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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  Enjoy yourself - 2004 Buick LeSabre
  By Doon - March 2 - 2:00 am

  This is my second Buick and, after three years in an Oldsmobile Aurora (A V-8, by the way) its nice to be back. This car is big, comfortable, surprisingly high spirited for a full sized sedan with a six cylinder engine, and very very well mannered. Ive always enjoyed driving. Now I enjoy it more than ever.

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  2003 Buick Regal - 2003 Buick Regal
  By Marlon Philippi - March 1 - 2:00 am

  Great car, great ride

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  EXCELLENT BUT TO SLOW - 2002 Buick Rendezvous
  By MOORE - March 1 - 2:00 am

  I FEEL THIS HAS BEEN A GOOD CAR BUT IT IS DEFINITLY UNDER POWERED. IT SHOULD OF AT LEAST HAD THE 3800 ENGINE IN IT OR A TRUCK ENGINE.WEVE HAD SOME PROBLEMS WHICH HAVE BEEN TAKEN CARE OF BY OUR EXTENDED WARRANTY. WE HAVE HEARD OF OTHERS HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM AND DEALERS NOT TAKING CARE OF IT SAYING CANT BE FOUND. IM REFERRING TO AN OIL LEAK FROM THE MANIFOLD AT 50000 MILES. SEEMS TO BE A PROBLEM WITH THIS V-6. OTHER THAN THAT COMFORT,LOOKS AND HANDLING HAVE BEEN GREAT.

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  New Buick Enclave - 2016 Buick Enclave
  By Hank W. - February 29 - 2:11 pm

  This car is larger than most so called midsize SUVs. Electronics at this trim level may be intimidating. You wont be able to instantly use all features without reading the owners manual,...several times. There are very few features the cares does not have. Its loaded. The only complaint so far with the electronics is the navigation system. It doesnt understand my southern dialect. Half the time I have to manually key in destinations as opposed to speaking them. I hope that time will enable the system to learn my voice. Creature comforts are impeccable. Seats are a little stiff compared to my Town Car but I expect them to loosen up over time. Leg room is the best out there, bar none, particularly the second row seating. Even the third row seating is adequate for relatively short trips. Noise levels are on a par with most luxury cars, quiet. Power is adequate for a vehicle this size but will not snap any necks. So far, fuel economy is on the low end of the manufacturers estimate, about 16 around town, 18 overall. I have only achieved 20 on the highway. so far I like the car very much.

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  Good little Buick - 1997 Buick Skylark
  By airbooster - February 29 - 2:00 am

  Good little car. Gave me a scare at the GM dealers when we thought the rattling noise was an oil pressure plunger 600 bucks but turned out it was low 1 quart of oil. Dodged the bullet there. Gas milage lousy for a 4 banger (20 city)

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  A great choice! - 2004 Buick Rainier
  By dratnol - February 29 - 2:00 am

  Having owned a Lexus with major reliability problems, I purchased this Buick last November. My job keeps me on the road a lot and this vechile has been great so far. It is very comfortable, handles very well, and is a high quality truck. The interior fit and finish is great and the exterior has uniform gaps amonst body panels. This vechile is extremely quiet and I have been very pleased with this choice.

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  A Great Vehicle for Two-Driver Household - 2004 Buick Rainier
  By Carroll - February 29 - 2:00 am

  Has a lot of performance and features for $31k. V-8 has tremendous mid-range torque and highway passing ability. Interior finish acceptable for American vehicle. Two person instant memory on seats, pedals, mirrors, etc., etc., allows you to get a good driving position without compromise. XM digital radio is even great around town (no interruptions). Bose works well for adult sounds (jazz, vocals, classical). Quiet and comfortable ride for 4-5 people. Handling is o.k. for full framed mid-sized SUV.

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  Drivetrain problems - 2000 Buick Regal
  By The Car man - February 28 - 2:00 am

  I am disappointed in the lack of dealer support and by the transmission problems that I have experienced. The dealer always seems to be too busy to help. The transmission is having problems at 76k miles. The interior has been plauged by poor craftmentship (the flooring has come undone multiple times). Also, the gas guage has quite working and the dealer stated that it would cost $600 to fix. This car has not been a bargin.

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  Buick Rendezvous - 2003 Buick Rendezvous
  By DiMats - February 28 - 2:00 am

  This is the first time I have been complimented many times on the beautiful exterior of a car I own from young to old alike. It is a comfortable car to drive and handles very well in snow and rain alike.

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  check it out!!! - 1992 Buick LeSabre
  By Shawneeeee - February 27 - 2:00 am

  Best car i ever had still have it, FAST!!!!