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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  Not Stunning - 2006 Buick Lucerne
  By sequoyah101 - June 27 - 5:10 pm

  My wife insisted on a V8 to replace the Park Avenue so we got this one after looking at an Avalon, 535 and 350GS and a CTS. If this car had a 6 speed transmission and the engine wouldnt rev so high at cruise (feel like I have to keep my foot in it) and it could get much better mileage (never been better than abt 24 to 25 and abt 20 in mixed driving) it would be great but it doesnt and it isnt but it is OK. This should be a 30 mpg car like the old PA. Buick just went too far with the acceleration "performance" tuning of this car to no good end. Like the styling, interior is nice without being fussy though the seats hit me wrong for some reason it is still comfortable enough.

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  One of the good ones - 1999 Buick Century
  By Mike - June 26 - 10:05 pm

  I have had to repair wear and tear items, brakes, shocks, sway bar lingage and brake lines and that stuff isnt cheap, but it always starts no matter how cold whatever the weather, never stalls and runs exellent. If you maintain and take care of it (with exceptions)the Century should rarely let you down.

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  Impressive - 2006 Buick Rainier
  By Rainer - June 26 - 11:47 am

  Great driving, it does not feel like Im riding in a truck! - The look of the vehicle is what I love the most.

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  The Cascada from Opal in Poland. - 2016 Buick Cascada
  By Cheryl Lattin - June 25 - 1:30 pm

  Not enough safety features such as side mirror blind spot notification. No warning if your too close to the other car or parking in a garage. Back up camera is fair. NO beeping noise to notify the driver of something in the way

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  2008 Buick Enclave - 2008 Buick Enclave
  By Marie - June 22 - 2:58 pm

  We purchased the model with 2nd row bench seat so we could put the childs car seat in the middle. The middle compartment does move, but she can still kick the audio dials facing the 2nd row. The outside rear view mirrors block when turning left or right for someone that is short. The GPS system leaves a lot to be desired. We have a Garmin portable in the other vehicle and it does a lot better job. On sunny days, rear navigation system cannot be seen. Wish it had better gas mileage.

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  Great Value - 2001 Buick Park Avenue
  By JBN - June 22 - 2:40 pm

  Ive owned over 40 cars, and this Buick ranks near the top. I purchased it 6 months ago when it only had 20K miles. I now have 42K miles on the car. I still cant believe I get between 35 - 40 mpg on the highway. A few minor issues with dash squeaks/rattles.

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  LeSabre - 2003 Buick LeSabre
  By S. Voyles - June 22 - 1:39 pm

  Great car for six years with 79,000 miles

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  BOUGHT IT NEW - 2007 Buick Rendezvous
  By JANAL615 - June 20 - 9:58 am

  I had a 2005 rendezvous. Pretty much the same, but much better gas mileage than the 07.With all the incentives offered, how could you not buy one? from $31,000 to $20,000 out the door. It is a Buick, comfortable ride, much beter quality than anything else out there for the money. Its to bad they opted to drop it in 2007, and rather than keep it and improve it, they come out with the enclave, a nice ride, but out of my price range. looking at the 2010 equinox. 32 mpg, i might have to trade the rendezvous in!!

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  Ho Hum, just another excellent Buick. - 2006 Buick LaCrosse
  By Gordon Byers - June 18 - 10:39 am

  This LaCrosse is the 3rd Buick Ive owned, a 82 Riviera and an 89 Regal previously. They were both excellent performers giving me almost 100,000 miles each of trouble free driving. The LaCrosse has the comfort of the Riv and the economy of the Regal with plenty of power. When I step on it to pass, there is no hesitation.

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  188K & still strong!! - 1999 Buick LeSabre
  By my4thBuick - June 16 - 8:35 pm

  Yah... Its not the most stylish car! But I drive 30,000 miles/ year & my lesabre hasnt stuck me once. Great mileage for a lead sled & comfy. Its got over 188,000 miles & I just replace the original starter. Just starting to develop an intermittent miss. If you dont care about style... & you can pick one up.... go for it. And remember, ANY car can be a lemon!