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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  Great When It Doesnt Leak - 2008 Buick Enclave
  By bondguy - October 9 - 9:41 pm

  I have had this car since March of 2008. I love the style and the quiet ride. However, I am so thankful that I lease this vehicle and wouldnt ever think of buying one after the problems I have experienced. Once in for electrical problems after owning it for 3 months. 3 times in for leak in ceiling (water drips in through the third row overhead maplights). The car came back to me after being in the shop (3rd time for leak) last week. So far, so good. No more leaks. Mileage is worse than what GM claims averaging 19 overall highway with stop and go a lot. Beautiful driving as it is very quiet. Pickup is just okay though.

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  Falling Fast - 2003 Buick Rendezvous
  By MJ - October 6 - 9:47 am

  We bought this vehicle used with 26K miles on it in Nov. of 05, and liked it quite a bit originally. Unfortunately, the longer we have had it, the more cheaply made it seems. Not a lot of problems mechanically with this car through the 3 years I have owned it, but little stuff: windows always squeal, leather strap to close hatch broke within a couple months of owning, rear wiper has never worked correctly. Tires lose pressure. Now I feel the tranny is slipping, and warranty expires in 3 days. Was told at the dealership they cant find anything wrong, and I cant trade this in, because I cant afford the negative equity

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  Good car - 2001 Buick Regal
  By RTS - October 2 - 6:22 pm

  I bought the car at 120,000 miles and it now has 166,000. Very nice car. Two minor issues: 1) the right rear window hasnt rolled down in two years. The fuel gauge quit at 135,000 miles buy the DIC shows the fuel economy and the trip odometer works so I havent bothered to get it fixed. Otherwise nothing but rutine maintenance for 166,000 miles. Comfortable car which get >30 MPG at 70+ on the freeway. Overall I have gotten 22.7 MPG for the last 45,000 miles with mostly city type miles.

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  Glad I waited for an 09 - 2009 Buick Enclave
  By FB3 - October 1 - 4:04 pm

  Performance: Much better than last years anemic engine, but still doesnt have the nice low end torque of a V8. Glad I waited for an 09. Comfort: Front headrest not tilt adjustable. I think this was a new safety law. Second row seats quite small and minimum leg room. Fuel economy: So far very good for a vehicle of this size. Interior design: Nice except for the cheap semi-see through sun roof interior shades and small cramped second row seats. Build quality: Very good. As good as my 2008 Infinity M35. Very tight. Reliability: Too soon to know, but I have had excellent experiences with GM vehicles over the years and dont expect anything bad from this one.

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  Too costly to repair! - 2002 Buick Rendezvous
  By 2002 Rendezvous - October 1 - 11:38 am

  I bought my Buick used with 17,000 miles on it. I have had all the bearings replaced. And the air conditioner condenser replaced twice in two years. The brakes do not last and other stuff I cant remember. The glove compartment hinge broke and they wanted the whole glove box replaced. The windshield fluid freezes up when it gets below zero even though I used special winter fluid. Now the service engine light is on and it wont pass the EPA check, so I have to trade it or buy a new sensor at $400 +. My next car will be a Toyota, Honda or some other reliable car that my friends rave about. I can no longer afford to "buy American" Are you listening, GM?

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  Great mid-sized SUV - 2006 Buick Rainier
  By Richard - October 1 - 11:02 am

  Really like this vehicle. Its super quiet and smooth riding. Has a classy look to the exterior and the interior is quite comfortable. Absolutely no problems in a little over 33,000 miles. Gas mileage over the long run is 18.2 mpg in 95% city driving - very few freeway miles. Not bad for the size and comfort of this vehicle. Back seat passengers dont have much legroom, but its not designed to be a full-size SUV. Cupholders are a little quirky, but only a minor concern.

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  Great car, reliable - 1996 Buick Regal
  By Jigs Jorgensen - September 29 - 10:57 am

  Going on 116,000 miles! Powerful engine, smooth riding just like a Cadillac. Shines like new still! Seat are not that comfortable, coils are shot, feels like I am sitting in a hole! Great sound system. Showing very minor lower body rust.

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  COMFORT - 2003 Buick Rendezvous
  By PAPAS - September 27 - 10:00 am

  - THE ONLY REASON I PURCHASED THE VEH. IS BECAUSE OF THE COMFORT AND SPACIOUS ROOM. THE ONLY PROBLEM I HAD WAS WITH THE TRANSMISSION AT 200MILES (SELONOID)

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  Could have been a great vehicle but... - 2008 Buick Enclave
  By chumster - September 26 - 8:10 am

  I accept the fact that my Enclave might be a lemon. Camshafts, weird engine noises, minor electrical freak- outs- and thats only within the first 3 months of ownership. The design is good but build quality is very average - panels do not align well, some a crooked, etc. It does what it is designed for - haul 7-8 people, but the transmision will make you adjust your driving style to a typical Buick drivers style. Add a virtually non-existent support by GM/local dealers ( I tried a few) and you may want to think carefuly before you but it.

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  Just my luck - 2002 Buick Century
  By gerald bolduc - September 18 - 11:25 am

  I bought this car used from an Olds dealership and within the first 2 months Ive had the battery changed and the head gasket replaced. Before I forget I too have paint chips under the wheelwells and I am waiting for my air conditiong to stop working. Overall a nice looking and very nice driving car but I guess I got stuck with one of those lemons that happened to come off the assembly line.