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:

• 

  2000 and 2003 LeSabre Limited Comparison - 2003 Buick LeSabre
  By Chicocat - July 2 - 2:00 am

  I previously drove a 2000 LeSabre Limited until purchasing the 2003 LeSabre Celebration Edition with all of the options. I have been happy with both vehicles, but there are some aspects of each I would rate differently. The 2000 Limited model had a more attractive interior & more comfortable & softer leather seats. The 2003 model has somewhat better handling and more features, such as side mirror turn signals & chrome plated wheels. The audio components on the 2003 model are much better, especially the XM radio & RDS options.

• 

  Sporty & Luxurious - 2016 Buick Envision
  By PC Schlegel - July 1 - 2:54 pm

  Love this car from the sleek exterior, the rich interior & its sporty ride. The 19" tires hug the road and its so quiet inside the car. All the little extras make this car a ride to remember. Full panoramic moonroof, Bose speakers, all the safety features you would want. Tailgate lifts easily with your foot or automatically with keyfob. Love the articulating headlights!

• 

  Good Car! - 1997 Buick Skylark
  By clown1 - July 1 - 2:00 am

  I brought this car when it was a year old. It is five years and 81000 miles later, and I still like it. The only thing I had to do except for routine maintenance, was replace the water pump at 80000 miles.

• 

  Beats My Wifes Mercedes 380 SEL - 1994 Buick Roadmaster
  By Mario Bruno - July 1 - 2:00 am

  I was going to sell my Buick because I bought a Mercedes 380SEL for my wife. After driving the Benz,I decided to keep the RoadMonster. The ride is plush without sacraficing handling. It also feels that it can haul a trailer and take a beating the car sits on a ladder frame, very durable. Power is great with great gas milage on regular fuel. Realize we are talking about a car that weighs 4500 lbs, the Benz weighs 4600 lbs.The ride on the Benz is OK you do feel the road and it bumbs, Europian.If you want to hopup the car look at Impala SS.Weve put 45,000 commute miles since we bought it 19 months ago with no major repairs done or in sight.

• 

  A Great Car - 1995 Buick Riviera
  By GrannyConnie - July 1 - 2:00 am

  This has been a wonderful car... it still looks as good as brand new and still drives and handles wonderfully. Ive always gotten many compliments on it, and in the eight years Ive had it, have had no major repairs needed. Brakes, battery, general maintenance.

• 

  Been fine with me - 2003 Buick Century
  By Burke1 - June 27 - 2:00 am

  This is my 4th Century from same dealer. smoothness and trans noise improved from my 98. Actually I like one model with option custom or limited to select from. Seat lumbar improved since I have a lower back problem. Price is Ok will do it again.

• 

  Buick Regal GS - 2003 Buick Regal
  By peetcool9 - June 26 - 2:00 am

  I love this car and is handles very well (with new tires). i find it wery comforatble and is very nice. this is my favorite car i own. the engine has a lovely roar at higher rpms and just makes you love the car.

• 

  My Lil Rendezvous - 2002 Buick Rendezvous
  By ft - June 25 - 10:00 am

  Ive driven this car from New York to Florida and back twice since I bought it and found it to be a sensational long distance running vehicle. I disagree with the road test editors opinions regarding the power of this vehicle. It had plenty power accelerating from 65 mph to 80 mph when I needed to pass other cars on the highway. Also, the gas mileage was extraordinary at 30 mpg. for the duration of both trips to Florida. I found the handling to be rather tight as compared to the Ford explorer and the Isuzu Rodeo which I have owned previously. I would strongly recommend this vehicle to anyone who is looking for a roomy, comfortable SUV like vehicle.

• 

  jAANA F MEEKS - 2003 Buick LeSabre
  By MEEKS - June 25 - 2:00 am

  I purchased my 2001 LeSabre approximately 16 months ago. It has been a real pleasure - not to mention excellent gas mileage. I wouldnt consider any car other than a buick.

• 

  Like the Car, Maintained Regularly - 1998 Buick Regal
  By John O. - June 23 - 2:00 am

  Aside from a new fuel pump at around 40000 miles, the cars been very reliable, has 99000 miles on it now.