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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  5 point what? Oh? - 1997 Buick Regal
  By Garrett M. Benson - March 25 - 2:00 am

  This is a powerful little car! My wife and I have this and a 98 Park Avenue. The Park lacks the Supercharger, and I do mean lacks. This minute powerhouse can spank 4.6 liter mustangs, and put other pony cars to shame! The only thig we have owned that was faster with comfort was a 96 Eldorado ETC, ($48K new sticker!) and I had a 98 Z28 Camaro! (As fast, but back pain-inducer) Pass it on that an oversized pulley on your SC, and a K&N filter ups the HP to almost 300!For the money, this car is a real screamer!

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  1999 Buick Regal - 1999 Buick Regal
  By JPOC - March 23 - 2:00 am

  This is a fairly comfortable auto which rendered decent service and reasonable mileage, nothing outstanding or notable either positive or negative. My main problems were with trim and interior parts. The glove compartment door w/little use just fell off, The drivers door continualy got out of line and had to be realigned. The electrical system occasionally misfunctioned, ie: headlights just went off for 5-10 seconds and then came back on, drivers window occasionally went down when one started the car??? No one could find reason as it was intermittant and would work when technician looked at it. Overall good car w/annoying little problems.

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  Love my Regal - 2004 Buick Regal
  By regal lover - March 23 - 2:00 am

  The best car I have ever owned. It handles like a dream. I suggest this car to all who are looking for a reliable, classy car. Trunk holds a lot, interior extrememly comfortable and the car looks good. Passengers have said that this car is the best ride they have experienced.

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  A Gem of an Auto - 2004 Buick LeSabre
  By Carolanne - March 23 - 2:00 am

  Bought this car two wks ago had been in a Saturn sedan for 3 years and knew the new car would be one or the other. I really wanted the smaller car less expensive, also. We drove 2004 models stayed at the Buick dealers from 11am to 7pm..no kidding...(ask our salesman) making up our minds. But once we drove the Buick..the indecision was over. Driving the Le Sabre is like driving whipped cream.

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  Car grows on you - 2016 Buick Encore
  By Don - March 22 - 3:16 pm

  Hard for me to get use to tight steering handles very good lots of power very quiet inside easy to see out of moves around in traffic and parking lot very easy lets you know if someone is behind you so you dont hit anything fun to drive . Mine is a 2016

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  Luxury performance and great mpg - 1999 Buick Park Avenue
  By Ron Brock - March 21 - 11:06 pm

  This is my first Park Avenue, and plan to add a second soon. I have become spoiled by the excellent ride and drive of this car. It is loaded with features that some highend new cars dont offer at this time. I feel safe in this car, performed very well in crash testing. The large interior space is well thought out, wind and road noise are very hushed. The supercharged engine makes great power yet I always get 33- 34 mpg highway. There are few cars that advertise those figures and none of this size and content that I am aware of. The depreciation is high but that only makes more sense to purchase a clean used one if you plan to hang on to it. I think GM discontinued a winner.

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  Regal, LS - 2004 Buick Regal
  By johnfas - March 21 - 2:00 am

  My second Regal, unfortunately the last as buick will no longer offer this model. I love this car, I call it the middle aged mans sports car.

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  Comfort and Roomy!!! - 1992 Buick LeSabre
  By Buck_wheat81 - March 20 - 2:00 am

  We puchased our vehicle used with only 61,000 miles on it!!!!! We have not had any problems with it. The car is very spacious. The trunk is perfect for all our things in addition to our babys stroller. The ride is very quiet and comfortable. Great car to take on road trips. Seats are very user friendly!!

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  disappionted - 2000 Buick Regal
  By vsal - March 20 - 2:00 am

  Too many major repairs: steering rack and air pump at 55K, rear wheel hub assembly and wiring short at 60K, dashboard light switch at 72K and transmission trouble (unresolved as yet because it will require removal and disassembly) at same time. Also, some weather stripping comes loose as does one rear door inside panel.

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  I Like It - 2003 Buick Rendezvous
  By kristinka - March 20 - 2:00 am

  I bought the vehicle after many months of soul searching for the right one...wanted plenty of room for the kids,my husband and myself. The lack of power may be an issue for some, but Im a mom driving my kids and friends not a racecar driver. I find it to have plenty of room, comfort, and style with the leather interior and sun/moonroof I didnt go wrong!