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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  Buick has raised the bar - 2018 Buick Enclave
  By H Williams - June 22 - 7:40 pm

  Purchased the 2018 Buick Enclave Avenir FWD after test driving the BMW X5 and Audi A7. Both the BMW and Audi are excellent vehicles but do not match the smooth quiet ride of the Avenir trim level of the Enclave. The interior gives the passengers an exceedingly quiet ride while moving effortlessly down the road. The sound system is just outstanding and the technology control panel is easy to learn and use. Passenger safety is enhanced with features that keep you at a safe distance from vehicles in front and blind spot awareness. Have not found a better value in this price range.

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  The Gran(dest) Buick Sport Sedan - 1992 Buick Skylark
  By ESumma - June 21 - 2:00 am

  This car is a rarity from Buick. There were several styling enhancements that made this vehicle special. The GranSport model made the workaday Skylark shine. It gave a special interior, exterior scheme, and performance oriented nature. The GranSport should be considered by anyone looking to purchase an older Buick for cheap thrills.

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  One Month Of Ownership - 2008 Buick Enclave
  By Peter Manchester - June 20 - 5:46 pm

  A thorough delight and living up to my highest expectations. I had considered the Lexus and Acura, but believe the Ecncave blows them away. It also puts the Mercedes to shame, and at a lesser cost! My only complaint is the lack of smoothness in the transmission, but based on all of its attributes I can forgive this slight flaw. This automobile is on a par with my Cadillac DTS!

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  2001 LeSabre Custom - 2001 Buick LeSabre
  By scobrn - June 17 - 2:00 am

  Ive had this car for 2 years now. Runs great. Ive never had a problem with it. Suspension is very smooth, but handling is still very good. Gas mileage is excellent for this size car. I get 30 MPG on the highway and just over 20 in the city.

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  good solid car - 1994 Buick Century
  By meandyoumom - June 16 - 2:00 am

  I just bought a 1994 century and i love it.

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  1994 Buick Century Wagon - 1994 Buick Century
  By deville70 - June 15 - 2:00 am

  Bought this wagon at 75,000 miles, now has 104,000. Recently replaced alternator ($300) and fuel pump/fuel pump relay and related fuel supply items ($500). No other major problems. Quiet smooth ride. 3.1 V6 is healthy but not powerful. Power windows, locks, tilt steering, w/fold up seat in rear can seat 5 adults and 3 kids. Who needs van/SUV. 18/26 mpg

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  Perfect car for a retired lady who likes luxury! - 2016 Buick Encore
  By Marie - June 13 - 1:11 am

  I love Buicks because, if you get a premium model, you get all the extras including heated steering wheel and remote start which are add ons in other cars. I was intending to buy a Buick Regal, but was unhappy with the lack of visibility in my previous Buick sedan. The salesman suggested I test drive an Encore as well as the Regal. I loved the Encore! The visibility was much better, I enjoyed sitting higher up, and it was easier to park. Granted the trunk is rather small and there probably isnt much leg room in the back seat, but I rarely have a rear seat passenger, so that is fine. Also important to me is that it has OnStar with Turn by Turn navigation and hands-free calling. This is a perfect vehicle for a retired lady who enjoys a certain amount of luxury in her car.

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  SHRINE - 1992 Buick Skylark
  By WHITESAND - June 12 - 2:00 am

  I HAVE ALWAYS PREFERRED GENERAL MOTORS VEHICLES AND THE 92 BUICK GRAN SPORT IS NO EXCEPTION. IT HAS ALWAYS BEEN DEPENDABLE, NORMAL MAINTENANCE IS REQUIRED. IT HAS FRONT WHEEL DRIVE AND IS VERY GOOD IN SNOW. IT HAS THE SPORTY LOOK OF A GM SPORTS CAR WITHOUT THE HIGH INSURANCE RATES. OVERALL, I HAVE BEEN VERY PLEASED WITH THIS VEHICLE.

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  Best Kept Secret - 1994 Buick Roadmaster
  By Kwame Davis - June 12 - 2:00 am

  For the decision makers at GM, start production on this car again. I bought the one I own back in 1994 and it has been performing wonderfully. Its time for me to get a new car and I want another Buick Roadmaster. I like the Corvette engine GM modified and put in this thing, it flies. The prices is right too!

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  Great Vehicle - 2004 Buick Rendezvous
  By John P Carl - June 12 - 2:00 am

  I have had this vehicle for 1 yr now and I love it, especially for winter driving. I live in upstate NY and we get lots of snow, this vehicle handles great.