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 Car - 1994 Buick Roadmaster
  By BoatDriver - July 27 - 2:00 am

  Driven for 186,000 miles. Only one major repair. Exchange transmission fluid at 75,000 miles. Biggest headache - brakes - warped rotors, brake dust, etc. Major repair - spark plug wires and distributor cap (expensive to repair). Has original exhaust system - first auto for me that went over 50K without needing an exhaust system. No rust. No evidence of impending problems with the sheet metal. It goes like a bat out of XXXX but gives great mileage if driven sensably - always gets better than 22 MPG at highway speeds plus 10. GM - BUILD THIS CAR AGAIN - ILL BUY IT. Looking for 1996 cream puff of this car with less than 50K miles.

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  A surprisingly good car. - 2000 Buick Regal
  By Jeff K. - July 27 - 2:00 am

  After owning a 1986 Toyota Cressida that was very reliable, I had trepedations about buying an Amervian Car. But to make a long story short, I went with a new 2000 Regal GS and I have no regrets. The ride is great, the power is on- demand and it has never seen the dealership other then for standard/ routine maintenance.

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  Dependable luxury - 1997 Buick Park Avenue
  By buickfan - July 25 - 9:33 am

  I purchased this car when it was 4 years old for a mere $10,500! At the time it had 71,000 miles and was in a very good shape. This car turned me into strong Buick fan and I dont want to part with it as long as possible. In the last 7 years I had some issues, but they were not serious enough to cost a lot of money. I was seriously considering buying another Park Avenue.

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  buick lesabre - 1991 Buick LeSabre
  By LHENGESBACH - July 22 - 2:00 am

  excellent riding car. very little maintenance problems.

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  Classy, sophisticated ride! - 2013 Buick Enclave
  By David - July 21 - 4:38 am

  Great running automobile. Quiet. Peppy when needed. Comfortable on long as well as short trips. All of the instrumentation takes time to get accustomed to, and can be somewhat intimidating to those of us who are electronically challenged. The manual must be consulted frequently. Gasoline mileage is adequate for the size of the car, but not outstanding. One should not purchase this SUV with the idea of saving money at the gas pump.

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  Shes a beauty - 1995 Buick Riviera
  By liljonn - July 21 - 2:00 am

  From the leather seats to the superchared engine, the only thing to complain about is that you cant hear the engine roar, no, she purs like a kitten. A little pricy but a lot more comfortable.

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  electrical problems from Buick - 1994 Buick Regal
  By tucsonslim - July 21 - 2:00 am

  I have lost the alternator 3 times in two years and know that it will without a doubt go againwithin the year. Otherwise I love the car.

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  Look out large people - 2003 Buick Century
  By M Neviaser - July 20 - 3:38 am

  I am 6 foot 4 and weigh 230 pounds the car is simply not comfortable look out large people

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  Unique Styling, American Luxury - 1996 Buick Riviera
  By Wrigleywrat - July 20 - 2:00 am

  Head-turning exterior design. Very nice power under the hood. One of the very best (non-Caddy/Lincoln) luxury cars Detroit ever turned out.

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  9 year rating - 1993 Buick Regal
  By e8retired91 - July 20 - 2:00 am

  This was an attractive sport coupe in 93 but is somewhat dated now. The 170HP motor offers plenty of power and returns excellent fuel mileage on regular unleaded gas. Reliability has been very good except for some air conditioner problems over the years. Engine and transmission have been perfect...not a single problem in 86,000 miles. Water pump failed, but that was my fault. I didnt change the coolant for 8 years (geez)! No regrets purchasing this one and hope I can the say the same about the Cadillac Eldorado ETC I bought a few months ago.