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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  Couldnt say no - 2011 Buick Regal
  By Tom H - June 23 - 7:27 pm

  The moment I sat in the Regal I knew I would leave owning it. The cocoa/cashmere interior is beautiful. The exterior styling has a subtle elegance that doesnt draw a lot of stares, still I have had 3 people stop to ask about the car. Mileage is about 27 combined and 31 Hwy. Power is more than adequate for my needs. 7 speaker stereo sounds great. Very fun to drive with a refined ride. I drove the LaCrosse, but liked the smaller size of the Regal. Trunk size is larger than I expected. The blue lighting of the dash is very pleasing at night. I look forward to driving it to work in the morning and home in the evening.

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  Enduring Love - 1996 Buick Riviera
  By LuvMyRivie - June 20 - 12:47 pm

  My Riv is like the most perfect mate who you just know is going to break your heart someday. Our rocky romance was immediate. She was in and out of the shop constantly for the first two years...thank God for GM-Certified warranties! Fast forward 12 years and Im still as much in love with her as back then. Even more so because for the past 10 years all she has required of me is feeding and the usual changing. Ive grown to listen and know her like none beforehand. She might not be the most nimble and quickest of athletes on the asphalt but, she pampers me with an uncompromised ride, comfort, economy, and timeless styling. With 220K+, our days together are numbered and there goes my heart.

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  First Buick - 2009 Buick LaCrosse
  By Hank - June 19 - 10:05 pm

  This is the first Buick I have ever bought, I traded in an Audi A4 for the Lacrosse CXL. I really enjoy the bench seat in the front and gearshift on the column - it reminds me of the Olds Ninety-Eight my Dad took the family in on road trips. The comfort is great and I have no problem with passing. The chassis could be a little stiffer around corners, but I have learned to love this comfortable, quiet American car. I am planning a long road trip this autumn along the east coast with my two dogs - they love the big back seat.

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  Who you fooling? - 1994 Buick LeSabre
  By Fred Salmon - June 16 - 9:36 pm

  Just to let you know that my 1994 Buick limited 3.8 Liter has always got around 30-34 MPG since I owed her. She has over 190,000 miles on her now and going strong. Somebody is blowing smoke telling you that you only get 20 MPG.

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  2010 Buick LaCrosse CXS - 2010 Buick LaCrosse
  By Felipe - June 16 - 1:21 pm

  After buying a RAV4 for the wife a few years ago, I chose to get the all-new, redesigned LaCrosse. The exterior is very stylish, while the interior is clean and contemporary. The drive is quiet and incredibly smooth, slightly better than both the TSX & ES350 I test drove. Steering is responsive (especially in Sport mode) and acceleration is decent. IMO this is one of the best cars GM has ever produced, as the fit & finish of this vehicle is outstanding. Overall, I think the LaCrosse offers excellent value even fully-loaded, its still reasonably priced compared to other vehicles in its class. So if youre in the market for a luxury sedan, you definitely should consider the Buick LaCrosse.

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  18 months on - 2008 Buick Lucerne
  By amvee - June 15 - 9:46 pm

  My 2008 Buick lucerne v8 csx continues to give me the same driving pleasure as it did on day one. Whisper quiet, silky smooth - like sitting in a lazy boy. A couple of weeks back I did a 190 mile round trip and got 25.9 mpg - using "Cruise" between 65/70 mph. Problems - during an oil change I was told that both front bearing were shot. Immediately replaced under warranty with no quibbles ($400 each). I bought the car with 28k on the clock I now have just under 41k. Same suggestions for improvement. Six speed auto and a smaller turning circle. What a superb product line up Buick now has with the enclave, regal and as for the La Crosse . Drop dead gorgeous. Go Buick!

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  Underrated beauty - 2009 Buick Lucerne
  By unklray - June 12 - 5:37 pm

  We bought this car from the dealer with 5000 miles on it, it was used as a customer service vehicle. It has every option I can think of since it is the special edition. plenty of power, comfort. Gas mileage consistantly exceeds rating. My wife averages 23.5 in town and we get 28 on trips to Arizona or Chicago. Quiet and smooth is the keyword here

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  Much Better than I expected! - 2011 Buick Regal
  By Thomas - June 11 - 5:46 pm

  Beautiful inside & out. Excellent Ride & Crisp Handling. Sound system like being at a Live Concert. Better than a BMW at a fraction of the cost. Drive one first or you will end up paying a lot more.

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  Well rounded family vehicle - 2010 Buick Enclave
  By brucemaz1 - June 11 - 11:09 am

  As a family of 5, we had a base Nissan Armada which we liked, but decided we needed more features and better gas mileage. Looked at CX9 among others. The look of the Enclave beats all- comers in our opinion. The technology is extensive and the warranty is solid. Only had it a short while, but very happy so far. Only issue is idle is set so low, it can roll back a bit on inclines when taking off if you delay hitting the gas - simple awareness addresses the issue and it likely lends to the decent fuel economy. Super quiet. During delivery we did not know it was running while sitting in it. Drives smoothly.

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  AllWeatherLuxury - 2010 Buick Lucerne
  By SilverSerenity - June 10 - 3:12 pm

  My vehicle gets essentially same mileage as a v6 Honda Accord, priced near, and is comparable to the Lexus. Great leather and faux wood interior, sunroof, audio, and onstar. Plus real room for four adults. And golf bags in the trunk.