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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  My Dream Park Avenue - 1999 Buick Park Avenue
  By davidprescottaz - September 9 - 3:13 pm

  Why did GM stray from the Park Avenue and create the Lucerne when they had this car in their line-up? Any idea how hard it is to find a bench seat in a car anymore? I finally decided to hunt for a clean PA and one finally appeared. Low miles and looks like it has been well cared for. Buick is pricing themselves out of the market place and has no entry level cars anymore, that is why I purchased a used Park Avenue. Talk about all the bells and whistles! I wonder if it will wash itself? I spent more for a used PA at a dealership so I could have the security of having an extended warranty for all the electronic items in this car.

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  Road Master - 2008 Buick Enclave
  By Dave - September 2 - 10:46 pm

  I love this SUV. Had it a month now. Very quiet and comfortable. Handles well. Mileage as advertised. Many car reviews complain about the trans not downshifting quickly. These reviewers didnt understand when/how to use the manual shifter. On hilly highways select 5 instead of D. 6th gear is for mostly flat highways. On backroads D is fine. The auto-manual shifter works differently than my other cars. If you select 4 or 5 in manual mode, the trans will auto downshift and upshift to the gear selected. My other cars only downshift auomatically but require you to manually upshift through each gear.

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  REMARKABLE - 2008 Buick Enclave
  By douglasheaslet - August 29 - 11:10 am

  After looking and driving numerous makes and models of SUVs I decided on the Enclave. I drove three of these vechiles that ranged from 36,888 to 46,200. I ended up with a Enclave that listed for 40,625. For my purposes I preferred a FWD. The AWD lists for 2,000 more than the FWD. The ride is great the finish is supurb. I love the Sun/Moon roof. The DVD is a must when you travel with the grandchildren. Cadilac, Acadia and Lexus is in second place compared to this automobile,

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  Best Bang for the Buck - 2000 Buick Park Avenue
  By john stumpf - August 24 - 4:03 am

  You wont find a better car for the money. Its size and safety (crash tests) along with the exceptional fuel economy are unsurpassed. Even the Accord cant provide what this car can. Too bad it has that senior citizen image. But then I bet those seniors driving it, have be around the block a few times and got a nice bank account besides. Do yourself buy this one and keep the other $20k in the bank!

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  Very pleased, great car - 2006 Buick Lucerne
  By Dog gone it - August 17 - 11:23 pm

  This is a classy car with comfort and style. Loads of trunk space, rear leg room and glass. Big turning radius and some blind spots in side and rear. Steering wheel controls need wrap around protector to keep from accidentaly touching when griping the wheel. A bit difficult to exit as bucket seat seems deep and high. I still rate it a 10. On-star is great and already has been put to good use. On 840 mile expressway trip it delivered 29 MPG at mostly 70 mph but including small amount of city streets. In city/express mostly about 24 MPG. Im satisfied with mileage. Six cylinder is enough power but if you want added zip there is the V8.

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  New 03 ULTRA - 2003 Buick Park Avenue
  By Jake02324 - August 17 - 10:00 am

  Traded 01 Lesabre--what a difference in ride ,handling and looks. Only have 500 miles but still can not get over all the good features.Finally got the 2 memory seats AND the exits working correctly. Had not seen many around and then saw 3 like mine and a black one in 2 days!

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  Classy Family Ride - 2002 Buick Rendezvous
  By Larry S. - August 17 - 10:00 am

  This vehicle has been very good in the 1st 18 months. The styling and functionality are the strong suits for this vehicle. The third row foldaway seats are a must for a larger family. We have only had one waranty repair since purchased.(Traction Control Sensor) The power and performance have been good for us, but we usually travel on flat highways. Two trips to Florida from Ohio presented no grade problems. The passing power of the 3.4L engine is super from 40-65 mph.

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  2003 RVD - 2003 Buick Rendezvous
  By occking - August 17 - 10:00 am

  Underpowered. Too much brake dust in front wheels. Does not get mileage as advertised (at least for the CXL) Does not take rough roads well Love the satellite radio (main reason I got the vehicle) plus that it has a fold away rear seat and the vehicle is somewhat shorter than GM products with third seat

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  Quality luxury! - 2016 Buick Envision
  By Brian Orlando - August 5 - 2:44 pm

  I test drove the Acura RDX and Audi Q5 and chose the Premium I AWD 2.0T model of the Buick not only because it had way more technology and safety options for a comparable price but also because the drive, quality and interior design was much better. This car has far exceeded my expectations and in my opinion is going to be a serious competitor in the luxury compact SUV market. The turbo engine is powerful and fun to drive. Loving the interior design and the technology is top notch. The quality inside and out is also top of the line. The lane departure assist and all the other safety features are way above the competition especially for the price point. Buick continues to impress!! Definitely worth a test drive if in the market for a new compact SUV!

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  What to call it? - 2002 Buick Rendezvous
  By printman - August 3 - 10:00 am

  This vehicle rides like butter, smooth and soft, with enough power to get into traffic with ease. Visibility all around is good, and is reinforced with the ultrasonic backup system – a must have. The stereo is a delight that floods the cabin with great sound - which is good because there’s hardly any road noise to keep you awake. Finally, the headroom even with the sunroof is wonderful. I’d buy it again.