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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  SOLID CAR - 2001 Buick LeSabre
  By mgranito - November 19 - 2:00 am

  Great gas mileage for the power. Smooth, quiet ride. Handling somewhat sloppy. Sleek, classy look. Only major complaint is that seats are too soft for extended trips.

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  built to last - 1995 Buick LeSabre
  By conman - November 17 - 2:00 am

  Ive got 117K miles on it & it still sounds & rides like its new...Great engine!

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  My Review - 1998 Buick Regal
  By kwood627 - November 17 - 2:00 am

  This Buick Regal GS has been an excellent car for me. It performs very nicely, has a great ride and has had no problems at all. It has only required oil changes and regular routine preventive maintenance. I would rate it a 10.

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  Nice litle SUV - 2016 Buick Encore
  By Encoresport - November 13 - 2:25 am

  I like the Buick Encore very much, but cant live with stop/start for the next 6 years. Got a another brand instead.

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  poor quality control - 2000 Buick Regal
  By Ray Heard - November 13 - 2:00 am

  The rubber seal around the windshield flew off while driving at the posted speed (70 mph). The dealer said that they have not had another incident like that reported. . The trim on the drivers side that covers the channel that carries the wiring harness to the rear of the car fell off into the street when I struck it with my foot while exiting the auto. . The rubber or plastic trim that covers the head liner on the edges has always been loose, The front seats have absolutely no lumbar support.

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  Evaluation of the Buick Century 2002 - 2000 Buick Century
  By Ray Pinto - November 13 - 2:00 am

  The car is quiet and smooth. The seats are roomy and very comfortable. The seat adjustments are very good so you can drive comfortably. I find the heating system to be a little slow in warming up. I like the radio controls on the steering wheel so you dont have to take your eyes off the road. We took it on a 2000 mile trip and enjoyed the ride very much.

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  1994 Regal Custom Coupe - 1994 Buick Regal
  By Mark Giordano - November 12 - 2:00 am

  I have had this car since Thanksgiving 1999, I bought it from a local dealer. I love this car, it has the 3.8 l V6, it has a nice sound to it. Its pretty quick too. This car has such a smooth ride, even with 119,000 miles on it. No engine problemes...EVER!!! The only thing Ive had to replace/repair is the battery, rotors and calipers and the shocks and struts. The shocks and struts were put in at 80,000 miles by the dealer at no cost to me. I love this car and would recomend it to someone who loves comfort, performance, and American luxury.

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  Great Car - 2003 Buick Century
  By Frank T. - November 10 - 2:00 am

  This is a realy nice car! I feel like I got my monies worth. I bought a 2002 limited edition. The ride is very smooth and quiet. The leather seats are comfortable. The car seems like it costs a few grand more than I paid for it. If Buick really tried to market this car to all ages, theyd do well.

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  sweet ride - 1997 Buick Riviera
  By shortdog - November 9 - 2:00 am

  Car is great to drive had to replace alternator and battery after i bought it but no other surprises so far steering sounds a little strained when turning wheels at a stop ??

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  woud buy another - 1996 Buick Regal
  By daddyg - November 7 - 2:00 am

  we bought it from a traveling salesman and love it, but the rear suspension squeaks a lot. a/c stopped working this summer, and so did the tape player. great gas mileage on trips over 30mpg.