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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  sharp ride - 2006 Buick Rainier
  By keith - August 19 - 3:19 pm

  Bought suv to replace 2002 saturn. Drove the rainer beause it had options like the SL 300 saturn.The mileage at 41000 was 19.7 now meaning 10 months later mileage 16.7.All is far better in safety and road control with this vehicle.Sharp and great ride.

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  Think foreign - 2003 Buick Rendezvous
  By Theresa - August 18 - 2:12 pm

  I loved my Rendevous but at 97,000 miles I have put 3,000 in repairs, and am possibly looking at another 3,000. I am told the rear differential is bad in this suv and that it is a common problem. I am now looking at spending more on repairs than the vehicle is worth. Very disappointed that GM wont take more responsibility for their design flaws. Might make me consider another American car but not at this point.....EVER!

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  Shame on GM! - 1997 Buick Park Avenue
  By Gidge - August 15 - 11:00 pm

  Sharp car but GM refuses to make good on all the 3800 engines damaged by plastic intake manifolds (class action lawsuit only gives you $50 or so unless the entire engine is replaced & then what you get wont cover it.) (GM wonders why people are buying other brands?) Replaced alternator, battery, pwr st. pump, transmission parts, warped rotors, Intake manifold, I/M gaskets separately (which are now leaking again for 3rd time) ashtray replaced psgr seat controls replaced, wipers very erratic, Rear air shocks, front strut mounts bad, had to pull engine mount just to replace serpentine belt, repeated problems with rough upshift, (dealer says" no code, no problem") Gets 30-4o mpg highway. Nice ride.

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  Great visibility - 1994 Buick Century
  By Darlene - August 11 - 12:08 pm

  I purchased a 1994 Buick Century from my fathers estate. I first noticed that the car has excellent visibility so often lacking in newer vehicles. The car is great on the highway because of its performance, it handles well, and I also appreciate it in the city because my all around visibility is so good. My main concern about the car is that the heat indicator seems to climb while on the highway. I recently had the radiator flushed and was told all was well, but it did not solve the problem of the heat gauge. This makes me nervous for long travel......if this problem could be solved, I would absolutely love this car.

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  Buick Convert - 2005 Buick LaCrosse
  By Philip T Behm - August 4 - 5:06 am

  First GM product in 35 years. Opted for a fully-equiped CSX. Impressed with comfort, quietness, great ride, with great handling. All controls easy to use. Fit and finish is exceptional. Got 3 months free XM radio. Did not really think I would use it, but it is AWESOME! Good power with 240 hp 3.6 VVT motor, but hope highway mileage improves. Great quality car and I feel good about buying an American car again with.

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  Sluggish acelleration - 2009 Buick Enclave
  By mike - August 3 - 11:42 am

  Transmission seems to hesitate frequently. Major black residue at exit of muffler pipes. Service adviser says the vehicle is not broken in yet, it has 5000klm on it.

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  22 YO young girl LOVES this car! - 1992 Buick LeSabre
  By mrscervantes - July 28 - 10:48 pm

  I have NEVER had a car that is more reliable for my buck and the kicker is? I bought this thing with 200,000+ miles for $500 and she is STILL running strong. Aside from reg maintenance, the only thing I had to fix was I had to get a new gas tank which was a pain to find. Apparently, its common that the insides disintegrate after 17 years...but what more could you really ask for? It was a 100 fix, even if it took all day! I love this car and even though its style is not really flattering for me, I would never put her down til shes ready to rest. This car is a BEAST and Im lucky to have found such a deal! I am a fan of Buick now!

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  AWD Disable Light - 2002 Buick Rendezvous
  By Repaskyd - July 28 - 11:12 am

  Enjoy this used Buick. Only problem came when the AWD Disable light came on. Internet suggestions were wheel harness connection problems, but it took 3 Dealers to find that GM Part#88896067, a fluid valve in the rear had a faulty temperature sensor, sending out a message that the rear drive was overheating. Had valve replace and it now works fine. Very comfortable to get in and out for an old man.

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  Can,t let it go! - 1990 Buick Century
  By bob - July 26 - 8:14 pm

  I purchased this in 2005 with 63000 miles for $1500( It had barely been out of the garage, old folks car ). I have put a total of $1000 into the car and it now has 142,000 miles. It gets 30mpg all the time and still doesnt burn a drop of oil. I go for 5,000 miles between oil changes. I have another good deal in the waiting but I am hesitant because I think this car has a lot of miles left on it( by the way it is a Buick ). This thing is the fantasy of why we buy new cars, that they will last forever. The car has the 3300 engine and if it sounds like a cant shut up then you are reading this message. I would recommend a Buick in a minute just for the engine reliability.

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  Looks good but a few issues - 2009 Buick Enclave
  By Hollis Stavn - July 25 - 7:21 pm

  The angle of the headrest tilts too far forward forcing my neck to not be able to be straight when driving. This is a design problem with this car. Another issue is that the cover for the sun roof is a screen only which lets some heat through so even with the sunroof closed you can feel the heat coming through on your head and also heating up the car. I have the basic sound package which is anemic in volume output. There is only one power outlet on the front console. There is a compartment on the dash which looks like it is a place to put glasses but being under the windshield will likely melt them in the heat. I traded a Rendezvous for this and the Rendezvous was actually a sportier drive.