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:

• 

  under 700miles and major transmission problem - 2012 Buick Verano
  By unhappy2012 - April 13 - 11:55 pm

  To say I am unhappy is an understatement. Spent too much on this car buying it new, but feeling assured that I would not have "problems" with it. At 550 ck engine light came on and transmission shifting was a hard jump with lights flashing. Turned car off, drove a bit more, transmission problem gone but check engine light still on, took to dealership. Computer cks showed no problem, service dept drove car for several days, no prob. Same prob a 2nd time and car stuck in low gear, only go 35mi/hr gear did not shift,cruise cntrl not working,drove straight to dealer, Buick sent a part to hopefully fix car.My old car was reliable,now I have an unreliable expensive new car. Stuck with a LEMON

• 

  I adored the buick boat - 1998 Buick LeSabre
  By stimely1987 - April 10 - 6:58 pm

  Bought the car 5 years ago from a family member.. had 113,000 now has 156,000.. Absolutely a tough car.. in five years ive only replaced a few sensors nothing over 50 bucks. Had to replace brake lines twice due to one garage being shady.. Water pump which was an easy fix. Muffler but PA winters are horrible and the biggest fix was the security system locked up. but it only cost 150 bucks.. Instead of paying 2 grand for GM to fix it, I had a good mechanic bypass the security system by cutting a few wires and regrounding them down with cheap resistors from Radio Shack.. No regrets having the buick I love it.. But shes getting old so its time for a new one soon...

• 

  GS fun - 2012 Buick Regal
  By carjunkie41 - April 7 - 8:36 pm

  I purchased the new GS with automatic. The exterior is awesome. The braking and handling is incredible, even better than my Infiniti G. The car does lack the power and would be much better as a rear wheel drive. I also wish the car had a more aggressive exhaust, the current exhaust is quite wimpy. Most people cannot believe this car is a buick and neither can I. Ive only had a week now & Ive put 450 great miles on the car because it is fun to drive. I have the black on black with tinted windows & 20" wheels, simply incredible look. The interior controls are a little confusing, I think I need to get my Ph.d to figure some of the controls out.

• 

  New owner - 2012 Buick Verano
  By veranowner - March 31 - 12:35 pm

  I just picked up my car from the dealership and Im very excited about it. The ride home was so smooth and quiet. There was plenty of power on the highway and the ride definitely felt luxurious. I understand that Im coming from a Vibe, (which is an awesome car, btw) but even so, for just a little more money, I feel like Ive moved into a much higher class. Im excited for Buick with this car. Once the word gets out that the Verano is a great value, I hope people will support it. The one thing Im nervous about is reliability. Ive had zero problems with my Vibe and it has 110,000 miles. If the Verano can come close to that, Ill be happy for Buick, and for me, too. Will update.

• 

  Best automobile I have ever owned - 2005 Buick Rainier
  By uscgc - March 28 - 12:32 pm

  Most trouble free auto I have ever owned. It is quiet and handles well in curves.

• 

  This is not your fathers Buick - 2011 Buick LaCrosse
  By lacrosselover - March 27 - 10:11 pm

  I was in the market for an entry level luxury car and was looking seriously at Lexus, Chrysler 300, Acura, KIA, etc... Every review kept pointing me to this car so I had to take the plunge and buy a 2011 CXL. From the minute I got in the car to the moment I turned off the ignition I knew that this car was everything Buick talks about with regard to the refinement that they have built into this car. I am an electrical engineer which means I am very analytical and I appreciate good engineering. This car is an absolute engineering marvel. The exterior is superb in design, the interior is luxurious and roomy, the V-6 Engine is very powerful and the sound system is top notch. No Complaints!

• 

  Horns honks - 2012 Buick LaCrosse
  By k5qm - March 24 - 9:30 pm

  Love the car in all areas except one problem. When i unlock and get in the car and close the door sometimes the horn will honk 4 times rapidly. Dealer cant find it. I suspect it is a malfunction in thee electrical feed back circuit. Very agrivating, never know when it will honk.

• 

  LOVE MY BUICK! - 2003 Buick Century
  By lovemybuick - March 24 - 6:04 am

  I bought my 03 Buick Century at the suggesting of a friend who is an engineer and very trustworthy when it comes to the mechanics of things. At first I was worried about it "being for old folks". I love the looks and styling of this car, as does my 22 yr old son and his friends! It had 26K miles when I purchased it, today, 2012, it has 279K, and its still going strong. The only problems in that time were routine with the exception of having to replace the motor in the door as the window wouldnt go down last year.

• 

  I wish they still made this car - 2002 Buick Century
  By midwestmrs - March 19 - 8:43 pm

  I bought my 02 Century in late 03. Have loved it ever since. Reliable, quiet, smooth comfortable ride, and has been cheap to own. Just routine maintenance. Not even a muffler. I did have the drivers side power window motor replaced several years ago. Car is now old. 160K miles, rocker panel rust, and things are starting to break. The gas guage has some kind of electrical problem. Hubby and mechanic said its not worth fixing. Its time to replace the car. I still get 25-27 mpg. That is impossible to match in a car with this kind of comfort and quiet. I wish they still made this model. I test drove a 2011 Lucerne but the backup visibility is terrible for me. Maybe a 2011 LaCrosse or a Camry.

• 

  Service Engine Light - 2008 Buick Enclave
  By msgoodie - March 18 - 9:36 am

  I purchased a 2008 enclave used in May 2010. the first time the service engine light came on in Septemeber 2010. Then 4 more times in July 2011. Every few days after the dealership so called repaired the problem the service engine light would come on and the SUV would lose power. That went on 4 times within a few weeks. I finally thought the problem was addressed until now. The light came on again. Its still under warrrantly and been at the dealership for 4 days and I still have not recieved a diagnostic call. Im almost out of warranty and need to make a decision to either buy an extened warranty or trade it in. I now know why the previous owner got rid of it after just two years.