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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  A Dream Car - 1998 Buick Riviera
  By CFever - October 7 - 2:00 am

  It is unfortunate that GM is no longer making the Rivera. It is a very comfortable car that is a joy to drive. I drive 25,000 miles a year and most of it highway and it is great car on the road. The average MPG over time has been 21 miles per gallon and as much as 25 mpg on the highway. The Supercharger is great to have when you need that extra power the car steps out nicely. At 100,000 I just had the first tune up and overall reliability has been excellent.

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  My review - 1992 Buick Riviera
  By t. patch - October 7 - 2:00 am

  In my experience w/ this vehcicle it has been good. It has never let me down and has enough power to get you to what you need to do. Its a great car and if you are looking for a car under $4000 thats luxurious fast and stylish all in the same car, this is it.

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  Not Bad - 2000 Buick LeSabre
  By megan - October 6 - 2:00 am

  Really didnt want to get the LeSabre because it looked like a "middle aged" persons car, but my husband is a large man and we needed a car that was plenty roomy. This is the smoothest riding car I have ever been in. You really have to watch your speed because youll be hitting 80 before you know it. Very nice.

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  Not Bad - 2000 Buick LeSabre
  By Megan - October 6 - 2:00 am

  Really didnt want to get the LeSabre because it looked like a "middle aged" persons car, but my husband is a large man and we needed a car that was plenty roomy. This is the smoothest riding car I have ever been in. You really have to watch your speed because youll be hitting 80 before you know it. Very nice.

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  The regal Regal - 1993 Buick Regal
  By stvkrenim - October 5 - 2:00 am

  This car had the 3.1-Liter V-6. That gave it enough power to briefly chirp the front tires under hard acceleration, but highway passing response is sluggish. Automatic was blissfully smooth. 4-wheel-disc brakes seemed no better than a disc/drum setup, mushy pedal feel. Strange dash had tiny gauges spread nearly halfway across the cabin. Fake wood looked fake. Quiet at lower speeds, but highway noise borders on excessive. Ride is supple, but floats and wallows far too much for a modern car.

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  The regal Regal - 1993 Buick Regal
  By Stvkrenim - October 5 - 2:00 am

  This car had the 3.1-Liter V-6. That gave it enough power to briefly chirp the front tires under hard acceleration, but highway passing response is sluggish. Automatic was blissfully smooth. 4-wheel-disc brakes seemed no better than a disc/drum setup, mushy pedal feel. Strange dash had tiny gauges spread nearly halfway across the cabin. Fake wood looked fake. Quiet at lower speeds, but highway noise borders on excessive. Ride is supple, but floats and wallows far too much for a modern car.

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  The sled - 1993 Buick Regal
  By Hugh - October 4 - 2:00 am

  The best vehicle Ive ever owned. It has power to spare, exceptional creature comforts and style. Looks are still in style and still get compliments on the vehicle. Exceptional reliability. The vehicle is almost 10 years old and still drives like new. Id recomend this vehicle to a friend and would purchase another on in a heart beat.

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  Gorgeous underated coupe - 1999 Buick Riviera
  By sburch23 - October 3 - 2:00 am

  This is simply one of the most sensuous looking cars on the road. While not a sports car, it has very good acceleration and handling. I am getting 26 MPG on the highway (75 MPH) and 20 MPG around town which is about what I expected. Even though it is a coupe, there is a lot of room in the back seat. Trunk is huge.

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  This is a GM product? - 2008 Buick Enclave
  By PJ - October 2 - 2:46 am

  Was ready to buy an Acadia AWD, and then saw the Enclave CX FWD. More standard items. Acadia has no traction control. It was a no brainer Enclave all the way. MSRPs really close. Saturn Outlook would not discount MSRP! Extremely quiet, Buick did a great job on keeping the quiet in and sound out. Driving a pleasure, even my wife says itÂ’s "so big" but does not drive that way, comfortable luxury ride, good handling for its size. Its surprising on turns. Very nice fit and finish. All around gas is decent according to the cars computer 17.5 Waiting to take it on a trip. This is my first GM in a long time and I do not think it is a GM car! I traded a Sienna van and have no regrets. What took Buick so long!?

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  Great car, small trunk - 1995 Buick Roadmaster
  By momdriver - October 2 - 2:00 am

  Got my car at 10,000 miles from a relative. Super fast pickup with a lot of power for the highway. Very smooth, very well appointed.