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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  My Rainier - 2005 Buick Rainier
  By cgcovey - October 9 - 2:00 am

  I have driven SUVs from full size Blazers, Yukons, Envoy to the Rainier. I love the Rainier, great car, great design.

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  COMFORT FOR SENIORS - 2004 Buick Rendezvous
  By Twila D - October 9 - 2:00 am

  In july. 2000, i had a total knee replacement. I found it difficult to enter &/or exit most vehicles including my Buick Le Sabre. Riding with my daughter, in her Pontiac Aztec, made me realize that stepping up with a "grab handle" then "sliding out & down", with a handle, was SO much easier on my knee. I would recommend the Rendezvous for anyone who has had joint replacement! The trunk is easy to access with its big door that opens way up, & makes it easy to carry things.

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  I LOVE MY RENDEZVOUS!!! - 2004 Buick Rendezvous
  By Gail Nattkemper - October 9 - 2:00 am

  Ive never owned a vehicle I liked better than my Rendezvous. We also own a Lincoln Towncar and a Toyota Prius and for long trips we take the Rendezvous because of the comfort. It handles well and I love having 3 rows of seats for family outings. It also holds tons of stuff when the last two rows are down. My next vehicle will be another Rendezvous

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  My favorite car - 2004 Buick Rendezvous
  By Robben - October 9 - 2:00 am

  This is my first Buick and I absolutely love it! The options on the ultra are the best. Ill never get lost again with the navigation system and my daughter loves the dvd player. Its very quiet and not that bad on gas considering its awd. Very comfy too! I would highly recommend this vehicle -

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  Best Buick since the Park Avenue - 2005 Buick LaCrosse
  By tjayf - October 7 - 6:33 pm

  I really enjoyed driving this new Buick. It is really quiet and very responsive. I like it better than the Park Avenue I traded in.

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  Rons review - 2004 Buick Regal
  By mickyfinn - October 7 - 2:00 am

  this car has the most comfortable seats my wife and i have experienced. We had a 1999 Regal and loved it. Now we are trying a new 2004. The gas mileage is great and the comfort is also great. There is plenty of power and the engine is one of Buicks best.

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  I like it-- I really, really like it! - 2002 Buick Rendezvous
  By Nancy S - October 7 - 2:00 am

  I have been driving this car for over 2 years: highway and city. It is fun to drive and I have had no mechanical problems with it. I love all the fun stuff on it like the rear parking aid and the window display. Even the third row seats are very comfortable.It has plenty of room to store your stuff: the double decker console is huge as are the compartments. It has all the power I need (I even tow a trailer) however the hesitation and strain are annoying. A bigger engine would be nice.

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  traveler - 2004 Buick Rendezvous
  By RoyL717 - October 7 - 2:00 am

  took a 5000 mile round trip ..... Ill to N Dak , Glacier, Idaho , Tetons, Yellowstone, Rushmore , Iowa .. The car was great ... roomy, comfortable, practical. On-star and sat radio are great features.

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  Reliable, Strong and Fast Car - 1999 Buick Regal
  By Johnny T. - October 4 - 2:00 am

  The vehicle is very reliable and has a strong engine. Its ride is comfortable and controlled however it is not a sports car and should not be expected to handle like a Porche or a Corvette. Make sure you have the fire hazzard GM recall #99033 work done on your car to prevent a short that can melt a plastic fuel hose and cause and underhood fire. The Dealer will do this and all recalls free. There are two other recalls relating to the headlamps GM recall #99093 and a new recall that came out 9/04 GM recall #04052 all of the work is free just go to the Buick dealer with these recall numbers and make an appointment. They may have to order the parts but its free and important to these recalls.

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  Nice Ride - 2004 Buick Rendezvous
  By Del Dobbs - October 4 - 2:00 am

  Very nice to drive. Great for family under four...or adults who would like to take friends shopping