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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  Rndezvous rox! - 2005 Buick Rendezvous
  By mybuickrox - January 6 - 6:06 am

  Iam very impressed with the Buck Rndezvous vehicle. Sfety features of anti-lock brakes, OnStar, and driver/passenger airbags are great. Conveniences of keyless entry, delayed power for radio, and radio controls on steering wheel are a great benefit. Overall I would recommend this SUV/crossover vehicle to anyone!

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  I love this SUV! - 2004 Buick Rainier
  By DMK - January 6 - 2:00 am

  I looked at all the mid-size SUVs and narrowed down to the Lexus 330 and the Rendezvous. I am a loyal Buick customer, but didnt like the looks of the Rendezvous. I was really impressed when the Rainier was available. It looks great and drives like a dream. I also got a great deal on the vehicle. Lexus refused to move off sticker price.

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  My wife loves it - 2005 Buick Rendezvous
  By Austin Girl - January 6 - 1:40 am

  My wife looked at oved 15 vehicles before she chose the Buick Rendezous. She liked the looks of the vehicle and the way it drives. It not too small and not too large for city traffic. Also its a very safe vehicle for our two grandkids to be in. Thats another reason she got the Rendezous

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  LOVE IT:) - 2004 Buick Rainier
  By LIN - January 6 - 1:03 am

  I bought my Rainier in August and I cannot say enough about it. It rides beautifully. WHen I am talking on my cell phone no one even knows I am in my car that is how QUIET it rides. Only thing that I can see is that the gas mileage isnt the greatest but which SUV has great mileage? Thanks BUICK.....

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  Buick reliability - 2005 Buick Rendezvous
  By RLA - January 5 - 10:51 pm

  I have only owned this vehicle a short time. It is pleasant to drive, and very comfortable. The radio works well, as do the power windows seat and other amenities. Not purchased for going off road. I do not desire an off road vehicle, I already have one. This is a very nice family vehicle. It was reported that the standard V6 does not have adequate power. I have been out on the interstate with this one and it runs fine, its not a race car but thats not what I purchased. If I wanted a sports car I would buy one.

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  A good car for the money - 2005 Buick Rendezvous
  By 2003 Buick Rendezvou - January 5 - 10:58 am

  We are happy with the vehicle. The selling point was the captians chairs (2nd row) and bench seat in the back. Very roomy, easy to drive. Main problem which I think any vehicle with 3 rows of seating would be lack of storage space...

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  SUV compromise - 2005 Buick Rendezvous
  By Chris Bernhard - January 5 - 9:21 am

  the interior, and driving my fathers 1993 Regal with 175,000 miles sold me. Buicks seem to last forever. Quality on them are only second to Cadilac.

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  Overall Best GM Before 2000 - 1997 Buick Regal
  By BuickEnthst - January 5 - 2:11 am

  Bought this vehicle after owning an 85 Buick. This car provides me with generous torque and really moves around town when the super kicks in. I was expecting a little bit softer ride from a Buick, but the comfortable seats compensate well. This car is no light kitty in the corners but the wide tires stick incredibly well on on/off ramps and in long sweepers. Im gradually developing small quibbles over the traditional American build quality, but nothing that taints my overall happiness with this vehicle. Mileage could be better, but the supercharged power is worth the sacrifice. These cars are hard to find used with low miles, but if you can find one jump on it immediately!

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  Very nice so far - 2008 Buick Enclave
  By Steve White - January 4 - 12:06 pm

  Bought my Enclave (CXL, AWD) 3 days ago and very pleased so far. Traded up from a 2002 Rendezvous, and if you know that car youll know I had some concerns about buying another Buick. The Enclave, however, is superb: no defects and no trips back to the dealer. Handling and ride are far superior to the Rendezvous, and to the other cross-over cars we looked at. The Ford Edge/Lincoln MKZ is the only real competitor among domestics, and its a little jittery on the road. Lexus RX350 is equal to the Enclave but a lot more money, and I couldnt find a new (2008) Highlander anywhere to compare. So take a look at the Enclave: youll be impressed.

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  Smooth, efficient, with great handling - 2016 Buick Envision
  By NormV - January 3 - 10:37 pm

  Update: My best mileage is 32 mpg at 65 mph with just me or 30 mpg loaded at thr same speed. 12,000 miles and the oil life is saying it is time for an oil change. I love the freebies when it is 20°F out otherwise I be in thr unheated garage doing it myself. I love the heated steering wheel as it get very warm. The heated seats are appreciated by all four of us and thr heated mirrors work great too. The AWD is perfect on the white stuff and seldom slips unless you want to punch the throttle. With 3,000 miles on our 2016 Envision Prem ll, we picked up used in the mid-$30s, the moonroof and Driver Confidence Package are quite the deal compared to the more expensive German car companies. My in-laws are quite smitten with the Envision overall and are considering one for their next purchase. I searched new/used 2.0l turbo for months as it has AWD and torque vectoring included. The 2017 Prem ll discounted was capped my lower models starting at $35K. So our 2016 Prem ll GM executive driven with 3,000 miles in the next state over was lightly driven with no excessive tire wear, so I know it was not used for closed course driving events. New 2016 with no options were popping up for $10K off or $33K but I did not want white or silver, so it pays to shop with discounts like that and spend a few hundred to have it shipped. Currently getting 25 mpg on my half city/highway commute now that it is warming up. The ride is super quiet and smooth Im surprised how well it isolates from the road, it is refreshing after a day at work.