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 SUV - 2004 Buick Rainier
  By WEE3 - August 18 - 2:00 am

  We have taken the Rainier on two long trips and are impressed by Buicks version of the Trailblazer/Envoy/Bravada. It is a worthy addition to the GM line that provides a great balance between pampering and practicality. This is the third vehicle Ive owned with an in- line six. Why arent they available in more models? GM needs to put this engine in a Buick sedan with a Continuously Variable transmission (CVT) for the ultimate in smoothness and power combination before the internal combustion engines are phased out completely.

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  Condition of Car. - 1997 Buick LeSabre
  By richdriessnack - August 16 - 2:00 am

  Car is in good working order. Recently drove from Myrtle Beach, SC to Peoria, IL and return (2000 miles) without any difficulty. Runs smoothly, gets 29 mpg on open road at established speed limits. Doesnt use any oil between oil changes. New battery. New Michelin tires at 70000 miles. All maitenance completed on manufacturers schedule. Body and interior in good shape. One owner since purchase.

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  Nice Car - 2006 Buick Lucerne
  By Big Ed - August 15 - 12:43 pm

  Just picked up my Lucerne CXL-V8 48 hours ago but so far I love it. Buick finally built something that caught my eye. Ordered a dark blue one with chrome wheels, it looks great and I enjoy the Northstar V8 power. Have been getting some looks on the road, I think people are stunned its a Buick.

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  Ride your living room couch! - 1997 Buick Century
  By ddouglas2 - August 15 - 2:00 am

  I love this car! It has all the bells and whistles and has been very reliable. The only problems weve had have been from zero maintenance the first 75000 miles before we bought it. After a transmission rebuild its been flawless.

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  Oops, We spilled it again! - 2001 Buick Regal
  By Bryan C - August 15 - 2:00 am

  This is a fun car to drive. If you use it as a family car, the back seat is cramped. Also, the center console is engineered poorly. As a result in our Regal, a soda spilt onto the console shorting out the entire electrical system of the car. The car would start w/o keys in the ignition, windows would operate w/o touching the controls, radio and dome lights would not turn off thus depleteing the charge on the battery. We were told that the 8 days worth of labor WOULD NOT be covered under GMs bumper to bumper warranty. Only time will tell if Buick sold us a lemon.

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  Great value for your money - 2002 Buick Regal
  By dawnicrazy - August 15 - 2:00 am

  After trading in our 1989 Buick Regal which gave us 13 great years, we had confidence that this new Buick would give us another 13 good years. They have really updated and improved on the 2002 Regal compared yo ours. They drive is nice Alot of power and handles well on the road. Love the radio (Monsoon) with the controls on the wheel. Dual air controls are also great! Great car to have.

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  Fun - 1990 Buick Reatta
  By 00Buckshot - August 14 - 2:00 am

  If Buick still made these I would buy a new one in a heartbeat.

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  PCM Problems - 2001 Buick Regal
  By DiVito - August 14 - 2:00 am

  In October of 1991 I had problems with the car motor engine quiting while in motion-- this required 2 separate tows to the dealer-=The problem was finally diagnosed as the PCM moduled was not communicating with other modules-- it was replaced and the problem resolved until 08/02-- the car is back at the dealer as on two occasions the car wouldnt start, turn the key no turn over no click nothing-- after about 40 attemps the car started. The dealer thinks it may be a PCM problem again.

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  98 Lesabre Custom - 1998 Buick LeSabre
  By Joe Ruger - August 12 - 2:00 am

  We have been very pleased with this car. After driving a Taurus for years, its a very pleasant change. The vehicle rides SMOOTH, has good pickup, and is extremely comfortable. It corners like a large car.

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  my favorite suv - 2004 Buick Rendezvous
  By marv neuman - August 12 - 2:00 am

  i love this vehicle, and enjoy driving it, it could use a little more power, repairs seem to be difficult and that is sad, i havent enjoyed a vehicle as much since my 79 cutlass supreme coupe