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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  Hey, Its a van--but its not that bad - 2005 Buick Terraza
  By Karla - April 8 - 11:25 pm

  I was one of those people who NEVER thought that I would ever own a minivan. I was (and still am) an SUV woman all the way! THEN, I had two kids and want more...and I am constantly hauling around my twin nephews, so it just became necessary. The only thing I hate about this vehicle is that it is minivan and not...well, anything other than a minivan. It has been great for getting a lot of kids where they need to go and has been very reliable so far. I havent had it long, but I felt the need to tell anyone who wanted to know that this vehicle has had no major problems and hasnt given me anything to complain about so far. I am very pleased with it.

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  A Nice Car - 2001 Buick LeSabre
  By A Nice Car - April 3 - 2:40 pm

  When I got this car, it only had 44k on the OD. The original buyer had just turned it in on a newer car. In 2008, BOTH rear door window motors broke, and the car now needs 4 wheel alignment and new tires. The cost to have the dealer fix both rear window problems is $250.00 EACH SIDE! The GM 3.8 engine sucks up a LOT of gas. In brutal cold weather, even -10 degrees, this car warms up in about 10- 15 minutes. Normal maint kept up.

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  Built like a tank - 1999 Buick Century
  By ryan - April 2 - 5:31 pm

  Bought this car used with 68k mi on it, owned for now 3 years with no problems other than a blown battery (and thats aint the cars fault). Gas milage decent for a roomy car like this. Interior styling is boring at best though- features are there but you have to look hard to find them. To spice these models up- you must get them in sante fe red! Covers bumps in road like ship with lots of suspension float (this may have been less noticable in earlier days) but it mostly handles like an old rolls royce. Numb but easy steering feel, not a sports car but has a "silent but powerful" engine. Best on long highway trips or daily commutes. Bad to park in cities.

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  Buick Enclave - 2008 CXL AWD - 2008 Buick Enclave
  By traveler - March 25 - 12:15 pm

  We have 12000 miles on our Enclave. Love the car. Traveled from Illinois to Florida and car performed beautifully. Car had a bad battery at delivery but that was quickly resolved. Excellent highway mileage, 22 mpg. with full load. Very comfortable ride and so far all accessories performing perfectly. Some visibility problems for shorter drivers.

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  Nicely done, and it turns heads - 2002 Buick Rendezvous
  By TommyGun - March 22 - 10:00 am

  Didnt want just another SUV. The ads touting its utility and style, its size and comfort got me to look at it. Ive had my fill of mini-vans, but liked to sit up high. SUVs seem pretentious for the most part. This kinda hybrid was just what I was looking for, and Ive always liked the ride of a Buick. Off-road? You gotta be kidding... No one takes an SUV off- road, so that was not a consideration.

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  junk - 1997 Buick Skylark
  By chris m - March 21 - 12:01 pm

  Lower control arm bushing (driver side) popped out while under warranty. Passenger side popped out after out of warranty-$130 for control arm loaded w/new bushings-I installed it. Ignition switch went bad- THEFT light was flashing and no start-$540 to tow and repair. Windshield wiper motor went out-$230 new motor installed. Driver side window popped out of the track at top of window-havent fixed it yet. Alternator went out-$95 with exchange-I installed it.Remote trunk release cable snapped. Remote filler door seized up.On its second set of rotors.This car had 33000 miles when i bought it in 2000. It now has 72000 on it, so its not like it has a hard life.

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  MY econo buick - 2001 Buick Century
  By rob - March 19 - 12:22 pm

  Very good on fuel if you get to speed and hold it steady ive hit 36mpg with many 35 miles per gallon. THe car rewards easy driving with cash back.

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  Full of Surprises - 2006 Buick Lucerne
  By Steve - March 17 - 11:13 am

  Having purchased a new CSX only 2 weeks ago, I have not had time to truly evaluate the vehicle. Many available options were surprising including, automatic tire pressure reading, monthly system check-up courtesy of On-Star, Air conditioned seats which are great for desert dwellers, the automatic start feature which at first seemed extravagent. When its 118 deg.F, the air conditioning can cool off the car to a nice 100 deg. from 135 deg. inside the cabin,which is VERY nice for a desert dweller. Another surprise was the large battery----not under the hood, but under the back seat! That and the main fuse bank is actually very easy to get to for servicing. Gas mileage is not great 17- 25.

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  COMPLAINERS, LEASE DO NOT BUY. - 2017 Buick LaCrosse
  By DEPLORABLE - March 17 - 8:51 am

  All the negative comments about the lacrosse PREMIUM ALL WHEEL DRIVE are not as i am experiencing my LACROSSE. My LACROSSE list at $ 50,370 was well worth the experience i am enjoying. I can only assume that the negativity i saw in the reviews must be frustration from the PRESIDENTIAL election. By the way this is my third new lacrosse since 2010.

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  A Buick Truck..Amazing - 2005 Buick Rainier
  By Buick Truck???? - March 11 - 2:41 pm

  The best truck noone ever heard of. Powerful V8, smooth ride, quiet and pure luxury. Everone that gets into this vehicle for the first time tells me what a nice truck this is and when I mention its a Buick they are astounded.