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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  Excellent - 2000 Buick LeSabre
  By Krissssss - April 10 - 2:00 am

  This is my third Lesabre (1986, 1990) and I have been happy with all of them and they have been free of any major problems.

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  16k And Still Going Strong - 2008 Buick Enclave
  By Red Jewel Tint - April 5 - 9:06 am

  Traded in my 04 Sequoia and have never looked back. Everything about this car is better than the Toy. I can repeatedly get 25 mpg on the highway if I pay attention and keep my speed within 5 mph of the limit. Quit whining about gas mileage in a 5000 lb vehicle! The tranny is designed to max your mpg, not your quarter-mile times. Weve had two long road trips, and this is way more comfy than my "class leading" 01 Grand Caravan ever was. This car is drop-dead gorgeous inside and out. Ten months and 16k later I am still in love with my car. I have every option, and all the bells and whistles work perfectly. OnStar seems to have upgraded their nav system as it seems more accurate than last year.

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  The Buick of Automobiles - 2010 Buick LaCrosse
  By John Coccio - April 5 - 2:56 am

  Well, after a month I must say this is one fantastic car. People are raving about its good looks. Family members who drive imports say "THATS a BUICK??? Well, its about time" That may be an indictment to GM recent past as a "car" maker, but this car has arrived. While there is road noise from under the car, it is generally quiet, the nav system works great, back up camera makes backing silly easy. Everyone who rides in back raves how comfortable it is. You can feel the bumps in the road, but it isnt a jarring feel. As far as handling, this car stays planted around corners, which says something for a 4000 pound plus car.

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  Luv that car-O-mine! - 1996 Buick Skylark
  By Proud Buick Owner - April 4 - 2:00 am

  Go 50-55 mph on a long trip, and get mid-30 mpg. The 6 cylinder is torquey, but the overdrive keeps the mileage in the mid to upper 20s. Its solid enough that if someone rear ends you, you and car are functional. Its not a land yacht, but can carry four people in reasonable comfort (the back seat is a bit tight). Easy to insure, easy to travel in () though I like a pillow, or small poodle, for neck rest support. Could use better lumbar support. It always runs! The speedometer is HUGE (as it should be). Happy with the 6-banger lark.

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  Best Value / We love our Lesabre - 2002 Buick LeSabre
  By arby - April 2 - 2:00 am

  GMs 3.8 engine and trany provide an excellent balance between power, acceleration and fuel milege. The car is great to drive on long trips and handles well with the grand touring suspension. The other plus is the excellent safety rating for the LeSabre.

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  Best Value / We love our Lesabre - 2002 Buick LeSabre
  By Arby - April 2 - 2:00 am

  GMs 3.8 engine and trany provide an excellent balance between power, acceleration and fuel milege. The car is great to drive on long trips and handles well with the grand touring suspension. The other plus is the excellent safety rating for the LeSabre.

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  Great Quality - 2003 Buick LeSabre
  By LeSabre Owner - March 31 - 2:00 am

  This car has no rattles, no noise, no creaks. Its as quiet as my 98 Limited. Its great driving it. The suspension is perfect at 3000 miles. Its a Park Avenue at a lower price. Everything has been well-designed to work without anything negative to it: the cupholders are better than 98 LeSabre (front and back both now), the radio controls have real knobs for tuning and volume and theyre in steering wheel too. The auto temperature air conditioning works great, just like the other car.

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  Its Difficult to Part with it - 1990 Buick LeSabre
  By NM Sunshine - March 30 - 2:00 am

  Although, the exterior style is boxy, it has been a very comfortable, reliable car. Its good on gas for a car this size. Great for a long drive. Lots of space in the trunk. It still looks like a new vehicle and drives like one too!

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  Work Horse - 1994 Buick LeSabre
  By Markdoggiedog - March 26 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car because Ive never had a problem with the 3.8 V6 on other Buicks that I owned. I drive about 3000 to 4000 miles a month with this car and never had a problem!

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  excellent vehicle - 2004 Buick Rainier
  By john murdock - March 26 - 2:00 am

  this suv has plenty of power but is still easy on the gas. it is an awd vehicle but drives and has the comfort of a luxury car. it has just enough of a rugged look to it that it fits in well on the construction site but also cleans up for an evening out on the town.