm

  I owned this car for 3 years and absolutely loved it. The only, and I mean only, drawback was the drivers seat was a little uncomfortable. Im a big man and it just wasnt enough seat for me. The back seat was like a limo. Performance was top notch. I never had a single problem with this car. I bought it used and it had been owned by Avis rental and had 32k miles its first year. Then I bought it and put another 35k on it the next two years before opting for a new convertible. However, I did have second thoughts before trading this car because it was a gem. If you are in the market for an a+ sedan this is it.

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  What a Rush to drive a Buick Enclave - 2010 Buick Enclave
  By joe ciccone - August 3 - 1:16 pm

  Excellent vehicle, fun to drive, very comfortable. Drove from Montreal QC. to Hallandale FL. and back in 15 days. very powerful on highway. excellent acceleration smooth ride and very very low road noice. Averaged 21 MPG at 80 MPH. Enclave is a huge vehicle and you do not feel tired after driving 14 hours a day. Drove through 100 degree heat, AC. worked well. drove in heavy rain and in foggy mountain conditions and had no problems. 18 wheeler truckers do not intimidate. What a rush.

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  My new 2011 buick Regal - 2011 Buick Regal
  By valerie - August 2 - 2:33 pm

  I picked up my new car 2 days ago. I have to say it is more than I expected. There are no buttons to unlock the rear doors you will have to read the manual to figure this one out. I also wish GM would build cars with the fuel door on the drivers side. But that didnt stop me from my purchase. The interior is nicely appointed and the seats are very comfortable. I have the stone metallic finish which seems to change color depending on the available light. I think the finish and exterior trim are exceptional. Plenty of engine for the size car. Brakes well too. The transmission is adequate and shift a little rough at low gear. My Saturn shifted smoother.

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  3 Month Owner - 2010 Buick LaCrosse
  By DC3KEN - July 29 - 8:00 pm

  In California and have had the CXL w/AWD for 3 months. What a good looking, comfortable car. Purchased with all the bells and whistles. Bought this over the Lexus because it was $15,000 less, but just as stylish and luxurious. Everyone who sees it thinks its hot and are impressed that GM is finally doing something right! I really enjoy driving it. It has enough muscle with the 3.0 (but not tons). Trunk space isnt overly large and I cant get more than 2 suitcases in there. The gas mileage is terrible, but friends with comparable Infinity and Lexus models say they get about the same. The colors are also bad, boring and limited. They need to get a better color palette!

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  I love my car - 1995 Buick Century
  By littlemissashley - July 29 - 12:16 pm

  I have had my car since 2005. I bought it from my aunt for 1500 and Ive been driving it since. I have only had routine maintenance issues but nothing serious happen. Agatha, as I have dubbed her, has been the best car Ive ever driven. It is dependable and sturdy, she gets around 24 mpg and runs great on the highway, which is where a lot of my miles come from. I cant imagine driving anything else. I would highly recommend this car to anyone looking.

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  Unpretentious Luxury - 2011 Buick LaCrosse
  By Phieus - July 27 - 8:47 pm

  I wanted to buy another Avalon but not this time. So, I test drove the Lacrosse, fell in love and ordered one on the spot. I had to wait a while for it to be delivered but so far I am very happy with my CXS. Check that, I am in love with myn Lacrosse. The perforated leather is soft and supple, the seats are extremely comfortable, it handles well but the 19-inch tires are not as quiet as would I have liked. The fit and finish is excellent although not quite as refined as my Avalon. Overall, a great car and the only complaint I have so far is that I canot get the memory seat to work. I read on Edmunds that this is a design flaw and GM has not found a fix for it.

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  Column or console - 2010 Buick Lucerne
  By den - July 26 - 6:09 pm

  Ive been very satisfied with the Lucerne. I havent noticed any noise problems on mine but I have long legs and I buy cars with column shifts. I wonder if Ricks models have had console shifts.

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  Very impressed after almost a month - 2011 Buick Regal
  By Cate - July 24 - 1:10 pm

  I have had my new Regal for three weeks now and love it! The car handles great and is fun to drive. The gas mileage is good -- 27 mpg with combined city and highway driving including vacation highway miles. Also, the car is a nice combination of sport and classic styling. It has been turning a few heads. The interior styling includes leather seats and an upgraded stereo system. It seems like a smaller version of the LaCrosse inside (no skimping on style). I looked at Audi, VW, and Mazda and chose a Buick. Very happy with this purchase.