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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  2004 Celebration - 2004 Buick LeSabre
  By linebender - May 14 - 2:00 am

  We love our Lesabre. but early on we have had the transmission repaired to correct failed parts in the drive hub as well as a complete replacement of the rack and pinion assembly because of internal leaks.(still having some minor problems on that) also have had extensive trouble with the controls for the hvac system. replaced 2 outside temp sensors and the main control unit. not too happy with the way the auto a/c control operates. the fan always seems to be in mid-speed mode. and never goes to slow speed. G.M. says its working as designed. I disagree, but cant get any co-operation from G.M. to discuss the problem.

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  Buick Regal Review - 1999 Buick Regal
  By mushhead - May 13 - 2:00 am

  After owning a Nissan Altima for 4 years I decided I wanted something a little bigger...with a more powerful engine. I also wanted more of a luxury car feel with a sharp look to it. The 1999 Buick Regal fit the bill. It is a reliable car that I was able to buy at a very good price due to high depreciation. Bad for those who bought new...good for the rest of us.

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  I love this car!!!!!! - 1997 Buick Regal
  By Tony,WI - May 11 - 2:00 am

  What a sleeper and a great find. We bought this car new and it now has 120,000 miles on it. The only repair was a waterpump at 95K. Buick is making a big mistake by taking this car off the market. They should have done a better job marketing the GS. Its a power house. I wish I could buy another new one. If you like performance and comfort. This is the car.

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  buick la sabra - 2004 Buick LeSabre
  By john ortoleva - May 9 - 2:00 am

  enjoy driving it handles good comfort is great power is sufficient

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  BUICK RANIER - 2004 Buick Rainier
  By MENDELSON - May 8 - 2:00 am

  EXCELLENT ALL WAYS RIDE IS COMFPRTABLE, AIR PUMP IS EXCELLENT AND OVER ALL RIDE IS FANTASTIC

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  Great Car - 2004 Buick Rainier
  By printman2004 - May 8 - 2:00 am

  The ride is real smooth but it has the power to cruise into openings on the highways or freeways. When youre driving down the road the Rainier just feels solid and well-built. The only things I dont like are the cupholders.

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  Randys Review - 2004 Buick LeSabre
  By Randolph Rash - May 8 - 2:00 am

  I never thought I would own a Buick because I used to prefer smaller cars for sporty handling and fuel efficiency however after testing numerous cars I settled on the LeSabre. It has tremendous pick-up and still gets 21 mpg. I am 62" and finally realized there are cars out there that are really comfortable which makes a big difference when Im stuck in rush hour traffic and need to be in top form at work. My previous European model did not provide that feeling. Also I was very pleased to find that first year reliability has been perfect, unlike my German car. Good job Buick.

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  Love new Enclave - 2008 Buick Enclave
  By Gayle - May 7 - 10:40 am

  I have owned my new 08 Buick Enclave, CXL AWD, less than a week and so far I love it. I live in a rural community and everywhere I go is a trip (an hour to the nearest Wal-Mart)and the comfort of the Enclave is wonderful. It has a quite smooth stable ride and is easy to handle. For me, all the controls are easy to use and within my reach.

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  Iron out -problems took five years - 1996 Buick LeSabre
  By D.G. - May 6 - 2:00 am

  After 105000 miles, we have solved most of the problems with our 96 Buick. The worst problem has been the suspension in the rear. The ride in the front seat is fine. But the rear seat bottoms out and is a very rough ride over the least little bump. I returned the car to the dealer with no solutions for the rear suspension. We also had to replace all the tires three times within five years because of the suspension. We were finally told to have the tires rotated every 6000 miles( by a tire dealer) to solve this problem. Also problems with the engine light.

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  Review of 2003 LeSabre Limited - 2004 Buick LeSabre
  By Repeat - May 5 - 2:00 am

  The 2003 LeSabre Limited provides a automobile that has a great ride on the interstate. The V6 has a long record for reliability and mileage is excellent for this large vehicle.