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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  Smooth Ride, Fun to Drive - 2005 Buick Rendezvous
  By Tom Mc - February 1 - 4:03 pm

  ULTA MODEL (AWD) - In 40 years of driving, this vehicle is my best driving experience that combines power and smoothness. The VVT 3.6 aluminum engine has plenty of torque (available at low revs) and gets you out of any highway situation immediately. It provides smooth power that comes on without any jerking into a passing gear. About 7 times a year it is driven to a destination 5 hours away and because of comfort, I am able to drive back the same day! Around town, I find myself driving easier and a bit slower, mainly because the experience is so enjoyable. However, if there is a need to peel around a corner, the torque and AWD allow you to have almost sportscar-like fun - great ride!

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  Wow is this car Quiet! - 2010 Buick LaCrosse
  By Motor Head - January 30 - 9:05 pm

  After three months and 5000 miles our white diamond 2010 LaCrosse CSX has been flawless. We average 24 - 25 mpg in mixed winter driving. Optioned with the sunroof & nav system with rear view camera. The 3.6L engine has plenty of pep while very smooth and quiet. In this cold winter weather we love the remote start, heated seats & steering wheel. The interior is luxurious and the seats are very comfortable. Rear visibility is poor, but not a problem with the camera and ultrasonic parking assist. The front roof pillars are somewhat wide and placed more forward and do sometimes obstruct my view when turning. Bottom line - there is alot to like about this car. I would definitely buy it again.

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  Tried and True - 1999 Buick Regal
  By Ryan - January 28 - 11:17 am

  I think this car has proven to be one of the best cars of the past decade. There are some things I wish had been designed differently but all in all, this car has been a gem. I have about 145K miles on it, and have had a repair or two. This is my third Buick and wont be my last.

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  BEST ENTRY LUXURY CAR - 2010 Buick LaCrosse
  By dgd - January 26 - 4:38 pm

  Purchased this car to replace my 2007 Tahoe. Of course it has better mileage but it is ina league of its own. This vehicle drives smooth yet sporty and has every feature imaginable. The great styling makes the Lexus look more like a (old)buick. This car is my favorite of over ten different vehicles owned

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  Fantastic luxury family car. - 2009 Buick Enclave
  By chris - January 25 - 3:48 pm

  I bought this car so myself and our family could travel comfortably and this meets that standard completely - Coming from a subaru outback the fuel economy downgrade is considerable however - this car is fun, very big and makes traveling with kids easy. - I highly reccomend to anyone looking for a luxury SUV - I test drove the X5 and other luxury vehicles and they did not have all the features as the enclave plus they were more money. The only downside to this vehicle is you dont get the 15k bmw or mercedes logo - however you do get many more useful features.

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  Great NEW American Car - 2010 Buick LaCrosse
  By Dick - January 24 - 9:06 pm

  Traded in a 2005 Cadillac STS with Northstar V8 and a $58k sticker. My new 2010 LaCrosse CSX is $20k less and every bit as good with better build quality and, option-for-option, the better of the two. Really, really nice outside and inside--better than BMW (3 or 5), Acura and Lexus (GS or ES). ONLY complaint is no all-wheel drive on CSX model--dont understand. Can highly recommend this car--way to go Buick and GM!!

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  Its a Beast - 1993 Buick Regal
  By BrandNew - January 21 - 11:47 pm

  Bought from the dealer, Carfax reported only one owner - A little old lady. !993 with no rust new tires and 72,000 miles. The suspension is amazingly smooth. I personally like the way it floats. The new cars dont even come close to the comfort of the Regal. At first the dash was weird, but controls have a nice lay-out. Performance with the 3.8 liter V6 is excellent. It will leave black marks down the road. Interstate driving is a breeze and power is there when you need it. The transmission is just as smooth as the right. Overall its a boat, but still a blast to drive.

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  Great Car for a Great Price!!! - 2010 Buick LaCrosse
  By Kevin W. - January 19 - 12:16 pm

  This car is amazing in all aspects. The ride is smooth and quiet and the car handles great in the city. The interior of the car has great, easy to use feature that are very luxurious. Overall, this is a great car and very reliable.

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  A head turner - 2010 Buick LaCrosse
  By bossyone - January 19 - 9:42 am

  I purchased my jewel red Lacrosse in December. I like the car inside and out. It has enough room for me and my family, I like the sporty look and the comfortable ride. Buick, you outdid yourselves on this one. Run for cover Lexus!

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  Lacrosse takes the Cake! - 2010 Buick LaCrosse
  By RJP - January 16 - 6:23 pm

  Lacrosee is a great vehicle! Looked at many and only stopped by the Buick dealer to check it out after viewing an ad on TV and looking at some on-line reviews perhaps interestingly was on my way to re-visit the Jag dealer when I literally dragged my wife and daughter into the Buick Dealership I had checked a number of other cars including the Jag, Audi, Lexus and Acura, along with Volkwagen and the Chevy Malibu, to name a few. Overall, the Lacrosse beat all hands down, especially in terms of the bang for the buck!