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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  Le Sabre 2004 - 2004 Buick LeSabre
  By Chana - August 21 - 7:53 pm

  Im a very happy owner- very smooth ride, it feels solid and secure. Not the greatest pick-up but with everything else, its a fantastic car, from the very spacious interior and trunk, technology, fuel usage, safety features, and overall performance. Id recommend this car to anyone (especially first-time drivers as the ride is very secure).

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  BUICK REGAL SEDAN - 1999 Buick Regal
  By SUELU - August 21 - 2:00 am

  FANTASTIC CAR, FUN TO DRIVE. NO MECHANICAL PROBLEMS. HANDLES GREAT, ESPECIALLY IN SNOW.

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  Adequate but not compelled to buy - 2002 Buick Century
  By tanman - August 20 - 2:00 am

  Our family of four rented one during our two week stay in Colorado. The 12 years old constantly complained about the lack of room compared to Dads Passat! Overall the engine/tranny are well optimized but still felt light on power. Handling and comfort - well its a Buick - but the seats were exceptionally poor. I still have a lingering back ache from the lack of support. Ive driven Fords (actually own one!) and Chryslers and think the General really has the domestic competitors beat. But he better start benchmarking German cars before Ill buy one.

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  Adequate but not compelled to buy - 2003 Buick Century
  By tanman - August 20 - 2:00 am

  We-a traditional family of four-spent two weeks traveling up and down the mountains of Colorado. The 12 year old complained constantly about the lack of room (compared to dads Passat). Fuel economy was remarkable (26-28 mpg) but car felt underpowered. Seats had absolutely no support. Trunk roomy but poorly shaped. Passat wins here,too. This car is probably better than most of its American competitors. The General definitely has the transmission/engine combo well tuned. But if you want a real car, invest elsewhere.

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  Excellent value, reliability and fun. - 2001 Buick Regal
  By JFC - August 19 - 2:00 am

  This car offers more per dollar than anything in its class. Pleasure to drive on short or long trips. Comfortable. Better reliability, power, accessories and style than the Toyota Camry in the family. Would not hesitate buying another.

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  Its Nice! - 2003 Buick Regal
  By Petey - August 19 - 2:00 am

  Everything about it is good. A car that more people should look into.

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  Our Buick - 2008 Buick Enclave
  By Joel & Alli - August 18 - 5:46 pm

  We have had the Enclave CXL for three weeks and simply love it. After test driving the Enclave, we quickly discovered it rides smoother and is much quieter then the Acadia and Outlook. The interior is very comfortable with ample room for 7. Although the engine is not a rocket, the 275 HP is plenty for its size and weight. The 6 speed transmission is smooth. Enclave gets 1 less mpg then the Acadia and Outlook maybe because its a little heavier. But at least it runs on 87 octane. Glad we looked at the Enclave as we almost bought the Acadia or Outlook. Some people may prefer the looks of the Acadia or Outlook, but the ride and quietness of Enclave cant be beat.

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  Can you believe this is a Buick! - 2010 Buick LaCrosse
  By My First Buick - August 18 - 12:56 pm

  I was almost ready to buy a 2010 Accord Coupe (V6 - Leather) when a spotted this car in a commercial and had to go look at it. The new exterior/interior design puts this car in the Acura and Lexus class with a Buick price. It does cost a couple of thousand more than the Accord, but the quality of the materials (the leather seats are plush) and the ride quality make it well worth the price difference. Plus you get the Cadillac warranty (5 yrs, 50,000 miles - including tires). In our area these cars are hard to find and the dealers are not coming off the MSRP. This is the first car to bring me back to GM in almost almost 15 years. Now improve the rest of the fleet - Please!

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  Great Car - 1996 Buick Regal
  By bron - August 18 - 2:00 am

  Purchased car with less than 20000 miles...never had a single problem and now have over 80000 miles. Would buy another.

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  fum car - 2002 Buick Rendezvous
  By gmpoohbear - August 18 - 2:00 am

  I love it. Best car I have owned for comfort and ease of getting into.