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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  Why I Like My Buick Century - 2005 Buick Century
  By Stally - April 11 - 2:00 am

  I owned a 2001 Suturn L-200 prior to buying my Buick Century. I averaged close to 30 miles per gallon. I now have averaged 34 MPG with my V6 Buick and am extremely happy every time I pull into a Gas Station. The ride is very comfortable and the Buick handles extremely well. There is very little road or wind noise and it gets off the mark very well. The dual heat/air control is very much appreciated and posi-traction is helpful in slippery conditions. Leg room in front and back is much better than I have been used to.

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  03 century - 2003 Buick Century
  By kirk hewitt - April 9 - 2:00 am

  Nice car for the money. I was able to use over nine thousand dollars off retail price in rebates/incentives. It didnt overly impress me at first but I have grown to really like it. It is a perfect car for an older person (my 77yr. mother likes it). Wish the doors sounded more solid when they shut. very good gas mileage. Wish it had split folding rear seats standard in this price range.

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  Buick Regal - 2002 Buick Regal
  By twhited - April 8 - 2:00 am

  This is the first car Ive owned that wasnt a Toyota Camry. This car is BY FAR a better vehicle than the 1999 Camry I got rid of to buy this. I will NEVER go back to a Camry. This car is very comfortable, has power, mileage with this 6 cylinder is about the same as the Camrys 4 cylinder. You cant go wrong - Consumer Reports named this the most reliable car!!!!!

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  best vehicle i ever bought - 2004 Buick Rainier
  By blackbeltmike - April 8 - 2:00 am

  the Rainer is one of the best vehicles that gm has produced. ours has the inline 6 cyl has decent gas mileage and plenty of power. I have owned the ford explorer and it does not compare to this suv. I also owned the rendevous, this is also a good choice.

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  good drive - 2003 Buick Rendezvous
  By clear777 - April 8 - 2:00 am

  It handles well and is fun to drive. Great value for the price.

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  Buick Regal - 1997 Buick Regal
  By mreynolds - April 7 - 2:00 am

  I have been very happy with car

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  terrible problems since I got it - 1991 Buick Century
  By babygoth - April 7 - 2:00 am

  Bought this car from a co-worker with 30000 miles on it, now it only has 60k on it and already had to replace the alternator 3 times, battery, computer, struts and CB joints are going.

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  great car - 2000 Buick Park Avenue
  By kens - April 6 - 10:00 am

  I bought this car used with 20,000 mi on it from a rental place. It has been almost perfect. the only problem i had was a electronic door lock switch falling inside the door. however as a rental you can be sure it git rough use. now had 35k miles on it and have never done anything but scheduled maint.

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  Looking for body moulding parts - 1996 Buick Roadmaster
  By Rett - April 4 - 3:00 am

  This is a wonderfull car that is fun to drive. Shortly after I puchase it with 88000 miles I lost a main bearing and had to replace the enging. When I bought this car the body was in great shape all except the body mouldings. There is damage on all sides. I am having a hard time finding replacement parts. Can anyone help me.

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  Last of the true road cars - 1995 Buick Riviera
  By djr - April 2 - 2:00 am

  This Riv is not just a beauty, it is one of the best riding cars I have ever owned. NO problems, just great to look at and and comforable to drive. It is a future classic.