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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  Auto stop sucks - 2017 Buick LaCrosse
  By Jerry Adamson - July 27 - 7:30 pm

  This car has an engine auto stop program in it that shuts off the engine at every stop to save gas. The transmission jerks when it shuts off and starts up. It feels like someone just ran into the rear of the car when it starts up. This program will not let you come to a smooth stop before the engine stops. Then after the engine stops and it needs to start up again to operate the air conditioning, the car jumps ahead when the engine starts up again. Impossible to creep forward slowly. It is very annoying, aggravating and uncomfortable feeling. There is no way one can shut off this auto stop program. If I knew that this was going to happen, I would not have bought this car. Everything else in or on the car is great.

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  ATTENTION: Caution from a Canadian Owner - 2003 Buick LeSabre
  By canadianowner - July 27 - 2:00 am

  ,from after the 1st six months, the block heater was leaking, the dealer had to fix it 6 times, then the steering column had to be taken apart to be change the steering sensor, the trunk was leaking, allowing all the rain water hose from within the trunk, the side pillor post plastic, dashboard, headsups display, instrumention cover, all had to be replaced because of clips popping out, stabilitrack had to repaired 4 times, vibration on idle on steering wheel and dash, EGR valve replaced 2 times, A/C trouble on dual climate control, sometime blows warm air on driverside, A/C leak still present

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  Buick LaSabre - 1999 Buick LeSabre
  By Lila Finnegan - July 26 - 2:00 am

  This is a great, low maintenance, safe vehicle for our family. I intend on purchasing another Buick LaSabre if and when this one has driven its last mile. Love it!

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  I like my Ultra - 1997 Buick Park Avenue
  By Cimunique - July 24 - 10:00 am

  I bought my first Buick Ultra in 1992. I drove it until it 1997 when it was in an accident. I didnt want to get rid of it because I really liked the body style. I did not have any problems with that vehicle until until I was hit. The Ultra I have now is great like the one before. I make sure all the maintainence is done timely and it has been a job to own. It is a great vehicle. When I buy another car it will more than likely be a Buick Ultra. I dont know of a better vehicle.

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  Not just for old people - 1995 Buick LeSabre
  By buick111000 - July 23 - 2:00 am

  It is just a great car, no problems and fast enough. It isnt the most luxurious car but it is nice for the money and can get you through traffic with absoutly no problems. I would recomend a buick to anyone like i said it isnt just for old people it gives a lot of car for the buck.

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  Very Pleased - 1998 Buick Skylark
  By Al Stefanelli - July 22 - 2:00 am

  Attractive styling, although the rear end could have used a few more hours on the drawing board. Surprisingly roomy for a six-foot-two, 225 pounder. Peppy, good handling and adequate sound system. This vehicle was impecably maintained and when I bought it with 108K miles on it, the condition was excellent, and still is.

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  I love my 2000GS even after 3 years - 2000 Buick Regal
  By GS Dave - July 22 - 2:00 am

  I purchased my GS new in 2000, and am even more pleased with it today than the day I bought it. The power is amazing, and there is good aftermarket support for modifying it to be even faster. The interior has those big catchers mit seats that fit my 62" frame perfectly, I dont even have to put the seat all the way back. Teh rear seats are comfortable, and I can fit all of my familys stuff in the large trunk for those weekend getaways. This car truly has lived up to the "Supercharged Family" advertising.

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  A real scorcher - 2003 Buick Regal
  By badge 13 - July 22 - 2:00 am

  A fun car to drive. Lots of power and handling is very good. First car Ive had that had absolutely no defects from the time I acquired it four months ago. With the Joseph Abood decor it could become a collectors item. From the outside it may be nondescript but it doesnt take a back seat to any six cylinder when it comes to power.

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  GREAT CAR - 1995 Buick Regal
  By PJW - July 20 - 2:00 am

  The Buick Regal is one they definitely got right! I have a 1995 and a 1991. The 91 has 230K miles. The 95 has 150K. Both have the 3800 engine. I am looking to replace my 91 with another 95. While I wish the mileage was better, it can get 30 mpg + for straight highway.

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  Nice vehicle - 2003 Buick Century
  By lngtherapy - July 20 - 2:00 am

  I purchased a 2002 dealers demo for $13,000, and it had 11,000 miles on the odometer. You cant get a Toyota Corrolla for that deal, not to mention its allot less of a car than the Buick. I know I owned one. The ride and the comfort speak for themselves, I would by another one in a heartbeat.