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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  Happy with the car - 2005 Buick LeSabre
  By Donald - February 16 - 12:29 pm

  This is a very good vehicle. It is built with good quality and attention to detail. I would like better handling, perhaps with stiffer springs and struts and larger tires and wheels. It does look old.

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  In for repairs for 45 days no help from GM - 2016 Buick Envision
  By J Wells - February 15 - 12:09 pm

  2016 Premium 1 has been at the dealership for repairs because of all safety systems faults (Air Bags, ABS, AWD, Power Steering, Stability Control, you name it) for 45 days now. GM Senior Advisor was assigned to my case bu would not answer my phone call or return them. Finally after several attempts to get some answers on getting this problem resolved I had an attorney write a letter to GM stating my states lemon law. Within 2 days my "Senior Advisor" found my email address and sent me an update on my case. Only stating that because I involved legal console that she could no longer assist me. Well she havent been assisting with anything to that point so Im not sure what changed. Now at 45 days out of service I continue to wait with no other feedback on a resolution.

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  Buick Rainier - 2004 Buick Rainier
  By Talltom58 - February 15 - 11:24 am

  This vehicle is the most fun of any I have ever owned. My fourth Buick, this is my first SUV. The ride is comfortable, and with plenty of leg and head room for a 66" guy. It handles well on the road and I have tested it in urban and rural, flat and mountain terrain. In the winter snow, on hills, it never hesitated to give a feeling of full control. Sight lines are good. Fuel mileage is good for a vehicle of this type.

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  Nice Ride - 2005 Buick Rendezvous
  By Dan Gannon - February 15 - 8:31 am

  This car has a great ride and looks much smaller then it is. It gives much space but could use some extra, especially in the back for storage.

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  Finally pulled the trigger - 2002 Buick Rendezvous
  By Rendezviewer - February 15 - 2:00 am

  After researching about everything comparable (Highlander, upcoming Honda Pilot, MDX, Trailblazer), we finally pulled the trigger on a Rendezvous. Most of my cars have been foreign cars and I was probably biased against GM, but the value on the RDV combined with the features and appearance made us purchasers. So far everything is perfect. The features combined with the convenience of a mini-van (seating for 6-7) with an SUV appearance were the key factors for us. Safety factors were also important.

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  Great Ride - 2004 Buick Rendezvous
  By Happy Owner - February 14 - 6:22 pm

  I bought this vehicle after much study, and after owning sedans for my entire car-life. I have been extremely pleased with it, and have driven it on two long and challenging trips, as well as around town. I like the room, comfort and handling. Lots of space for child and the many trips to the home improvement store. I would purchase it again in a minute, and have not regretted my purchase in the least.

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  Miss it already! - 1996 Buick Riviera
  By HDLover - February 14 - 5:53 pm

  I had my Riviera for 6 years. I just traded it in on a Cadillac CTS. It only had 69,000 miles on it when I traded it in. I sure hope I didnt make a mistake. This Riviera was the most reliable and comfortable vehicle I have ever owned. Handles great, sporty feel for a big car. Dont hesitate if you are thinking about buying one and it is in good shape.

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  Buick is underrated - 2002 Buick LeSabre
  By Roger - February 12 - 2:53 pm

  3rd new Buick since 1978, a few Hondas in between. Never have had a problem, mileage is 25MPG , I drive the freeway about 90% of the time. Feels safe, rides great.

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  bad brakes on 2003 cxl - 2004 Buick Rendezvous
  By joe cosentino - February 12 - 2:00 am

  at 20,000 miles I just had the second set of brakes installed. Also the hubs for the all wheel drive needed to be replaced at 19,000 miles. back hatch opens when a bump is hit on the road. hatch will not go all the way up (keep hitting your head) lift shocks were changed at 3000 miles but they do the same thing as the originals did

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  Buick has a way to go. - 2003 Buick Rendezvous
  By sabe - February 11 - 6:24 pm

  I want to like this car, but Im having problems getting excited about it. That in a nutshell is the good and bad of the Buick Rendezvous. I also own a BMW 325 convertible and when I drive that car I feel like I own the road. Im king of the hill and a lot of people look at me with a glimmer of envy in their eyes. When I drive the Buick the only thing Im King of is the radio and if people bother looking at me I feel like the only thing I see in their eyes is a look of pity and curiousity at the kind of person who would buy this funny looking SUV.