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 American Bargain - 2002 Buick LeSabre
  By Fred Nesbitt - April 22 - 2:00 am

  Well built, tight, rattle-free, visually pleasing design inside and out. The seating and ride are VERY comfortable for both front and back seat passengers. Doors open wide with adequate space to enter and exit without difficulty, even for my parents in their 80s. The driving experience is very secure and completely free of unpleasant surprises.

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  thisisit - 2005 Buick Rendezvous
  By docsmog - April 20 - 10:00 am

  overall the vehicle ride is nice,interior is nice,performance is good,reliabilaty is unknown yet as i have not had it that long.

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  Great value - 2003 Buick Regal
  By Bill T. - April 19 - 2:00 am

  This is a great value for a car that has so much to offer. A boulevard ride, great performance and brakes and an ergonomically correct instrument panel (everything is within easy reach).

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  Fun to drive - 2000 Buick Regal
  By First Buick - April 18 - 2:00 am

  The Supercharged Engine makes this a real fun drive. A very comfortalble commuter car in the midsize range. Have not had any problems with car. Steering wheel radio controls a plus. Needs more breaking power.

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  na - 2003 Buick Regal
  By john324 - April 18 - 2:00 am

  excellent car, smooth drive, very stable on the highway, very reliable car, but need a premium fuel.

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  BUICK REGAL - 2003 Buick Regal
  By - April 17 - 2:00 am

  IT HAS BEEN A PERFECT CAR

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  Great Buy - 2003 Buick Century
  By rickk - April 16 - 2:00 am

  In a few short weks I have found my return to American made cars to be a pleasure. I find it more comfortable than my Accord or Maxima. The test drive was equivalent to the Camry I was considering. Pound for pound the Century is thebuy of the century.

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  Used 1993 Buick Skylark 4-door - 1993 Buick Skylark
  By dogeye - April 14 - 2:00 am

  When I bought this Buick in 1998, it had about 60,000 miles on it. It is now 2003, and I have only had to take it to the shop ONE time. This car just keeps on running without missing a beat. Ive owned Chevys, Olds, Fords... the Buick is the best-made family car in America. Have your car checked over when you buy it at the shop, and get them to look at the headlight switch in the steering column mine failed. Change hoses regularly.

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  Great ,but.... - 2001 Buick LeSabre
  By Jake02324 - April 14 - 2:00 am

  Took some work to get 2 newer tires,old 2 did not balance. Heater/AC fan beecame noisey, replaced. Rear passenger vent keeps falling apart, held together now with a block of wood! Both visor mirrors wiring crushed by mounting screws,blew fuses. Wrapped with tape fix! Window washer hose came off inside of wiper arm. All little?? things but poor assembly/design/quality! Hood fit is poor or is it the front fenders/grill?

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  GOOD CAR - 1992 Buick Century
  By SLACKER - April 10 - 2:00 am

  THIS CAR HAS BEEN A GREAT CAR, JUST PASSED 177,000 AND STILL GOIN STRONG. IT HAS ONLY BROKE DOWN TWICE, COOLING FAN AND A SENSER, IT IS MY BACK UP CAR AND IT GETS THE JOB DONE