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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  From Lexus to Buick? - 2008 Buick Enclave
  By Karen - January 20 - 2:26 am

  I traded my 2003 Lexus GX470 for the Enclave. I questioned my decision so many times but in the end decided to go with the Buick. Yes a Lexus for a Buick. I think I was just ready for a change and from the first time I saw the Enclave I knew I liked it. For one it drives as nice as the Lexus and feels more like driving a car (which I also traded-Honda Accord)on the Enclave. Yes two perfectly good vehicles for one. So far I like the Enclave. I too have noticed it hesitates trying to get up to speed but once you do its fine. Gas mileage is 14-22. Maybe it will get better. I hope, at least driving around town. All in all Im happy with my trade. I love the look of the it. Very sharp.

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  Great midsize SUV - 2004 Buick Rendezvous
  By frmby97 - January 12 - 12:16 am

  Our Rendezvous consistently gets 20-24 mpg in city driving, and sometimes as high as 26 hwy. It has a lot of room in the back, as we dont have the 3rd row seat. The seats fold down completely, and you can easily and quickly remove the entire back seat to open up even more room My wife really appreciates all the storage up front, and the steering wheel audio controls are nice also. Complaints: our brakes wear out a little quickly, but it is to be expected on a heavier vehicle in city driving and the cloth seats are wearing out and stain easily. Very pleased overall.

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  Great Car but for the Catalytic Conv. - 2007 Buick LaCrosse
  By Dave - January 7 - 2:53 pm

  Excellent to great car. I have driven GM cars for over 30 years. Only problem experienced so far is the catalytic convertor was replaced this week, with 24,000 plus miles. Bought the car as a demo for the PGA tournaments. The converter is covered under the warranty. I thought GM had the converter problem resolved years ago. Still enjoy the car. A bit small in size.

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  Perfect for all my needs. Great car! - 2000 Buick Century
  By buick century 2000 - January 4 - 4:43 pm

  Ive put so many miles on this car, after buying it over 100K, with only routine maintenance needed and a couple of larger repairs. Its roomy enough for friends or luggage, but is small enough that I dont feel like Im driving a whale. So much room in the trunk! Its been such a great car. The body isnt the most appealing to younger generations (kind of granny-ish) but the quality and usefulness is unmatched. Quiet, smooth ride. Great acceleration uphill. I love my car.

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  Uncomfortable - 2007 Buick Lucerne
  By bob hudson - January 3 - 7:33 am

  The car gives 28 miles per gallon. The seats are very uncomfortable. We have to use cushions to drive it. Cant see the speedometer in the daytime. It should be brighter (still a nice car). Trunk could be bigger

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  Basic GM - 2001 Buick Regal
  By jim - January 2 - 7:37 pm

  Bought the car used. Wife used it in sales. Replaced tie rod ends at 30,000 miles. warranty covered. Most GM cars have front suespension problems. I too have had power window problems. One time it is the motor then the switch. I think that is a dealer scam or lack of training. Changed transmission fluid at 50,000 miles. No tran problems at 117,000. Still gets over 30 MPG on highway. Always used mobile one motor oil. Just replaced O2 sensor. Uses no oil.

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  She deserves a good review! - 1992 Buick Century
  By Chris Parker - December 28 - 10:50 am

  I love this car! I bought it 8 years ago with 95K on it. Now it has about 145K. I hated the faux wood paneling from the get-go but how can you not love these cars. They are so reliable and costs so little to maintain. Other than the usual brakes and exhaust work that is always needed, this car has asked for nothing and has always been there for me. She has always been a 2nd car, but when I bought the 1995 Mercury Sable because it looked nicer (moon roof and all)it was "Woody" who came to my rescue when the Sable was continually in the shop. (That was a total piece of junk!) I would keep the Buick till she dies if it were not for the electric windows finally stopping.

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  The jurys still deliberating - 2008 Buick Enclave
  By DAz - December 12 - 2:04 pm

  We moved out of the domestic market in the 1990s for better quality, e.g. Nissan, Lexus. We wanted an AWD SUV and deduced that the quality imports had gotten out of our reach. We were really taken by the Enclave when we tested one out, so we ordered one. To our disappointment we have found that the wheels & hubs build up with snow, ice or mud which sets up an uncomfortable vibration Which can only be alleviated by washing the wheels thoroughly with a pressure washer. The Dealer tells us that this is a common issue in all the newer vehicles due to the open hub. I am suspicious that this is a run around. I also drive a 2008 Explorer at work that exhibits no such problem.

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  Using Oil - 2008 Buick LaCrosse
  By Senior Driver - December 11 - 12:09 pm

  Love the car, except it uses oil. First 3000 miles, used two extra quarts, dealer says drive it and it will get better. Second 3500 miles, used one and a half extra quarts of oil. I quess this is better, but I dont think good. Dealer says keep watching it and one quart in 3000 miles is acceptable. Maybe to him but not to me. I ask that it be recorded on my record. Hope they did it. If it doesnt improve, I going to try going to Buick.

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  Ms. Enclave - 2009 Buick Enclave
  By NESSA709 - December 9 - 8:45 pm

  This is a very nice and comfortable riding SUV. GM has always had the best riding cars without all the road noise. Fit and finish is very nice for an American car maker.