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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  WOW!!!! What a car!! - 2003 Buick Rendezvous
  By brinchatt - September 19 - 2:00 am

  When the Rendezvous first arrived I thought it was one of the most butt- ugly SUVs Id ever seen!! Thank GOD I was wrong!!! After comparing it to all the other SUVs on the market, Ive discovered the styling to be unique and beautiful!! There are only 2 negative things I can say about it, it is a bit underpowered, (needs a V-8), and also gas mileage isnt so great. But who cares? You dont buy and SUV for it gas mileage!! Thanks Buick, for building a truly unique and beautiful vehicle!

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  Around Town Bargain - 2002 Buick Century
  By alphaville - September 19 - 2:00 am

  I purchased a used 2003 Century for my Mom and she loves it. Ive read many reviews on this car over the years and have rented one on several occasions. I feel that no other domestic manufacturer comes close to the Century for mid-size quality, elegance, and features. As long as youre willing to consider an American alternative to the Camrys and Accords, this car is an amazing bargain. For the price of a used Civic or Corolla, you can get a used Century of comparable quality thats a lot bigger and has more features. For great looks and quality, this car leaves the Ford Taurus and Dodge Stratus in the dust.

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  This car has beautiful body style. - 2006 Buick Lucerne
  By Doody - September 18 - 4:32 am

  Plastic around drivers seat just cracked off. Wheels look like aluminum film is peeling off on them, this amazes me I thought buicks to be better made. Brakes noise, power stearing empty on fluid tho not leaking, have to keep a check on it. Overall pretty good car. This car dont seem to be as well made as older models like everything else you buy these days.

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  Good Mid-sized Car - 1996 Buick Skylark
  By Bobbyboy - September 18 - 2:00 am

  Bought this car used with 28,000 miles on it and although it looked perfect, I wondered about the mechinical shape it was in. Having had it for 5 years I havent put a cent in it except for normal maintence.

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  Wonderful Car - 2005 Buick LaCrosse
  By Pat Manzo - September 17 - 9:06 pm

  This car is a dream to drive. The CXS model combines refinement and power to a top-notch level. Critiques on only having a 4-speed transmission, lack of an automatic seat lever, and a navigation option seem annoyingly demeaning to a superbly manufactured automobile.

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  Great Car - 1992 Buick LeSabre
  By lavaflow - September 17 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car with 80,000 miles. I now have 103,000 never has a problem besides tires. I just bought another Buick a 1997. Great car. Great engine, great gas miliage..

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  Transmission bad at 69,000 miles - 2001 Buick Century
  By LeValley Buyer - September 15 - 2:00 am

  Transmission had to be replaced at 69,000 miles. Buick does not stand behind their product. I will never purchase or suggest anyone else purchase a Buick and it used to be the car of my dreams!

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  good sport luxury car - 1996 Buick Riviera
  By dfugate - September 14 - 2:00 am

  purchased at 50000 miles now has 97000 mi.still factory crisp and responsive,23 mi gallon on highway and most comfortable,never any problems ,has been most reliable car i ever owned,still in pristine condition with minimal effort,hate they dont produce them anymore.

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  Excellent car for the money! - 2003 Buick Century
  By michelemejia - September 13 - 2:00 am

  We wanted a car that drove like a Lincoln, but didnt cost a ton of money and this car is a dream to drive. Plenty of leg room. Love the passenger/driver comfort controls. Car has been excellent on gas mileage and is driven over 200 miles per day. I would purchase another one in the future.

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  Thanks Unk! - 1995 Buick LeSabre
  By Tim Stein - September 12 - 2:00 am

  I recently inherited my uncles car. At first, I was a bit underwhelmed. I could still smell the smoke from Unks pipe. The car was in incredible shape. Not even 38000 mile! I decided to drive it arround a bit before I sold it, and I was hooked! It rode great and the handling was better than I thought it would be. It was like new inside. I decided to take a long Sunday drive in it and was impressed at the performance of the engine and yet the very resonable mpg (28.6). Well, needless to say, Im keeping it. It is no head turner, but it is a very comfortable ride and very roomy. Thanks again, Unk!