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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  Great car for Cheap - 1995 Buick LeSabre
  By Mark Addler - January 17 - 3:26 am

  Bought for $8,000 with 54K miles on it, now it has 149K miles and is still running strong. Only one repair at 110K ($400 total) for coolant pump and intake manifold (imagine that! A GM with a bad coolant pump or a bad intake manifold!!!) Never broke down, just leaked coolant and took it in when it got real bad. Only oil and tire changes otherwise. Everything on this car works great, never has had any alignment work and still rides as smooth as day it was bought. AC and heat still work great and AC hasnt even been recharged. The only thing that has stopped working is the tape player, it has a tape stuck in it but who hasnt been replaced because radio is preferred and who uses tapes today?

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  Excellent Car For Anyone - 1996 Buick Regal
  By jjcooper - January 16 - 2:29 pm

  This is a very good car. Great on gas for the size of the car. Does better than some small cars. Ive gotten up to 21 city and 32 highway. Have taken a few trips and it was very comfortable. I have not had a single problem with the car. I have 77,000 miles on it now. It was purchased with 70,000 on it from a friend who bought it from a dealer with 63,000 miles. The only thing he had to do is replace the battery. Stereo is great.

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  BUICK RAINIER - 2005 Buick Rainier
  By L. Porter - January 15 - 7:59 pm

  Most enjoyable driving vehicle ever owned. Catches eye of others. Love the interior appointments with the exception of having to use a flashlight to see inside glove compartment. Handles well and is very maneuverable in tight spaces.

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  excellent - 2005 Buick Century
  By t. Wilson - January 14 - 4:59 pm

  I was used to driving a much bigger and heavier car. The Buick Century turned out to be a great surprise. One of the most comfortable and easy to handle car that I have ever owned. I have owned many many cars over the years.

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  18 month owner - 2005 Buick Rendezvous
  By Jeff - January 13 - 8:31 pm

  I enjoy the seating and the storage. The mileage is adequate. I have hauled wood on the top carrier several times. It handles easily and has great visibility.

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  Excellent SUV from Buick - 2005 Buick Rendezvous
  By Rendy - January 13 - 11:59 am

  Excellent vehicle! Quality, reliability, performance are all good to match Lexus, while price is better for consumer.

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  Good - 2005 Buick Century
  By paulshap - January 13 - 10:21 am

  The drive is a great improvement over my old Buick Century. Everything works fine. I still have not figured out how the radio works. The only problem is the reflection off of the dash board onto the front window.

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  Best SUV for the Price and Features IMHO - 2004 Buick Rainier
  By Subhash Bhattacharyy - January 13 - 2:00 am

  Just purchased a 2004 Buick Rainier. Went with the 2004 for the 3000 savings, and with 7000 in additional incentive from GM, I got one heck of a deal. The ride is smoother than the MDX, 4-Runner or Sequoia. Love the quiet interior, best built American SUV.

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  Free car, and I think I paid too much!!! - 1995 Buick Century
  By rojo412 - January 11 - 1:17 pm

  When my 92 LeSabre finally drove me to the brink with its faulty exterior, I got this wagon from my grandparents, for free. I thought "this should work for a while and I got a great deal! All options, owned by sweet old lady who drove it to church. And its low mileage so it should be sweet!" WRONG!!! Even at 62,000 it was showing its age. Rusting out exterior, ABS is going in and out, head gasket leaking, strange fluid in the coolant overflow. At 80k, a mechanic told me to sell it and cut my losses. Well, at 88k, I still have it and wish I took his advice.

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  Another great Buick Value - 2004 Buick Rendezvous
  By john - January 6 - 9:33 am

  Traded in my first new Buick, a 1996 Skylark that I was outgrowing. Wanted something bigger that could handle cargo, etc. Test drove the Dodge Magnum-was expensive, and only 70 cu fr of cargo capacity-passengers sit low with high windo sill. Liked the Rendezvous, and took advantage of rebate and good trade in on my 9 yo Skylark. I would not consider it if I had to pay $35k list price (paid $23k) as it lacks power lift gate and refined engines other competitiors offer. Some interior pieces feel cheap. But, overall, for $23k, is great deal!!