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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  Buicks with low miles - 2003 Buick LeSabre
  By andreamoo - December 14 - 12:46 am

  There are tons of these cars with low miles out there. I looked at this site religiously when doing research so decided to pass along info for others. Bought a top of the line Celebration edition with gran touring package and every other option for $7500, with 44,000 miles. The tires and brakes are original. The only thing that does not work is the seat warmer on the drivers side. I am 6 and the seats are too short and too cushy. The upper manifold leak had already been fixed by the previous owner. I get 27 mpg country driving (55 mph, little stopping) and 21 or 22 in the city. A good value, huge trunk, the car heats up quick, defrosts quicker, is smooth riding and kinda floaty.

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  2012 Verano review - 2012 Buick Verano
  By tomf25 - December 11 - 4:04 pm

  I am a retired Chevy dealer (forty years) so I have had many many new cars in that time. On December 9, 2011 I picked up my new Verano and I must say it is one of the nicest cars I have ever driven. I like it even better than the 2010 LaCrosse I traded in. Congratulations Buick, you hit a home run!! Tom Forsyth

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  Buick Rainer V-8 - 2004 Buick Rainier
  By shadav - December 10 - 9:25 pm

  I have owned several Buicks and this is by far the worst one I have owned. The one I traded in had 143,000 miles on it and was still running perfectly. With the Rainier, I began have trouble around 60,000 miles. The instrument panel had to be replaced, then the air conditioner blew hot air on the passenger side. Then it was the transfer case, then the air bags used in the suspension area began leaking. At this very moment, it is parked in my garage with a broken water pump. I havent driven it in 4 months. Instead, I bought a used vehicle that I paid cash for to get around town in. It has been much more reliable than the Buick.

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  This car vibrates - 2011 Buick LaCrosse
  By 6600madison - December 7 - 9:01 am

  I have the V6 with 18 inch wheels and have accrued 4500 miles on this car. Although beautiful, it has a constant vibration through the seats and causes the legs of my pants to visibly move. It has been back to the dealer twice. Once for a balancing which did nothing and once for a force balancing with one of the tires being replaced.The ride is worse than before. The vibration is so noticeable that I cannot enjoy anything about this care. I drive the same roads in a Toyota Solara and Hyundai Sonata which both have far superior rides. I have never been so disappointed with a car and will never return to GM. A huge mistake to leave Toyota. I wish I had paid the extra money to buy the Avalon.

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  Luxury for Mommy - 2005 Buick Terraza
  By blastcap - December 6 - 3:41 pm

  I have had my buick for nearly 2 years and I love it! Its a smooth ride. Love the interior. very reliable. Have not had any problems so far. great for the kids, roomy. Great for traveling. only downfall is the gas mileage. I get about 15mpg city and not much more hwy. the automatic sliding doors are convenient but when you hit a bump in the road the door will un-latch, causing an ever so annoying alarm to sound until you put the car in park and shut the door. no regrets buying this vehicle.Treat yourself moms and buy this car!

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  Not made for Tall People - 2012 Buick LaCrosse
  By mejp - December 4 - 7:40 am

  The curvature of the doors make it impossible to get in or out without hitting my head unless I fold like a rag doll. Not to mention creating quite a blind spot when looking over the shoulder for traffic. The lumbar support in the drivers seat is too large even when reset to zero, thus making my back hurt even after a short drive. This car is so low to the ground that even curbs become a hazard! Dealerships driver ran into a curb and caused extensive damage. Between seat console is awkward, pinches fingers when extending the arm-rest and storage is limited. The steering column is clumsy to adjust, why isnt it electric? Cant open trunk from inside????

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  So far so good. - 2011 Buick Enclave
  By rafanna - December 2 - 8:07 am

  I have had my Buick for about 7 months now. I like and I am happy I bought it. I do miss my Tahoe everyday though. It was more comforable and the radio was far more supreme than the one in the Enclave. It get about 19 miles to the gallon on average only about 3 more mile than my Tahoe. I do love and enjoy the bluetooth that has great clarity and the sunroof. Over all I am happy, but will go back to a Tahoe probably in a few years.

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  Could be Worse..I think? - 2001 Buick LeSabre
  By carlover53 - December 1 - 10:24 pm

  Bought used in 07 with 55,000 miles from a private party that moved out of country. Now has a little over 82,000 on the clock. Within the first year, rear running light (big red panel light on right) and front left headlight went out within a few days of each other. Driver heated seat quit working (passenger fine), would cost nearly $600 to repair! Dash started peeling up in 09 above glove box, and a little have a half inch high by 5 inch wide hump in front of the steering wheel under the windshield. Would cost nearly $1,100 to repair! Im just gonna glue it down and buy a cloth dash cover that sticks on w/ Velcro. SEE IMPROVEMENTS FOR REST OF STORY

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  Love the car but have mixed feelings right now - 2012 Buick LaCrosse
  By hkm77 - November 29 - 8:45 am

  I really love the car but quality and reliability are questionable for me considering the problems I had in less than a month with a brand new car. The first car I got had the engine light on before leaving the dealer. The next day “service stabiliTrak” message was in my dashboard. Car was replaced for a new one. Everything was fine until the battery died with 20 days only. Car was towed back to dealer, battery replaced and nothing wrong, but a defective battery, was found with the car. Hopefully, I won’t have any other problem with it. Time will tell. This car is very comfortable, quiet and spacious. Trunk is on the small side but enough for me and my family (2 small children).

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  2012 Buick Lacrosse - Touring - 2012 Buick LaCrosse
  By alan51462 - November 29 - 8:38 am

  I have had my Lacrosse for just over one month. Pros: Excellent ride and comfort. Reliability great compared to my 2008 Cadillac. Cadillac in shop 3 times in first month of ownership. Buick running great (knock on wood). Workshipship is excellent - no rattles, doors, hood, trunk fit is fine. Fuel consumption is as advertised - over 27 on highway, averaging slightly over 17 in the city. Con: Reflection of the dashboard on windshield is distracting and blinding at times. Would recommend highly over the CTS - mine was an overpriced piee of junk.