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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  A Truly Stunning Buick - 2010 Buick LaCrosse
  By MichaelB - January 15 - 3:14 pm

  After one week, I am even more glad that I waited an extra six months until I get could one. The 2010 LaCrosse is so far ahead of any other Buick product I have ever owned, including my wifes 09 Enclave which we love. It surpasses Lexus interior design and quality, moves along at a whisper and handles with a decidely European feel. The dashboard and ambient blue lighting is a marvel of design and the doors sound like a Mercedes when they close. Tight fit and finish, luxurious and definitely draws stares from admirers. The transmission is silky smooth, steering tight and the interior is roomy and tranquil. The wood tones are warm and realistic, fine leather, gorgeous wheels. A home run Buick

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  Buicks foever - 1994 Buick Century
  By buick lover - January 15 - 10:12 am

  Inherititsed this car in 06 with 28000. Always garaged and well maintained. Presently has 69000. Other than a little overnight sitting starting problem.this car is a gem. Having its 60000 tune up this weekend. Its a V6 gets 28mpg highway. I will give this to a nephew or garaged it forever.This puff is staying in the family.Keep up the good work. Interested in the new lacross

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  Great Car!!!! - 2010 Buick LaCrosse
  By Jamie R. - January 12 - 8:53 pm

  I saw the Buick Lacrosse in car magazines and couldnt wait to see and drive. Test drove the Hyundai Genesis,Infinity G37, Volkswagen CC and Ford Taurus. Lacrosse was hands down far superior in styling,interior features, comfort and ride quality. Bought car for my wife now she wont let me drive it.

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  Toe to Toe with Toyota - 1998 Buick Regal
  By 2 Regal owner GS/LS - January 10 - 1:23 pm

  Original used Toyota as benchmark. Regal matched Toyota w/o paying the premium. Have owned GS and LS. (98&99) Love the supercharger but it has added to service costs. 2X CD failures in factory radio. Change oil every 3K and service transmission + filter change every 2 years and this car will get you down the road in comfort plus tight handling (GS). LS fast enough just have to stomp on gas to get the performance. Electric Windows are the biggest weakness. I just lost my GS to freakish but major engine fire. Something shorted at firewall after my daughter got home from church. Even with freakish engine fire will likely replace this with another Regal.

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  Almost the Perfect Crossover - 2010 Buick Enclave
  By vmi88grad - January 7 - 6:55 pm

  We test drove this car in 2008 when we needed a new family car. For those with a family of 4 or less, this car will be excellent. For a family of 5 with luggage, this vehicle is entirely too small. In 2008 we chose the top of the line Chrysler Town and Country 4.0 limited, which had far more space, and at that time even better acceleration. Since 2008 the Buick has improved the power of the engine and transmission is now smoother. The 2010 Enclave is a pleasure to drive. Smooth quite ride, good acceleration at all speeds, solid handling for a large vehicle, great turning radius, and elegant look. There is plenty of leg room for adults in all three rows of this car. Handles well in snow.

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  My 7th Buick - Best One By Far - - 2010 Buick LaCrosse
  By Bob B. - January 7 - 4:54 pm

  This is the best car I have ever owned! Beautiful design. People walk around it all the time to take a look at it. Very quiet with no wind noise. More of a firm ride for a Buick, but very acceptable. The seats are very comfortable. Got 27 MPG on first road trip. The 3.0 V6 provides sufficient power. The interior space is layed out nicely. I cant wait until it gets dark outside to view the ambient blue lighting along the dashboard and throughout the interior of the vehicle. I highly recommend this vehicle. They are hard to find. Not very many of them in stock at the dealerships. If you locate one that you like, buy it!

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  Nice Car - Not Carseat Friendly - 2010 Buick Enclave
  By pabhs01 - January 7 - 2:20 pm

  I like the way this car drives and handles. I am extremely disappointed at how this car is not family friendly for young children. I have 2 children in carseats and 1 in a high back booster. We got the bucket seats in the 2nd row to make it easier to get to the 3rd row for my oldest(booster). The 2 Britax carseats are installed in the second row. They were very difficult to install satisfactorily because the car headrests are not adjustable or removable and are tilted forward. The bases of the carseats do not sit flat on the seat no matter how it is positioned. The booster in the 3rd row covers the seat belt clip in every position - they are very narrow. Not a family friendly interior!

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  Great Vehicle - 2008 Buick Enclave
  By JIM - January 5 - 9:41 am

  This is a great vehicle, and I have recommended it to several people.

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  This is a Buick? - 2010 Buick LaCrosse
  By Robert Cobb - January 5 - 6:40 am

  this is my 5th Buick, the last one a 2007 Lucerne. Its only been a month since I bought the LaCrosse but thus far no complaints. The ride is Buick comfortable, albeit sportier than the Lucerne. Everyone who has ridden in the LaCrosse raves about the ride and the interior and I love driving it. Gas mileage on the 3.0 has been about 20.3 mostly residential driving and some freeway. The 3.0 has plenty of power on the freeway.

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  fun - 1995 Buick Riviera
  By boweezy57 - January 4 - 12:00 pm

  I dont know how people are getting 20+ mpg because I used the trip mileage to get mine and I get about 10-12mpg.