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 My Rainier - 2004 Buick Rainier
  By EL8014 - April 24 - 2:00 am

  After owning a few SUVs. Ford Explorer, Ford Expedition and A Chevy Tahoe. I love my Buick Rainier the best. It has alot of power and rides so nice. The Navigation system is a added plus. My In-Laws have a new Trailblazer and they test drove our Buick and now they are calling wanting to use our Buick instead of their Blazer.

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  I love my Rainier - 2004 Buick Rainier
  By Kay Tee - April 24 - 2:00 am

  I purchased a 2002 Bravada in the early spring of 2001. After dumping hundreds of dollars into this lemon, I was finally forced to trade it in. I purchased a Yukon Denali and found that although it is a beautiful and awesome vehicle, it is too large for every day driving. My Rainier is the perfect additional vehicle for my household. It has the look of my Bravada and the ride and features of my Denali. I strongly recommend this vehicle for anyone looking for any type of mid-size SUV. Look beyond the Envoy - you get so much more for the money in the Rainier!

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  Satisfied - 2004 Buick Rainier
  By Bob Mial - April 23 - 2:00 am

  Ride and performance of the Rainier is terrific. Plenty of room in front and back and very comfortable. Probably not too good off-road but what do I care since Im not doing anything more than tailgating with it anyway. Love the quietness.

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  satisfied customer - 2004 Buick LeSabre
  By newtonbill - April 23 - 2:00 am

  The 2004 LeSabre Limited is far an away the best LeSabre Buick has put out. It excells in every way from its mosisture sensing windshield to the XM radio. It is a wonderful car to drive and there has been a great improvement in the ride over our 97 model. I cant say enough about the 30 miles to the gallon either, since gas has gone so high.

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  What a nice car - 1998 Buick Regal
  By Buick Driver - April 22 - 2:00 am

  This car is a great comination of style and performance. Only repairs I had to do was replace the alternator at 32,000. I love this car

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  awesome - 2004 Buick Regal
  By todd frank - April 22 - 2:00 am

  this is the best car i ever owned.drives like your riding on air.Its a family car and some what of a sporty car to. Like I said the best car out there today.Its just a great car.looks great,drives great,what more can you ask for in a car

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  ? - 1998 Buick LeSabre
  By Jack & Geo - April 22 - 2:00 am

  I (sort of) have egg on my face for telling everybody, for the past ten or so years, that the LeSabre was probably the best car on the road. Well, the transmission is about to blow.

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  Never Again - 2001 Buick LeSabre
  By Jbuck - April 22 - 2:00 am

  Having driven GM cars for over 30 years this is the worst vehicle I have ever owned. Transmission, Power Steering Pump/A/C Compressor/Steering Column/Tie rods/Wheel Bearings/Now ABS & Traction Light is on. Only redeeming features are a fairly solid engine and good gas ecomomy. Buyer Beware!

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  My first love. - 1992 Buick Regal
  By MERKURxr4i - April 21 - 2:00 am

  How many 20 year old males do you know, that are dying to own a Buick Regal Gran Sport? This was me, every day, asking my neighbor lady to sell me her car. One day she came home with a new car, & told me where I could find her 92 Regal. For 5K I drove home in my very first car. Ive had that Buick for almost 4 years now, and the only complaint I have is the brakes. All 4 calipers, rotors, lines, & the booster have been replaced. The brake pads wear out every year just like clockwork. No matter what, the brakes always feel weak. Other than brakes & routine mantainence, Ive had no major problems with the car. 126K & still running like a top.

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  Upshur County - 2004 Buick Century
  By Aldaddy - April 21 - 2:00 am

  Purchased in April 2004. Drive 280 miles a day 3 days a week plus weekend short trips here and there. Gas mileage thus far has been excellent with 30 to 31 mpg on the highway which is most of my driving time. Comfortable, peppy when needed 3.1, 6cyl. Quiet and smooth ride. Easy to read and maneuver controls and dials.