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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  1992 Buick Century Wagon - 1992 Buick Century
  By George Ehrhardt - August 6 - 2:00 am

  Best Automobile I have ever owned! And I have newer ones. 12 years and 51,000 miles later, it looks like new inside and out. Only had to replace an alternator, A/C and brakes. Everything else is original condition (tires excepted).

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  Decent ride. - 1991 Buick Regal
  By msecrest - August 5 - 2:00 am

  Purchased the vehicle, after a corporate lease, with 80,000 miles on it. Other than regular maintenance, there were problems with the rear break calipers (4 wheel disc). Replaced them twice over the next 60-70,000 miles. Come to find out there was problems with the rear breaks and a class action lawsuit was filed. Sometime after 90,000 miles the parking break broke. I have had no qualms about buying the vehicle.

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  Great Buick Century - 1991 Buick Century
  By jimbos54 - August 5 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car used in 1996 with 51000 miles on it. During the 7 years that I have owned this car there has been very few problems with it. The only major problem was the AC compressor went out at about 85,000 miles. There have been only minor things like the fan motor and has the power steering pump replaced at 90,000 miles. However, outside of that there has been only routine upkeep and maintaince done. This car still has great power when needed from the 3.3L 6 cylinder even after 113,000 miles.

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  never had a buick - 1990 Buick Century
  By mark11112 - August 5 - 2:00 am

  hey i just pick up for 2 grand. it has the 3.3 motor in, boy buick did a good job, plus i bought off and old guy, the paint still good plus the car only has 69000. even the a\c work, the only thing i did was put new tires on it. see you on the highway( if u can keep up!!

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  New owner - 2004 Buick LeSabre
  By Cunningham, David - August 5 - 2:00 am

  I found this car to be quite and quick, I like the smooth ride and all the room inside. The engine is quite and has the power.

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  Worst car ever - 1995 Buick Regal
  By Breth - August 3 - 2:00 am

  This car is truely the worst that I have ever owned. From the time I bought the car until now I had nothing but problems with this car. In the firt three years while under warrenty, there were three major mechanical problems. Then afterwards, at least twice a year there were other problems that came up. Master cylinder not working, brakes, and other problems. Buick has never improved on this car. I will be glad to get rid of this car by any means possible

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  a great deal - 1999 Buick Century
  By metsfan - August 2 - 2:00 am

  Ive had the car almost a year and had no problems. Very comfortable on long trips. Doesnt handle like a sports car, but thats okay. Added bonus: insurance is cheap because this is one of the least stolen cars.

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  Love it - 2008 Buick Enclave
  By Kim - August 1 - 7:50 pm

  After checking the Acura, Saturn and GMC crossovers we decided on the Enclave. We absolutely love it . Only two complaints I have so far is that it is so new some of the accessories are not available yet from Buick. (ie weather mats in matching interior color - only black are avail) The only other negative is the sluggishness when shifting. Other than that it is the best ride I have ever owned!

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  Best car I ever owned! - 1997 Buick Riviera
  By freiselt - July 31 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car when I took a job that required a lot of travel and wanted a comfortable car for long trips. It has fulfilled that task very well. Reliability has been great. Ive only had to replace the water pump, spark plugs, etc. Normal maintenance. Changed oil every 3,000 miles and it has always gotten me around in style and comfort.

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  Comfortable and pretty dependable - 1994 Buick LeSabre
  By Teenager Tom - July 28 - 2:00 am

  I bought my LeSabre for $1200 with about 139k on it. It had had 4 previous owners, including a rental- car place, but was relatively well taken care of. Although my friends cars were sportier looking, everyone loved the comfort and space it offered. I put about $300 worth of work into it (fuel pump, ABS) over the next 15,000 miles. At that point the sub-frame broke off of the mainframe and dropped the transmission, steering, exhaust, etc. but up until then it was fine. If youre driving during the winter on salted roads, Id recommend getting the undercarriage washed out regularly (I didnt) to prevent this.