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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  Great start - now refine - 2008 Buick Enclave
  By conflicted - September 18 - 9:57 am

  Great car on the highway. Very quiet. The driving around town in moderate traffic can cause frustration with the lack of response when the gas peddle is depressed while traveling at speeds in the 25-35 mph range. Sometimes depending on the gear you are in you may not get much of a response initially unless you really press hard. Sometimes it will downshift and the rpms can shoot to over 5000 when all you wanted to do was go around a slightly slower car. Can be difficult at times.

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  Great!!!! but....... - 2009 Buick Enclave
  By buckeye boy - September 17 - 5:37 pm

  We really enjoy our Enclave. We moved out of a Toyota Sequoia and do miss the extra space and taller ride, however, this Buick is a remarkable vehicle overall. I have only 2 complaints, I am only 5-9", unlike a previous reviewer I like the footrest on the left side. My problem is either the seat is too short or the seat height is not right for me, I get a cramping sensation in my right thigh, especially after driving for awhile. Second concern is that the middle position of the 8 seater will not easily accommodate a child seat as we hoped. Should have tested that. Overall a great vehicle and fun to drive.

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  solid car - 2008 Buick Enclave
  By Tyler - September 16 - 9:56 pm

  Great car. We have had the car for 18 months now and have been very satisfied with everything except the rear visibility. Unfortunately the blind spot to the rear on both the passenger and drivers side make it a little nerve racking to drive in traffic. The DVD monitor also blocks the Rearview mirror

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  Big Al - 2000 Buick LeSabre
  By Al H - September 12 - 2:17 pm

  Bought this car at 1 year old with 30K miles on it. Great car. Still have it and love it. Except had to replace all 4 power window lifts, 3 under the warranty (thank goodness). Bad design. Understand newer models have a design change to fix the problem. Nice features and good ride/handling. Plenty pep. Also had a spark coil and motor mount failure at about 50K miles. But car looks great (still) and runs great. Gets about 22 mpg around town and about 26 on highway travel Would definitely consider buying another one.

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  No Bells or Whistles - 1997 Buick Century
  By ScottieG - September 9 - 8:48 pm

  I bought this Buick against my style requirements out of cost and necessity. I have not a single complaint about this car from 35000 to 159000mi. It was not attractive but more than functional. I sold it to my sister to buy a Maxima and miss that Century in every way other than styling and pick up. Excellent, comfortable transportation that owed me nothing.

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  Nice Car - 2007 Buick LaCrosse
  By Bob - September 8 - 7:08 pm

  I leased this car back in 07 and have not had one problem. My dealer ran a computer search for the CXS in the color and options I wanted. For me it fits my needs perfectly, love the remote start, sport tuned suspension(FE3), 3.6 dohc engine is excellent and still gets good gas mileage.

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  Ticners review - 2008 Buick Enclave
  By ticner58 - September 8 - 6:36 am

  Has been nothing but a pleasure to drive. Fuel economy is a plus. Pretty well thought out interior/exterior, but as always, there is room for improvement. We have experienced none of the transmission shifting issue that some of the earlier models had. If you want a performance vehicle, then maybe you better look elsewhere. The motor may be a little underpowered, but is adequate. The ride/quiet interior are just like advertised. We added sunroof, machined aluminum wheels, asst. steps, rear backup sensor, heated washer solvent and remote start to the basic CX model that already had a great standard equipment package. We would buy this vehicle again! Nothing else out there like the Enclave!

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  No More GMs - 2001 Buick LeSabre
  By JTack - August 31 - 6:58 pm

  Bought this garage kept car from my father in early 2008. He had to replace brakes and rotors at 19k. I had to do again at 43k, along with wheel hub and CV drive. $1,600.00. At 50k the left rear window would not close and the cruise control switch went bad. $500.00. ABS warning light comes on intermittently. Put 200k on a 1992 Camry with no problems other than an ignition coil and radiator. Cup holders are dysfunctional. I will not own another GM car.

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  agree with previous, but life after 50k - 2008 Buick LaCrosse
  By John - August 29 - 3:09 pm

  I found myself agreeing with the previous reviews. A few things I found now that I have topped 50k, mostly highway miles. 1. had to replace both rear struts because ride became harsh. 2. drivers side door continues not to latch close, even after repeated lubrication. So, can I complain, when the car gives so much satisfaction? Would like to see the 2010 re-model come as a Super edition. Not sure if the 3.6L direct inject will satisfy not enough.

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  Cant get enough of these Enclaves - 2017 Buick Enclave
  By Ed Wizeman - August 25 - 5:05 pm

  This is my 3rd Enclave & these are not your grandfathers Car. Great road handling, comfortable to drive & ride in, for trips to Florida there is plenty of room for hauling all your stuff or enough seating & room for all of our grandchildren (7 places). Greta car design, too.