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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  Love it!! - 2000 Buick Regal
  By Debi2sly4u - May 23 - 2:00 am

  In May of 2003, I got word that I had to retire my 1986 Park Ave. and I was devastated. It wasnt the 3600 engine that was to blame, it was frame rot that couldnt be avoided living in Chicago with our salt and harsh conditions. Bottom line... I couldnt be happier with this Regal. Our family has had Buicks for as long as I can remember and we have never met a Buick that we didnt love (never kept one less than 12 years with repairs that we consider normal wear and tear). I bought this Regal used (3000 miles left on the original warranty) because I just fell in love with it, rather than taking a new 2003 LS for the same price.

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  Buick: Depenable & Luxurious - 2006 Buick Lucerne
  By Robert - May 23 - 12:16 am

  This has to be one of the best automobiles GM has ever built. I just picked it up a couple days ago, and I love it. I have owned a few GM vehicles in the past, and all I can say is GREAT job. The car rides smooth, drives smooth, and GM was not kidding when they said this car is QUIET. I feel safe in this car being a large sedan, but you feel like you are driving a midsize sport sedan. The craftsmanship of the car is "Beyond Precision." Gas mileage is 27-28. This is one car that GM should not have to use rebates to sell, especially when the car is competitively priced. The car won me over, and I said I would never drive a "grandpa car." Thinking of a Toyota, think again and try a Buick!!!

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  a great buick - 2004 Buick LeSabre
  By Bob Mount - May 22 - 2:00 am

  A very nice comfortable car. I have had the vehicle for over 6,000 miles now and have had no difficulty of any kind. The only thing I would have preferred would be a cloth interior. I have ON- STAR and the voice recognition needs attention. It was good, they worked on it and it became bad and they worked on it somemore and now it is fair. My driving is mostly 10 miles to town then around town. I get 23 MPG.

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  great - 2004 Buick Rendezvous
  By LARRY ZUNICA - May 21 - 10:00 am

  it is very dependable,very smooth,and comforting ride.i like the third seat in the back

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  Love My Buick Rainier - 2004 Buick Rainier
  By Kathy S. - May 20 - 2:00 am

  This is my first brand new vehicle in my life and I do not regret anything about purchasing it. I know gas is expensive but riding in this vehicle I try not to think about it. I love the way the vehilce handles and its quietness and the feeling of a well built automobile. Recently I drove a Trailblazer, which I test drove before purchasing my Rainier boy am I glad I made the right choice. There is no comparison.

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  Good First Impressions - 2008 Buick Enclave
  By Andy - May 19 - 2:10 pm

  The 2008 Enclave has been a great car to date. It has been a pleasure to drive. Very comfortable and very roomy. Gas mileage has been as expected. Have been getting 22.7 MPGs on highway / 16 MPGs around town. Very good for a vehicle this size. Another buyer who never thought hed be in a GM or Buick product but was won over (considered Mazda CX-9 & Toyota Highlander). Great car after 2,000 miles. Very smooth ride (my mother is ready to trade in her Lexus RX 450). Well see what the future holds.

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  Built for how people REALLY use an SUV - 2003 Buick Rendezvous
  By berne1 - May 19 - 10:00 am

  I reluctantly leased my Rendezvous CXL, never having owned an SUV/minivan type vehicle. I am impressed so far at the build quality and amount of features for the money vs. a "traditional" truck- based SUV. Much more room, lower step in height and the Rendezvous is much quieter. I have been surprised at how much I like it so far.

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  Perfect - 2003 Buick Rendezvous
  By Frogjameez - May 19 - 2:00 am

  My husband and I needed something much bigger than our Cavalier to haul our 3 year old, 2 dogs, backpacking equipment and building supplies. This vehicle was the perfect choice. It is extremely comfortable, very nice ride, corners way better than a Cavalier and has TONS of storage space. My husbands dad works for GM, so the discounts and incentives we got on this vehicle are incredible. The gas mileage is pretty darn good for an SUV, but what they dont tell you is how much less you get in the winter, granted this is MN, but I had no idea that the cold weather would have such an impact on the gas mileage. Needless to say though, I love it!!

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  Buick quality - 2004 Buick LeSabre
  By RL Brodie - May 19 - 2:00 am

  Preobably the best auto that I have ever owned. I average 32 miles to the gallon on the freeway and about 24 in town. I have had only two minor warrenty problems. A loose trim piece and a defective cruse button. This is only the second Buick that I have owned.

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  great auto - 1995 Buick Skylark
  By papanana - May 16 - 2:00 am

  triple aaa with power to spare on hwy at high speeds ,very comforable and safe..