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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  I LOVE MY TERRAZA!!!! - 2005 Buick Terraza
  By Lisa - April 6 - 8:45 am

  I love my Buick Terraza. I like the fact that it has the exterior look of an SUV but the interior room and comfort of a mini-van! It is definitely a vehicle my family and I needed. We use the storage compartments often, the 12 cupholders actually come in handy with the children. The third row seating lays flat for lots of room and storage in the rear when moving or transporting groceries and large items. I would purchase this vehcile again! There are some quirks they need to work out with it mechanically but overall the service I have received from the dealer has been great, too! The quirks are very minor and do not affect the handling of the vehicle in anyway.

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  Cheap compact luxury w/ lots of techs, sucky relia - 2012 Buick Verano
  By Stan - April 5 - 11:30 am

  Engine developed rocking at low RPMs (<1000 when in idle, sitting at the traffic light, goes away when you drive) at 70K, recently started seeing Reduced Power to Engine, Service Stabilitrak warning on the dash and partial power loss. On 4-year-old car, at less than 100K engine - its pretty pathetic to have go into shop for major diagnostics, GM. AC went again, even though refrigerant shows pressurized to proper level. Bumper cover started falling off at the point of attachment (fixed myself), and inner insert fell of twice (had to JB weld it). This car is a cash cow for dealerships and mechanics and nightmare for a DIY owner (unless you dont mind buying it at full price at the dealership and just driving it in and getting a loaner vehicle and paying lots of $$$ every time something goes wrong). Did I mention that even license plate indent is not shaped right? (made for European, skinny plates). A lemon. After my reliable-as-AK 2001 Buick Verano that I only sold because of severe body panel rust issues and worn-out-to-shreads leather driver seats after 10 years of cold Michigan winters and hot summers, I am bitterly disappointed in Buick products. Probably my last Buick ever.

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  An excellent automobile - 2005 Buick LeSabre
  By Helen Holwig - April 4 - 1:38 am

  This car handles beautifully. It has Stabilitrak which gives good confidence in driving during bad weather.

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  My LaCrosse - 2005 Buick LaCrosse
  By Jeanne Leix - April 1 - 12:45 am

  This car has been fun, comfortable, and easy to learn how to drive. The seats are great. We drove to Florida and back with no discomfort at all. It handled the road like a charm. We got between 29 and 33 miles per gallon. I just love it.

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  Cant ask for more - 2005 Buick Rendezvous
  By his&hers - March 31 - 7:08 pm

  After my husband drove a Rendezvous for 18 months, we decided at the end of my Jaguar lease that it made sense for me to buy a Rendezvous. If 2 older people enjoyed driving a car from Baltimore to Florida without stopping overnight, it must be a great car. The cabin design is spectacular! Of course, it was designed by a female engineer!

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  Park Ave Sucks - 1997 Buick Park Avenue
  By degucken - March 31 - 10:00 am

  I have owned fords, gm , mitsubshi, and never have I had so much trouble with a vehicle, i have been in for major repairs (+$500.00) MORE THAN TEN TIMES since I purchased it new including computer, front wheel hubs, twoheatewr blowers, manifold never will I buy another GM product

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  User name says it all..."FORMER BMW" guy - 2002 Buick Rendezvous
  By formerbmw - March 31 - 10:00 am

  Our lease on a 1999 BMW 540iA is ending soon, and with a new baby, we decided to look at SUVs. We selected the Rendezvous after test driving other SUVs. Compared to a BMW X5, priced in the $60K range, the Rendezvous is the value of the year. The car has a unique look which seems to look better all the time.

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  Best SUV We Test Drove & Bought - 2005 Buick Rainier
  By Mark Ayers - March 31 - 12:43 am

  This is an elegant SUV that handles like a dream, with all the creature comforts you would want in a luxury SUV. It drives well, has great acceleration, and feels like it is floating. Some have criticized the rear suspension, but we have not found that to be an issue. We test drove other SUVs, even imported models, and for the money and accessories, it won.

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  Buick has a winner - 2006 Buick Lucerne
  By Gene Endicott - March 30 - 12:56 pm

  We just took delivery of the CXL 6 cylinder on Dec 15, its a crimson pearl which is a beautiful color. Ive driven others including the Toyota Avalon, and the Lucerne is the pick of the litter. Weve just driven 250 miles, but other than fuel economy it is a pleasure to drive. The 6 cylinder has plenty of power and quiet and smooth running. As far as Im concerned Buick has a definite winner!

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  Nice car for the money - 1993 Buick LeSabre
  By Dimitris - March 29 - 2:40 pm

  Really nice car, big enough for going around with friends, comfortable enough for long trips. Big engine keeps you satisfied with good acceleration and enough torgue. The handling is what would be expected for such a comfortable ride, meaning you have to be careful when speeding and/or making turns. Reliability wise, many parts are failing after the 100k, but mostly what to be expected. Since, $1000 per year should be kept aside to fix it. A known discoloration issue that has devastated many similar Buicks has not skipped mine, and now the car looks like having two colors... :-) Still a very nice car that will take me places comfortably and affordable for a student nowadays to buy.