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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  review - 2003 Buick Rendezvous
  By sasatac - October 8 - 2:00 am

  We love this car. It turns nicely compared to a smaller car. It is the right size for parking yet big enough to be a SUV. Back seats are a little uncomfortable to the kids compared to our Grand Marguis.

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  Great Little SUV - 2016 Buick Encore
  By Mike P. - October 6 - 4:02 pm

  Recently purchased this vehicle. Traded in a Honda. Was looking for something that was relatively fun, stylish, and comfortable. The Encore fits the bill perfectly. Some people have mentioned the power as a negative. I find it to be more than acceptable. Have not experienced a problems with it. The inside is made up of generally high quality materials. The vehicle is extremely quiet under all circumstances. I highly recommend it. Before buying, I test drove the following. Honda HR-V, Mazda CX-3, and Jeep Renegade. After doing that, it was very easy to buy the Encore.

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  Ride below standard - 2003 Buick LeSabre
  By Jmij - October 6 - 2:00 am

  Current model has General tires, very poor grade, vibrates at 55 MPH and over. Dealer cant solve problem, brought to independent advises to get name brand tire, this will improve ride and eliminate vibration

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  Buick Regal GS Upscales - 2004 Buick Regal
  By Steven Zacharias - October 4 - 2:00 am

  The Buick Regal is a great straight line performer, but struggles when you get into the twisties, yet can still stick em. It out runs mustanges, bmw 3 series, and other performance sedans, and nothing under 30 k can touch it in that department. The interior, and exterior, could use some freshening, but overall looks expensive, with leather, heated seats, premium sound system, and leather steering wheel. The exterior lacks the striking appeal, but it looks good in the burgandy colour, the chrome rims, also add a nice touch.

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  love this car - 2003 Buick Rendezvous
  By Buick Lover - October 4 - 2:00 am

  I have always been a Buick fan and now this vehicle is perfect. I love it. For me it gives me everything I could want in a vehicle.

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  The Price is Right!! And So Is The Car.. - 2003 Buick Century
  By Jonathan Voye - October 4 - 2:00 am

  I recently had a son and wanted something practical for him and my fiance. This car gives you alot for what you pay for. With the Rebates , I Paid about 5000 less than the sticker with 500 down. Great Ride, Nice Powerful engine, and it is a great looking car. To those of you who have not looked at Buick for your families auto needs, Look again. Its everything You need , plus it rates high in all the safety ratings. Good Car, Good Price and Lots of Quality. I grew up on Buicks,its all my father bought...He was A Buick Man...And now, so am I.

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  Buick Regal - 1995 Buick Regal
  By jepp5 - October 3 - 2:00 am

  Best car you can buy for the money!

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  FUN TO DRIVE - 1995 Buick Riviera
  By Blondie53185 - October 1 - 2:00 am

  I personally never really thought the exterior design of this car was too great. Other people just love it and I get many compliments on it. Regardless of my feelings of the exterior, I love this car. It is very fun to drive. Accellerating around corners is the best! Goes great in snow and handles well on icy Wisconsin roads.

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  From Rent to Own - 2002 Buick Century
  By KofGeorgia - September 29 - 2:00 am

  I rented one of these old fashioned beauties and decided then and there that I wanted to own one. So far, my 2002 Century has never let me down, either on city and local roads or on interstate highways. It rides like a Buick, handles tightly, and is completely user friendly. One wonders why the folks at General Motors dont put the same conveniences into their LeSabre. For me, Ill stick with my Century. Great car!

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  Riviera Review - 1992 Buick Riviera
  By silverrobins - September 28 - 2:00 am

  One of the finest automobiles I have owned and I have owned plenty! Only wish I could purchase a new on just like it. GM should never have changed/discontinued this model.