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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  good value - 2002 Buick Century
  By Willem - September 3 - 2:00 am

  Im 32 and I dont have to prove anybody anything so this car drives as a limo, nice handeling love the steering light but direct, perfect American suspension, big trunk but a little to small in the rear bench. great vehicle

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  Buick Reatta 89 Coupe - 1991 Buick Reatta
  By Tom Thomas - September 2 - 2:00 am

  Everything worked when I got the car, and there have been only minor glitches. Rides very quietly but handles well. Sound quality of upscale cassette deck and radio w touch screen great. Touch controls are simple and fun to operate. Gas mileage quickly improved after first month of real driving, to where 28 highway, 19 city is common, and on 87 octane. GM 3800 engine more than adequate on light car. Build quality and paint are fantastic as it was practically a hand made car. About the only thing I fault on this car is that the brakes seem a little weak, and they have been inspected bled etc.

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  Hard to beat! - 2003 Buick Regal
  By gliverson - September 1 - 2:00 am

  This car has just about everything a person could need: comfort, reasonable costs, low maint, good mileage, fun to drive. Not a hot rod, but it handles very well, and is zippy with the V-6.

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  Its the little things - 2001 Buick LeSabre
  By Jake02355 - August 30 - 2:00 am

  We had at least 8 little things go bad and 2 major. Lucky none shut us down or failed that left us stranded. Got to the point that it was going to need tires, brakes and needed confidence.Dealer was getting pushy about unnecessary service versus manual recommendations.

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  I Love My Car - 1998 Buick Century
  By Campers - August 29 - 2:00 am

  I have had excellent service, reliability, performance and passenger space. I am buying another one exactly like this one.

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  1998 Buick Riviera - 1998 Buick Riviera
  By Randall B. - August 28 - 2:00 am

  This car has unique styling and has excellent eye appeal. It has plenty of power and provides a quiet, comfortable ride. Gas mileage is excellent, although premium is required.

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  great car for the money - 2003 Buick LeSabre
  By kinch - August 28 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car and love it .. I paid 19.5k brand new on sale .. It is quiet , plenty of room, great fuel economy for a large car.. I get 30 on highway, 22 around town.. Nothing could compete for the price .. I looked at Toyota Avalon, but it was a lot more money.. and Offered nothing more ..

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  excellent - 2001 Buick Century
  By betty leister - August 27 - 2:00 am

  I enjoy my buick century in every way. It is easy to park and rides very nice.

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  Love it but disappointed - 2001 Buick Regal
  By texas gal - August 25 - 2:00 am

  Bought used and drove like a dream for a year. Then the catalytic converter had to be replaced and now the planatary gear in the transmission is broken off. big buck repairs on a car with 56,000 miles and maintained.

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  Compact Gem - 2016 Buick Encore
  By Fred - August 24 - 10:07 pm

  Love the styling. I didnt agree with the consumer reports description of "plodding acceleration". I had a V6 Hyundai Tucson prior and the acceleration on the Encore almost matches the V6 performance. The Encore has enough power to accelerate into the highway with no problem. I could have used folding side mirrors and the knob that adjusts the mirrors was much better on the Tucson than the Encore. The radio is difficult to program and maintain on the desired settings. Cant wait until my complimentary Sirus subscription runs out to have some of that extraneous stuff go away,,,