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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  A lemon - 2005 Buick Park Avenue
  By Dee - December 19 - 9:23 am

  Our car shakes at speeds over 65 mph. The dealer has changed tires, balanced them and has us running the tires at 29 lbs until the suspension supposedly loosens up. The last time we drove it, the lights in the radio were flickering like a candle was burning behind it(husbands description). If we could get everything to work, we would love it but as it is; we feel we are being asked to put up with a lemon!!!!

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  Best SUV for the money - 2002 Buick Rendezvous
  By Craig - December 18 - 2:02 pm

  I had an audience, as I rolled my new 36" flat screen up to the back of my Buick. No one thought it was going in! We rolled the huge box, and slid it in, ALL the way, and closed the hatch! Try that with ANY SUV this nice, priced under $28K brand new. It wont happen. - The sight lines, the great engine performance, and 22.5 MPG for the first 50K that weve driven it, are unmatched with anuthing else weve looked at. - We were the first ones in our town to own one, now there are HUNDREDS! The fact that SO MANY other SUVs came out with room for 7, AFTER they saw how these sold, tells you a lot.

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  Not just a retirees car - 2002 Buick Century
  By Ed Keck - December 16 - 11:05 pm

  I bought this Buick as I needed a quick replacement for another car. A local dealer found this car with 86K at a very reasonable price. Must have been a salesmans car. Minus a new starter and a gasket seal replacement this car has been a pleasant surprise. I would have NEVER considered driving this car previously, but my circumstances dictated a low cost replacement. The car obtains excellent mileage and is very comfortable to drive. (Even handles fairly well!) The sound system is superb with the concert sound speakers. Steering wheel radio controls are a nice feature too! For the money, insurance cost and room this car fits the bill. I may actually keep this car longer than I planned!

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  My third and I love it - 2005 Buick LeSabre
  By Rod York - December 16 - 12:14 am

  We use this vehicle for the most part "around town" and the mileage rately drops below 22 MPG. Our long trips (over 2500 miles) we usually get 29-30 MPG. The response is great on the highway, it can almost get out of its own shadow. The trunk space is great and the handling is superb. I have never driven a car with a better turning radius.

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  The 2004 Buick LaSabre - 2005 Buick LeSabre
  By D. Harvatin - December 15 - 11:02 pm

  Riding in this beautiful vehicle will make you happy and proud to say you own a Buick LaSabre. And its an American name to be proud of.

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  No problems - 2004 Buick Rendezvous
  By Colen - December 15 - 1:31 am

  Very impressed so far. 5000 miles, no problems. Almost bought a Saturn VUE, but with the incentives from GM, a extra 2 grand gets you a much more refined vehicle. With traction contol and 4 snow tires All wheel drive is not necessary.

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  What were they thinking? - 2005 Buick Rainier
  By G. Toll - December 12 - 2:05 pm

  For a car with a $38000 sticker, it was quite a surprise to learn what this car doesnt have, like - a second remote key, a valet key, a glovebox and under- hood light, and even a coat hanger. It does have a smooth, quiet ride, but you wouldnt expect on a test drive to have to search for items you would expect to find in a car costing one-third less. Buying this car is getting taken for a ride.

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  I Love It! - 2003 Buick Rendezvous
  By Sardone - December 12 - 2:00 am

  Ive owned two Jeep Grand Cherokees in the past and was very close to buying another. I saw the rebate for the Rendezvous and decided to take a test drive. Although I wasnt sure I was ready to own a Buick because Ive always equated this brand with old folks, I was extremely impressed with the ride and the features. I dont regret my decision to buy one!

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  What a Nice Surprise - 1991 Buick Century
  By Ryan - December 11 - 3:53 pm

  When we bought this car I thought, here we go, a granny car that eats gas and will hardly get up and go, but was I wrong. We bought this car with 65K miles on it and have 34k since and it has been wonderful. 20mpg city and an amazing 29 hwy! If I had known was I was getting I may have paid more for it! All I can say is I hope the new Buicks are just as reliable and comfortable to drive!

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  Happy Driver - 2005 Buick Rainier
  By viking1 - December 11 - 2:03 pm

  This vehicle is quiet and smooth. The bose premium sound, multiple cd player and satellite reception are tremendous. My previous vehicle was a yukon which was great and trouble free but this Ranier is outstanding. The 6 cylinder engine is lively and it will jump when you need it.