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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  Do Not Buy a Buick - 2011 Buick Enclave
  By Leaks - December 16 - 12:56 pm

  2011 Buick Enclave with 113,000 miles: A/C has never worked properly, the car body leaks water into the interior when it rains, the suspension is noisy, the car has been in the shop multiple times with less than crappy support from the local dealer but I see where that customer care support comes from when I called the Buick hot line and was a given a number to document our call with no resolution to the problem.

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  16 year old beast - 2001 Buick LeSabre
  By Howard Collins - December 13 - 1:55 am

  You probably couldnt find a 2001 Buick LeSabre for sale anywhere thats been maintained as well as mine for 151,000 miles. The reason being is because so many things have been done to it to keep it running, and in decent shape. Those of you who own one are familiar with the LeSabre problems. I have replaced the upper and lower intake manifold gaskets, upper plenum, valve cover gaskets, oil pan gasket, transmission pan gasket, the window motors and regulators, fuel filler pipe, front lower control arms, CV axles, inner tie rods and tie rod ends, struts and shocks, water pump, fuel pump, alternator, radiator, AC compressor. and a host of minor things to numerous to mention. Hood pistons, sensors, brakes and rotors front and rear, tires, so many things. All in all its in perfect shape, but only because of all thats been done to it. You can imagine the cost of keeping this beast running if you had to take it to a garage for the work. I do my own wrenching and all the parts are from EBAY, except tires. Thats a huge saving believe me. Much more than several thousand dollars. If you cant do this work its probably not worth keeping the vehicle. Its probably no better than any other vehicle it competes with and may even have more problems than some of them do. You hear about how great the 3800 engine is, but consider everything that has to be replaced around it, and on it, to keep the car on the road. That said I think Ill squeeze some more miles out of it, and replace more things as needed.

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  My first Buick, not my Dads car - 2014 Buick LaCrosse
  By M.King - December 10 - 10:57 pm

  Well, after owning several foreign cars including BMW, Mercedes...upper scale american, Lincoln, Cadillac... I was trying hard not to like this car, its a BUICK! I was so wrong, in love with this car! It handles well, plenty of pep and has just as many if not more gadgets than some of the foreign cars Ive had. Gas mileage is a shocker...great on the interstate! I get a lot of compliments even. I absolutely love a Mercedes S class but for the difference in money the Buick holds its place in luxury feel. And maintenance is half the cost also. If you want all the toys and a comfortable car do not miss the Lacrosse when shopping for your next car. Get all options and youll love your purchase. The only option mine lacks is back seat dvd , single, didnt need it. But enjoy the car immensely! Happy hunting..

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  One month old Encore performs beautifully. - 2015 Buick Encore
  By Bill - December 6 - 11:59 am

  Reports of underpowered engine greatly exaggerated. Gets smoothly and quietly to highway speed. Cruises easily and, again, quietly. Interior is comfortable, onstar is terrific. Blue tooth is, however, erratic. Rides like a Buick should. Seats fold flat in including front passenger side. Very nice. Warranty of 4 year/50k bumper to bumper, 6 year/70k drive train, and 2 year service included sealed the deal.

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  Watch that tranny - 2011 Buick Lucerne
  By Kirby - December 6 - 6:16 am

  Replaced transmission at 53,000 miles, luckily it was still under warranty. Come on gm your making the exports look better. Got excellent service from Moses gm though

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  great little suv for the price - 2014 Buick Encore
  By Will - December 1 - 12:23 pm

  My wife didnt want a car or a large suv. The size is perfect. Shes had the Encore for one year and she loves it. 100% happy.

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  Beautiful / Horrible - 2009 Buick Enclave
  By Herb Walstreet - December 1 - 9:58 am

  This car is cursed. We had a Yukon XL for 10 years and never had any issues. We have 80k miles or so on this vehicle and have spent around $10k in various maintenance and repairs. Weve had to replace the transmission 11 months ago and its currently in the shop because of a stutter it has in cruise on the highway (ignition coils?). We know our power steering is going out but its not bad enough that Buick will replace it under the extended warranty. Our heated seats only stay on for about 5 mins then go off. The instrumentation buttons (AC temp control) have worn incredibly fast (replaced them once already), have had a "stuck strut", replaced rotors, replaced the battery and some decorative adhesive molding on the window frames is bubbling up and shredding (looks horrible when you look at the drivers side of the car). All of this and our gas mileage is terrible also (13 in the city and 18 highway). I want to like this car - its really good looking but weve got to get rid of it and well avoid Buick. My recommendation, steer clear!

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  Great ride for 9 years! - 2006 Buick Rendezvous
  By sam - November 29 - 9:46 am

  We were not looking for bells and whistles. No major repairs. Many good trips. Very good head and leg room for tall occupants.

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  Sharons new ride. - 2015 Buick Encore
  By sharon soring - November 28 - 4:26 pm

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  2014 buick verano Buffalo NY - Joe Tyson - 2014 Buick Verano
  By Joe Tyson - November 26 - 6:48 pm

  This car is all out amazing. No joke man. Its beautifully designed and well built. My very first car was a 1989 Buick Regal and Buick has come a long way. I came out of a Ford Explorer so getting in and out of the Buick Verano takes some getting use to. The style and view of this car is nice. I feel good about driving it daily. I am confident about it being outside while I work in a rough area in NY. It picks up like a 6 cylinder but its a 4 cylinder. The leather seas are nice and full and nothing is cheap about the car and thats why I understand the price I paid for it. Touch screen, rear camera for the car being in reverse, heated seats and lane assist. This car is beautiful. Not much rear passenger seating but thats okay because I have a small child. I feel good about this purchase and this car makes me want to stay in the family of the American built Buick