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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  not a good first car - 1996 Buick Century
  By vash gulan - March 15 - 2:00 am

  as a teen you hate it. all your friends have nice cars while you are stuck with a 1996 buick century. it is like something your grandma should be driving. i did not like it i got bad gas mileage for a poor teenager. it had no pick up. had to upgrade everything.

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  My Experience - 1998 Buick Regal
  By dollyhaus - March 13 - 2:00 am

  My experience has revealed the reliability of the vehicle has been excellent and feel it is due to the quality of the workmanship. It is economical to drive. Have found it to be a very comfortable auto for traveling on the highway. Only wish they would modify the exterior somewhat. Getting ready to purchase a 2003 model but wish the colors were not so blah...need more color!

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  Poor workmanship - 2002 Buick LeSabre
  By Raymond McIntyre - March 12 - 2:00 am

  The car has had oil leaks. brake problem,and steering problems.

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  Good car - 1995 Buick Skylark
  By drc37 - March 10 - 2:00 am

  It has worked well for us for the last 5 years. No complaints. Nothing ever really broke besides the standard items like brakes and battery.

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  Solid Buick - 1999 Buick LeSabre
  By MJM571 - March 9 - 2:00 am

  The LeSabre continues to be a solid made vehicle. I expect this 99 LeSabre to yield 200,000 miles without serious problems as have my previous LeSabres. Seating is somewhat uncomfortable. For long drives a lumbar support would be beneficial.

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  Exceptional and Comfortable Value - 1999 Buick Park Avenue
  By New CA Buick Fan - March 8 - 10:53 pm

  Purchased this car used from a dealer, one owner, with only 43,000 miles on it. The interior looks brand new and the exterior is nearly flawless. Amazing amount of car for the money and a much better performer than the Lincoln Town Car or Toyota Avalon. Amazingly comfortable front power seats, great fuel economy (30 hwy), lots of room everywhere and a pleasure to drive. The Park Avenue soaks up bumps very well and provides a comfortable ride. Maintenance costs very low and also very inexpensive to insure. I think Im a new Buick fan!

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  Dont buy this car! - 1995 Buick Riviera
  By msemensohn - March 8 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car from a little old man with under 43000 miles. Since day one I have been funding my local mechanics kids college education. Over $3000 worth of repairs in two years. Air conditioner went twice (Im in Florida!), transmission, intake manifold, etc. Because of this car, I will never buy another American car as I am afraid

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  I would buy another - 1991 Buick LeSabre
  By Uwillloveit - March 8 - 2:00 am

  I have had my car since 1996 and could probably count 6 times that I have had to have anything done to it, besides general maintenance. The most extensive repair has been an alternator! This is the second Buick I have owned and I only traded because I was driving a Century T-type and needed more room. Everyone knows it as the "granny-mobile", I dont mind it though, I will drive it until it decides to quit for good. It has just turned over to 176,400 miles.

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  Regal LS Review - 2002 Buick Regal
  By jwellinger - March 8 - 2:00 am

  Wellmade, responsive engine, great driving comfort, finish superb, cant find fault for a vehicle in this price class, a best buy.

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  Roadmaster Raves - 1996 Buick Roadmaster
  By kevallen - March 5 - 2:00 am

  Bought the car to fill my expanding family needs. Fits the bill perfectly as a safe reliable and powerful car with excellent long distance travel comfort.