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 but some flaws. - 1998 Buick Park Avenue
  By not_another_buick - July 15 - 10:00 am

  Overall a very good car, but several things are frustrating. The ash tray will break and not stay closed due to a poor design. A new one costs $125. You can fix it yourself for free if you take it out and see the problem area. Definate flaw! Also the covers on the back of the front seats werent attached very well. These will also break. They can be fixed for free again with a drill and a screw, but how many people will do that who drive a Buick. Shouldnt have too either.

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  Surprising Luxury - 2002 Buick Rendezvous
  By Kaarli - July 15 - 10:00 am

  Buick Rendezvous is the perfect vehicle for a family looking for a stylish, quality vehicle with a great ride and storage. The exterior resembles an SUV, but the interior offers all the functionality of a luxury sedan. I love all the compartments - to store my belongings and my passengers. I have the optional 3rd row seat, which is great for hauling around my kids friends from soccer! The Rendezvous is functional for every day use, but also great for longer trips - its very comfortable. A family vehicle youre not afraid to show up in - whether its your high school reunion or the new hot restaurant in town. Highly recommend it!

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  Hot - 2006 Buick Lucerne
  By Maury - July 14 - 12:40 pm

  New warranty great improvement. What a feeling of luxury and at a modest price! Handles like a dream on the open road, fantastic steering responce with little roll on normal curves. Plenty of power even with V6 loaded heavily, but will not compete with V8,s of 300 horsepower. Interior identical to Cadillac with same features and controls. Very quiet!

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  An awesome vehicle - 2000 Buick Regal
  By Spike - July 11 - 2:00 am

  I rented a Buick Regal last year and was pleasantly surprised to discover it was a really cool car with great performance and a sporty personality. After test driving a lot of other cars, including Mercedes, BMWs, Suburus, Mazdas, etc., I decided to buy a 2000 Buick Regal last week. So far I am totally in awe of this incredible vehicle. The funny part for me is how many people laugh when I tell them I bought a Buick. The image of Buick as a car for Alzeimers patients is locked in peoples heads. But the joke is on them. This car is outstanding in every way, and surpasses other vehicles that cost two or three times as much.

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  Drop Dead Gorgeous - 2008 Buick Enclave
  By smd - July 9 - 4:33 am

  I bought my Enclave in late February. I have never even considered a Buick, (always thought of as a grannys car), until I saw the Enclave. I knew it was what I wanted. I drove to many dealerships for about 5 months to see all the colors they had to offer before choosing. I have the White Diamond Tricoat and 19" chrome wheels. It is absolutely head-turning gorgeous. I drive my cars for a very long time (10-12 yrs) before buying a new one so I thought about it a long time before I was sure that this was what I wanted. Im glad I choose it. My kids love it. It it fully loaded with Cashmere leather. I get plenty of stares especially because the White Diamond is so hard to come by.

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  Best Used Car I Ever Had - 1997 Buick Skylark
  By choralcat - July 9 - 2:00 am

  I bought my 97 in the Spring of 98. It 22,000 miles on it. Other than normal service and a new set of tires, I havent needed a thing done to it. I bought the 70,000 mile 7 year protection plan and plan to keep it at least until the 7 years are up.

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  not bad for a granny car - 1992 Buick Regal
  By David Jones - July 7 - 2:00 am

  ive been driving this car since 5/03 has 137k mi. but still feels tight and generally drives like new. brakes just got done and stop well though take some warm up time 3.8 has good torque off the line. steering is tight esp. for a buick and the suspension though somewhat harsh in town has plenty of travel and smooths out on hgwy. a good solid car with a great engine and wont make you feel like youve come right out of the retirement community (im 20)

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  ONE GOOD BUICK - 2002 Buick Century
  By billyboykeyser - July 6 - 2:00 am

  I HAVE NOW OWNED THIS CAR FOR ONE YEAR AND STILL LOVE IT LIKE THE DAY I GOT IT... THE CAR DRIVES SO WELL AND LOOKS LIKE NEW... I LOVE THIS CAR AND WILL STAY WITH BUICK FOR MANY YEARS TO COME..

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  Worthwhile - 2000 Buick Regal
  By Guamvet1 - July 5 - 2:00 am

  Good ride with excellent fuel economy for engine this size. Can easily average 30MPG on Interstates.

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  American Disappointment - 2003 Buick LeSabre
  By Ramius - July 3 - 2:00 am

  Though the LeSabre has some appealing features, Im disappointed to find it continues to have many long-time shortcomings. Specifically: the A/C doesnt provide cold air, and had trouble cooling the car in an 85-degree day. The legroom for this 64" person is pathetic for a big car. There is no height adjustment on the seatbelts, making them ride too close to my wifes neck causing discomfort(this is downright embarrassing, Buick). I still have to slam the trunk for it to close just like in my fathers Buick of 25 years ago(which I hated even then when I was too young to drive). The sound from the stereo was muddy at best.