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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  Great car except... - 1995 Buick Riviera
  By Burak - December 17 - 2:00 am

  I bought my car at 80k.I have some problems with cruise control, rear window defogger switch and a coolant leakage. These can happen. But parts of this car are expensive.I paid 300$ for the rear fogger switch.Every repair starts from 100$ at the authorized service. But great interior design and outer design. I agree that interior design of Buick cars are bad but this one is exceptional. Gas mileage is poor, performance is fine, but could be better if the car is somewhat smaller. Reliability is same with any of the american cars I guess. If you want a more reliable car try honda or toyota but I cant find the design and fun to drive in them.

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  rdv- very nice vehicle - 2002 Buick Rendezvous
  By lukjack - December 14 - 12:23 pm

  A luxirous, fun to drive, alternative to a minivan or large SUV. Third row back seat gives plenty of seating, along with an adequate amount of storage. Power is 185hp, but gives plenty accelaration and quiet cruising, but also allows 24 mpg highway and around 18-19 in city. Also, it has AWD Versatrak and front/side airbags. For all the luxury, $2002 rebate, and selling for around invoice, a great value that puts it $10,000 less than Acura MDX or Lexus RX300 purchase price.

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  luv this rendezvous - 2004 Buick Rendezvous
  By jrinaldo - December 13 - 10:00 am

  love the way it rides. wish it had more horsepower.

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  Better than a minivan - 2005 Buick Rendezvous
  By Winner04 - December 13 - 10:00 am

  This is my first SUV. I opted to buy the Rendezvous because of the roomy interior (3rd row was important to me) and the price was within my budget. However, the V6 engine lacks power and I can hear the wind outside (sounds like a tornado moving overhead) when driving on open roads. Will I buy another Buick? Maybe. Ive only had this vehicle for a month. So far, I have no significant complaints.

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  Bland, boring and vanilla - 2003 Buick Century
  By steeplejack - December 13 - 2:00 am

  I think the title says it all! Yeah, small glovebox, too high trunk loading, yada yada. But with a 23k sticker, this is my granfathers buick and it is boring.

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  Outstanding Ride & Value - 2002 Buick LeSabre
  By Straycat - December 13 - 2:00 am

  Buick has hit the mark with this one. This vehicle is a pleasure to drive. Great mileage, plenty of space, elegant style, and superior value compared with other full-size cars. You cant go wrong with this vehicle. No unusual or excessive motor sounds. My experience is a quiet ride.

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  Enjoyable to drive - 2008 Buick Enclave
  By d kane - December 12 - 6:23 am

  The car is a pleasure to drive. Mileage is between 18-19 city, 22-23 hghwy. Ride is firm but not hard,much better than my Olds Bravada that it replaced. Interior is pleasing and functional. Controls are easy to reach.

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  very satisfied. - 1997 Buick Skylark
  By Cananopie - December 12 - 2:00 am

  I bought my car Limited Edition skylark last April with 80,000 miles on it and I have been driving it a lot and nothing major has happened in 8 months except for recently the fuel pump broke, but it was over 100,000 miles on it. This car has amazed me with is performance and its reliability

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  Buick Riviera - 1999 Buick Riviera
  By T.J.Stankard - December 12 - 2:00 am

  I find the acceleration to be excellant. Vear low noise inside vehicle. Instrument panel easy to read.Excellant road handling.Only drawback is the height inside,because of the Moonroof. Not enough headroom for tall individuals

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  Nice Car - 1994 Buick LeSabre
  By ACR - December 12 - 2:00 am

  I did buy the Buick Used and I will have to say that this was one of the best used cars that I have ever owned. The car itself has been only fun to drive. My wife and I love taking road trips. We put most of the miles the care has on it on the highway and it is the smothest car I have ever driven on the highways