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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  I love this car - 1998 Buick Regal
  By KeathC - September 12 - 2:00 am

  I have owned this car for about a year and a half and have nothing but good things to say! I recently read an article that ranked Buicks as one of the most reliable luxury cars! Go get one if you havent already!!!

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  Satisfied - 2003 Buick Century
  By Instructor - September 11 - 2:00 am

  I like the car and it has pretty good gas mileage. Nothing fancy but good reliability.

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  GM Gets it Right - 2008 Buick Enclave
  By John - September 8 - 9:50 am

  Drivers who have abandoned domestics for foreign makes need to return to the fold. The quiet and comfortable ride rival any sedan- foreign or domestic that I have rode in. As you walk around the car and notice the fit and finish, you have to remind yourself this is really a domestic. The leg and head room, safety features galore, and comfortable ride are really something.

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  Im in love with with the deal of the CENTURY - 2003 Buick Century
  By Mary Stout - September 6 - 7:43 am

  In 2015 I was in desperate need of a car for my 2 teenage daughters I found 2003 Buick century for $1500 some how it became my work car....this car has been the most reliable car Ive ever owned and Im a expert on USED cars in the time Ive owed this car the only maintenance Ive done is the normal oil changes and new tires thats it it gets the best gas mileage ever at 37 mpg.and I would definitely buy another Buick Century

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  My Leftover Find - 2002 Buick Rendezvous
  By Peter05478 - September 6 - 2:00 am

  I found this car in the back lot of my deaership. It was a leftover 2002 and I bought it in December 2003. I was given a good deal on it.

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  Rendezvous CX AWD - 2002 Buick Rendezvous
  By skwirl - September 6 - 2:00 am

  Generally happy with the car. No major problems. Lights pulsated until dealer replaced alternator. Ride can be choppy. Poor fuel economy. Our Chevy Venture with same engine got better mileage! Engine has alot of valve noise (not expected in a Buick). Rear hatch pull strap broke/replaced under warranty. Hatch can be hard to pull down. Power hatch would be nice!. Love the AWD in snow. Seats have poor side bolsters and poor lumbar support. Seat belts difficult to engage when wearing winter coat. Cant justify $299 annual cost of Onstar. ABS work wonderfully. Rear visibility is poor, especially when backing up.

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  Great Alternative to a minivan - 2004 Buick Rendezvous
  By SlickRide25 - September 6 - 2:00 am

  Well we looked at a boat load of vehicles and had set our sights firmly on a minivan. I personally wanted to purchase a vehicle manufactured in the USA so we were considering the Chrysler Town and Country. The hole minivan thing just didnt sit well with me, so we started looking for practical alternatives. The Buick Rendezvous turned out to be a great fit for us. What a great stylish alternative to the minivan. We settled on the 7 passenger CX-Plus model. This vehicle has SUV style and appearance with all the comforts and practicality of a minivan. It rides exceptionaly well, and gets about 29 miles per gallon on the highway!

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  bad ride --bad suspention - 2003 Buick Century
  By William Sharp - September 6 - 2:00 am

  I will never buy a Centry again.The rough ride is the worst part.The dealership replaced the struts and gave me a new set of tires to see if this would help the ride.This did not help at all.Dont wast your money on a Centry,it dont ride like the other Buicks.

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  2000 Buick LeSabre - 2000 Buick LeSabre
  By Dawn00035 - September 6 - 2:00 am

  This is my second LeSabre and I loved both of them. Comfortable and reliable. My uncle bought one because he and my dad liked mine so much. Will probably buy a third. Do hate the stigma of the LeSabre being "an old persons car."

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  Buick Rendezvous - 2003 Buick Rendezvous
  By jersbears - September 5 - 10:00 am

  This is the happiest I have been with a new vehicle since my 1981 Honda Civic 4dr. The build quality is wonderful, interior comfort is outstanding, the vehicle looks great, and the handling is surprisingly nimble. It handles like a car, not a SUV.