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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  Good Ride - 1996 Buick Regal
  By Loves It - February 11 - 11:56 am

  Bought in 99 w 33000 now (05) have 78000+. In 4 years have replaced 1 alternator, the cruise crontrol module and 2 door seal gaskets and repaired the radio. Added a spoiler for looks. Interior quality lacks a bit.Does have dash rattle. A folded bit of paper between dash and glove box door solved that.Interior trim clips are starting to fail. Regal ride and power has me spoiled. Thought about replacing it but nothing else affordable seems to compare. Paint is holding up very well.

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  Driving pleasure - 2006 Buick Lucerne
  By charles - February 10 - 4:10 pm

  This is a very quiet comfortable automobile. I enjoy driving this car as it has good power and handles very well. Avg. weekly driving I get twenty miles per gal. and expect this to rise as the car gets more mileage on it.

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  Great Car - 2002 Buick Park Avenue
  By Great Car For Me - February 9 - 10:50 am

  Car has all the goodies and has exceeded expectations. Purchased with 25,000 miles and have added 17,000 in a year. Gave up my 2000 Impala for it. Cant believe I got so much for what I paid. Great car for a tall man. My car has the road package which I love. Great ride. Cant believe someone would pay premium for a different name plate. Replaced front brakes at 42,000. Back-up sensors are great for the parking lots.

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  Nice SUV - 2002 Buick Rendezvous
  By Bradd - February 8 - 10:00 am

  I never thought I would own an SUV, there wasnt one that I wanted or liked. I did want something to haul the occasional item. The Rendezvous is the perfect vehicle for me. Its like sitting in and driving a car, but with the versatility of a van and AWD of an SUV.

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  We love it - 2004 Buick Rainier
  By Andrew - February 7 - 12:23 pm

  We bought the car as a refined long distance transport and we are not disappointed. It (V8) has all the power we need when we want it. It is quiet enough to appreciate the Bose sound and the wonderful XM radio system. We paid a little more and opted for the small upgrades on the 2005 model. The test car was parked on a hill lot with the lot rim just in front of forward wheels in a foot of frozen snow. I had to apply a fair amount of power to overcome those conditions. You could feel the AWD come in and the rear didnt move an inch sideways as I hauled it up and out. Right there we decided that we didnt need another 4X4 to address our daily needs this car was perfect for us... so far.

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  Only One thing wrong - 2005 Buick Rainier
  By Char - February 5 - 3:40 pm

  I had a Buick Rendevous for two years before this Rainer so I know my Buick SUVs. They are very reliable and unique SUVs. Why? They have fantastic rear space for carrying many different sized items. I have been in the higher end SUVs and they were not made to carry anything at all. I have really liked both of these Buick models and the only thing I would like to see is the front seat room of the Rendevous put in the Rainer. That is the only thing I would want changed. The ride is outstanding and winter driving almost fun. Dont hesitate to buy these two models, they are the best in the U.S. SUV lines....

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  What was I thinking? - 2003 Buick Rendezvous
  By Chad - February 5 - 3:19 am

  Bought it fully loaded for $34K. In two years the trade-in value is $13K. YIKES! This vehicle is a horrible value, and way under powered. Only 185hp. Can you say slug? Third row is useless. We have to have people go in from the back and climb over the seat. Not too functional. And when the seat is up, you can only fit a couple of bags behind the seat. Have been trying to work some magic and trade it in for a 2005 Odyssey. But I really dont want to eat $6K on the trade! Looks like I will have to hang in there for a little longer and try to get it even. Please do not buy a Rendezvous! Do your checkbook and your family a favor and buy something with lasting value and function!

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  Not a winter vehicle - 2003 Buick Rendezvous
  By michcar - February 3 - 12:24 am

  The Rendezvous is a nice vehicle. Not flashy, not particularly cool, but nice. The storage in the front console is roomy and holds just about anything. The storage under the console is nice for CDs or maps. The one drawback for me is the drivability in the snow. This is the base model with traction control, although what traction its controlling is beyond me. Im used to 4wd or awd vehicles, so this one is an adventure. I would not recommend it for anyone who has to drive in ice/snow conditions.

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  Great choice - 2005 Buick Rendezvous
  By Morris511 - February 2 - 10:00 pm

  Great vehicle with ultimate comfort. Rides like a luxury car with the security of AWD which is a much desired feature in the Northeast. Superior styling and performance makes me forget its a cross over hybrid between a minivan and an SUV. I simply love it!

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  What the heck is an Enclave - 2011 Buick Enclave
  By Roy Young - February 1 - 4:17 pm

  Outstanding in all areas EXCEPT gas mileage, kinda sad. July2016 100k tune up--- on trip to Fla got 21.9 mpg ! Still enjoying car. Would recommend. UPDATE, Buick still performing well, no problems. Just sold it to my daughter and her Husband, they love it!