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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  Bang for your buck! - 2003 Buick Century
  By sparkyandme - February 7 - 2:00 am

  I traded my 1998 Ford Ranger in for this Buick! Reason was i travel 178 Mi to the VA in Atlanta. I needed somthing with a more comfortable ride! And with my Century i got it! I see alot of rentals complaining about things? I guess they never intented to buy? But so far i have NO complaints! I just got the vehicle and ill keep you posted on further results...

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  How I love Buicks - 2003 Buick Park Avenue
  By Lenell - February 4 - 4:40 am

  I was reading that a Buick owner had a vibration problem at 60mph. I had the same thing but at a much lower speed. We found out that the left front half axle was bent. The axle was replaced and the tires which resolved the vibration problem. I found out from Buick, that there was a problem with how these Buicks were anchored to the transporters which in turn would bend the axle. I havent had any problem or any other problems with my Buick once that issue was resolved. It is a very dependable car, with an average gas mileage of 26mpg on long runs.

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  OH MY GOD!!!!!! - 1999 Buick Regal
  By jackalous - February 4 - 2:00 am

  My parents bought this car 2 wks before I got married, but I have had to borrow it for about a month and all I can say is WOW!!! The Superchrgd engine is UNBELIEVABLE! Sometimes, it almost scares me, its that fast. The previous report were right, though. The horn is hard to hit and find in an emergency, and the cupholders are in a REALLY STUPID spot!! And get rid of the Goodyears, they suck! Other than that, a great car!

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  These owners are preaching the truth! - 1999 Buick Regal
  By TG Smith - February 4 - 2:00 am

  My fathers generation used to say, "People with money buy Cadilacs, but SMART people with money buy Buicks!" I would update this for my generation to say, "People with money buy BMWs (or Lexus or Infiniti), but SMART people with money buy the Buick Regal." I have owned several new BMWs over the years and dont get me wrong, the Regal GS cant match them in the handling department, but overall my Regal is much more car for the money than any BMW I ever owned. These other reviewers are preaching the truth. The Buick Regal GS is one of the best values and one of the best kept secrets on the road.

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  A Wonderful Automobile - 2000 Buick LeSabre
  By Ron Altwies - February 3 - 2:00 am

  My Buick was pre-driven by a Buick CEO. It had 5000 miles on it when I bought it. It was in perfect shape and still is. I have a very bad back condition having had 8 lumbar operations. When I drove this car for the first time, it was like riding on a cloud. I had to only drive the car less than 10 miles when I knew this was the car for me. I have had no problems with the car. It still rides like a dream. I will definitely buy another buy LeSabre. I love the controls on the steering wheel. Its sound system is terrific. I would recommend this car in a heartbeat.

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  Great Car - 2004 Buick LeSabre
  By Markie B - February 3 - 2:00 am

  I have owned enough autos the know the difference between not so good,good, and excellent.My Buick LeSabre Limited is the best I have ever owned. Ride,style,comfort,and the standby 3800 engine is the greatest.The second best car whatever it may be is left far behind.

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  Great Idea, Bad Result 2002 Rendezous - 2002 Buick Rendezvous
  By jfrube - January 31 - 10:00 am

  I have owned my Rendezous CXL almost 24 months. It was to be a cross between a luxury car and an suv and for the AWD. Mechanically, I am disappointed. I drive mostly highway miles 6 days a week (52 miles round trip). My tail lights developed problems and it took the dealer 4 trys to fix that. Next problem was my airconditioning needed a new condenser. Now at 40K miles my transmission went out. They went ahead an got GM to warranty it with a rebuilt. The rebuilt lasted 50 miles and my car is still in the shop after 13 days. The gas mileage could be better. 18MPG. The engine is underpowered to the weight of the car. A good design gone awry.

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  First long trip - 2004 Buick LeSabre
  By johmar - January 31 - 2:00 am

  Had the opportunity drive from New York to Florida for first long trip in 2004 Buick Le Sabre. Ride was comfortable drove like a larger car Highway mileage was good about 29, 30 mpg. cruise worked well. Radio played well.

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  Best on Market - 2004 Buick LeSabre
  By Jack Farley - January 31 - 2:00 am

  I am extremely happy with this car. The only thing I would do different would be to make the bottom of the seat a little longer.

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  Mostly excellent - 1999 Buick Regal
  By Auguja - January 29 - 2:00 am

  My LS has been a very solid and reliable car. Maintenance, other than routine, has been "zero" and very few cars can match that. It has an excellent suspension and smooth ride. Its been a very comfortable and spacious car. No complaints and no regrets about buying it.