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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  Buick Century - 1999 Buick Century
  By Hallee - January 22 - 2:00 am

  No mechanical problems for over 3 years. Puchased new.

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  Buick Regal - 2004 Buick Regal
  By BruceM - January 21 - 2:00 am

  This car was a really pleasant surprise to me. This is a Buick? Sporty handling and excellent build quality. I cant get over how well this car handles curvy roads.

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  Creaking Strut - 2000 Buick LeSabre
  By dispencer - January 20 - 2:00 am

  Car was very comfortable with plenty of leg room but front seat on long all day trips was too soft. At 6,000 miles the front end creaked when car righted itself after a sharp turn. Dealership and Zone Office agreed that it made a noise but refused to correct it. I should have invoked lemon law but sold it soon thereafter. Now I have a DeVille - No more Buicks and this was the third LeSabre but all had rattles especially in the dash.

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  Best vehicle purchase - 2004 Buick LeSabre
  By m2spoil - January 20 - 2:00 am

  Excellent reliable vehicle. Plenty of legroom and trunk space for travel. What a great engine. that 3.8 is a reliable workhorse. This is our third lesabre and the engines last over 300000 miles each time

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  Too many trips to the repair shop - 2001 Buick Park Avenue
  By linda cowherd - January 18 - 2:00 am

  Ive made 14 trips to the repair show. Dealership has been awsome, GM stinks. They dont return calls. Did finally provide extenede warranty at n/c but I never got anything in writing to prove it. Dealership finally printed off their computer showing warranty. Repairs made, so far, on doors, transmission, heads up computer, leak in trunk, on star was not programmed correctly, key would not release, lock/unlock buttons on inside car, door panel keeps coming off, engine races and runs rough when starting up..who knows what will be next!

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  Buick Regal GS 2003 - 2003 Buick Regal
  By micmo - January 18 - 2:00 am

  My fully loaded Regal GS Aboud compares quite favorably with enrty level BMW, Infiniti, Caddy, Lexus, and Toyota. I am very impressed with the aspirated engine and the tight handling. It compares well to my Mercedes in craftsmanship as well. Seating comfort is very good and the leather heated/adjustable seats are above average. The cabin quiet is greatly appreciated and the Monsoon stereo system is pleasing indeed. The year end pricing of this vehicle made the difference for me. The trunk could be shorter giving a bit more rear leg room to the passengers and the dash is too reflective on bright days.

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  BUICK RENDEZVOUS - 2004 Buick Rendezvous
  By EDWARD J CORRIGAN - January 18 - 2:00 am

  I HAVE ONLY BEEN DRIVING THIS VEHICLE SINCE DEC. I AM NOT TOO SURE ABOUT THE TRACTION AND THE HANDLEING ON SLIPPERY ROADS. I AM NOT TOO IMPRESSED WITH THE TIRES (USR) MY FORD EXPLORER HAD BETTER TRACTION.

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  GREAT VALUE - 2004 Buick Rendezvous
  By KEN ROY - January 18 - 2:00 am

  WE THINK WE HAVE TO BUY FOREIGN, BUT A 10% LESS IN PRICE THAN A COMPARABLY EQUIPPED TOYOTA HIGHLANDER, WITH MORE SPACE IN THE BUICK. BIGGER ON INSIDE THAT IT REALLY LOOKS FROM THE OUTSIDE

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  the car is good - 1996 Buick Roadmaster
  By gene russell - January 15 - 2:00 am

  This vehicle is comfortable, good road car and has all the room for extended travel.

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  best in america - 2004 Buick LeSabre
  By Thomas/ is not alias - January 15 - 2:00 am

  I dont know what people like to drive ,but as an all around sedan is still a great family auto and none better.