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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  Good Car But Watch Out for Unexpected $$ - 1998 Buick LeSabre
  By Gary Richey - April 29 - 2:00 am

  With less than 80K miles, I have a $1,284 repair bill because of an admitted design flaw (admitted by dealers mechanic not GM). Per the dealers mechanic, the plenumn on this car leaks allowing coolant and water to get into the engine affecting the function of the pistons which untimately causes the engine to lock. After the engine locks and you attempt to crank the car the starter will blow out. The dealers mechanic said they had repaired at least 10 cars with similar problems resulting from this design flaw during the last year. GM has not issued a recall to correct this problem. I was told that this problem started with 1996 models.

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  GreatCar - 2002 Buick LeSabre
  By Iboughtabuick - April 29 - 2:00 am

  We rented the LeSabre custom for one month, after a teen driver smashed the front of our PARKED car. We were in the market for a new Suv at the time. we researched everything from a Chevy to a Toyota, and found just how expensive they all were. After renting the LeSabre we made up our mind to buy one. I am a large man 67 and 295 lbs. and I fit just fine with room to spare. I would recommend this vechicle to any in the market. P.S. we also test drove the Ford Crown Victoria before we purchased the LeSabre. Hands Down the Buick was far better in handling, performance, in gas milage, and in comfort, styling was also a substantial plus inside and out.

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  Favres Review - 1994 Buick LeSabre
  By rbrtfav - April 28 - 2:00 am

  This vehicle has been almost trouble free. It uses no oil, has a good set of tires on it, and gets between 27 to 30 miles per galon on the road. I have maintained it according to the recommended procedure.

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  1995 LeSabre - 1995 Buick LeSabre
  By Brian0164 - April 28 - 2:00 am

  Excellent Vehicle! This is the second used LeSabre that I have owned and they are very reliable vehicles! They also get very good gas milage for a larger vehicle.

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  Buicks best car - 1996 Buick Riviera
  By Crase - April 26 - 2:00 am

  A great looking car that performs well (with the supercharged 3.8L). It rides a little rough, but corners better then most cars that are the same size. The Riviera has been very reliable, with only minor mechanical problems after over 100,000 miles.

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  excellent car - 1994 Buick LeSabre
  By Eitan - April 25 - 2:00 am

  reliable powerful comfortable car.

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  Yes, I Now Drive A Buick. Why Dont You? - 2008 Buick Enclave
  By Tiny Elvis - April 24 - 4:43 pm

  This CXL FWD is as advertised. Compared to Acura MDX, Lincoln MKX, GMC Yukon Denali & various Euro sedans. This car has tons of interior room, an excellent ride, superb switchgear and is as quiet as any car I have ever been in. Well-designed options include bi-zenon articulating headlamps; heated washer fluid, lumbar that adjusts up and down, trailer hitch cover integrated into bumper; and power folding mirrors. All the required luxury amenities are present and work perfectly. Handling is excellent for a 5000lb vehicle. Steering input is precise with no dead spot. The brake pedal has long travel yet is confident. The styling is turning heads at virtually every street corner and parking lot.

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  Regal GS Fan - 2002 Buick Regal
  By Bhohman - April 24 - 2:00 am

  Great engine performance, a pure pleasure to drive. Wonderful suspension. Love it. Sunroof is a joy.

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  Buick Regal GS - 1999 Buick Regal
  By lthoma07 - April 23 - 2:00 am

  Drive long trips. Car comfortable, fun to drive, roomy.

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  BUY AMERICAN - 1999 Buick Regal
  By MARGARET DAVIES - April 22 - 2:00 am

  THE MECHANICS HERE TELL ME THAT IT IS A GREAT CAR. I TRADED OUT OF A HONDA ACCORD THAT I REALLY LIKED, BUT WANTED A LARGER VEHICLE. GREAT ALL AROUND VEHICLE.