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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  On right track - 2002 Buick Rendezvous
  By timbo123 - January 3 - 10:00 am

  Vehicle has met my expectations. Replaced General tires with Michelins. Dramatic difference in rain and snow

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  Great Hockey Car - 2003 Buick Rendezvous
  By Chase - January 3 - 10:00 am

  WE needed a car to use with teenager who plays travel Ice Hockey. We needed to haul gear and child all over. We have loved the Rendezvous for comfort, it has plenty of road power for us. It was also much easier to get in and out of.

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  Just Love It - 2002 Buick Rendezvous
  By mm6mb - January 3 - 2:00 am

  I had a 1992 GEO Tracker for 10 years so when I finally decided to get a new car, I decided on a Buick after looking at all of the other models. I never have planned to take this vehicle off road so the comfortable ride was very important to me. For the price I paid, I couldnt asked for a better car

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  Cloud nine!!! - 2011 Buick Enclave
  By Carol Dickson - January 2 - 11:40 pm

  Lots of room and super smooth ride.

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  Just Love My Rendezvous - 2002 Buick Rendezvous
  By AzSunShine - December 29 - 3:16 am

  I have had this vehicle for 5 weeks and Im absolutely in love with. I read the reviews about the small engine and I feel the engine is more than adequate for my use. The ride is so smooth and it is very roomy inside. You have to open the entire rear door, which could use improving. As far as gas mileage goes I currenly am getting 16 mpg which is pretty good for the type of vehicle. I highly recommend this vehicle to anyone interested in a suv/van/car combo.

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  Unexpected surprise - 2008 Buick Enclave
  By kaeleen - December 26 - 4:33 am

  I love the quiet ride of this vehicle. I was extreamly surprised at how elegant it looks inside. I looked at many other SUVs and none compared to this one. I love the comfort of the leather seats and all my grandchildren fit in comfortably. I was surprised how big and roomy it is. I also love the sunroof and moon roof. Im 47 years old and never expected to be driving a Buick, that is the kind of car my Grandfather drove, not me. But I drive one and love it.

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  same as above and below - 1997 Buick Park Avenue
  By donny87 - December 23 - 7:56 am

  Same problems everybody else had, manifold melted oil and anti freeze mixed trahed engine found out when we replaced motor sensors were glued back on after being snapped , ,Nice, paint peeling off the trunk spreading like cancer the bug shield plastic wrap crap on the hood peeling, sunroof warped closes 1/4" lower on one side, control pad on both seats hang out, yup glad to know Im not alone lol

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  Beautiful rattling tin can - 2016 Buick Cascada
  By Scott S. - December 1 - 6:47 am

  To date, the 2016 Cascada with 5148 miles, has been in the dealership service lane 5 times, all for the same reason. The convertible top is faulty. I initially took the car in due to a very odd knocking and popping sound coming from the rear of the vehicle. My first dealership said it was road noise and I had to deal with it. This was literally metal on metal banging... After I insisted the dealer attempt to diagnose the noise concern, a technician somehow broke the interior panel but didnt tell me, nor replace the actual part. I then received a message once again stating the knocking was just road noise and body-flex and couldnt be fixed. After contacting Buick, I was connected to another dealership which took the time to review the knocking and found the broken panel, and also a screw that wasnt seated properly. Drove home in complete quiet. Three days later... The knocking was back and this time I had a leak on the opposite side of the car. Back to the dealer... They adjusted the top and replaced the seal as the dealer stated the seal had managed to fold incorrectly and formed to that shape and had to be replaced. Further adjustments to the top and the knocking was gone again. A week later... The banging and knocking is back. The interior panel that was replaced has again disconnected and is flapping around constantly. Adjusted, reseated, no more knocking. A week later... banging is back again. Returned to the dealer and had a technician drive the car. After a day in the shop the technician decided to replace a guide pin for the top cover. Noise gone again. 3 days later... Knocking and clacking is back, I have a leak, and the chrome trim was gouged by the service team during the last service. Being returned to the dealer. At this point, the 2016 Buick Cascada has become the biggest let down / regret of my car purchasing life. Though the service team has been polite and helpful, I didnt buy the vehicle for it to be in service more than I am able to drive it. Definitely regret the whole purchase at this point.

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  Great Ride - 2008 Buick Enclave
  By Mr Wright - November 26 - 10:40 pm

  It is extremely quiet. You will get many on-lookers. This is a great vehicle and I would recomend it highly. Small issue, could get better gas mileage

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  Fantastic first week! - 2008 Buick Enclave
  By EMG - November 25 - 6:30 pm

  Just got our new Enclave and couldnt be happier. Had many more "bells and whistles" than we even knew about going in! Such a quiet ride, very solid feel. Decent pick-up on the freeway, but its not a sports car. Perfect car for a family who needs a mini-van but doesnt want to get one. Very comparable to higher-end SUVs. Would highly recommend a close look at the Enclave to any family with three or more children.