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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  Suggested improvements. - 2005 Buick Terraza
  By D&B - April 23 - 2:39 am

  I drove this vehicle on a 4000 mile trip in four weeks and would have liked to have had the changes that I have listed below.

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  i saw it i fell in love with it - 2011 Buick LaCrosse
  By david - April 22 - 8:41 am

  luxury sports car like sitting in a living room with surround sound

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  New retiree treats himself to a Buick - 2005 Buick LeSabre
  By Jim - April 21 - 6:41 pm

  I really enjoy the extra power of my LeSabre, especially on a recent road trip through the hills of West Virginia. The car is responsive and handled very well on sharp turns and the standard ABS is a handy feature. The gas mileage and ride is much better than my V6 1999 Malibu and with less engine groaning too.

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  1998 Ultra - 1998 Buick Park Avenue
  By dbaugh - April 20 - 5:10 am

  This is fine and fun to drive big car. four sets of clubs in the trunk and upper 20s on the highway.

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  Excellent choice - 2003 Buick Rendezvous
  By MichaelBr - April 19 - 2:00 am

  Using it over a year now. Made our first 15,000 mile with nothing but sheer pleasure and enjoyment of the vehicle. Tested in the Mountains of Virginia and other "challenging" vacation trips. Versatrak AWD works perfect - very intelligent and fast in deep snow in the mountains as well as heavy rain in the city. Very driver- friendly vehicle, very popular among females.

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  "American Built" finally means something - 2008 Buick Enclave
  By Its a Buick - April 18 - 3:26 pm

  This is my second American vehicle and have to say this time Im very pleased with it so far. Very quiet and plush ride. The handling isnt bad either for a 2 and 1/2 ton vehicle. The overall apperance is on a par with other luxury vehicles. Even though, I wasnt loooking for performance, the MPG is below average and transmission slow to change when pushed, but smooth. Some of the materials used looks a little cheap and outdated. Some of the technology is below that of its competitors. Reliability is in question, but only time will tell. Overall, I would recommend this vehicle.

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  Great Family Vehicle - 2005 Buick Rendezvous
  By Loretta - April 17 - 11:37 pm

  I love my Rendevous. I went to look at the Avalanche and fell in love with this one. The seats in the back recline some, both my boys have their own cup holder and storage place for change or games. And I can plug the cooler in to the plug in the back not drag it under the seats. Plenty of storage space also for trips. Even my chihuahua loves to go for a ride in it. Great vehicle.

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  Upgrade from 2002 LaSabre - 2006 Buick Lucerne
  By Rod - April 15 - 3:30 am

  In comparison to our previous 2002 V6 LaSabre: Lives up to quiet interior claims for engine, air stream and tire noise at least up to 75 mph. Turning diameter is annoyingly greater. Comfortable cruising at 75 vs 70 mph with LaSabre. Not tiring to drive long distances except for no lumbar support. Entering freeway or passing acceleration was uncomfortable - requires more throttle or even downshift. Average mileage on 4600 mile vacation trip including 3 city stays was 28.5 mpg; only 3.3 % less than similar trip made last year with the LaSabre. Love the exterior design even though I now notice similar features on several older foreign makes.

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  Not perfect but very good - 2005 Buick Rainier
  By LWhitmer - April 14 - 3:41 am

  Ive now had the car for 2 months and still find it very nice to drive - very quiet and smooth. It does have some problems though. The transmission does not downshift smoothly, ever. The AWD system is rather poor in snow - too much torque goes to the rear wheels making hills a real challenge that my previous Blazer ate up like butter. I find the braking and handling are quite good for an SUV even in emergency manuevers. All in all, a very good highway cruiser.

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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