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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  Terrible in the Snow - 2005 Buick Rainier
  By Frank Grimes - January 30 - 4:53 pm

  For a vehicle with a $38,000 plus price, you would expect it to drive very well in the snow. This SUV does not even drive well in 2-3 inches of snow. The back end wants to slide all over the road. You would be better off and safer driving a car front wheel drive car in the snow.

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  A pleasant old-school sedan - 1995 Buick LeSabre
  By dtm2005 - January 30 - 1:53 pm

  I bought the LeSabre because its fairly comfortable and reliable for a much more affordable price that used foreign-brand models. So far Ive been pretty happy. The acceleration is adequate (tho probably not as good as more recent models). The cloth seats are soft but fairly supportive, though the interior design is a bit antiquated. Reliability has been with the only repairs being a throttle ($200) and water pump ($300), and new front brake pads. The styling may not be exciting, but its timeless and classy. (the 2005 model doesnt look too much different). The handling is below-average and parking in urban areas is not fun. Overall not bad for a decade-old Detroit dreadnought.

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  Rendezvous - 2002 Buick Rendezvous
  By tfsports - January 29 - 3:23 pm

  I have been very happy with this vehicle overall, until it snowed. Previously we owned a Jeep Grand Cherokee 4WD. Rendezvous interior is roomier, has more cargo space, more luxuries, and more comfortable seating.

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  I just bought mine and I love it! - 2005 Buick Rendezvous
  By Marnie - January 29 - 10:40 am

  I just bought a CXL+ model and I love it! Mine came w/ leather seating, wood grain dash, OnStar, satellite radio, a sun roof, power everything, captains chairs (row 2), heads up display, heated seats, a towing pkg, and vertually everything else you could ever want in an SUV! Thre price was far better than its competitors due to the $1,500 GM loyalty + $3,000 rebate! See for yourself. Its one NICE SUV!

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  Black Beauty with a ugly side . - 2011 Buick Regal
  By A.M. - January 29 - 8:16 am

  We bought our Regal that was nearly 4 years old with a 194 miles on it . It was a GM showcase car that sat in a wear house for 3 years . We got a great deal and loved the car .It has great looks with its Mettalic black paint and a great black leather interior. Even 5 years later we still get compliments on it is looks . Not long after we had it ,the engine started making a horrible noise. We found out there was a recall on the timing chain . Our local dealer took care of it and Buick provided us a rental car for the entire time . We have had our local Buick dealer provide all scheduled maintenance on it . Again after a year the noise came back and again the timing chain needed to be replaced. While still under factory warranty GM took care of it . Soon after our factory warranty ran out. Regretting that we did not purchase a extended warranty. Since our last GM cars have been great and with no issues .Now after 34000 miles our transmission went out and had to be totally rebuilt. Luckily Buick was able to cover 60% of the 3400. dollars that it was going to cost us . Now I am concerned about the reliability of this car and considering trading it in . Since it was a chilly night my wife and I both turned on our heated seats . We soon found out that the heated seats quit working . Then my wife went to move the power seat forward and we heard a grinding noise and the gears underneath the seat stripped out . I am convinced we now have a lemon . We are very disappointed since we both like the car but do not trust it anymore. With less than 35000 miles on it. We a now very concerned.

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  Terraza Great - 2005 Buick Terraza
  By Tim Sawl - January 29 - 12:03 am

  I traded my Caravan in for this new Buick. The seats are very comfortable. The vehicle handles great. My wife used the traction control to get up our hill after a snow storm and she loved it. If you want comfort for your family this is your vehicle. Go look at the stow-go seats and then check out the Terraza. There is no comparison to the quality. A fun vehicle to drive and a great looking one too.

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  Bought It - 2003 Buick Rendezvous
  By Rick - January 28 - 5:48 pm

  My wifes lease vehicle.I liked it so much I bought it after the lease ended.Paid $5000. less than the residual/buyout price.I have been driving an Audi A6 @.7tt. This certainly pales in comparison power wise.I like the console and storage spaces, driving position and overall driving comfort. Not fun but very competent.

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  Buick Terraza, very nice - 2005 Buick Terraza
  By david - January 28 - 5:02 pm

  A realy great ride, solid and luxurious and safe. It does have side air curtains. A confident, quiet ride.

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  Love It! - 2005 Buick Rainier
  By skesell - January 27 - 6:39 pm

  I get a kick out of the professional reviewers as they think if its not Japanese or European, they cannot possibly like it! Well, I have owned nearly all of them and this Buick is as quality laden, good driving and responsive as anything I have ever owned. My is V8 and mileage isnt the best but I love this vehicle. My friend bought the Lexus instead and after a trip in the Buick he is sick. I just cannot say enough about how much my family has enjoyed this vehicle. Thanks for the opportunity to say so!

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  2005 Buick Rendezvous - 2005 Buick Rendezvous
  By Richard Outcault - January 27 - 12:29 pm

  As a sportman, the car provides an easy way to travel to golf courses and beaches. The drivers area has a convenient console for traveling, everything is accessible. Cup holders, storage box and storage under the console can not be duplicated in other SUVs. This is my second Rendezvous and to date neither has let me down performance-wise. The engine and drive train are reliable. First time Ive had all wheel drive and Im a little disappointed with the gas mileage. The all leather seats are proving more comfortable than the seats on my 2002 Rendezvous. I like the improved styling. Negative is the removal from the 2005 of the 2002 two storage bins on the side panels of the third seat.