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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  Quiet and comfortable - 2010 Buick Enclave
  By Ken - April 20 - 10:32 pm

  As comfortable and quiet as our Lexus RX with more room. Love the seating and the Navigation/Audio system. Bluetooth hands free phone very convenient. Fuel economy near low end of city/hwy range and it doesnt have the pickup of the Lexus. Of course, its also 10k less than Lexus. Never had OnStar before and its a definite plus with downloadable directions to Nav system. Love the black exterior but only when its clean.

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  BuickIsBack! - 2010 Buick LaCrosse
  By Mike - April 18 - 2:15 pm

  Went to our local Lexus dealer to look at the new models and left unimpressed. Way overpriced and nothing really that special - the interior in the ES looked worse than a Camrys. We thought wed take a look at this new Buick given all the recent hype and we were just floored. The interior makes you feel pampered and the exterior beautiful. Best of all it is priced just right. Coming from someone who has driven nothing but imports and saying this beats a Lexus is a huge testament to how quickly American cars are improving.

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  Wonderful All Purpose Vehicle - 2005 Buick Rendezvous
  By SW Connecticut - April 17 - 9:44 pm

  The may be the most comfortable compact SUV on the road. The leather seats are the most comfortable I have ever sat in. Handling is terrific for a SUV and highway driving is a real pleasure. Acceleration is more than adequate for a family vehicle. Cargo space is ample for the size of the vehicle. Climate control system is easy to use and works well in all types of weather. Unfortunately Buick no longer makes this vehicle, but based on the great experience with this car, we have also purchased a Buick Enclave, which we feel is one of the best vehicles available today. Reliability has been exceptional, with only normal maintenance expenses.

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  Back to Buick! - 2001 Buick LeSabre
  By Tommy Gee - April 16 - 6:35 pm

  I had a Lincoln Continental which was a nightmare! I found this one at a dealer and dumped my piece of crap Lincoln and 3K for this car. It had 81K on it. This was a one owner car that was well taken care of. The Carfax was spotless and the car was dealer serviced. I have had great performance from the Buicks I have owned and this one is a peach! I am an outside salesman so reliability and comfort are a big deal. So far, So Good! Has all the options I love for long trips, and after adding satellite radio Im very happy. The ride is a little stiff at times but a minor issue. And the cup holders are in the wrong place on the arm rest. Again, minor. Overall a beautiful car! My goal is 250K!

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  I adore this car! - 2010 Buick LaCrosse
  By BuickEnthusiast - April 16 - 3:07 pm

  I was initially nervous about buying a car after having trucks and SUVs for the last 12 years, but this car impresses me more and more as I drive it. Lots of fun, and its amazing to corner, with the adaptive suspension. The 3.6 liter V6 is sporty, and yes, I have won some stop light drags! I have had zero issues with it, and have really enjoyed the Bluetooth, hard drive and sunroof. I get tons of compliments on it, lots of people are surprised its a Buick.

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  Enclave - Room to Roam - 2010 Buick Enclave
  By SLOJO - April 14 - 2:43 pm

  The Ladies Love the Enclave, which replaces a 2010 Toyota Highlander (Wife worried/daughter new driver/TRUST was not there) Glad to be back in a US car. There is room for my ___ and all the other stuff we haul. Ride is smooth, peppy and confident with appropriate credit to the Enclaves Wide Stance. Trim and fit are excellent. Quiet ride. Exterior appearance is great. One trip so far and it was enjoyable but would like a little more driver leg room.

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  1997 Buick Lesabre 3.8 - 1997 Buick LeSabre
  By daylily - April 11 - 6:58 pm

  I have owned my 97 Buick LeSabre for almost 6 years. It has over 236,000 miles on it. I get it maintained every 3,000 miles. I love it. I have done routine work on it. Replaced the struts once. It runs like a new car. Very nice ride and 28 city miles and 33 highway. I am not looking forward to having to give this car up. But I know that it is 14 years old now and will not last me forever, and hopefully when I have to get a new Buick it will be as good as this one.

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  Memory Seats a Drag - 2010 Buick LaCrosse
  By IronDome - April 9 - 4:34 pm

  I couldnt wait to get rid of my Acura RDX for the LaCrosse. Styling is fantastic. Ride is great. Car is very quiet. Gas mileage as billed. No funny stuff there. Recently took it on a 1500 mile trip to home town. Normally I am worn out by the drive but not this time. It was a pleasure to drive.

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  Best Quality and Reliable Car - 1997 Buick Skylark
  By ml - April 9 - 4:04 pm

  I have found this car needs very little maintenance and is made of great quality. Very reliable! The gas mileage is unbelievable for an older car.

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  Excellent - 1999 Buick Century
  By Buckeye Barbie - April 6 - 11:19 pm

  With the Exception of the Window Motors, this car has been an Excellent Car. I love it!