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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  Lacrosse Review - 2012 Buick LaCrosse
  By mkrich1 - February 1 - 12:04 pm

  This car is a great value. I have owned similarly equipped pricier luxury cars such as Lexus. The car rivals those models. I recently purchased a Cadillac SRX for my wife. The Lacrosse is quieter and has a much better ride. The Lacrosse has the same features and equipment.

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  My parents 97 skylark... - 1997 Buick Skylark
  By kslaughter322 - January 24 - 1:35 am

  Just got my permit in November, and love to drive this car. The controls are all easy to get to, It has a lot of power, very good handling, safe and smooth ride, but dont expect it to drive like a Caddy or Roadmaster. My parents made 2, 300 some mile trips from wv to ohio and had no issues to speak of. also, later on after I got my permit, we made a drive from oak hill, wv to Grantsville, MD, and 3 weeks later Oak Hill, WV to Severn MD and again, no problems to speak of. And the car has around 119,500 miles on it. Have had the car a little over a year and it is very reliable. When I turn 16, I want a Skylark as a first car.

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  Bought My Dream Riviera New in 1996 - 1996 Buick Riviera
  By lovemyriviera - January 23 - 10:13 pm

  I drove my 1996 Buick Riviera out of the showroom and could drive it back there today to sell as a new car, it still looks that fantastic! Ive taken excellent care of this car and its only been the dealership for all maintenance. It was my daily driver for 10 years with 112,000 km (70,000 miles) now. Only had 2 problems: 1. theres been an electronic bug in the tape player GM has acknowledged the problem but no fix, since it only happens one-in-awhile I live with it 2. I recently had to replace the ABS Pressure Modulator Valve which cost $50 for the part and $75 for labor. Otherwise, the car has been a dream and it still turns a lot of heads!

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  2003 lesabre reliability - 2003 Buick LeSabre
  By jarhead61 - January 20 - 7:52 pm

  The only repairs Ive required is to replace two motor mounts on the left front. My heating system is not working properly. When it is very warm on the drivers side, it tends to be cool on the passenger side but was told that it is a $600.00 expense to repair. It is not a serious matter so I have no intention on fixing the situation. 115,000 miles on the car 31,000 miles on the current tires and still it does not require a Front End Alignment. This car has never had one! Love the rascal.

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  A better value - 2012 Buick LaCrosse
  By thadp - January 14 - 2:20 pm

  Buick has a winner with the 2012 Lacrosse. BMW, Audi watch out. The Lacrosse with GM incentives is a much better value than most other comparable sedans. The 303 HP V-6 can compete well with other comparable sedans. Responsive, smooth and quiet engine with reasonable fuel economy. Ride is comfortable, quite and smooth. Cornering is flat at high speeds and vehicle tracking is excellent with good steering response. A fun car to drive. On the negative side, first gear is much too low, a ratio, better suited for a four cylinder. Side visibility hindered by door post. High head rests hinders backing visibility. The front bucket seats are too narrow except for a small butt person.

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  Buick Verano - 2012 Buick Verano
  By carman14 - January 10 - 7:18 am

  Just picked this car up yesterday for the little lady. So far this car exceeds all expectations. Rides as quiet as a library, holds road tight and looks like mpg beats out what I expected. Interior is what sold me on this car. Comes with combination of fabric and leatherette ( looks like leather at first) Intellimark Radio with voice recognition is remarkable. Takes a bit to understand all but well worth it. Fit and finish looks good, 18" wheels, nice touch for base model. Only downside was is that seats are manual unless you upgrade to next level. Exterior looks like a mini Regal which I feel is an elegant car too. Car based on Cruze platform which I rented but does not come close GM nice !

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  Form without Function - 2011 Buick Regal
  By coach32 - January 9 - 8:51 am

  I recently came out of a Toyota Camry lease and wanted to again join the GM family. I seen the Regal as a good looking alternative. I can safely say this is the biggest car buying mistake of my life. To say that this car is a dog is an understatement. The best I can get for MPH is 20.5 and I consider myself a conservative driver. Passing other cars? Forget about it! Only downhill with a tailwind. An hour in the seat is the most Ive ever made it without a break as the lumbar support, even when all the way back, feels like a gun being stuck in my back. Actually, all things considered, that is exactly what this experience has been. Unfortunately, I have 33 months left on the lease. UGH!!!

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  So far, so good. - 2011 Buick Regal
  By amajo - January 8 - 2:08 pm

  MPG is a strange thing. I have over 2,000 miles on my new Regal and both times with manual calculations at the gas pump Ive had over 36 MPG. The fuel economy is excellent and happily unexpected. Of course, most miles were highway. My teenage son said the back seat was very comfortable - more so than the 2001 Buick Regal that we traded in. While on the road at a rest area, I had a couple comment that they had been following me for miles trying to check out my car. People I dont know have given me praise. This is great. Thank you Buick! Even though this car was manufactured in Germany, I suspect that the engineering was all American (perhaps Michigander - Minded).

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  Upscale Luxury Sedan - 2011 Buick LaCrosse
  By bwia - January 6 - 6:30 am

  Great car in all respects except for MGP that is well below expectations.

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  t07 with problems - 2011 Buick Regal
  By snewby04 - January 5 - 3:12 pm

  I have a beautiful white t07 regal turbo. This car handles amazing and drives great. My car unfortunately has a front suspension rattle in the right front. Its been to the dealer twice and I have opened a case with GM. To no avail, car still rattles and nobody at Buick cares. I guess I will have to pursue lemon law since Buick customer service doesnt care about their customers. Otherwise a wonderful car with nice amenities and looks great.