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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  Solid, well built - 2006 Buick Lucerne
  By M Nolan - August 4 - 12:36 am

  Does what it is expected to do. Only drawback for me was lack of quickness from stop. But it is a big car and was not advertise as quick. Just my desire.

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  Great Car - 2007 Buick Lucerne
  By Eugene Shulick - August 3 - 5:59 pm

  Always get complements on the smoothness and comfort of its ride.

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  Elegant car - 2008 Buick Enclave
  By Julie - August 2 - 9:46 pm

  We finally upgraded and graduated out of our beloved family Honda mini van. I feel like I have finally grown up and have something just for me. The Enclave is quiet and smooth driving. ours is fully loaded and it will take a while to learn all of the bells and whistles, but our decision to buy this hard-to- find Buick was a good one! We looked at the Lexus, but the Enclave rated much better for emissions. I love this car!

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  Surperb - 2004 Buick Park Avenue
  By w gray - July 18 - 2:00 am

  All I anticipated and more.Love the heads up display and the ultra sound on backing

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  Fine Auto - 2003 Buick Park Avenue
  By Jake02324 - July 18 - 2:00 am

  Had a few defects (why on a new Buick) but the dealer fixed everything right away! Beeen good now 6600miles. Gas mileage could be better but the 01 Lesabre did not good until 30000 miles.

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  Awsome - 2004 Buick Rainier
  By tdex10 - July 18 - 2:00 am

  If you have tried the rest now try the best! Total suv refinement.

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  Why Dont I See More of Them? - 2004 Buick Rainier
  By mapwsenn - July 18 - 2:00 am

  I have the 8 cylinder. My previous car was a luxury European model, and I dont miss it all. Great pickup when I need it on the turnpike. Quiet with very little outside noise. It is hard for me to understand why I am not seeing them on the highways.

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  Evaluation from a layman - 2004 Buick Rendezvous
  By m103280 - July 18 - 2:00 am

  This is the first GM product I have purchased in 48 years. The price, comfort, and options were all persuaders in the transition from Toyota, Honda, and Nissan. My only criticism is that Buick consider a larger powertrain (and apparently they did in the new Ultra version). The leather appointed heated seats are extremely comfortable on a New England winter day.

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  LUV my RENDEZVOUS!!!! - 2004 Buick Rendezvous
  By BriNChatt - July 18 - 2:00 am

  When the Rendezvous first came out, I thought it was the most butt-ugly SUV I ever saw!! Until I drove one! Then I noticed that it is a uniquely designed SUV and has the ride of a luxury car! I absolutely LOVE it!!

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  2004 Rendezvous CLX - 2004 Buick Rendezvous
  By JimDaddy - July 18 - 2:00 am

  This vehicles ride is very similar to the ride we experienced in our 2000 Lexus RX300. Very smooth. Would help with a larger V-6