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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  Rides like a swaying lumber wagon. - 1995 Buick LeSabre
  By will - March 3 - 10:40 pm

  Have had nothing but problems with the suspension with this car. It rides like an old "lumber wagon", swaying side to side. Had new struts installed, still does not help. It is just the "Buick" ride, and/or GM ride. GMC really messed up when they changed the suspension from the older 80 models.

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  2001 Buick Lesabre Custom - 2002 Buick LeSabre
  By RR - March 3 - 3:32 pm

  I have a very long commute, almost 200 miles round trip daily. This car is powerful, quiet, very smooth, comfortable, economical and roomy. All for a very reasonable price. Surprisingly good handling for a car built for long distance comfort is a plus. If more people driving Accords and Camrys would think to test drive this car, they would be surprised and I think impressed.

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  Surprised Return Buyer - 2001 Buick LeSabre
  By mpfarney - March 3 - 5:35 am

  In the market for a car to replace a 93 Buick Skylark, with which we werent very happy (small size, poor comfort, and a glove compartment door constantly rattled), we were surprised at how comfortable and roomy the LeSabre proved, and after over one year of ownership weve had no problems. Were relatively happy with the gas mileage--over 27 mpg (city)

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  Buick has a winner - 2006 Buick Lucerne
  By Jim Van Auwelaer - March 2 - 7:03 am

  Owned this car for three months and love its handling, performance, and styling. If you can afford the extra money and the 2 less miles/gallon, the Northstar V8 is the only way to go. Much more refined than the 3.8 6 cyl. Also the speed sensitive steering with the V8 makes handling much better. Without it, the cars steering is too loose and gives the feeling of instability at higher speeds. Quietest car Ive ever owned.

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  Two Months of Complete Satisfaction - 2002 Buick LeSabre
  By Scott F. Rosenberg - March 1 - 10:39 pm

  I replaced a Buick Park Avenue with a Le Sabre Limited two months ago. Only option is 16 inch wheels. Its a couple of years newer design. Not one problem or complaint so far. Yesterday I drove 380 miles roundtrip to see a Spring Training Baseball Game. We were extremely comfortable cruising most of the time at 75 MPH. Only used 3/4 tank of gas (29.5 miles per gallon burning 87 octane gas). Very pleased to say the least!

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  My first Buick! - 2001 Buick Century
  By rirowla - March 1 - 12:34 pm

  What a Value! We bought this car with the 0% financing for 60 months and love it. Our two kids fit fine and we dont miss our minivan. Id recommend this car to young couples, its a lot of comfort and space for the money. The secret bonus is that insurance rates are really cheap in this vehicle. We went from our used minivan (value $4000) to this new Century (value $19000) and our insurance rate actually went down! I couldnt believe it.

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  1997 Buick Lesabre limited - 1998 Buick LeSabre
  By Chuck Tryon - March 1 - 10:42 am

  Fun to drive, great fuel economy, great climatic controls both air conditioning and heating. nice appearance, smallest looks, replace front struts at 80,000, has wind noise around front winds sometimes bad in a cross wind

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  97 skylark - 1997 Buick Skylark
  By becky - February 28 - 5:08 pm

  Falling apart at less than 100k miles. Replaced almost everything at least once, and needs new engine.

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  Relax and go really FAST - 1994 Buick Roadmaster
  By JohnnyBoy - February 27 - 4:48 pm

  Wonderful highway cruiser. Carries plywood flat. Invisible to state troopers.

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  review title - 1990 Buick Skylark
  By keffi - February 26 - 9:22 pm

  a bit slow, but one of the most comfortable cars ive ever driven. This babys built like a rock(no major repairs since purchase)