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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  As good as my marks, not too sure - 2010 Buick Enclave
  By calpilot - December 18 - 7:51 pm

  Great Car, very versatile and looks great. We own a white tricoat and the big problem is the metallic plastic bumper paint chips easily. No dice on getting touch up paint from dealer. We were told that vendors are holding back afraid of GMs financial position and they (vendors) dont want to get caught making products for a bankrupt company. Read other reviews around the internet about all parts for repairs being on long back orders because of limited vendor parts. So far all we are in need of is touch up paint, keeping our fingers crossed that will be all.

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  2004 LeSabre Celebration Edition - 2004 Buick LeSabre
  By Gary C - December 16 - 9:33 pm

  This is my second Buick. I had a fully loaded 1997 Park Avenue that I loved untill I hit a deer. I looked for another PA but couldnt find one up to my standards so I started looking at LeSabres. I found a 2004 Celebration Edition with 60,xxx miles, one owner local trade in Excellent condition very well maintained. I was hesitant at first because it is smaller than my previous Park Avenue but it blew me away with the interior room and large trunk not to mention all the bells and whistles. Its a fully loaded Limited plus xm radio, chrome wheels, eye cue display, embroidered leather seats and a dealer installed spoiler! 33mpg is standard on highway. Perfect Buick ride and style.

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  great crossover SUV - 2010 Buick Enclave
  By derek - December 16 - 1:55 pm

  We love this car. Did extensive research on minivans, Traverse etc over 1 month of daily reviews and testing. Great upgrade from lower models, better space than 2 row high end costlier SUV such as BMW and lexus. Great if you have 3 kids or more.

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  New Class of World Class! - 2010 Buick LaCrosse
  By Kevin - December 16 - 12:34 pm

  I sold my 2001 TDI Beetle and bought this beauty. I miss the fuel economy but I dont miss the rough ride. Im 46 and the driving experience of this car is fantastic! I look forward to just getting in and going for a drive. The 3.6 V6 has all kinds of power and the 6 Speed Transmission is very smooth! Low RPMS at 65 mpg. This car is very quiet. I cant believe its running when at a stop light. The A frame supports in the front have been getting a bad rap, I personally dont notice them and have had no trouble seeing anything while driving. The high sides & low window profile are an added touch and they make me feel safe. The Sweepspear in the side rearview mirror is awesome!

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  Not your Grandfathers Buick - 2010 Buick Enclave
  By dmck92 - December 15 - 8:57 pm

  This is an awesome car all around. We have 3 children and need the third row. This car has plenty of room, drives quiet and rides like a dream. Real luxurious inside. My brother said it looks just like a Lexus inside. All the needed bells and whistles. My wife was not interested, because of the name Buick. She wanted a Volvo XC90. Then she drove the enclave and loved it. She tells me everyday how much she loves her new car. If your kids are growing and its time to dump the mini, this is a great luxury family car.

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  Amazing Automobile - 2010 Buick LaCrosse
  By Frank - December 14 - 6:41 pm

  I have owned my LaCrosse for about a week. It is a great car and in my opinion, a very big bargain at MSRP, yet alone what I was able to buy mine for. Also, with the help of a great GM dealer, I was able to cash in on some not very well known rebates and get great financing, which I could not get on my own. Yes, the car is is not perfect as there are minor storage and convenience issues, as well as marginal 0-60 performance times. However, what it does well, it does better than any other car Ive driven. It is the most comfortable, best riding and best handling sedan Ive ever been in and Ive been in a bunch. The comfort, ride, handling and features are amazing, especially at its price.

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  Lexus who?? - 2010 Buick LaCrosse
  By edoggy - December 14 - 6:07 pm

  I owned a Lexus IS for some time and it seemed only natural that I would graduate to an ES or GS. I saw this and was visually impressed then I drove it and I was hooked. This thing is very fast and very quiet. I purchased the CXS with every option currently available and never looked back. So far so good. The car is a rocket ship in every sense, fast with lots of buttons and technology to support the rocket ship experience. Note: I dont think one can compare a CX to the CXS, its Night and day. To truly enjoy this car you need to move up to the CXS or at a minimum the CXL. And even, its noon and sunset for the CXL and CXS. Ill let you decide who gets to be sunset. Spend the extra $$.

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  Very nice crossover - 2010 Buick Enclave
  By jl - December 12 - 9:49 pm

  Bought it about a month ago, and so far so good. Took it on a long road trip and it was pretty comfy (18 hour drive). Hwy MPG was around 22, which I think will improve over time. XM radio and OnStar are fantastic. Bluetooth is very convenient. Rear backup camera took getting used to, but love it now. Vehicle is 4800 lbs, has very safe, solid feel. Very quiet inside, beautiful outside.

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  Great - 1998 Buick Regal
  By cole - December 8 - 11:12 pm

  Im only 18, so I know Im not the typical Buick driver. I had a 98 Toyota Camry, but it was too small and was starting to have problems, so I was looking for something both larger and American made. I found a great deal on this car, with only 53,000 miles on it. Its black, it looks great, I love all the room, it performs well, and it does awesome in the snow. I really like the car, and would pick it over the Camry any day, and because theyre the same year, I feel like I could do a pretty good comparison. 3800 is a great engine, my next car will be a Buick.

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  CXL - 2007 Buick LaCrosse
  By JR - December 5 - 2:46 pm

  This has been one of the best vehicles I ever owned. I own a ES300 and we used this car more because of the comfort and the higher miles per gallon. The exterior is boring, but everything else about the car has been very good. Great power in the V6 and no mechanical problem over the two years I have owned the LaCrosse. I run about 30,000 miles a year and the car has 90,000 miles without any major problems, just change the oil, tranny fuel, gas up and go.