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 Buick Regal - 1998 Buick Regal
  By Fred Wulff - February 4 - 2:00 am

  A most dependable vehicle, fun to drive with the super charger developing 240 horepower. High standards in build quality. Great mid-size sedan for the sports car enthusiast or famly seday. Do not hesitate to purchase this great vehicle.

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  Riding in style - 2003 Buick LeSabre
  By Clover - February 2 - 2:00 am

  My 4th Buick with my last being a 1997 which was more quiet than this 2003. The engine seems noisey when accelerating. Alernator has a whining sound that is very annoying and needs to be fixed by GM. My dealer said they are working on it. As for reliability that remains to be seen.

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  buick reborn - 2005 Buick LaCrosse
  By e alvarez - February 1 - 10:30 am

  This car is sleek rides well and very comfortable. The 3.6 v6 engine is powerful and has great throttle response. The sport suspension corrects the old stodgy buick handling.

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  The Last Great GMC Ride - 1996 Buick Roadmaster
  By ss krohn - January 31 - 2:00 am

  Excellent ride, great towing ability,with power to spare. That handles well in smow and ice. And every kid in the niebourhood loves to ride in with the rear facing seat and sun roof.

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  Great car!! - 2000 Buick Century
  By funeralguy - January 31 - 2:00 am

  This Buick Century is the best car I have driven in my 38 years of driving. It is excellent on long trips and gives great gas mileage, and I have not had any problems with it.

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  Minor Problems overall OK - 1998 Buick LeSabre
  By Ben2 - January 29 - 2:00 am

  Upon purchasing this vehicle at 81k I had to replace tensioner pulley. Now suspension is squeaking and car is loosing major amounts of coolant into engine (not external!)and this has caused it to knock. Not to mention paint peeling off center cap of wheels, and tail light bulbs falling out of socket. However, to be fair the car gets wonderful mileage and the room is very nice. Great acceleration.

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  Simply Unreliable - 1993 Buick LeSabre
  By UnreliableCar - January 28 - 2:00 am

  Bought and drove a 1993 Buick LeSabre from Dec. 1998- Jun. 2001 (bought at 80k sold at 140k). Vehicle required significant repairs appx. every 4 months: Transmission, alternator (2x), computer parts, power steering, etc. Cost me over $6000 in repairs over just 2 and 1/2 years. THIS IS NOT a car you want to buy USED. It is NOT reliable. It was NOT built to last.

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  so far so good - 2002 Buick Century
  By tessi - January 28 - 2:00 am

  ITS a nice car for the price,a little plain jane on the outside,but drives well and is very quite.

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  Regal GS - 2001 Buick Regal
  By tnt - January 27 - 2:00 am

  If you are looking for a comfortable sedan that is fun to drive and pleasant to live with, then the Regal GS is all that. The car handles like a racecar in comfort and style. There is no need for anymore power than the supercharged 3.8 provides and it is alot of fun.

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  also a good teen car - 1995 Buick Century
  By teen_buick_driver - January 26 - 2:00 am

  this car in my opinion was the best value for my dollar, it was the best buy for only 4000, it was the newest with the less mileage of 97000, which to some may seem a lot, but i am hopeful it will last as long as my grandparents 92 did of 180000 miles, i love the acceleration, and comfort feel of it, i enjoy getting on freeways, all in all a great/excellent car