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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  Highway king - 2004 Buick LeSabre
  By uglybluedog - May 23 - 1:41 pm

  Bought car in DEC. of 08 with 49,000 and have completed 5 family vacations. Usually 1500 mile trip. This car has had nothing go wrong with it. Normal wear and tear and thats it! Im proud to own this American made car. My Buick is the highway King. These cars are going to be seen on the road for the next twenty years because the 3.8 liter engine just keeps cruising!

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  225k miles and runs like day 1 - 1999 Buick LeSabre
  By RJR - May 20 - 8:37 am

  Ive had this vehicle from inception and only given it the routine maintenance. Regular oil changes, tire rotations and a fresh tune up every 100k miles. I had the belts and hoses checked at 215k miles and all looked fine (all original). The interior has begun to show some age, but with the vehicle running so well and averaging ~27 MPG mix between highway and city, I continue to be pleased with the vehicle. I have aspirations of running this car beyond 300k miles.

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  solid auto - 2003 Buick Regal
  By farm boy - May 17 - 9:25 pm

  This car is bulletproof. I was a loyal acura/honda owner. I bought this car to resell. I bought if from a private owner. All I can say is wow, I cant believe an american car is this good. Needless to say I wont be selling this car for a loooonnnngggg time.

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  After Six Years - 1996 Buick Riviera
  By dave8697 - May 15 - 11:06 pm

  Have now put 88000 miles on it. It has 2 problems that were not worth fixing so I live with them. The trans lost 4th gear at 163k miles and the paint peeled badly from 8th year on. I was getting 27-28 mpg till trans issue. Now get 21 both city and hwy mpg as a 3 speed. Have always run regular with no issues. Car has now lost all its value but still starts instantly and purrs quietly.

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  From S Class to Enclave - 2010 Buick Enclave
  By RosieNM - May 15 - 2:44 pm

  We purchased a brand new S430 in 2003 and I started 2010 with looking at all our options for a new car. We needed more seating but were not willing to give up that luxury feel. My husband and I went in to test drive a Denali and the salesman showed us the Enclave. My husband, family and I realized this was the perfect car for our family of 7. The 7 passenger, sliding seating is so functional & the styling and comfort are on par with Mercedes. Having spent $80000.00 on the Mercedes, we felt spending $46000.00 on the fully loading AWD Enclave was a bargain. We are so proud to be driving American!

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  Outstanding value vehicle - 1995 Buick Regal
  By TENTHMTN2001 - May 14 - 4:53 am

  My parents purchased this car at about 60000 miles, over 10 years ago. Weve had to perform a few minor repairs, like the starter, ignition, and maybe a minor electrical issue here and there. I cant even remeber one now, so it must not have been that big of a deal. The car has been very true and reliable and now has over 195000 miles on it. When my parents finally decided to move on I took the car over as a commuter and a beater to go back and forth to work, seeing that it gets over 25 mpg. Couldnt ask for a better little car, except of course for the rediculous cupholders, and dated interior style.

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  Buick Enclave - 2010 Buick Enclave
  By Mike - May 12 - 7:25 pm

  Extremely happy with this vehicle thus far. Initially, I laughed at my wife when she brought this vehicle to my attention as a long term family vehicle, plus its a "Buick". Time will tell if Buick has truly revamped this brand and if they can compete with the long term reliability of Lexus, Toyota, and Honda. For now we are extremely happy with the interior and exterior luxury and features.

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  Love my buick enclave - 2009 Buick Enclave
  By jack rezai - May 11 - 10:17 am

  GM won me back with this SUV! The interior and exterior quality is excellent. I had an 08 highlander before my buick, and the quality was not even close. seats are very comfortable and very supportive. Driving this vehicle is a joy. Ride is smooth, comfortable, stable and quiet even in high winds. AWD system works perfectly. I live in Calgary, AB, Canada, and the AWD, Stabilitytrack, and traction control system provides stable and comfortable ride. I have not gotten stuck in snow and mudd even once. My sister with her subaru SUV got stuck, I didnt. This vehicle has lots of rooms! Love the look and the style. Welcome Back GM! Great work :)

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  GM Loyal Buyer, First Time Buick Owner - 2009 Buick LaCrosse
  By Jim - May 8 - 12:57 pm

  Wow, this is the first Buick Ive ever owned. Past purchases have focused on Pontiac and Chevy. What a real difference in all aspects of quality. Great Car, love the way it handles, milage fantastic in the 3.8L engine. Highway averaging on a recent trip was 31.7 miles. Felt like I was in hog heaven thumbing my nose at gas stations. Car was very wisely priced and worth the money. Used, but showroom quality inside and out. Recommend this car to anyone. Dealership fantastic to deal with.

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  Buick Enclave - 2010 Buick Enclave
  By donna miles - May 5 - 1:51 pm

  After owning my Enclave for only 2 months, it went into lock down mode, i had to have it towed to the nearest dealership. I was 1 hour away from home and this was very inconvienent. onstar got a tow service quite fast and found out after 3 days in the shop that there was a short in the wiring behind the passenger seat..The battery is hidden inside of the vehicle and that is also a big problem. On a positive note, I do enjoy driving the vehicle and love the way it looks. I think it is well made and pray that i dont have any more problems like this one again...