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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  2004 Buick LeSabre excellent car - 2004 Buick LeSabre
  By Leo - July 17 - 9:45 am

  2004 Buick LeSabre excellent reliable vehicle only issues with this vehicle? (1) Cooling tubes are plastic and leak and needs to be replaced with metal ones.(2) Gas gauge issues due to cheaply made fuel pump and sending unit which needs to be replaced. Nice vehicle for the price, bought mines with 96,882 miles paid $1,500.

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  Carpooling buick - 2004 Buick Rendezvous
  By AMY BOGNAR - July 14 - 10:00 am

  I have enjoyed my Buick for 18 months now. It has spacious room for the kids and drives like a dream. Although it has been taken in for servicing within the last year and the problems that have arose were looked at and are still continuing to be a problem.

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  comfortable but waiting for long run - 1997 Buick Park Avenue
  By janetb - July 10 - 8:26 am

  I just got this car from my dad who couldnt drive it anymore, reviews are helpful... Gas gauge dances all over the place, windshield wiper stopped in the middle of windshield on off position, door lock button and window button fell into door.. But its 12 years old. Engine runs great, smooth on the highway and very very comfortable. Cup holder folding into armrest is annoying. Love the safe feeling of the car, will ride it till the wheels fall off, changing oil to keep it going! Janet

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  Great Gas Mileage - 2005 Buick Rendezvous
  By National Renter - July 7 - 10:00 am

  I rented a Rendevous over the weekend for a short trip. While the seat belt for the driver was uncomfortable (it dug into my right hip), I was able to get up to 27 miles per gallon. It was had great storage space in the center console and there was ample room in back.

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  2005 Buick Rendezvous - 2005 Buick Rendezvous
  By jmn4 - July 2 - 10:00 am

  I do a considerable amount of highway driving and this vehicle is just great. You sit up just high enough to provide good visibility and the interior is spacious and comfortable. Fun to drive, easy to part and I love the XM radio option.

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  Where are the options and power? - 2008 Buick Enclave
  By Ron Scindle - June 29 - 11:13 pm

  Im very excited the Buick Enclave I purchased has been the hit of our neighborhood. Everyone likes the design of the exterior and interior as much as I do. I love almost everything about the car with the exception of the following things. Why arnt heated seats in the rear available? They are in some of the other SUVs that GM makes, but on this car they are missing. I wanted all options, but when the car arrived it didnt have the luggage rack cross bars I bought and paid for. The running boards were also paid for and the dealer cant tell me when the delivery date might be. The sales information states the the rear headphones come with option 3, but I now find out that isnt true.

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  An Encore Explanation - 2017 Buick Encore
  By Phil Ershler - June 24 - 2:07 pm

  This car is a well priced entry into the Luxury SUV family of vehicles. Our car was fully loaded and had lots of safety equipment for a lease cost of under $290/Mo including the tax, with only $2400 Cash at signing.

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  Love Park Avenues - 1999 Buick Park Avenue
  By keeda - June 18 - 10:00 am

  This is my fourth Park Avenue and the last two have been supercharged. I love having the power when needed in high altitude areas as well as on freeways. I love not being tired after driving for 8 to 10 hours. I love not feeling like I am crowded inside.

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  Nice comfort - 2008 Buick Enclave
  By Maryann - June 15 - 3:13 am

  This is my 2nd owned Buick. Purchased base on previous service and reliability. Nice quiet ride. Rides like a car. Waiting to take the 1st long distance trip.

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  1997 Buick Park Avenue 4 Dr STD Sedan - 1997 Buick Park Avenue
  By randy - June 6 - 7:36 pm

  With 3 children we needed room but didnt want a minivan. Bought this car with 86000 miles. Numerous problems that werent major but irritating. The accuators on the a/c went out and would not blow through the vents $500. Window switch broke $200. Radiator leaked $250. Harmonic balancer went out $175. We like the comfort of this car. It was made to drive long distances. Good gas mileage and power.