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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  Ambivilent - 2005 Buick Rainier
  By Disappointed in PA - March 26 - 10:57 pm

  Replaced my Lexus RX300 with an American car. Love the drive, size of cargo space but disappointed with the navigation system. Had 3 other cars with navigation previous to this. This car I have to replace my CD with the Nav disk. What a pain. The sticker said it had a 6 CD changer but when I checked it out the navigation system had replaced the 6 CD changer. How dispointing. Then the Nav system requires you change areas (NJ and PA are not in the same districts). Shame on you GM. DONT BUY THE NAVIGATION SYSTEM. It is not worth it. Get an external one if you must have it. Cant believe we got ripped off but love the car and only drive it around town luckily.

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  My 1st minivan - 2005 Buick Terraza
  By Ken C - March 25 - 6:22 pm

  I was ready to buy a Mercury Premier, but tried this...what a great buy! Its so quiet inside, and comfortable! I got heated seats...my wife insisted! The middle and back seats are as comfortable as the front, with plenty of leg room. The engine has plenty of get up and go, and I get 29 mpg on the road at 65 to 70. I"m very happy. Try one out.

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  Minor quality issues - 2004 Buick Rendezvous
  By cyrhere - March 24 - 7:59 pm

  After 18000 miles, a trip to Florida from NY with the family, I would have to say it is a good vehicle. Some minor issues with the hatchback, and the rear wiper motor had to be replaced already. Handling is good except in tight high speed turns where it feels top heavy. Over all I love the vehicle, especially the all wheel drive in winter. I would buy another if they held thier value better, but after losing half the value of the purchase price in one year I would advise against buying one unless you plan on keeping it around for at least 4 years. Plenty of power and room. The sound system lacks alot. Road noise is a little more than expected, but tollerable.

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  Buick Rendezvous - 2005 Buick Rendezvous
  By dihiggs - March 24 - 2:08 pm

  After buying vehicles year after year, I have finally settled on the Buick Rendezvous. With its comfort, easy handling, and good gas mileage, it is definitely the upcoming vehicle to watch out for. It is sporty and has the luxury of an SUV. This was a great choice for me.

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  Top-reliability rating &affordable. Id invest now - 2017 Buick Regal
  By Kaitlyn Smith - March 23 - 4:51 am

  Buicks engineering is on the rise. Much more frequent advertising since being listed among the top-reliable cars in 2016-2017 Consumer Reports ratings. Mid-luxury, highly-reliabile quality vehicles at a reasonable cost. Recommend investing now before word gets out and their prices soar.

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  My Big Bad Buick - 2000 Buick LeSabre
  By Family car - March 23 - 12:53 am

  I have had this car for 2 1/2 years and have not had any trouble with it. It is my first car since having a van for many years and thought it was a great switch for a family car. The back seat is comfortable and plenty of room. It makes you feel safe and comfortable for a good price. I have had some lemon cars before, but I lucked out with this Buick (and I bought it used).

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  That car that wont die - 1991 Buick LeSabre
  By Jedirye - March 22 - 1:10 pm

  I bought this car with 172,000 miles for only $950. Aside from peeling pant, bad radio, old AC charge and a few interior defects from a smoker being previous owner, the engine and transmission has been the one of the best I have driven. I am at 182,000 miles now. When my dad and I looked at it and tested the oil and transmission fluids, it was almost like new. And this "granny mobile" with the 3.8 v6 will haul the mail! I have driven other 3.8s an a 4.2v8 and only the Caddy with the V8 will beat this car off the line. I suspect this car will go (with a few repairs and refurbs of detail work) until I literally drive it into something.

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  Cant wait to trade it in - 2002 Buick Rendezvous
  By Wendy - March 21 - 11:06 pm

  I traded my Aztek for a Rendezvous because I needed more room. I have had the car into the dealership on the average once per month for problems. A/C went at 30,000K and I never use it. Wind noise on drivers side is annoying on long drives, brakes are less than desireable, electrical problems and fuses blowing for no reason are annoying. The vehicle has never left me stranded however the other problems have been annoying and inconvenient. The cheap interior is starting to detriorate. Tires cause wobble on turns and needed to be replaced. Heater motor blew up at 10K. All was under warranty but that does not excuse the inconvenience. Truck has 69K on it and thankfully I have extended coverage.

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  The best car ever! - 2002 Buick LeSabre
  By beckaroo80 - March 21 - 4:49 am

  My husband bought this for me after I had an accident with my 91 Park Avenue. Im 24, and not many people my age drive this kind of big car, but I loved it. Love the steering wheel radio controls. Power seats are very comfy and roomy Also holds up well in accidents. We found out first hand! The car tells you when you need windsheild washer, and even when tire pressure is low, so I have plenty of time to have him fix it! My friends can make fun of me all they want to, I love this car and it is very safe. Nice ground effects. It has great pickup, runs perfect in snow too.

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  Love It!! - 2003 Buick Rendezvous
  By kar1 - March 20 - 10:00 am

  The car is wonderful and fun to drive- get so many compliments.. love the room and the ride is terrific- just like a nice car. could not be happier!!! They are now showing up everywhere!!