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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  Aging Enclave - 2008 Buick Enclave
  By usabill - March 12 - 11:51 am

  Weve had the car now for 4 years with less than 40,000 miles and have run into a few snags - all covered by warranty. 1. Both retractable mirrors stopped working. 2. Battery went dead warranty covered replacement. 3. The vehicle one day left me dead in a parking lot and would not jump start. Both ONStar, & car phone wouldnt work but other electrical did. It had to be towed to dealer they stated anti-theft system locked up and "only" dealer could reset. This is a worry if I had been out camping in remote location. 4. GPS NAV system disk error - had to replace entire radio system. 5. Water pump failed - had to pull off road and call for tow.

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  GREAT CAR - 1992 Buick Century
  By bull_gator - March 8 - 6:37 pm

  I have had this car for 10 of its 20+ years of life. It has been extremely reliable. The most costly problem was when the ac died. Other than that it has never failed me. The v6 is not refined but extremely reliable. After 20+ years I still get over 23mpg running to and from work. Cup holders would be nice but it is a basic bare bones get to work/school car.

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  I adore this vehicle!! - 2012 Buick Enclave
  By kayteez - March 7 - 10:55 pm

  I traded in my 2004 Rainier and purchased my 2012 White Diamond AWD Premium Enclave a few days ago. It was very hard trying to decide between the Enclave, the Acadia Denali and the Cadillac SRX. After driving all three, the Enclave was the hands down winner. It is roomy, elegant, smooth, quiet, and very luxurious. It was a bit pricey - even more expensive than my 2003 Yukon Denali XL - but it is worth it. This vehicle is loaded with every amenity you can think of!

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  Unimpressed - 2012 Buick LaCrosse
  By ccc777 - March 5 - 8:03 am

  I bought this car twelve days ago thinking I would be pleased and I am getting more and more unimpressed with this car. (1) Poor visibility out the front window due to large window pillars. (2) Door locks only on center console. (3)No trunk open/unlock from inside the car. (4) Lumbar control is not working to get to a comfortable position. (5) Headrest points a little bit too far forward. (6) Center console buttons are too busy and dont really make too much sense. (7) Leather, really? Where and what kind? A bit on the cheap side if it is real. (8) No locking gas door or cap. (9) Feel ever bump. (10) And finally, feel like I overpaid....is it really worth the sticker of $40,300. I think not!

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  287k miles and still running perfect - 1993 Buick Regal
  By iamnatman - March 4 - 7:04 pm

  My regal is currently at 287k miles, and closing in on 300k fast. This is hands down the most reliable car our family has owned. Repairs over the last 14 years: Alternator x2 Fuel pump Rear struts Brake pads/front rotors Transmission cooler lines x2 Rear motor mount Turn signal switch And thats basically it, minus routine oil changes and minor tune ups. All repairs well under $250 and most done by me to save. The engine is perfect for this car. Its very quiet when you want it, and makes a pretty awesome growl when you drop the pedal. Ive been 90 mph down the interstate and held a perfect straight line with plenty of power still on tap

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  Buick Verano 2012 - 2012 Buick Verano
  By jim992 - March 4 - 9:21 am

  We recently purchased a Buick Verano 2012 in January we previously had a 2008 Infiniti G . We are very pleased with the Verano it actually has a quiter and more comfortable ride than the G it is comparable in size and about 12000 dollars cheaper.

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  I love IT!!!!!!! - 2012 Buick LaCrosse
  By wendyjo13 - March 1 - 12:19 pm

  I recently bought my Lacrosse after having Expeditions for the last 12 years. I wasnt sure how I would feel driving a car after having a SUV for so long. All I can say is I LOVE MY CAR!!! It drives so smooth and has enough room for my husband and two sons that are all 510" or larger, AND, our daughter. My kids love it too because it is sporty and fun. The control panel is easy to access and the options are such a luxury. The only problem I have found and, it is really isnt a problem, just a matter of adjusting, is there is a blind spot between the windshield and doors on both sides. There isnt one perfect car, but this one is close. The more I drive it, the more I fall in love with it.

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  American Auto is Back! - 2012 Buick Verano
  By jerseyboys - February 21 - 8:02 pm

  The Buick Verano is amazing. Its has european handling, smooth ride, and looks better than my coworkers BMW, Plexus, and Mercedes.

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  Poor design features to be aware of!! - 2010 Buick Enclave
  By tremblay1 - February 21 - 5:07 pm

  Things you should consider: Snow gets trapped in the front springs causing the vehicle to shake horribly until removed, the latch to the spare tire may not release with snow/mud, front cup holders are to close to the front accessory plug ins to be able to use your accessories and use the cup holders at the same time, the ignition cylinder is designed so poor that you cannot have other keys on your key chain with out causing the cylinder to break causing the vehicle to lock up, the passenger seat comes ONLY in a 4 way so long distance trips are uncomfortable for the passenger, cannot access 3rd seat with childrens car seat in the 2nd row, Roadside Service is NOT all that you may think it is

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  10 yrs old and still going! - 2002 Buick Regal
  By mom2de - February 20 - 7:47 pm

  We bought this car when it had 50,000 miles on it.Now at 105,000. Still going good!Regular work done on it like brakes,rotors,tires,oil changes,etc. That is all normal wear and tear. On second muffler but first one was a cheaper one. Biggest expense was the security in the ignition and key.Kept shutting the car down, making it think it was being stolen.Brought it to dealer and they bypassed the security chip-$380. Most expensive repair done to it. Great in the snow too! Northeast can be brutal! Stereo has shorted out but thats an easy fix too! No major issues. Would recommend a buick. Trading her in next week, need an upgraded vehicle with newer specs!