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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  Shes a Beauty! - 1990 Buick LeSabre
  By J-Rod - November 7 - 9:59 pm

  What line could I start off with except, I love my car! My car will be 20 years old and except for minor rust around the rear wheel wells, it looks and shines like a beauty. Previous owner had it auto armored, and well worth it. She is all power and it all still works. Its white with a velveteen burgundy interior. Of course I have put many new parts into it since I got it 2 1/2 years ago but it runs so smooth that I dont mind putting money into it. I drive her like shes made of glass and fix whatever problem may come up and it continues to take me from A to B without a hitch. The air conditioner needs a tune-up because it doesnt stay cold when its very hot out. She truly is a beauty!

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  One of my favorite cars - 1999 Buick LeSabre
  By Eveland - November 3 - 4:25 pm

  This is a very simple car. It goes up and down the road and is very comfortable. Its not a quick or a new car but its reliable and its cheap. I found that you can eliminate most of the road noise that you get with a good set of tires. Its easily one of the best cars Ive owned for taking trips.

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  A fine car - 2009 Buick Lucerne
  By udiablo - November 2 - 6:46 pm

  The so-called experts are wrong. The 2009 Buick Lucerne Super is a good value. I looked at the Toyota Avalon, Lexus, Infiniti, and Cadillac DTS and STS. The Lucerne Super was hands-down the best value. Have put almost 7,000 miles on it since mid-Sept.09 (I travel a lot) and it has been very enjoyable.

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  Love It - 2010 Buick LaCrosse
  By JB - October 31 - 11:03 pm

  We have had our Buick CXS for about a month and I just was to drive even if I have no where to go. We looked at the car for about a month and end up buying the red jewel tint with the brown leather interior w/sunroof, Nav & touring package...love the 19 inch wheels. The ride is very smooth and the red is an eye catcher. Never been stop by some many people and they say its a Buick...yes. Caviar taste w/a good price $35,580. My wife had people pulling her over on the road asking about it. The car is very responsive and to me its fast when needed, I dont need to dragster, just get up and go when its necessary.

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  Happy with LaCrosse - 2006 Buick LaCrosse
  By B. Beekman - October 31 - 6:21 pm

  I just bought my 2006 LaCrosse about two weeks ago and am very satisfied with it. Its quiet, comfortable, smooth riding and obviously of good quality. The AM/FM/CD player has a nice tone with plenty of space for CD storage. The door locking key-fob is easy to use. Seats are attractive and cloth-covered and very comfortable on long drives.+

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  goodbye lexus hello buick - 2010 Buick LaCrosse
  By ferrari man - October 31 - 11:54 am

  first of all , people should not listen to reviews from people that went for a test drive , these reviews are for owners who driven these cars for weeks for a true evaluation . as far for people complainig about transmission shifts are to slow , its done for fuel savings , but if you shift trans to sport mode its a complete different animal , my everyday car is my buick , my weekend car is a maserati and i will tell you i love them both and the buick is much quietier on the highway . this is as perfect as a car you can get .

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  fabric on seats - 2009 Buick LaCrosse
  By carolyn edwards - October 30 - 1:42 pm

  my 2001 buick centry was a dream inside and out, the 2009 is a great looking car but I hate the fabric on the seats. It collects every piece of lint and dirt.The dealership advised me to spray it with an antistatic spray, which I did that doesnt really work. Wishing I had my old interior again.

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  Comfortable and smooth and 11 years old - 1998 Buick Century
  By Tiarella - October 25 - 7:12 pm

  This car has large comfortable seats, smooth ride, and a huge trunk. Nice for travel. If you need a trunk to hold 4 golf bags, this is the car for you. The only problems Ive had are two windows quit working, the ABS needed repair, and the cup holders broke off. Had its first tune up at over 100,000 miles. If you use the door button to lock the doors when you get out, there is a delay after you shut the door before the car locks (in case you forgot keys or something). If you dont want the delay, you just hit the button twice, or you can use the key fob to lock it instantly.

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  Smooth - 2009 Buick Lucerne
  By Indymom - October 24 - 11:39 am

  We have owned this car for over six weeks. My husbands intital reaction was "were not old enough to drive a buick". He drives a BMW 530 was won by its ride and looks. In this time we have taken road trips and much city driving. The incentives and generous trade in made it a very affordable. The interior is understaded but has all the comfort and extras one could want. The flex E85 fuel presents surprising low cost per gallon but lower MPG as well. Jury is out on the net savings. The 60 day guarantee is awesome but our advise is take the cash as you will not be considering a return. It will become a fixture in your garage if you value comfort, style and convenience. Its a keeper!

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  LeSabre - 1997 Buick LeSabre
  By lesabre - October 24 - 5:05 am

  I imagine that in 30-40 years, the 1997 Buick LeSabre will become a true showroom classic, it has sporty details and a modest classy look that you wouldnt expect from a Buick. The exhaust tone is like a quiet version of a muscle car. It feels like driving on air, no matter what you drive on. As i said before, the sporty details are the holes on the bottom of the front bumper that cools the radiator, the side mirrors mimic sporty cars, and etc. I wouldnt be surprised to see this car going up in value dramatically, thats why Im going to take of this one.