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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  Best ever owned - 2008 Buick Lucerne
  By Peter - July 22 - 5:21 pm

  I have owned many cars from many makes but my 2008 Lucerne is the best car that I have ever owned. It rides better than any car in its price range. The handling is great for such a large car. No it does not handle like a German car but does not ride like crap over potholes either. No problems at all. The 3800 engine and automatic are among the high quality from any make. I hope to drive this car for the next 20 years.

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  Got my moneys worth - 2003 Buick Century
  By jg - July 19 - 6:44 pm

  Very good buy, I had my Buick since 2006 still going maintenance free. Got it with 45,000 miles now it has 129,000 everyday commuter 140 miles a day without 1 Penny putting into it love this car.

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  Perfect All-Around Reliable Car - 2004 Buick Regal
  By Shadowtrax - July 18 - 2:50 am

  Purchased this car initially as a third car for when the parents visited - but ended up driving it to work and around town and longer trips because it is so comfortable and gets great gas mileage with the 3800 V6. Yes, Im in my late 30s and we just wanted a old folks car for when our elderly parents flew in to visit a few times a year, but my wife and I discovered that the Regal was comfortable to drive, and got great mileage for a work/highway car. We currently own a BMW 3-series and an Infiniti G35x, and yes, we both agree this has a different, yet comfortable ride, and a feeling of roominess in the cabin unlike our sporty cars - never had a single issue with it - we enjoy it!

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  The Ultimate Minivan - 2005 Buick Terraza
  By Brian - July 16 - 1:22 pm

  My wife swore she would never drive a minivan, unless it was a Buick. We have no regrets. Buick has done a terrific job building this classy, well built versatile vehicle.

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  Awesome car to drive - 2010 Buick LaCrosse
  By Pam - July 16 - 9:59 am

  Just purchased this beauty on 7/10so far so good. I test drove the Maxima, Altima, and Taurus. I just kept coming back to the Lacrosse. It was hard to find the red, with the titanium interior and accessories that I was looking for but finally I did (had to travel to another state) I have had two people stop me so far to comment on the car. I believe it is due to the red exterior and chrome wheels. Runs very quietly and smoothly.

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  I love my Buick - 2006 Buick LaCrosse
  By Paul - July 13 - 9:21 pm

  This is one of the best cars I have ever owned. The quality is really good compared with my previous conception of the "American" car. My car has a 3800 Pontiac Engine they tell me. It gets around 30 mpg on the road if I stay at 70 mph. If I go 80 on the turnpike it doesnt seem to hurt mileage that much. The car has more than enough power for passing. If I want to leave a pesty driver in my dust I can do so with ease.

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  Excellent Car - 2003 Buick LeSabre
  By lowhorn39 - July 12 - 10:26 am

  Bought this car used and fell in love. No mechanical problems whatsoever. Only problem I have with the car is the clear coat. It is starting to peel off all over the car and looks like hell. I will be keeping the car however and spending about $6,000 to put a custom paint job on the car. I plan on running the car well over 200,000 miles.

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  Great - 2010 Buick Enclave
  By Joel - July 9 - 12:37 pm

  This Enclave was delivered with no flaws. Excellent. Good power. 23 mpg on the road is very nice. Drives well in bad weather--snow, ice and wet. Great traction. The ride is both elegant and handling is responsive (surprising so)-- even on mountain curves. The comfort makes cross country trips easy. Love the tight turning radius. Its a keeper.

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  Not your Grandfathers or Fathers Buick - 2011 Buick Regal
  By Steve - July 8 - 12:25 pm

  Im pleasantly surprised with all aspects of this car. I was looking at Acura TSX and gently used RL, Volvo S60, Audi A4/VW CC and used BMW 3 series. Theres plenty of room for 4 and their stuff. The trunk seems bigger than all other cars I shopped. Feature for feature, it was by far the best value. Seats are supportive and very comfortable, took a 500 mile trip and averaged 31 mpg, including some stop and go traffic. An excellent consideration for those shopping entry level luxury cars in the under $40K class.

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  Great Car - 2001 Buick Regal
  By Brad Rich - July 6 - 1:08 pm

  My Regal LS has plenty of power combined with 30 mpg economy. The big trunk is endless with the fold-down back seats. I used it to haul lumber, but dont tell my wife.