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 - 2003 Buick Regal
  By south - November 29 - 2:00 am

  Very pleased with the dealership. The Regal is a very sporty family car. Lots of passenger room but the trunk is a little small.

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  Best Used Car I Have Ever Owned! - 1990 Buick LeSabre
  By Starsky64 - November 28 - 2:00 am

  I purchased my 1990 Buick LeSabre Limited 4 years ago and have not had any major problems with this car whatsoever. The 3800 V6 engine is bullet-proof and runs perfectly with excellent fuel economy for such a large automobile. All power accessories still operate and the A/C works great. The body is still in excellent condition for a 12 year old car. I have long been a GM customer but have to say Buick is one of their best divisions as far as quality, reliability and customer loyalty. By the way, this car was rated the highest in customer satisfaction by J.D. Powers and Associates back in 1990. Long live the American sedan!

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  Owner - 1995 Buick LeSabre
  By Dave Wessel - November 28 - 2:00 am

  We bought this car for my wifes use as she wante a larger vehicle for highway safty and security. Then we sold our other car when she retired and I have used it exclusively for several years. It runs great with few mechanical problems. I feel a little luxurious in it because that is the look, like it is an "uptown" look. We have taken many trips in it and it is great on the road. Our mechanics always tell us it is the best American made car. We agree.

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  Buick Regal LSE 2000 A-1 - 2000 Buick Regal
  By bogeymon - November 28 - 2:00 am

  My Regal has NEVER been back to the dealer. Plenty of Zip. Nineteen MPG in town, Twenty six MPG on Highway. I would definately lease another one, BUT the new ones look just like my 2000. Why would anybody do that. Those guys at GM are some DEEP THINKERS.

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  buick regal gs - 2000 Buick Regal
  By abel - November 28 - 2:00 am

  I feel the car is the best one I ever leased

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  Blue River Review - 1995 Buick Riviera
  By Blue River - November 26 - 2:00 am

  Bought car in prestine condition with 42,000 miles from local Buick dealership. Glad I purchased extended warranty because a lot has been repaired. I now have chosen to take it for repairs at another local dealership because the purchase location is dishonest and further from my home. I like the car, however, it is enormous and uses a lot of fuel.

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  A Damn Good Car - 1995 Buick Century
  By Dan Z - November 25 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car from my grandfathers estate for my wife. Its all loaded up with leather and such. This car is great! Its rides very well, gets great mileage is an excellant daily driver. My grandfather drove as you would expect from an elderly person. Not fast, well maintained and not many miles. The average per year for the time he owned it was under 5K. There is a tiny bit of rust starting in the wheel wells because it sat for long periods of time and the exhaust had to be replaced for the same reason. I feel the body will fall off this car before the engine dies..

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  2000 Buick Park Ave. - 2000 Buick Park Avenue
  By honest ed - November 24 - 10:00 am

  Superb vehicle. I now have 64,000 miles-no repairs. Original Conquest tires still have at least another 10,000 miles. Car gets 30 mpg on the highway, 23 in the city.Only complaint is that brake rotors are thin.

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  Vibration Problems Kills the Fun - 2003 Buick Park Avenue
  By rstuart202 - November 24 - 10:00 am

  I love the styling and overall comfort of the car. However, a highway-speed vibration has taken all the fun out of the new car. I have had 4 sets of tires installed and newly designed lower control arms installed. It still vibrates at 60+ MPH. Very disappointing after spending nearly 40k.

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  Stylish and functional from horn to hoof! - 2016 Buick LaCrosse
  By Guy Yocom - November 19 - 5:30 pm

  This off-the-lot model did not come with the confidence package, which really should be standard due to visibility issues. My fault and I regret not ordering and waiting patiently. But the vehicle beckoned to me, and the killer price (Buick promotion 15% off, plus a bit more on this particular model as 2017s were rolling in) made me an easy mark. Very happy from the get-go with this car. Astonished by the value, and I love it more each day. I rent a great many cars on business and this one is more luxurious than any of them. The quiet is so effective its almost offputting. Near silence even at 50 mph, and then only the pleasant hum of the tires. Handles beautifully. There is but one drawback: Tye poor visibility I mentioned. Thick posts obscure forward view at 10 am and 2 pm, rear view no treat either, and blind-spot is wretched. Thats why I miss the driver confidence package, which dealer says cannot be retrofitted. Sure wish I had the head-up display, too (!) But adding up the other pluses: Heated seats rock, interior lighting is legant, the surfeit of USB ports wonderful. Love the remote car starting, memory seats and even trunk storage, which though somewhat cramped, turns into bat cave by lowering of back seats. Love the push-button parking break. The V-6 engine is plenty beefy for any circumstance, When I need to pass I tickle the gas pedal and--whom!--Im gone. Buick nailed so many details with this model. Headrests are perfect...seats hug you like firm glove; nice balance between cushiness and support...unlocking of door with push of a button is a minor miracle, and entire layout of controls is very sensible. Im a fan, and wish there were a way to add that pesky driver confidence package.