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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  This aint your daddys Buick! - 2010 Buick LaCrosse
  By jbprice92 - February 17 - 4:26 pm

  Wow! I have had 10 cars in my life and only one did I love--a Mazda Millenia--this blows it out of the water. My husband and I went to the car show to look at cars--I was set on another Mazda until I saw the interior of this car. It is unreal. Beautiful and elegant and Oh what a ride!! I am 45 and feared the stigma of the "old person" Buick--but I got over that very quickly. I cant wait to get in this car and drive it. It is simply amazing. I compared it to the Lexus and it didnt even come close! If you are considering other models--go look at the interior of this car and then drive it. I guarantee it will blow you away.

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  The Best - 2008 Buick Enclave
  By wvg - February 15 - 3:54 pm

  Great suv, quiet, like as much as my S550 Mercedes, no problems, love the fold down seats, rear tail gate.

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  09 Enclave - CXL Great Crossover!! - 2009 Buick Enclave
  By Bob - February 12 - 2:21 pm

  This one sweet Crossover. Buick hit a homerun with this vehicle. We have made 3 trips from NJ to FL in all kinds of weather and the Enclave was secure, comforable and pleasent to drive. It is extremely quiet and rides like a limo. Highway Gas milege was 18-21 with car loaded and averaging 70-80MPH. We rode through both snow and rain storms and it performed excellent. I would highly recommend it to anyone. We had a Lexus RX350 and the Buick beats it hands down in all areas. GM has finally woke up!

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  Love my Rendezvous - 2007 Buick Rendezvous
  By tomahawk - February 10 - 12:31 pm

  Was on my way to lease a Pontiac and my wife suggested we stop at Hub and check out the Buicks. We feel in love with a red Rendezvous. Great ride, features and size. Went to lease another one this year, we lease new every 3 years, and was sad to hear that they dont make the Rendezvous any more. They tried to get us into an Enclave. Enclave is 17 inches longer and $15,000 more. We are keeping the Rendezvous.

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  Amazingly Quiet - 2010 Buick Enclave
  By Rich - February 8 - 2:06 am

  We purchased the Enclave because we often drive from Los Angeles to Las Vegas, and need something more comfortable for the long drive. We are amazed on how quiet and comfortable it is. The engine is very strong and never has to struggle to go up the hills. Passing is very easy as well. You only have to press the accelerator lightly to get a quick response.

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  I love my SUV! - 2010 Buick Enclave
  By Charlie - February 5 - 9:22 am

  I was indecisive in choice. Acadia, Traverse, Murano and Enclave were my top 4. Value for price paid made me select the Enclave hands down. Acadia was second, but for $550 more it was a no brainer for the luxury SUV. The quiet ride is so impressive, as well as the power. My only disappointment is the cargo room (lack of) when the 3rd row is in use. Where is my spare tire??? lol I still cant find it! My only problem is that I cannot fix why my FOB doesnt recall my drivers seat and side mirrors.

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  edmonds needs to do more research - 2010 Buick LaCrosse
  By 2intoit2 - February 4 - 11:14 am

  I find that the Buick LaCross is more than just a "car", it is a true pleasure to drive and experience.

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  Love it!!! - 2010 Buick Enclave
  By Love it!! - February 3 - 12:23 pm

  I love this car, after so many months of research this is it! I am in love with this car, I use to own a Mercedez and was looking for an affordable yet luxurious crossover and found this, you will not be disappointed, the rides are quiet and smooth, love the style and all the luxury inside and out. Thank you Buick!

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  Love it so far - 2010 Buick LaCrosse
  By mario - February 2 - 9:30 pm

  Ive only had the car for a few days, but so far it is everything I had hoped. It is a great driver experience - the cabin/dash is well laid out and very comfortable. Ride is smooth and quite. Engine has the kick I need. It is a softer ride (but not as soft as the riding-on-a-cloud buicks of past), which may not be for some. The mileage isnt great so far (low 20s after a highway trip), but what I expected. Overall though, I am very happy with it.

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  Great looking car with some minor issues - 2010 Buick LaCrosse
  By Scott Smith - February 1 - 9:52 pm

  Instead of commenting on the beautiful looks and amazing ride, I will list some negatives: - Blind spot on the left and right side of the front windshield. - Gas pedal literally up against the right side floor wall. Its impossible to step on the pedal without foot scraping up against that carpeted wall. - Power outlet INSIDE the center armrest console means you cant use a GPS device AND have the center console closed unless you want to squish the charger cable. - Almost NO storage space. - No auto windshield wiper shutoff. If you forget to turn them off when you shut car off, they stop where they are at that moment. A $30k car should have this. Each of my previous three cars did.