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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  A very reliable car - 1998 Buick Century
  By kjmilton - September 28 - 2:00 am

  It is considered an average car-and I bought it because of good price withuot high expectation on performance. But after 5 years there had been nothing wrong whatsoever, and it has very reasonable performance with an excellent GM 3.1L engine- enough power for a mid-size car. The ride is very comfortable, even more so on the back seat. With all attention on Honda/Toyota, I really think this Buick is second to none in quality.

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  buick beats honda - 2002 Buick Century
  By oldtimer - September 27 - 2:00 am

  Nice comfortable car to drive.

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  Great Car - 2000 Buick Century
  By N Hogge - September 26 - 2:00 am

  This car has a great ride and the gas mileage is even better. The 3.1 v-6 is the best engine on the market.

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  Not to happy - 1994 Buick LeSabre
  By car guy - September 24 - 2:00 am

  Bought this car with 112000 moiles on it it was a one owner with all service records. But it has been nothing but trouble since i owned it first the crankshaft sencer went bad then the fuel pump 500 for that. paint is starting to go bad now there is engine problem with it and the dealer doesnt know whats wrong with it . Will i buy another one . No

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  Ralph - 2000 Buick LeSabre
  By Cschutz - September 24 - 2:00 am

  This is truly an amazing vehicle. Foreign car makers should really be worried. This is a big car-I am 6 and 200 lbs, and am the smallest guy on our 5 man football officiating crew, yet we all fit and 5 duffel bags fit in the trunk. The handling is marvelous, especially given the pedigree. Just try to lose me at any speed less than 100 mph in any other sedan. And the milage, oh the fuel milage.On a trip to Jackson,WY, my wife averaged 38 mpg, this on a trip where the elvation was never less than 6200 and the speed limit is 65. I am a little(ok a lot) heavier with my foot, but can still average better than 32 mpg. Absolutely ridiculous for a car this big.

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  I love my GS - 1998 Buick Regal
  By Nate H - September 23 - 2:00 am

  I fell in love with this car the first moment I saw it. With 240 horses under the hood this would be granny mobile can run with most sports sedans/coupes. However how many of those same sports sedans offer heated leather seats, dual climate control, power sun roof, traction control, and the list goes on. On a recent cross country trip from NH to CA I averaged almost 27mpg!!!! Id like to see a competetor boast those kind of numbers. Case in point, this is a great car.

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  My 97 Skylark - 1997 Buick Skylark
  By Luv My Buick - September 22 - 2:00 am

  I bought my car used in Oct 1997 with 12000 miles on it. Beside regular maintance and replacing the water pump at 50000 miles, my Buick has been trouble free. It now has 150,000 miles. Its a great car!

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  BUICK HAS FOUND A WINNER - 2003 Buick Rendezvous
  By MOONDAWG - September 22 - 2:00 am

  BUICK HAS FOUND A WINNER GREAT STYLE AND COMFORT.GREAT GAS MILEAGE. PUT MORE HORSEPOWER IN THERE AND IT WOULD BE THE NUMBER ONE CROSSOVER IN THE AUTO WORLD.

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  Great Car for the $ - 2003 Buick Century
  By J Jones - September 22 - 2:00 am

  I was skeptical about going back to an American car,but I am very pleased with the Century. The quality of this car is excellent.

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  Buick Regal 2000 - 2000 Buick Regal
  By gahod - September 21 - 2:00 am

  Purchased new. Essentially no problems except temperature sensor for heating system was replaced under warranty. This car fits me and handles well in heavy city traffic. In the country it handles curves and hills well.