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 car for the money - 2005 Buick LaCrosse
  By Sandra - April 2 - 10:49 pm

  The car is roomy and comfortable with great trunk space. Good quality leather - after almost 5 years still looks new. The only three problems are the low oil pressure warning comes on sometimes - taken to two different dealers who could find nothing wrong - hasnt caused any problems, goes off after a few seconds. The other issue is the clunking noise that comes from the steering column when I hit bumps. An the last issue is the A/C which I need to have checked because its unreliable - sometimes cold as the arctic going to warm as the desert back to cold as the arctic within a matter of minutes however, when it does work, its very cold :)

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  toyota to buick - 2005 Buick Century
  By John Eagle - April 1 - 3:09 pm

  Ive owned Geo metros, Toyota corollas, and other cars. The 2005 Century I bought shocked me with 36 mpg on a 1000 mile trip. My 1999 corollas only got 38 max. I was so impressed that I bought another used Century (1999). Why buy small cars when the comfort/power/reliability of a Century gets near same mpg? My 16 yr old son didnt want me to get a "grandpa car", but he sure loves it now that its his! Dependable, reliable, affordable but I was careful in my research and examination of used Centurys. I walked away from some "bargains" because I found rust carefully concealed or the engine/ride didnt sound/feel right. Im going to buy one more soon!

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  Buick Lacrosse CXL FWD - 2010 Buick LaCrosse
  By kevin - April 1 - 9:15 am

  I plan to buy GMC Terrain, but when I saw this car at auto show, I just fall in love with it. I bought CXL FWD with luxury package and head up displace. Its seats are comfortable, ton of luxury features, smooth drive, beautiful exterior and interior designs, smooth drive, quite, still in break in period so I am not pushing gas pedal much, but its engine appears strong enough for acceleration and till maintain smooth drive. The rear windows are somewhat small, so kind of difficult to turn back and see other cars when passing lane or when back up, but will be used to with it

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  buick - 1996 Buick Regal
  By kenny - March 30 - 5:47 pm

  Ive this car just 2 weeks and cant believe the gas mileage went 480 miles on a full tank of gas wow my care is awesome so far great in town driving too.

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  Great Car - 2008 Buick LaCrosse
  By Eric - March 28 - 6:10 pm

  My car is now two years old, 36,000 miles and no problems. Just finally took it back to the dealer for the first time to have the breaks checked, need new pads on the front. I do have the oil changed about every 8,000 files. Best car Ive ever owned for quality and reliability. Not happy to see the 2010 model has the gas on the passenger side yuck. I think Ill keep my 2008 for a while.

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  Excellent Car - 2010 Buick LaCrosse
  By A. Junior - March 28 - 10:50 am

  I am really happy with my purchase. Very fast car, very stable, very quiet. Its a turning head car, maybe cause its new, but, all I can say is I loved it.

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  Interior light & door locks - 1996 Buick Regal
  By Lou C - March 28 - 8:31 am

  I bought this car with 61,000 on it.Now 116,000. Drives great, good mileage, Body good. Skylight does not work and the door locks clicks off and on. The interior lights will not go off. Mechanic tells me parts to repair are no longer available. If any one knows how to get parts would be most helpful.

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  Our new family Enclave - 2010 Buick Enclave
  By FrozenTundra - March 25 - 8:21 pm

  My wife and I have 3 children ages 5, 2, infant and we have previously owned a Town & Country as well as a VW Tourag. We test drove just about all vehicles that seat a family of our size and hands down we enjoyed the Enclave the best. The ride is wonderful and my wife and I fight to drive the Enclave (over the BMW 745Li). The ride is sturdy but sporty and the interior is very quiet and comfortable especially for a crossover type vehicle. Despite some complaints I read during our vehicle research I find the turning radius and overall maneuverability to be excellent. The Enclave takes the many railroad tracks in the area with ease and the electronics features in the Enclave are fantastic.

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  Great Used car - 1994 Buick Century
  By jada - March 24 - 9:15 am

  Bought this car to drive to work, and its excellent. Gas mileage is terrific, good mileage, comfortable, and very dependable. Looks could be better, but it is an older car. Body has no rust. Is a little small. But I am large. So that doesnt really count. Overall what a garret little car. Well worth purchasing.

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  Great Car - 2010 Buick LaCrosse
  By doc15 - March 23 - 10:17 am

  If youre looking for quiet and comfort the Lacrosse has it. Outstanding ride. Shuts out outside noise and bumps. Have receive many compliments on its looks on the street. Not tiring after long drives. Back seats very comfortable for adults. I would recommend this car if style and comfort are your main objectives.