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 1st Car-10th Anniversary - 1993 Buick Skylark
  By emario18 - August 29 - 2:00 am

  A GREAT 1st/RELIABLE CAR Quite a spacious interior-has made moving in and out of apartments much much easier. It also HANDLES WELL & drives smoothly especially considering its coming up on its 10th Anniversary. The WEIGHT & SIZE of the vehicle are a (+). These are the reasons why we 1st chose the Skylark. Along with good power needed for strong winters-the car is sizeable enough to protect inexperienced 1st drivers-like me. She starts with no problem-and still gets me where I need to go with ease. If you have the chance to pick up a 92- 96 Skylark they appear to me to be running for great values.

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  Best car I ever Owned - 2005 Buick LaCrosse
  By RIC0069 - August 28 - 8:00 pm

  Unfortunately with the recent hurricanes in Florida, I lost my prized Mercedes 430 CLK Cabriolet. Upon doing research, and checking out all the new bodies this year I decided to try a Buick... The ride and drive of this vehicle is far superior to that of the lexus and BMW that I tried, and the price was fantastic. If this is what Buick is now about then KUDOS to GM, you finally have a winner.

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  Super Car! - 1992 Buick Regal
  By Silazius - August 28 - 2:00 am

  Very reliable for its age. Interior fit and finish pretty good. Exterior fit and finish excellent. A little sloppy under hard handling. Trunk space reduced by trunk lid hinges, but otherwise spacious trunk.

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  Not a Bad Car For $1800 CDN - 1990 Buick Century
  By Eekem - August 28 - 2:00 am

  Pretty good shape, considering its 13 years old. Still has a smooth ride, but the exterior is getting shabby. The paint is faded and peeling, mostly cosmetic flaws in the body. All in all, its a good car for $1800.

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  NOT BAD FOR A "GRAMPA" CAR! - 1990 Buick LeSabre
  By Mr. T - August 27 - 2:00 am

  I owned a 1990 LeSabre Limited Sedan from September 1998 until December of 2001 when I (reluctantly) sold it to my cousin. The big Buick was one of the best cars Ive owned. The car had 68,000 well-cared for miles on it when I bought it and 134,000 when I sold it. Aside from routine and preventative maintenance, I had to put in a starter and alternator. Not a chick-magnet car for sure, but as far as a comfy ride, the Buicks cant be beat!

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  Great Car - 1997 Buick Century
  By tpalya - August 26 - 2:00 am

  Quiet and comfortable, we bought this car used and have been happy ever since. Replacing factory tires with Goodyear Regatta-2 improved handling and ride beyond belief. Great family car, reliable and inexpensive to operate.

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  nice - 2003 Buick Century
  By thomas - August 24 - 2:00 am

  very good car for the money nice firm ride very happy so far

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  Retail Value ? - 1994 Buick Roadmaster
  By Hugh Caffey - August 22 - 2:00 am

  Interior & exterior in good condition except for some peeling woodgrain on trim strips. No mechanical problems other than change of A/C l8 months back. Regularly serviced, 1 owner, good tires, brakes redone. 95,000 miles. Have just purchased a 2002 Cadillac Escalade and refused the trade in offer.

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  Buick Century Review - 2000 Buick Century
  By Cars4me89 - August 22 - 2:00 am

  Extremely comfortable and great performance.

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  Buick Century Review - 2000 Buick Century
  By Mewithcars - August 22 - 2:00 am

  Extremely comfortable and great performance.