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 vehicle for your money - 2005 Buick Rendezvous
  By Christine - November 18 - 1:17 pm

  I have normally always had a coupe/ sports car. I needed more room with growing family went looking for a vehicle that had all I needed. I found it in my rendezvous, Space for the kids the groceries and the pets! if needed. Love the excellent smooth ride, I am getting 22.3 mpg city. yes it tells me so that is how I know. with my coupes I always was putting gas in(none were v8) but I dont in my rendezvous Im told it is the larger gas tank which is very nice. I think my stereo is great I was concerned with that and have no complaints even my teenagers tell me to turn it down. Has get up and go when needed and is very fun to drive and easy to maneuver, handles Great.

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  A work of art - 2010 Buick LaCrosse
  By Lacrosse AWD - November 17 - 9:07 pm

  This car is a work of art. I truly mean that. Example: I dont know if this was the plan but it seems the Buick waterfall theme (Grill) is carried over to the center stack. The buttons under the Nav are curved and the center stack flows gently down the center console. You can almost picture running water. I have never seen such attention to detail. And the fit and finish is awe inspiring. As I researched the car I noted my Lacrosse AWD was made by the same company that makes the million dollar Bugatti Veyrons AWD. The exact same one as in the Saab turbo. Fully loaded at 38,000 I feel like I truly got my moneys worth. How many people can say that?

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  Very comfortable and luxurious - 2010 Buick LaCrosse
  By Melissa - November 17 - 8:21 pm

  I just traded in my 09 Toyota Camry, for the Buick La Crosse. I had not been happy with my Camry after trading down from a Z71 Chevy Surburban, as a result of rising gas prices. The Camry seemed cheap and very uncomfortable. to the point my neck was beginning to hurt me for some time. The La Crosse is luxurious, roomy and extremely comfortable. Its fun to drive

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  All around performer.... great mpg! - 2004 Buick Rendezvous
  By Perry Kravec - November 16 - 2:00 am

  I have 27,000 miles on my Buick Rndezvous and can say it is performing perfect. And Im very pleased with the gas miliage for a vehicle that weighs over 4,000lbs and has the room of a full size SUV it is the best. The removable seats comoe in very handy .. all the seats come out easy just like the Montana Minivan .. something no other SUV can do... giving the Rendezvous the most cargo space of any SUV.. the interior design is great... the very large center console holds a laptop and a lot of other things .. keeping the cabin neat while charging the laptop also. The fiberglass rear hatch is the lightest one Ive ever seen... and the brakes are oversized and stop on a dime.

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  Still loving it - 2003 Buick Century
  By MB - November 13 - 2:52 pm

  I bought this car new in 12/02 and it has been great. A few bumps in the beginning repairwise but it was covered under warranty. I have not had any problem in the past 5 years. I drive 100 miles RT for work and it is a great ride. Good gas mileage (33 mph hwy) and dependable.

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  bulletproof - 2003 Buick Regal
  By fast black - November 11 - 6:31 pm

  This car is bulletproof. I dont know if I will live long enough to wear out the motor. Really this is one tough car.

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  2000 Buick Regal 4 Dr GS Sprchgd Sedan - 2000 Buick Regal
  By Duane Nesset - November 10 - 10:53 pm

  I just turned over 200,000 miles today. I bought it slightly used with 4000 miles in late 2000. It has been my commute car for years. I started using synthetic motor oil at 75,000 miles. I use Mobil 1 EP in it. Mileage on long highway drives goes over 25 MPG. It left me on the road only twice. Once with a blown water pump three years ago and more recently, something with the supercharger and I had to cut away the tangled belts and limp to a repair station with no power steering. It is still very sporty and and responsive. Suspension was replaced about 4 years ago. Very reliable over all and now will see it running towards the 300K mark.

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  1st Class all the way - 2009 Buick Enclave
  By Yellow Jacket Fan - November 9 - 9:58 am

  I was growing tired of my Ford Explorer, even though it was only 4 years old. It was starting to cost me money in repairs, and it was becoming a rattle trap. I wanted an upscale vehicle that would seat at least 7 passengers comfortably for hauling kids, but that would still seat adults comfortably in all 3 rows, and would still have some cargo room with the 3rd row up. I didn’t want a mini-van, so I thought I would be stuck with a large SUV like a Suburban or an Expedition, but then I found the Enclave. Looks great, drives great, rides great, and has nice appointments inside and out. I have 6000 miles on it, and have not had a single issue with looks or performance.

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  The whole package at a great price - 2010 Buick LaCrosse
  By Greg Williams - November 8 - 9:23 pm

  Just took delivery of my carbon black CXS with chrome plated wheels and I love it. Im a former Infiniti and BMW owner and I can tell you that the handling and suspension are very solid, even better than I anticipated. The 3.6L engine has plenty of pep and I have found the shifting to be smooth. The seats are very comfortable and the quality of the leather is excellent. If you are into high tech, you will love the entertainment and nav system, blue- tooth entry, remote start, back up camera, and hands-free calling. I also ordered the heads up display, which is one of my favorite features and is completely adjustable in location, intensity, and screen features.

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  Its Great! - 2010 Buick Enclave
  By Appu - November 8 - 3:18 am

  Have put in 2000 miles - Has been very impressive so far. Lots of customization/memory features. Gets above 19mpg with 75% local and 25% Freeway. Slow pick up - took time to get used to its rate of pickup. Its very smooth and majestic once it picks up speed.