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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  A great ride - 2003 Buick LeSabre
  By Horsetrader - May 24 - 2:00 am

  I experience a distinct vibration on the steering wheel, dashboard, front seats,brake pedal. This occurs at slow (2-3) mph and stoped with motor running in idle and transmission in drive. Put i in Neutral snd vibration eases. I have had it in for service 4 times and service manager says this is normal. I have drove ford 4cylander and oldsmobile 6 cylander. Both with no vibration. I have complained to Buick Company but they give me no hopes that they can fix the vibration. They(Buick) promised to write me a letter of explination. I am on verge of filing with the Florida Lemon Law.

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  Mixed Feelings - 1991 Buick Regal
  By KenX - May 23 - 2:00 am

  Beautiful car. 67K when purchased. Power everything...but little by little all those power features turned against us. Radio controls, power windows, BRAKES which no mechanic was able to diagnose...the pedal was ROCK HARD as if the power assist has just given up. ABS went, intermittent Check Engine light, drainage problem with sunroof -- kinked drain hose inside the roof. AC compressor died. Near the end the car was just dead every morning. Wed jump it and it would be fine, or not. That was the last straw. With 120K, it was time to move on.

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  good - 1997 Buick Century
  By Deborah Clarke - May 23 - 2:00 am

  Car is in excellent shape drives good dependable, and luxary. I would buy another buick, as a matter of fact Im thinking of the regal this time.

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  its not my fathers car anymore - 2003 Buick Century
  By golfnut - May 20 - 2:00 am

  This is the second Century I have purchased..I got the 1997 Limited and enjoyed it so much, I just got a 2003. Hands down, you get your moneys worth out of the vehicle. It is not the same Buick my father had in the 60s. This car if for every age. If you want to "sport it up" get the Regal. Large trunk, great visiability, great power for a small v-6. I drive 100 mile round trip to work and you cant ask for a better American Made Car.

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  Problem car - 2001 Buick LeSabre
  By J Roberts - May 19 - 2:00 am

  September 2002 - the front right coil spring snapped (cost $300). May 2003 - the thrust bearing in the transmission failed causing several other transmission problems(cost $2,200). Total miles on the car 48,000. I dont think I can afford to own a car that has this many problems with this little milage. The dealership did help with the cost but Buick said "tough Luck", we cant help you.

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  Buick Rendezvoux CXL - 2002 Buick Rendezvous
  By jwsmith - May 16 - 11:46 am

  Best new vehicle weve ever owned. Exceptional performance with Versatrak AWD is adverse weather. Functional, attractive, and very comfortable interior. Smooth ride and better fuel economy than "standard SUVs." We have all options but the 6 CD changer.

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  Road Master Estate wagon - 1994 Buick Roadmaster
  By jas 1 - May 16 - 2:00 am

  Beautiful ride and power...very comfortable in town and out on the highway....all kind of wather, and any number of passengers and luggage...fantastic

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  Not your dads Buick - 1997 Buick Regal
  By forestgump14 - May 15 - 2:00 am

  This has been a very reliable vehicle and is for those not familiar with the GS version will be shocked by the get up and go of the super-charged engine. The only thing I have replaced in this car besides tires and brakes, is the water pump. I am not sure that there is a better combination of performance, comfort, price and bells and whistles in its class

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  Ok, with speed - 1997 Buick Regal
  By nick D - May 15 - 2:00 am

  Purchased used w/56K in 9/01. Transmission went out, as did power window motors (both w/in 4K miles) but all covered by extended warranty. Have had recurrent brake-rotor noise that apparently cannot be remedied. But, not one other problem in nearly two years. Would highly recommended purchasing extended warranty for any Regal.

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  Ok, with speed - 1997 Buick Regal
  By Nick D - May 15 - 2:00 am

  Purchased used w/56K in 9/01. Transmission went out, as did power window motors (both w/in 4K miles) but all covered by extended warranty. Have had recurrent brake-rotor noise that apparently cannot be remedied. But, not one other problem in nearly two years. Would highly recommended purchasing extended warranty for any Regal.