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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  2016 BUICK ENCORE SERVICE EXPERIENCE - 2016 Buick Encore
  By DownSouth - March 9 - 7:47 pm

  The only thing keeping me from rating the very first and only service experience at Williamson Buick in Miami a perfect 10 is the fact that although the service advisor (Ivan Pellegrino) told me they had been able to duplicate exactly what I had brough the car in for (what I called a hesitation from a full stop on Drive), and had verified the same thing in other Encores, therefore concluding it was normal for the design of its powertrain, the documentation I received simply says no trouble found. This concerns me, for it would indicate there is no feedback to the factory that there is a potential performance issue with the current Encore design, not to mentio the fact that if this symptom gets worse with time, there is no reference as to the fact that it was exhibited when brand new.

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  Comfortable Car - 1996 Buick LeSabre
  By l - March 9 - 4:08 am

  The Buick LeSabre is a very roomy, smooth riding, and comfortable car. It will not necessarily turn heads, but it has lots of interior room and plenty of V6 power. The suspension has a floatly feel on rough roads, but is well mannered on city streets and highways. After owning one for a few months now, I fully understand why my parents liked them. Good value for the money and comfort.

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  Rainier really shines - 2005 Buick Rainier
  By quarque - March 9 - 1:20 am

  The best vehicle Ive ever driven. Rides very well and is VERY quiet and comfortable. AWD with 275 HP 6 is fantastic. Air suspension and heated seats are just icing on the cake. The "pros" rate this car a "6" just because it is not a BMW or sports car. Frankly, I didnt want a sports car. I wanted quiet comfort and this is IT. The little extras like access to the air compressor make it sweet. I test drove Honda, Toyota and Nissan - no comparison to the solid, quiet feel of the Rainier. The Pilot was noisier than my old Blazer. I will keep this vehicle a very long time after paying $33k with 0% financing.

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  Rainier experience - 2005 Buick Rainier
  By Kevin - March 8 - 11:01 pm

  The Rainier has proven to be comfortable and it performs well. The air suspension makes for a comfortable ride and the interior is very quiet. My city mpg has been about 14, and on a recent 2800 mile trip my highway mileage was just under 20 mpg with 4 passengers and a full load. The only problem I have had with the vehicle was a molding on the rear hatch that came loose.

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  Very Sorry I Bought this Vehicle - 2002 Buick Rendezvous
  By nbv362 - March 8 - 6:44 pm

  I have had many problems with my 02 Rendezvous. Had to replace wheel bearings on both front wheels the first year. Luckily no one was injured while the dealer tried to figure out what the rumbling noise was each time. The heater/AC blower had to be replaced. Now I need all the gaskets replaced before the engine seizes. I will never buy a first year production auto again. The dealer says I should have bought the extended warranty, but the warranty on the Rendezvous is just not long enough.

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  My experience - 2004 Buick Rendezvous
  By buick owner - March 6 - 1:54 pm

  I really like this vehicle. Its the first SUV Ive owned. I shopped for months before deciding to buy. Was turned off by the outside looks, but the price and interior won me over. Its a fun vehicle to own, plan on having a long time.Only repair so far was a bouncing gas guage and high idle, needed computer adjustment. Still seems to idle high to me.

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  No Other Ever Like It - 1996 Buick Roadmaster
  By Michigander Buick - March 4 - 2:56 pm

  A great car and better wagon. Terrific performance with the Corvette LT1 260hp v8, 0-70, both pulling from on ramp and speed changes 70-80...like a train. Very comfortable if have all power seats with memory. Great amount of space - 4x8 sheet fits with tailgate shut...kids like rear facing 3rd seat...can take long trips without fatigue...very good economy, far better than SUV or mini-van, plus very stable in wind. GM blew it when stopped making...now the smaller not as good Dodge wagon has taken over. The transmission is also mated very well to the shift points of the v8, much better than my supercharged Park Avenue, which is jerky by comparison.

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  Horrible vehicle - 2003 Buick Rendezvous
  By Mary Scott - March 4 - 1:02 am

  We have had nothing but one problem after the other. The First year we have had the front end aligned 5 times & purchase new tires, A/C motor replaced, reinstalled front fender assembly 2 times (plastic push pins), heater core replaced, back hatch recall. The dang thing will not move on snow or wet ground. It has spun me around backwards while going down the road 2 times. No power, bad mpg. Bad road & wind noise. I get a horrible back ache if I drive it over 2 hours. My Oldsmobile would hold more in the trunk than this thing will in the back seat and cargo. Cannot see out of it. I never park where I have to back up. Big mirrors that are useless except for blind spot. Dangerous vehicle

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  The good the bad and the truth - 2001 Buick Century
  By curtis lear - March 3 - 11:11 pm

  I like the looks and the good gas milage. The car rides good for a mid- size. There are lots of extras that make the car convenient to drive. But there are many blind spots that make it difficult to see to the side or back when trying to shift lanes. The car lacks power but is sufficient for any one who is not in a race. Take heed to those who say transmission troubles appear about 65000 miles. They are telling the truth.Be prepared to spend $1500-$2500 on another transmission. Other than the expense of a transmission you may have a dependable car.

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  GOOD CAR - 1996 Buick Skylark
  By Mjkkcooper - March 3 - 4:07 pm

  I bought this car from a friends dad back in 2002. At the time it had 109K on it. It now has 157K and its still running great. No engine or trans problems. The only issue we have had is this annoying coolant leak. We have replaced the radiator once and the hoses 3 times. Now we believe it is leaking from else were. We spend $15 a week on coolant! Besides that, I love this car, good gas mileage, but if you have a family go for the 4 door. And always the V-6! Good luck.