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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  Good Value and Price! - 2001 Buick Regal
  By Isamu66 - December 19 - 2:00 am

  Having driven Regals for nearly seven years now (my first was a 1991 Regal GS) and my new 2001 Regal LS (California Edition), I think I am qualified to say that it is a reliable and good "bang for the buck" car. My last 91 Buick lasted for 250,000 miles with very little problems. The only major problems were the water pump and brakes, but after 250,000 miles, I think thats ok. On my 2001 Regal I have had zero problems for the 35,000 miles I have put on it (with regular maintenance). Not a head turner, but a reliable means of transportation.

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  Buick Enclave - 2008 Buick Enclave
  By Needles - December 18 - 4:53 am

  Excellent vehicle, fun to drive. Good acceleration for a crossover. Quiet smooth ride. Plenty of extra features, XM, backup camera, etc.

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  Buick To Buick - 2006 Buick Lucerne
  By A.Markowitz - December 17 - 10:20 am

  Chose this car over Lincoln Zypher because of the comfort and styling.Wason the open road and handled very well. Averaged 25mpg on regular. All extras appear to work with reliability.Has slight pull to right. Will be corrected. Learning to find all other comfort and running features.

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  Buick Regal GS: A Dream Come True - 2003 Buick Regal
  By miltonfrty7 - December 17 - 2:00 am

  I have never owned a car that performs like my Regal GS. My Regal has 92,000 miles and runs beautifully. People to this day cannot believe that I drive a 1998 model because it looks so new. I have had the oil changed faithfully every 2 to 3 thousand miles. I make sure that every option is in good working order. I keep the car in mint condition because I love the car. It is beautiful, comfortable, reliable, and has every option available. The supercharger makes a huge difference in the engine performance which produces 240hp (the most powerful engine in its class). I love the car!

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  1997 BUICK STD-RIVIERA - 1997 Buick Riviera
  By Tompro - December 15 - 2:00 am

  Traditonal smooth Buick ride. Reasonable gas mileage & accelateration but definately no speedster.

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  A-bodies are terrific! - 1995 Buick Century
  By occupant1 - December 15 - 2:00 am

  My parents bought this car new in mid- 1996 as a leftover 1995 model with 400 miles or so on it. The car has been all over the country with minor repairs over the last 8 years. The most annoying problem was the belt tensioner for the engine drivebelt. It broke three or four times but hasnt broken in the last 100K, so maybe its fixed right now. Drives like new, I should know, I took my license test in it at 2000 miles.

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  I love my Buick Century! - 2002 Buick Century
  By David J. Biviano - December 15 - 2:00 am

  This is my second Century (car, not my age!) becaue I found it to be the most comfortable road car I had ever owned. It is the right size, efficient, a great value. I like to say, when I am on my frequent long business trips, "it drives itself!" First I buy a drivers seat, then a car around it - this is it!

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  A Luxury Sleeper, Retro Style - 1998 Buick Riviera
  By Aaron S. - December 14 - 2:00 am

  The 95-99 Riviera is a large, comfortable, quick, attractive coupe. Its design feeds from the classic Riviera lineage, & has a very retro feel. There’s a spacious interior, soft ride, torquey engine, heavy (safe) chassis, & traditional style. It has a gorgeous body, its curves and edges continuing the classic-car look with a wide & low stature & pinched fenders. One of the last big & fast 2-doors, the Riv is a definite "sleeper”. Leather (heated & motorized) buckets, power everything, auto climate control, CD radio, self-dimmed mirror w/compass, huge trunk, and VERY quiet ride make driving a pleasure.

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  Very Pleased - 2004 Buick LeSabre
  By guerrja - December 12 - 2:00 am

  I am very happy with my new Buick. It rides smooth, has plenty of power and is very quiet. The only negative comment I will make is the gear shift lever when in drive ostructs the heater and radio controls. Overall rating - excellent

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  A Nice old mans car - 2004 Buick LeSabre
  By AHS - December 10 - 2:00 am

  Big car ride,good fuel economy on long trips.Fairly comfortable in front seats, Back seat could use a little more room. Question position of battery.(under back seat). Also would prefer full size spare.