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 car I have ever owned - 2005 Buick Rendezvous
  By sam0616 - January 1 - 2:48 pm

  This is by far the best care/SUV I have ever owned. I have previously owned a Dodge Shadow, Subaru Imprezza, Infiniti G20 and Nissan Maxima. I traded the maxima in for this. I have never before felt like driving everywhere as I do with this car. It gives me the security and safety of driving an SUV and the smoothness and stability of driving a car. I love the roominess without the bulky look of a truck or corny look of a minivan. The gas mileage is just as good, if not slighly better, than my Maxima, which is very impressive. Overall, I think this is a best bet for someone looking for the feel of a minivan, ride of a car and look of an SUV.

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  A Great Crossover Car - 2005 Buick Rendezvous
  By amers521 - January 1 - 12:57 pm

  My husband and I were searching for a family car and after test driving a variety of other SUVs we found the Rendezvous to be the best value. It was not only much more comfortable than any other SUV we test drove, but had a lot more cargo room and passenger room. We had a wonderful experience at the dealership purchasing our Rendezvous and couldnt be happier with our choice!

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  Better than I thought - 2003 Buick Rendezvous
  By Mike - December 31 - 6:36 pm

  I purchased this SUV for my wife and she totally loves it. I have grown to appreciate it as well except for the sqeaks from the dash that the dealer says they cannot hear?? I bought this one with almost every option available. It would have been simpler to purchase a CXL that has the same options standard!

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  sleek and fun - 2004 Buick Rendezvous
  By lisaloo - December 31 - 2:00 am

  This is my first SUV to own but I have driven several of my friends cars . This beats all of them in ride quality. Talk about comfort ! I love the Onstar and the wireless phone, feel much safer knowing I can press a button and get help if I need it. Sound system is great, and the steering wheel controls are just awesome. Yes, its a little pricey on gas but nothing major.

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  Bad news - 2002 Buick Rendezvous
  By byeGM - December 30 - 11:51 pm

  The vehicle is comfortable, but we have had nothing but huge repairs bills Bearings in front wheels went out at two different times-huge expense! Computer unit went out on vacation, leaving us stranded. Air conditioning had to be replaced. Back up system stopped working about 6 months in. Had to replace tires and brakes way before the time with most cars Best mileage EVER was 21-we usually get 19 on the highway Insult to injury-were trying to trade it in now and are being offered only $8000-$9000 for a car listed at $35 thousand when we purchased.

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  Best car I ever owned - 2000 Buick Century
  By Buick Driver - December 30 - 10:40 pm

  Great Buick ride, reliability and power. Gets great gas mileage, yet has all the power I ever need. Only thing I found about the car that gets less than a rave review is that while it handles ok on ice, I have had better cars on the ice. Otherwise I am very impressed with its quality, reliability, power and gas mileage.

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  Strong engine and power train - 1991 Buick Riviera
  By jph - December 30 - 8:28 pm

  My 1991 Buik Riveria was a strong engine powered car. I enjoyed driving it in the big city and the open country side. The Riveria was very quick at taking off at lights, leaving camaros and grand prix in the dust!! I had no major problems with the car untill it reached the age of 12. Maybe luck or just a good built car,I still enjoyed riding and driving in my riveria.The highway was great, since I could cruise at 80mph without a bit of worry. The car turned over great in the cold, no matter how cold the tempature was. I will miss you, but life moves on.

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  No Hassle Car - 1999 Buick Regal
  By Maggie - December 30 - 7:54 pm

  I have owned this car six years. It has been a pleasure. It has plenty of power for highway driving. Merging onto freeways is never a problem. It rides well and gets great mileage on the freeway (30mpg - really). Mileage around town is 20-22mpg. Not bad for a nice size car.

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  Finishing Touches - 2002 Buick Rendezvous
  By Pete B - December 30 - 10:00 am

  Rides and Handles extremely well, very pretty to look at too.

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  Regal GS ... a great car! - 1999 Buick Regal
  By Carol F - December 29 - 4:28 pm

  My 1999 is my 3rd Regal. Am disappointed they are no longer being made. Ive always gotten comments on the style and comfort from my friends also!