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:

• 

  Lots of used car for the money - 2003 Buick Park Avenue
  By Buick Guy - March 5 - 2:00 am

  Purchased the car with 76k. Ergonomics and controls are lame for such an expensive car, but still lots of used car for the money. I have driven about 1500 miles so far. This car is no sports car, but for a large sedan, power is ample (205 hp) and handling seems secure. In my mid 30s and it has surprised me how much people have commented to me that I bought an old people car. Buick has a serious image problem. Neverthless, I prefer to drive something different from the typical rat racer.

• 

  An All New Buick? - 2004 Buick Rainier
  By oaa9898 - March 5 - 2:00 am

  This may be an all-new Buick, but its really just a rebaged GMC Envoy. The interior plastics are too low rent for this class, materials in the Lexus are much better. The car has been in the shop 3 times in two months, so much for reliability. The IIHS (Insurance Institute for Highway Safety) SAFETY ratings are also VERY LOW, so much for the "solid as a rock" feeling that one reviewer described. Dont fall for the marketing hype, it may look pretty, but the quality, and more importantly the safety, is not up to par with the competition. Another thing to consider is the price, given the expected resale value of this SUV, it is overpriced.

• 

  Great value for the money - 2002 Buick Regal
  By RegalGS - March 4 - 2:00 am

  Superb car! Tons of power, silky smooth ride, great looking. Very comfortable front seats long drives are no problem. Even the fuel economy isnt bad - Ive gotten as high as 31 MPG on the highway. FANTASTIC reliability. In 2 years and 40K miles, Ive had these problems: the fog light switch was defective and the rearview mirror fell off the windshield on a very hot summer day (both fixed under warranty) at 36K miles the front rotors were slightly warped ($80 repair). Thats it!

• 

  Not your doctors Buick - 2004 Buick Rainier
  By RDJ - March 4 - 2:00 am

  This vehicle is solid, and quiet. Not disconnected from the road, but pleasingly insulated from it! The engine is smooth and powerful. The seats are firm yet comfortable.

• 

  Kiss my spoiler HONDA - 1998 Buick Regal
  By BUICK TEEN - March 3 - 2:00 am

  I love this car, everything about it. I am 19 and think this car is just plain out awesome. I love how fast it can go, i find my self jumping on the freeway just so i can accelerate fast, i love love love the supercharged engine

• 

  Buick Rainer - 2004 Buick Rainier
  By Gene L. Garrett - March 3 - 2:00 am

  This is a great vehicle. Very quite and fun to drive

• 

  Buick Regal - 2004 Buick Regal
  By carol glasgow - March 2 - 2:00 am

  Nice responsiveness and acceleration. Well placed controls. Good front leg room. Large trunk with fold down back seats. Love the remote for locking and unlocking the doors, opening the trunk, and security feature. Nice CD/cassette player,and radio with good quality sound. Neat exterior and stylish interior. Great family car!

• 

  Love it! - 2004 Buick Rainier
  By Tami17a - March 2 - 2:00 am

  My first SUV. Love everything about it. I purchased the V8 model and am happy that I did. The engine is very smooth in transition.

• 

  My New Buick LaSabre - 2004 Buick LeSabre
  By DRJ - March 2 - 2:00 am

  Great Car, overall, for us seniors. Very comfortable ride. Seats are very comfortable and adjustable. Easy to get in and out. Vertually no wind noise. Nice instument panel - love the RPM gauge.

• 

  Just my thoughts - 2004 Buick LeSabre
  By locksmif - March 2 - 2:00 am

  I own the 2003 version. I have had oly one problem since I bought it new and that was a bad crank shaft sensor. Love the car and the gas mileage. My one complaint is that you cant get the limited edition except with leather seating and not all of us want leather! Too darn hot in Florida. Orange Buick is also a great dealership.