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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  8 Years of Headaches!!! - 1995 Buick Skylark
  By bewareskylark - June 9 - 2:00 am

  Wish my mechanics were with me before I bought it. Mainly drove to the train. But it needed brand new brakes & roters 3x’s and a new engine after 5 yrs. With low speed driving, the oil can’t burn off efficiently, even with regular oil changes. The front alingment design caused flat tires and needed new lower ball joints. It had continued fuse problems, and the alternator got replaced twice. 1 month ago it died on the expressway without warning. Another engine design problem allowed the antifreeze to leak into the engine & overheat. Never did any warning lights go off. With 67K miles, the body looked great, but under the hood was junk!!!

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  Almost-not Quite - 2001 Buick LeSabre
  By Arseel - June 8 - 2:00 am

  I am very pleased with this Buick. This is my third one. Very comfortable ride. Am considering buying another Buick if they change certain things.(see below)

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  I didnt think Id like it, but I do.. - 1994 Buick LeSabre
  By sharla - June 7 - 2:00 am

  Im not a teenager...39. I have driven SUVs for 6 years, and liked them, but my dad spotted this Buick, and said that it was a "great deal". I had my reservations. I drove it...felt like I was navigating a fish tank, but I coudnt deny the smooth ride, and the sure handling. I couldnt find anything mechanically wrong with it-at all. I bought the car, partly due to my dads well known ability to find a deal, and partly to trim down my expenses. This car has turned out to be very reliable, and comfortable. My kids even say they like it...imagine! Im glad now that I have it.

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  surprisingly sporty - 2001 Buick Regal
  By ind - June 7 - 2:00 am

  Having owned the car for sometime now, I have grown to really enjoy driving it. The supercharger makes the car.

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  Nice car for the price - 2002 Buick Century
  By to44199 - June 7 - 2:00 am

  Quite and smooth ride. Acceleration and mileage are a good tradeoff. Turning and handling not as good as BMW or Audi but for half the price I can live with that.

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  bad transmission - 2001 Buick Century
  By mike schmidt - June 6 - 2:00 am

  Transmission went bad at 43000 miles called dealer and told them and told me "tough luck, I should of bought the extended warranty. Now coasting me 2000 dollars for new transmission. I take very good care of the car. Will never buy GM product again or buy from GEIS motors in peekskill

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  Intrigue alternative - 2003 Buick Regal
  By formersuver1 - June 5 - 2:00 am

  Previous 2000 Intrigue owner, 3.5l engine--got "tricked" into test driving Regal LS w/ Leather and touring suspension package. Easily the equivalent of, if not better than the Intrigue in every aspect. I personally prefer the 3.8l engine over the DOHC 3.5l, because of vastly increased lower end torque. Tranny shifts a lot less in urban driving situations--i.e, accelerating off a ramp from 35-40 mph to 55-60 mph in a short acceleration lane. Plenty of oomph passing going from ca. 55 up to 75 to pass on two- lane roads. Fit and finish (of leather interior) absolutely flawless, as is exterior finish.

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  excellent - 1996 Buick Riviera
  By THE RIVERA MAN - June 4 - 2:00 am

  Best car I ever owned, I have had very little repairs, I change the oil every 3 to 5 thousand miles, and it runs great.

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  Awsum - 2003 Buick Regal
  By Thibedeau - June 4 - 2:00 am

  I expected a compass for the price I paid.Didnt miss it until the deal was done

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  Why you should buy a boring Buick... - 2001 Buick Century
  By MLW - June 4 - 2:00 am

  You may think this car is just for old folks. Well, its not. Im in my early 30s and was sold on this car after driving many different brands as rentals. For the price (under $20K) I got a great sedan with lots of standard features. It is the most comfortable car Ive driven for long hauls (500+ miles w/no leg soreness or neck stiffness at all). It is family friendly, very reliable, and looks good, too. Give it a chance... for the $ it is well worth it.