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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  BRASS AND CLASS - 1992 Buick Riviera
  By MAGICBOX - April 14 - 2:00 am

  THIS RIVIERA FEELS LIKE LUXURY, AND HAS ALL CONVENIENCES OF LUXERY, BUT HANDLES LIKE A SPORTS. IT OUTDRIVES MANY OF THESE SO CALLED SPORTS CARS, TRUST ME I KNOW. THIS AUTO IS BETTER THAN BOTH CADILLACS IVE OWNED.

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  exellent car to drive - 2003 Buick LeSabre
  By windpiper - April 14 - 2:00 am

  this the best i had since my 1996 la sabre it could use a better am radio the tires where cheap tires so i replaced them with new goodyear regatta2 tires it improved handling and tracktin in snow but there still is a slight vibration after balancing and alignement

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  ZOOM ,ZOOM - 1995 Buick Riviera
  By The Zoomer - April 13 - 2:00 am

  I love this car. I love to drive it on the open road. Its great for passing semis.The only thing I dont like is the slope in the rear window. On a grey drizzly day its hard to see behind you.

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  2004 Regal LS - 2004 Buick Regal
  By hatessuvs - April 13 - 2:00 am

  This is a co. car-leased-I wouldnt buy it for myself. Drivetrain is smooth and powerful enuf-get about 23MPG combined c/hghwy. Handling is adequate with Gr. Sprt. suspension and 16" tires-the stock suspension and 15"rs must be awfully bad. Ride is good and very quiet on hghwy-just dont take turns too aggresively. Interior layout is good, though 1980s cruise location on left stalk behind steering wheel is old- tech. Leather seats have zero lumbar support-had to purchase aftermarket device to add to seat to save my back! Depreciation on this car is brutal, too. Advice-take your $27K and get an Accord or Camry!

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  Fantasic - 2004 Buick Rainier
  By bob254 - April 13 - 2:00 am

  Truck is great! absolutely fantastic

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  Crimson Pearls - 2004 Buick Rainier
  By grs48a - April 13 - 2:00 am

  A lot of power in the 6. The small turning radius was a real surprise, making it very maneuverable. The combo can make it very tippable. Great looking and very quiet inside. Gas mileage goes down quickly above 60 mph and in stop and go driving - currently averaging about 19.0 mpg. Love the leather seats. Its taller, but not as wide or as long as my old vehicle.

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  Solid reliabble ride - 1996 Buick Century
  By triple J - April 12 - 2:00 am

  This is hands down the best vehicle I have owned! It has never let me down, and the original engine & tranny have well over 100K miles. Fuel economy is not bad, especially considering the V6 power that the car has. In my opinion, GMs 3100 engine ranks right up there with the 3800 for the best engine GM has EVER made. Great car!

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  Great Hiway car - 2004 Buick LeSabre
  By wehaveit - April 12 - 2:00 am

  If you need a full size car that gets great gas mileage, this car is for you

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  SUGGESTIONS - 2002 Buick Park Avenue
  By Robert Fromm - April 11 - 10:00 am

  This is the second Buick Park Avenue that I have owned and I would recommend anyone thinking of buying the Park Avenue to look no further.

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  The Ultimate Sleeper - 2004 Buick Regal
  By Zippy the Pin Head - April 11 - 2:00 am

  I dont understand why Buick doesnt sell more of Regal GSs. The car has luxury, power, and dignity. Other drivers and consumers may dismiss the car as something a "blue hairs" would have. The GS goes and feels good while moving.