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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  Excellent Car for the Money! - 2004 Buick LeSabre
  By fatbak - February 21 - 2:00 am

  This is my wifes car and we looked and test drove cars for four months before settling on the Buick LeSabre Limited. - It had the features my wife wanted: side impact airbags for driver and front passenger, good gas mileage, regular gas, huge trunk,rear passenger hvac, big interior and big car ride. The Gran Touring option seems to greatly improve handling, and, for a big car, it handles very well.

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  My Buick Century - 2004 Buick Century
  By Vidman - February 17 - 2:00 am

  I actually Bought my Buick in sept. 2000. I have put 48000 miles a year on it and I have not had a day of trouble out of it. It has a great ride nas well as a terrific Car strereo. I financed for five years and it has one year before it is free and clear mine. I have never owned a better car. It gets better gas mileage than any other 6 cylinder car I have seen....even better than the Honda and toyotas.

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  LeSabre was great. So is the Rainier - 2004 Buick Rainier
  By GJH - February 17 - 2:00 am

  My 1988 LeSabre T Type was a fabulous car, and I hated to trade it in. But, it was time. A lot has changed in 16 years, and the Rainier has more gadgets and toys than I really need but I like them. Engine and transmission are very powerful and smooth. Handling is extremely agile. Braking performance is top notch. I traded a great performing vehicle for a new great performing vehicle. The interior and exterior styling are easy on the eyes, and very functional.

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  my rainer - 2004 Buick Rainier
  By sxc - February 17 - 2:00 am

  rides and handles like a car rather than a truck. Nice pick up. Driver information center could use more data. It was an excellent choice at a good price.

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  My Buick - 1995 Buick LeSabre
  By Harry Sherman - February 13 - 2:00 am

  This is a very nice car but, I owned a 1993 Chevy S-10 and I miss it very much oh dear I am crying thank you for bringing back memories you monster

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  Larrys Review of Buick Rainier - 2004 Buick Rainier
  By Larry Yoder - February 13 - 2:00 am

  Purchased my Rainier after close consideration of many other brands of SUVs. I felt the Rainier was far and away the best value for the price. After driving the Rainier to Florida from Ohio I was not disappointed with my choice. The car handled beautifully , there was virtually no road noise, the ride and comfort was excellent, the interior design and features are excellent, the car has an overall solid feel. I am a little disappointed in the fuel mileage. I figure it cost me an extra $20.00 for my trip to Fl. but, considering the comfort and features of the Rainier I can easily live with the mileage.

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  excellent car to drive - 2004 Buick LeSabre
  By lolita - February 13 - 2:00 am

  no complaints at all.

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  GOOD CAR FOR YOUR MONEY - 1995 Buick Riviera
  By Justin42284 - February 11 - 2:00 am

  GREAT VALUE FOR MONEY. SUPER CHARGED POWER. MOST COMFORTABLE CAR I BEEN IN. EVEN THOUGH A COUPE VERY ROOMY. STOCK STERO NOT SO GOOD. VERY RELIABLE. OVERALL GOOD CAR, NOT MUCH DEMAND FOR RESALE HOWEVER.

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  The Bet -- - Would buy another - 2004 Buick Century
  By JeffP - February 11 - 2:00 am

  Just a great little car

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  only thing i dont like - 2000 Buick Regal
  By j w holland - February 10 - 2:00 am

  the cut off at 125mph is a pain//i purchased the car expecting a car that would run around 140 and handle//i have since bypassed the factory limiting, added a better air filteration system and plan to keep the car till it drops