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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  Great gas mileage for the ride - 2003 Buick LeSabre
  By Mike - November 27 - 7:18 am

  We bought the car used with 27k miles, 5 years ago. The gas mileage is impressive, 25 mpg around town and 30+ on the highway, exceptional for the ride and comfort this model offers. I had to replace front wheel bearings, rear shocks (optional), and both rear window motors, not good but not terrible. I would by it again. Fine car that cleans up well.

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  The best car to own (my first car) - 1990 Buick Skylark
  By Gabe - November 24 - 9:55 pm

  Built tough, ran great, got some major work done on it, but if basic car maintenance is done than it will run great. No problems until it decided to be 19 years old and call it quits. Great car until then.

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  Really Decent car - 1996 Buick Riviera
  By Nick Warhead - November 24 - 11:39 am

  I bought the car for $1750 at 164,000 miles. The car still runs great and is reliable. I had to replace the radiator and the upper control rod bushing. It has an oil leak probably coming from the top end. Other then that, the car always starts and drives, and has not given me any trouble. Ive had a lot of cars that couldnt get past the 130K mark without blowing up. I feel if taken care of, I could get at 75,000 more miles on this car.

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  Regal is a great deal if well maintained - 2000 Buick Regal
  By Syd - November 23 - 5:59 am

  This is my second Buick with the push rod 3.8. Good power and decent fuel economy. Buicks always feel more substantial than most Chevys and Pontiacs. These cars are a good used buy if you can buy from a caring original owner.

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  Enclave is great - 2008 Buick Enclave
  By Jim - November 20 - 9:42 am

  This is a great riding vehicle with good space. I love the amenities and that it uses regular gas. The transmission stinks. Its always searching and you have to tromp it just to keep up with rural traffic but on the highway its fine. Gas mileage has been 14mpg commuting and 22mpg on the highway. It is a very quiet riding vehicle though.

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  Love this car! - 2000 Buick Regal
  By K.L. - November 16 - 11:06 pm

  This car is great because of its quick acceleration, good size, and most importantly, its reliablity. The only problems Ive ever had are the windows - 3 of 4 of the windows have malfunctioned and would go down without rolling back up. My only other complaint is the mileage isnt great - average of city and highway driving would be about 20 mpg. But I have not had a single problem with the way it runs. I love this speedy grandma car and will miss it when its gone!

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  White Diamond Cruiser - 2014 Buick Verano
  By Ramey - November 13 - 9:25 pm

  One of the best build cars I have owned out of about 20 new cars, quiet, smooth ride. Triple door gaskets and glass with a laminate sandwiched in the middle. The build quality for a car in this price range is amazing.My sister and Mother each bought one also and love them. If Buick keeps building cars like this they will keep customers happy!

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  Concerns - 2006 Buick Lucerne
  By David - November 10 - 12:19 am

  Overall the car is good but there are some concerns. When I drive beyond 50 mph the car starts to fishtail the steering increases in play and is not as responsive. The car lacks basic performance and sounds like the transmission struggles when accelerating. The car is very comfortable and smooth but this should not be at the expense of basic performance.

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  Pleasantly surprised - 2009 Buick Enclave
  By Scott - October 29 - 10:01 pm

  It has been a long time since we owned a GM car and I have to say that this one is much improved over years ago. The Enclave is very well made and quiet. We get a lot of positive comments on its appearance. We have young teens and just traded in the minivan. Most of our disappointments are related to the fact that this vehicle doesnt have as much room as a minivan and is missing some of the interior accessories you would find in a van.

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  Buick Century 02 - 2002 Buick Century
  By amac - October 26 - 11:26 pm

  We have had our Century for 4.5 years and for the most part we have been very happy. I am considering selling it now (almost 100k) and my wife does not want to sell it. We have had a warranty since we bought it and have gotten our money our of it. Mainly electric seat and power window. There was also gaskets, something with rear brake, and catalatic converter. The confort and ease of driving is definitely something that we will miss. It is nice that you can for a short distance fit 7 people (well mostly children). We have averaged about 27 mpg and I do not consider that bad for that car.