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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  Amazing - 2010 Buick Enclave
  By Frank - May 5 - 8:48 am

  Overall amazing SUV. Ride is very comfortable, holds a lot of people/luggage. Friends still cant believe how nice and luxurious it feels inside. The articulating headlights are amazing--make this car look like a spaceship when starting at night.

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  I love this car - 1991 Buick Riviera
  By bonehead - May 3 - 5:43 pm

  I have owned this car for close to three years one off which I was in Iraq, and it just sat for a year and still worked wonderfully when I came home. I have done nothing to fix it yet (besides a couple new tires) since owning it. Its almost 20 years old and works better than most of these new cars my friends own. I was a little hesitant on buying it but Im glad I did.

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  CXS - Very Impressive Vehicle - 2010 Buick LaCrosse
  By buckeyecarguy - May 1 - 6:52 pm

  As a former Acura TL, and Lexus ES 300 owner, I can say that this car meets and in most cases exceeds my previous ownership experiences with either of these vehicles. The quality of this car is outstanding. By all means get the CXS, the larger engine completes the package. My wife has a new Lexus RX 350 and the CXS is far superior in terms of quality of materials on the interior, the NAV system (she has already complained to Lexus), and many amenities she doesnt have on her vehicle (heads up display, heated steering wheel, ambient lighting, remote start, 5.1 surround sound, etc.) 2000 miles so far and the car is perfect. 25.5 MPG at 74 MPH.

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  really nice ride - goodbye cadillac! - 2010 Buick LaCrosse
  By keith - May 1 - 5:57 am

  Had 8 cadi s before this one, cts, dts, while its does quite get to a cadi, its almost there, worth every Penny without the additional cost of the cadi name! Smooth, really quiet inside, v-6 is perfect, stereo, seats are sumptuous, really has an updated look and feel, inside and out! Great mileage as well.

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  Very Nice Vehicle - 2006 Buick Rendezvous
  By DCSFORUM - April 24 - 7:31 pm

  Bought this vehicle through a private sale with 45,000 miles and still under warranty. Researched a lot of vehicles before deciding that we wanted a Rendezvous because it is a great combination of flexible utility and roominess, fuel economy, comfort and quality. This is the quietest vehicle Ive ever owned. Like the 3.5L engine a lot - smooth, quiet, and plenty of power. I have gotten over 30 mpg if I keep my foot out of it. Has a high-quality feel to it. Has a good amount of room inside for the fuel mileage. Larger utility vehicles like the Trailblazer get much worse mileage. I think they had the bugs worked out of these for 2006/2007 model years. Really a nice family vehicle.

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  Finally a world class GM car - 2010 Buick LaCrosse
  By done with BMWs - April 23 - 5:09 pm

  THis Buick Lacrosse is everything they said it was and exceeds Lexus and BMW

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  New owner - 2010 Buick LaCrosse
  By Sgm9 - April 22 - 7:42 pm

  Ive had the car for 5 months now and its fun to drive. I always have to answer questions about it from strangers who see it.

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  Love My LaCrosse - 2010 Buick LaCrosse
  By bt06 - April 22 - 1:30 pm

  This vehicle is all its advertised to be. Great styling, comfortable roomy interior, and good performance. The ride is super smooth almost as if your on a cloud. My gas mileage is still improving which is a major plus. When I bought I was at 17.1 mpg, now almost two months later Im at 18.4 (and still appear to be climbing). The biggest surprise to me was the room in the back. In previous vehicles I could not fit an adult or older child behind my seat. In the Lacrosse I have a ton of room back there.

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  I loved this car! - 2003 Buick Regal
  By Betty - April 22 - 10:43 am

  I have had a 03 Regal for 6 years. I got it used with 13,000 miles. It now has 95,000 miles. The only reason I am getting rid of it is to get a SUV that will hold 3 car seats.

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  Waitin for the White one. LaCrosse CXS - 2010 Buick LaCrosse
  By He Be GB - April 22 - 12:07 am

  White Daimond Tri-Coat, 3.6 VVT V-6 with a 6 speed Tranny. It has: "Heads- Up" Display (also avail. on Corvette and Cadillac STS). Listen to Harmon Kardens 5.1 Martix Dolby Sound thru 11 speakers with USB, I-Pod, and power outlets. The Navigation system is coupled to BlueTooth, a Rear-View Camera with Audio Warning & Layout Grid. Blind-Spot indicating rear-view mirrors, that light up the driveway, blink & tilt and can be folded in. No key, just a Buick transponder. 19 inch wheels bring a customized H-Arm suspension upgrade on the CXS and a custom rear-spoiler is available. The Blue Ambient Lighting in the interior is world class. Road noise is "unheard- of" Best Car for 40K? Yep! GB