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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  Decent Practical Car - 1996 Buick LeSabre
  By Maxine - July 20 - 2:00 am

  Mine has 110000 miles,Traction control,GT Package,Which handles excellent.

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  Nice Reliable Car - 1993 Buick Century
  By luvmybuick - July 19 - 2:00 am

  We bought this car 3 years old with 30K miles on it. Great power and handling. Mileage 18-20 with V6. Just put a new tranny in it at 140K miles. This was the only time I have had to call a tow truck with this car. Only other problem has been with sensors. Would have had dealer fix this when I first noticed hesitation if I had any idea... As it is I did not. Ended up replacing numerous sensors (replaced O2 sensor several times) and having various repairs due to sensor gone bad. Were now up to 2 kids. The back seat doesnt allow much room for an infant car seat, so were going to trade in the Buick on a mini-van.

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  Buick has lost two customers for life - 1999 Buick Century
  By Chuck123456 - July 19 - 2:00 am

  Problems, problems, problems. My wife purchased this car new and put 29,000 miles on it before we sold it. In that time frame the car needed to be repaired over sisteen times. Not the same thing every time, but different things on a regular basis. Im not talking minor things either. Before this Buick we have only purchased GM products and have been well satisified with them. However when we purchased this one things changed. If you buy a new GM product and have problems, be prepared to get the run around. I strongly encourage you to look elsewhere, ther are better cars and companies to do business with.

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  Great Car. - 1999 Buick Riviera
  By destructivedave - July 16 - 2:00 am

  What can i say? This car was designed perfectly. This car excells on the highway. Fuel economy is a bummer.

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  Super "Sleeper" Car! - 1999 Buick Regal
  By JackY - July 16 - 2:00 am

  I luv this car! Bought end of lease for $15000 (plus $1K for 5 yr. warranty) with 26K miles on it. NO European or Japanese car could touch this cars value! Change the stock Goodyear Eagle LSs quick! - they hold the car back - I went to the top-H- rated Dunlop Sport A2s. To get top tire-smokin performance, Trac Control OFF and Perf Shift ON and watch the gas needle drop! To get a SMOOOOTH limo ride, Trac Control ON and Perf Shift OFF. Family LUVS the comfort and interior room!

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  Driving in Excellence - 2005 Buick LaCrosse
  By teesie - July 14 - 5:46 pm

  It is a joy to own and drive this car. I love it. I love the way it looks inside and out and I love the way it feels behind the wheel. I would definitely reccommend it to everyone.

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  Not bad for an elderly car - 1996 Buick Roadmaster
  By candymanfb - July 14 - 2:00 am

  This car has the power to go - it can give a mustang a run for its money. Even though the mustang may be a current model and my wagon is 8years old (94). The only thing that I hate is the mpg. If I unleash all the horses the gas mileage is pocket denting. The vista roof is great. If you ever see this car or a close relative - Olsmobile Custom Cruiser(91-92) 170BHP Chevrolet Caprice Classic Wagon(91-93) 180BHP (94-96)260BPHP Give it respect - It was built to last.

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  Good rental car - 1996 Buick Century
  By Bill H. - July 13 - 2:00 am

  Purchased as one year old prior rental, good second car with good gas mileage of 29 mpg. Above average fit and finish and overall reliability. Good basic 4- door car despite aging design. Engine 3.1L at 103k miles still not burning or leaking oil, which is saying a lot for an American make car. Transmission still smooth. Easy to change own oil. Drawback is suspension very soft, and turning radius too wide for size of car.

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  CamdyCarmel - 2001 Buick LeSabre
  By Carmella Echo - July 13 - 2:00 am

  Buick SeSabre saved me from at least four accidents. One of them would have been extremely serious. There was a "pile-up" on a major highway (Rt 24 West in NJ and I was able to "stop on a dime" and avoided hitting the car in front of me. The braks on this vehicle are better than any other vehicle I have ever driven. Thats eight different cars in my lifetime - and Im OLD! (66) I feel perfectly safe in this car and it looks SOOoo Beautiful!

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  Buyer beware - 2004 Buick Rendezvous
  By stina - July 12 - 10:00 am

  Loved the look of this car at the auto show - ordered it right away. I will never buy another car that is a new model again. We had extra speakers from the factory that never worked. At 36,400 miles, we had to replace the front wheel bearing. At 46,500 miles (25 months old) the electrical system had corrosion due to a leak at the windshield - cost us $333.00 to replace what is obviously a manufacturer defect - the car has been in no accidents and we never off-road. Also, the dealer was no help whatsoever and kept telling us we should have gotten the extended warranty.