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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  The Crossover with class - Envision - 2016 Buick Envision
  By -M.B. - May 31 - 1:25 pm

  Great luxurious crossover- The vehicle is priced appropriately when compared to other luxury crossovers. Do your homework you will see for yourself. I had test drove the Acura RDX prior to the Envision and found the RDX road height to be a bit low with a very hard ride, stiff sport suspension, not sure if that is ever needed in a crossover/small SUV. So I took a look at the Envision while looking at a Buick/GMC dealer. This Envision fits a void in the Buck SUV lineup. The Enclave is fairly large while the Encore is well yeah, kind of small. I was very impressed by the quiet smooth ride of the Envision along with the interior and exterior styling. On the interior the first thing i noticed was the all digital instrument panel, which makes it feel that much nicer. The interior trim is fitted with leather, i went with black since it is a lease and has a less chance of showing marks even though the beige is beautiful too. The dashboard is also covered in leather this is a nice touch over a plastic one most vehicles have. The front seats seem a little stiffer than i would expect but the heated leather wrapped steering wheel make up for this minor issue. Rear seating is comfortable with separate controlled ventilation for rear passengers. The rear seats can recline ever so slightly and have the ability to glide forward to make more room for cargo in the back. Interior lighting is very well placed with accent lighting on the floor and very eloquently placed lighting on the door panels and front face of dashboard. This looks very nice at night. Exterior lights look very nice with the daytime running LEDs on the front and HID headlights and fog lights. Power lift gate is very convenient for loading and unloading. Now the real good part, the power that comes out of that little 4-cyl. is very impressive. I live in Colorado - high elevation and the vehicle has no problem with the thin air and steep roads. The turbo on the 4-cyl works wonderfully. Lag is in the seconds, like 1-2 maybe. Collision avoidance and lane keeping assist work wonderfully as well. Hard to talk to the reliability right now but so far so good. Really the only downside (reason for not giving this 5 stars) is knowing it is being built in China. Hopefully Buick brings the assembly line for US sold vehicles to the US someday, I guess it is nice to know your employing Americans with your American brand vehicle.

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  American Sportscar - 1995 Buick Riviera
  By PsychUOut13 - May 27 - 2:00 am

  When my dad rolled home with this beauty, I fell in love instantly. I because a Buick fan, both new Regals and old GSXs thanks to this car. From 60K to 160K miles, it was amazing. Since 160K, repairs starting coming, as can be expected, some which are expensive... but all in all, its a great car, I loved it day 1, and I love it after 5 years. Supercharged 3800 is the best engine ever made (and Im an import junkie)

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  Ultra - 1999 Buick Park Avenue
  By sherwood - May 26 - 2:00 am

  Third ultra, the other two I drove 250,000+ miles each with no problems and excellent fuel economy for a luxury car.

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  Excellent vehicle for the money - 2004 Buick Rendezvous
  By MJK123 - May 26 - 2:00 am

  Excellent subsitution for a mini-van. If your looking for minivan practicality and SUV style /performance, this is the vehicle for you. Looked at over 10 models, settled on the rendezvous after carefully considering alternatives.

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  2013 Buick Verano - 2013 Buick Verano
  By Wendy Catto - May 25 - 4:48 pm

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  96 Riviera a joy to have - 1999 Buick Riviera
  By LDrunner - May 25 - 2:00 am

  Have had car 7 weeks. Put almost 5000 miles on it and now near 94k. Have not put a dime into car and it has no issues to deal with. Starts instantly, plenty of power, room, comfort ,features and safety. Just figured my gas mileage is 28.4 for last 4000 miles, of which less than half is on interstates. My new Silverado has been parked since I got it

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  Great all around car - 2001 Buick Century
  By billk - May 25 - 2:00 am

  Great all around car. Fuel economy 20 - 22 in town, 30 - 34 on trips. Adequate power. Runs at high speeds effortlessly. A lot of interior room and trunk space. Good ride and handling, good visability. No problems to date, absolutely reliable We bought it new for just under $ 20,000, very well equiped. A really good car for the money.

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  Happy with Rainier - 2004 Buick Rainier
  By Mary Mix Up - May 25 - 2:00 am

  This was a step smaller from my real love the Tahoe. Reason for change was the Toyota was 11 years old and by keeping the 7 year old Tahoe in excellent condition and new tires, I had the best of both. For the kind of everyday errands and general getting about the Rainier gave me the fun of a new vehicle with the better mileage with increased gas prices.

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  My Opinion of Rainier - 2004 Buick Rainier
  By judy - May 24 - 2:00 am

  We love the comfort and the quiet interior. The tow ability is good and excelleration is quite acceptable.

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  Shame on GM - 2003 Buick Rendezvous
  By Sposse - May 24 - 2:00 am

  This vehicle is severely underpowered considering the poor gas mileage I get with it. The interior is nice and spacious. The passenger rear door often doesnt close properly and hasnt since the day I bought it. GM says its an air pressure issue?!? Finally, I had the roof rack rip off at 40 mph loaded within owners manuals specs. Again GM claims no responsibility.