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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  re-calibrate your tranny. - 2009 Buick Enclave
  By charlie - March 18 - 10:21 pm

  This is short and sweet.I love my enclave.Love the looks, ride, comfort,and all the extras.Was not crazy about tranny shifting so much. Checked around and found out that your dealer can change something on the computer and your car wont shift as much. Didnt take long to do and it sure makes a difference. I think there is a bulletin put out by Buick if your dealer wants to know about it. All you guys with tranny stories, check it out.It does make a difference. It wont shift as much. I hope this helps.

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  One of the Good Ones - 2002 Buick Century
  By Robert Neglia - March 16 - 1:35 pm

  Very few problems until last year, it seemed everything was going wrong at one time. Had leak in intake manifold gasket, Tie-Rod end went to include drive belt tensioner arm, one engine and transmission mount broke and a few other items, repairs were over $3,000 extended warranty helped, but still had to pay allot. Center brake lights shorted out few times. Inside lower door panel starting to rust. Now, getting noise after heavy rain when making steering corrections. Mileage is 14.8 city mid 20s highway. It is a bad feeling when you lose thrust in your cars reliability and those making repairs to your vehicle.

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  Oldsmobile Replacement - 2005 Buick LeSabre
  By Bill - March 15 - 5:02 pm

  I have driven GM cars always. I got an Olds Delta 88 in 1987 and have had several Olds that have ran perfect with the same drive train in the Olds 88s and 98s -the 3.8 engine is great- GM was smart enough to stay with it for many years. I bought the 2005 Buick LeSabre because it had the exact same drive train as an Olds that GM was stupid enough to discontinue.

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  my first car - 1996 Buick Century
  By breazy love it baby - March 14 - 2:31 pm

  i read a comment about it not being good for a teenager its all how you look at it. I was 17 when I bought the car from my dad. at first I was hesitant. Then I fell in love. It was reliable, smooth to drive , and so comfortable. I think its all the way you look at it I dont want to say the car fit me but I fit my car. mine was a custom edition. Well I am not quite sure it said custom on the exterior, but on the dash it said limited so I loved it and I think no matter the age this car is perfect. sad story mine was stolen and everything was ruined the leather was torn engine, taken out the list goes on. Now I am on the search to own my champagne colored whip once again.."its all krystalle"

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  Awesome - 2010 Buick LaCrosse
  By MR BUICK - March 13 - 8:11 am

  I have driven a lot of nice vehicles in my life, but the LaCrosse outshines them all. I have been stopped many times asking if this was a Buick. Great in bad weather (did wonderful in the snow) and comfort to spare. How quiet it is will blow you away. Do yourself a favor and get one.

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  still running strong at 114K - 2002 Buick Century
  By pbm - March 12 - 4:04 pm

  I wrote a review when the car had 30K and nothing has really changed as I approach 115K. I had the intake manifold gasket changed as a precaution (the 3.1 is known to leak). I had new struts installed at approximately 85K (NYC is tough on a car). This might be the best car Ive ever owned and I see no problem hitting 200K.

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  Great Car - 2010 Buick LaCrosse
  By Tom - March 12 - 11:52 am

  Quiet and comfortable. Locks out road noise. In my opinion, ride is on par with Lexis 350. Ambient (Ice Blue) lighting is great. Controls easy to use. Seats are comfortable, not tired after long drives. Overall, Looks like Buick got it right with the Lacrosse.

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  Great Ride! - 2001 Buick Century
  By Great Ride - March 11 - 2:42 pm

  Bought this car to take long trips across country & back. About to make the fourth long trip! Also use for commute each day. Its very comfortable, roomy, smooth on highways, safe in snow. Have replaced tires, brakes, from normal wear & tear. Light bulbs in headlamps & tail lamps seem to go out frequently compared to other cars weve had. Teenager needs a car & they will get the new one-I will keep driving the Buick!

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  Best Ive ever had - 2004 Buick Rainier
  By Gort - March 8 - 11:23 am

  I have owned a lot of vehicles and this is by far the best. Great performance, I feel like a King driving this. All the options you could ask for. Quite smooth ride. You just cannot beat this SUV. I stumbled upon it by accident and will never buy anything other than a Buick SUV again. People need to stop complaining about the mpg. Its an SUV if you want better than 25 mpg get a geo metro. I get 15-16 in city and 18- 21 highway. So impressed I wish I could write more in this space. Perfect SUV for a family looking for performance, reliability, safety, room, comfort, options, quite smooth ride, good looks inside and out, not to mention you will be driving something that not everyone else drives.

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  Look out Lexus! - 2010 Buick LaCrosse
  By shkspier - March 5 - 9:33 pm

  Ive only had my car for a few weeks but am LOVING it. Im a youthful 43 year old man and never thought Id own a Buick. This vehicle oozes class, style and performance, all for about $10K less than a Lexus. The ride is comfortable, but tight -- nothing like the "marshmallow" suspension Ive always associated with Buicks. A bit nervous about the reliability of a GM but willing to give it a shot with the new upgraded warranty (finally). Ive always owned Toyotas, Lexus, etc but glad to say I own an American vehicle now.