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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  Absulutely Stunning Lexus Fighter - 2010 Buick LaCrosse
  By Michael - December 4 - 11:13 pm

  We were in the market for a luxury car and decided to visit the Lexus dealership and Buick/GMC dealership both located here in town. We first went to to see the new Lacrosse which absolutely looked stunning parked outside. As soon as we laid eyes on the interior of this car we were incredibly surprised at the level of beauty, quality and fit/finish. Could not believe this was a Buick. We went to see the high end Lexus LS and although it looks elegant on the outside, the interior looked too plain and didnt feel special. The new Buick will be in our driveway shortly. Check Mate!

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  Great All Around Car - 2010 Buick Enclave
  By MWSTAT - December 3 - 6:49 pm

  This is a great car to drive, its very quiet and smooth. It is very stable on ice & snow, much better than my four wheel drive pickup. The Bose sound system is really sharp & crisp. So far we really love this car.

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  Great Car - 2005 Buick LaCrosse
  By Miley - December 1 - 5:10 am

  I think Ive heard it before, but it is not your fathers Buick! The ride and handling are great. Its extremely quiet. My only knock would be not being able to purchase the 3.8L engine on the CXS model. The 3.8L was plenty of engine for my 01 LeSabre (for me) and got great mileage for a large car. If the LaCrosse holds up, it will be my best car so far.

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  Fine auto for a young family - 2010 Buick LaCrosse
  By LaCrosse Owner in NC - November 30 - 8:01 pm

  Wife and kids liked the Lacrosse better than the Lexus. Great looks that is enjoyable to drive too. A luxurious car without having to spend a fortune.

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  This is not your Pops Buick - 2006 Buick Lucerne
  By David - November 25 - 5:13 am

  Finally, the American market can rejoice over an American designed and built car. The styling, performance and attention to detail is superb. I have had numerous very positive comments from friends and people checking out the car. People have slowed down next to me just to look at the car. Thanks GM.

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  where are all the rainiers? - 2004 Buick Rainier
  By myproshop - November 22 - 2:00 am

  Ive had this car for a month now, and i still have yet to see another Rainier on the road. I dont get it! I thought i saw one parked, but when i went up to it, it was a Bravada. Are people not interested in having a great vehicle? It might be a bit overpriced, but its still an awesome SUV! I was deciding between the Rainier and the Volvo xc90, and for the price, the Rainier is definitely the better bang for the buck!

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  2004 - 2004 Buick Rendezvous
  By flanman - November 22 - 2:00 am

  smooth highway ride minimum roll when cornering can seat four adults and two children

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  The Crossover I Was Looking For - 2004 Buick Rendezvous
  By Emmett Gruici - November 22 - 2:00 am

  Its a pleasure riding, comfortable sedan with a main feature that sold the vehicle after our initial test drive. That is, it pleased my wife, especially in room and confort, and overall appearance. It allowed us to trade in two vehicles,our 1998 Buick Century and 2000 Chevy Tracker, and use the 2004 Buick Rendevous for duel purposes.

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  Its not my Dads Buick, ITS MINE...... - 2010 Buick LaCrosse
  By Steve - November 18 - 3:04 pm

  I recently purchased a 2010 Lacrosse after driving a VW Touareg for the last 5 years, the Touareg finally got the best of my bank account. The Lacrosse is the most comfortable vehicle that Ive owned and those cars have included Audi, Pontiac, Honda, Isuzu and BMW. This car has already been a really enjoyment in so many ways. So far my MPG has been above 23, the performance of the 3.6 V6 is fantastic and I havent found anything that I havent liked. If your in the market for a new sedan stop into your local Buick dealer, it will be well worth your trip.

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  Best 7 passenger ALL AROUND- Hands Down! - 2010 Buick Enclave
  By Mark - November 18 - 2:01 pm

  Looked at many "family" vehicles for 3 kids etc. etc. Never considered Buick until roadsign caught my attention. Drove to dealership and WOW finally they got it right!! Quality, value and convienience right on target. Configuration of seating and comfort is exceptional. Quality of design, function and comfort is far better than crossovers costing $10-15k more. Interior space behind driver is excellent and surprising. Looking at exterior styling you wouldnt think it would be that functional inside. Great job. Have owned many luxury cars/suvs before costing $70-$80k. This one has them all beat. Way to go team GM.. You sold us and we are picky.