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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  BUIVK THE BEST - 2004 Buick LeSabre
  By BAMABERNIE - April 2 - 2:00 am

  GREAT CAR-EXCELLENT GAS MILEAGE(28-30 MPG AT 70-85 MPH)

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  excellent car - 2005 Buick LaCrosse
  By Lynn Richardson - March 31 - 10:20 am

  Roomy,quiet smooth ride. Hugs the road, and handles better then my BMW. Costs much less then BMW.

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  Decent Daily Commuter - 2001 Buick Century
  By Daryle - March 30 - 2:00 am

  Acquired at 1 year old and 9K miles on it. Ride quality, steering, power, and comfort have all been more than adequate and often pleasurable. Nice base features, all around a nice car. Been in twice for warranty work - rear tail light assembly and right rear power window motor. Although inconvenient, the servicing dealership was superb in every way. I am somewhat nervous as my warranty expiration is approaching. So Far - So good. No significant complaints. But I dont have any experience with these cars at 3 years plus.

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  Its a good ride - 2004 Buick Rainier
  By Bob Klem - March 30 - 2:00 am

  First there arent many around yet,which means not many after market add ons.Wanted an American built suv and this fit the bill just right.Not an over abundance like the Explorer or Jeep.

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  Not my fathers buick - 2004 Buick Rainier
  By crash1 - March 30 - 2:00 am

  My Rainer with AWD is about the most stable truck I have ever owned. Its road manners are excellent, and I was suprised at the sure footedness when I took it off road. I was sure I was making a compromise in buying the Buick version of the TrailBlazer, but the AWD changed my thinking fast. I took it on muddy tracks that other 4X4s were having trouble with, the AWD just stuck to the path and never bogged down once. Like I said before, its a very stable vehicle on city streets, highways, and cow paths.

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  Quiet but Average SUV - 2004 Buick Rainier
  By Driver770 - March 30 - 2:00 am

  Needs more refinement to compete in class. Incentives make this vehicle worth what you finally pay for it. Noise levels are low, except for wind noise at speeds greater than 60 mph. Fit and finish are below standards. Gaps where bumper plastic meets fender is very visible. Base six cylinder engine is great - smooth, refined, and plenty of power. Gas mileage is less than advertised. Resonant noises, only at certain speeds, create a booming rumble that is very annoying. Already have a few rattles. Overall, a good touring vehicle that does not offend. Just dont drive it too hard, and dont expect more than it costs.

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  my review - 2004 Buick LeSabre
  By bvenn - March 30 - 2:00 am

  rewiew i would give the car a 17 out of 100

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  2004 LeSabre - 2004 Buick LeSabre
  By wildcats - March 30 - 2:00 am

  Just bought LeSabre last week. Great car. Roomy interior. A comfortable ride. Not alot of wind noise like some other cars we test drove. Easy to drive.

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  The Perfect Car - 1990 Buick LeSabre
  By Connor - March 28 - 2:00 am

  I love my Lesabre. I bought it new in 1989 and I have gotten many great traveling miles out of it and I hope it will last much a LONG time. It has been kept in Alabama all of its life. I just recently drove it on a 2,000 mile trip to Fort Lauderdale, Florida without any problems. I drove this car when I traveled all over the united states from 1990 until 1992, I used to put over 40,000 miles on it a year. I have only had one major problem with it which was the transmission when the car only had 2,000 miles on it so it was not a big deal. I also have a 2002 Lesabre and a 2000 Park Avenue, but my all time favorite car is my 1989 Lesabre.

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  Underrated suv - 2016 Buick Encore
  By K. Jones - March 27 - 5:32 pm

  This is a nice little suv , it comes very well equipped standard , comfortable, very quiet interior. The only complaint I have read or seen others talk about is the engine power, well unless you are trying to be a NASCAR RACER! I think the encore has more than enough power! Now I would not recommend this for some one who plans on carrying around more than 4 people at a time but this is fine for 2 adults and 2 children. One feature I like is that rear & front seats close completely flat! I did have to get used to the auto stop fuel saving feature which shuts off the motor when stopped . but overall I highly recommend this to someone looking for a small suv !