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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  Just like the one my Daddy drove - 2003 Buick Rendezvous
  By msmucci - December 1 - 6:25 pm

  For the most part I love my SUV. Its very comfortable, the seats are soo soft. It handles well. The gas mileage, well, I get 250 mi to a tank in the city a little more on the hwy. My biggest disappointment was that I was told that I could purchase the 3rd row seat later. However, when I went back to purchase it, I was told that you can not purchase the 3rd row seat after the fact it must be purchased when you purchase the vehicle. I have called Buick, GMAC and many dealerships and this is the case. So if you have a CX model and want the 3rd row seat, you will have to have it installed by someone who customizes trucks.

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  Never new GM car again - 2002 Buick Rendezvous
  By Manuel Ruiz - December 1 - 10:00 am

  When it first came out, we like the minivan and SUV features included, so we bought a brand new one on Jan. Had trouble finding a good dealer, and sales was good. Then we found out how easy it can roll away into an accident. At first nobody knew of the easy towing feature that caused accident, so some help was volunteered. But when we try to get help from GM for cause of accident, everybody from the dealer up to GM headquaters became mean and blamed us for misinformation. We are waiting for the recall!!. Now only 30K and a wheel bearing had to be replaced and electrical problems pop up. Pay it off and worry it is a PIECE.

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  FAVORABLE COMMENTS - 2003 Buick Rendezvous
  By LEO GAGION - December 1 - 10:00 am

  I HAD GOTTEN AWAY FROM GM PRODUCTS AND HAD BEEN A CHRYSLER FAN FOR THE PAST 15 YEARS. I BEGAN TO LOOK AT THE 2003 MODELS AND DECIDED THAT i WOULD ENTERTAIN THE IDEA OF NUYING A BUICK. I SPENT CONSIDERABLE TIME RESEARCHING AND LOOKING AT THE RONDEVOUS AND DECIDED THAT IT WAS THE VEHICLE THAT I WANTED TO PURCHASE. I AM VERY HAPPY THAT I DID. THE VEHICLE IS A FINE ONE, DEPENDABLE WITH JUST ENOUGH POWER. THE INTERIOR DESIGN IS GREAT WITH PLENTY OF LEG ROOM BOTH FRONT AND REAR. I HAVE THE THIRD SEAT AND IT IS GREAT FOR THE GRANDCHILDREN. THE ON-STAR FEATURE IS A VERY WELCOME ADDITION.

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  Money pit of a car!! - 2002 Buick Rendezvous
  By cpc0716 - November 29 - 11:01 pm

  I bought this vehicle in 5/02 and the car was reliable until about 25K. After that everything went down hill. Consistent electrical problems where all the lights inside and out go out for 15 sec. Windshield cracked when turning on heat on cold day, 36K. Windshield needed to be replaced $500. Dealership said there was no trauma but would not replace. Windshield wipers collapsed while driving in pouring rain on 95. Ignition switch "shot". Computer board panel needs to be replaced...should I go on? AC does not work. Mileage is poor, handling is poor. Major blind spots. GM is not helpful at all at addressing these issues. Paid 28000, 6K miles. Still owe 17K, worth MAYBE 10K!!!!

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  Keeps Getting Beter - 2005 Buick LeSabre
  By Twosadime - November 28 - 3:33 pm

  My first Buick was a used 93 Buick Park Avenue. Until I bought my 2004 Lesabre Limited in April I didnt think the 93 PA could be beat but it has been. The 2004 Lesabre Limited is the best car I have ever owned. Everybody who rides in it raves about its comfort,good looks and feeling of security. In light of all this the purchase price I feel is very fair. Another job well done by the folks at Buick.

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  Problems - 1995 Buick LeSabre
  By Anyone Else - November 28 - 12:40 pm

  I got the car from my little old neighbor lady, she purchased it new. It had 65K on it when I got it, 15K miles later the air conditioning compressor went out, $800 to fix. Later the transmission went out at 84K miles. I had a used transmission put in and after 16K miles (less than a year) it also went out. A computer at the cost of $400 and several sensors for about $350 were replaced. What really troubles me are the transmissions. I believe the engine to be a solid work horse. I like the car but not the repairs.

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  This is a great car! - 2000 Buick Park Avenue
  By Mike Petti - November 26 - 12:23 pm

  This car is powerful, handles great, is comfortable to ride in on long trips, cruises the freeways like a champ, gets excellent fuel mileage for a car its size, and is fun to drive and great to be seen in. I absolutley love it and plan to buy an other one. Its a Cadillac at a lower price. Its the nicest car I have ever driven.

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  Buick LaSabre Rating - 2005 Buick LeSabre
  By stevevg - November 23 - 1:45 pm

  The Buick LaSabre is the finest quality American made car for the money. Its style and comfort are second to none considering the price class. Interior styling and passenger space has been well designed and will keep the LaSabre very high in all ratings. The reliability of the Buick LaSabre has been just excellent with very few problems and miles of carefree driving.

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  Fabulous!! - 2004 Buick Rainier
  By annettem - November 19 - 2:00 am

  This is the 5th SUV we have owned in the last 7 years and so far, the best!! We have owned 3 Ford Explorers and a Mercedes Benz. They all ride hard; the Benz being a little more comfy but still not adequate. The Rainier is very smooth riding, which is paramount to us in an SUV. The heat/AC system is perfect..no fooling with knobs adjusting temps. all the time. The cabin is extremely quiet,supportive but comfortable seats, excellent audio (we didnt opt for the Bose) and a joy to drive. Car steers and handles very well. The outside design of the car is classy. Buick has come through with a gem.

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  One Great SUV - 2004 Buick Rainier
  By vnique - November 19 - 2:00 am

  This is a great SUV that gives a great ride that is quiet. The seats are very comfortable, especially with the adjustable lumbar support. This SUV makes driving a pleasure again.