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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  Solid, but not nearly great! - 2005 Buick Rendezvous
  By Felipe - January 27 - 10:00 am

  This car drives very well. It is a good value compared to other SUVs in its class. But it doesnt feel very refined, the steering can be a little loose sometimes, and I just dont know if it will last enough time.

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  My Rainier - 2005 Buick Rainier
  By Jim - January 26 - 11:33 am

  Nice comfortable SUV. Good Power in the 6 and I think plenty of storage. Sound proofed windows make it very quiet inside. My wife even likes to drive it. Had Blazers (3) and this is a good change. Lots of whistles and bells at least for this country boy. Mileage has been trip 19.2 (cruise) and around town 18. Not too different than Blazer but I use 87 Octane now and no clicking like in the Blazers. Sound system is no Bose but is acceptable. Climate contol can be confusing even with instructions but good when you get the hang of it. Excellent instrumentation. Has a compressor which I thought was overkill but Ive used it twice already. I must say overall, I like it a lot.

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  9000 mile 2005 Rendevous bad apple - 2005 Buick Rendezvous
  By Virginia Rhem - January 25 - 4:35 pm

  I had looked forward to this new SUV and with only 9000 miles, it is in shop every other week. New tires at 4000 miles, rear door hatch broke, key assembly broke, noise in steering that GM says is something non-repairable, many more problems. Dealership where purchased horrible to deal with. Found another one who has been more helpful....But I am so disappointed.

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  Buick Rendezvous - 2005 Buick Rendezvous
  By Raymond Haney - January 25 - 12:09 pm

  The first American made vehicle I have driven in 20 years, I am pleased.

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  fantastic car - 2005 Buick Rendezvous
  By Ray Walters - January 23 - 5:45 pm

  Without a doubt, the most enjoyable new car I have ever purchased. I bought ALL of the options: Navigation, heads up display, satellite radio and, of course, back up warning, onstar with built in cell phone - everyday learning more neat things about these features. I have owned many vans but this is the first one that rode like a luxury sedan.

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  Best car Ive ever owned - 2006 Buick Lucerne
  By cxs - January 23 - 5:43 pm

  Traded a 2003 Cadillac DTS and was somewhat apprehensive about buying a Buick. This car is more than equal to the Cadillac in ride, appearance, power, quietness and handling. I have been buying new cars every 2 years for the past 50 years, and this is the best car I have owned. If GM changed the name from Lucerne to Lexus they would not be able to keep up with the demand.

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  All around - 2005 Buick LeSabre
  By Ray Richter - January 21 - 8:53 pm

  A1 all around quality. I purchased mine in 2002, so I have had 3 years to test it. 1 year or less does not expose too many problems that may exist.

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  Nice Vehicle with the discounts - 2005 Buick Rainier
  By buddyboopotato - January 20 - 2:45 am

  I was giving up on American SUVs after a lousy experience with a Chevy Blazer, but then I found the Rainier after looking at Trailblazers. A much nicer platform, but the list pricing is insanely high. However, with all of the discounts at years end (since they had 5 months inventory), I got it at $23,900 total cost for an 04 CXL AWD, and then with trade in and cash down, got it out the door below $17,000. For that kind of money, it is hard to beat. Great ride, very quiet, nice comfort features, and good performance. My only disappointment: gas mileage--avg 16. was hoping to be closer to 18, but I realize this is a large and heavy vehicle. Id recommend, especially with the deals.

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  Needs Improvement - 2002 Buick Rendezvous
  By jgolafson - January 18 - 4:13 pm

  Good value. Nice features when equipped with Luxury Package. Steering vague and imprecise; worst tracking vehicle ever owned. Underpowered, needs 3.5L or 3.8L engine. Tailgate too heavy. Seats have poor lateral support.

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  richards buick - 2005 Buick Terraza
  By richard - January 18 - 1:39 pm

  After driving this auto (Terraza) 1,400 miles from mich. to florida, I find the auto to be a great choice. The ride is very good, the XMSR is a great addition, and the gas mileage was 24.7 MPG for the entire trip.