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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  My 2006 Buick Lucerne - 2006 Buick Lucerne
  By Juan - October 24 - 3:26 am

  I just had it for three weeks and I really enjoy it. I always felt that a Buick was a nice riding car and this purhcase proves it.

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  Best CUV on the Market, regardless of price - 2008 Buick Enclave
  By Proud Buick owner - October 23 - 7:43 pm

  We have about 6,000 miles on this great, great car. It is fun to drive, has exceptional room, is really comfortable, and everyone else loves it too. The interior has absolutely no cheap look or feel. So what if there is fake wood trim. I would rather have that than have to worry about keeping the finish on real wood. The transmission has been no problem at all. It is very smooth, and the car is powerful enough to easily accelerate to highway speeds when merging with traffic. I looked at the MDX, and the Mazda whatever it is numbered. They dont even come close to the value in this vehicle.

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  Gorgeous, elegant, sporty..but could use some work - 2016 Buick Cascada
  By JC - October 23 - 2:52 pm

  I just recently bought the car in Graystone Metallic with beige/black interior. The car is extremely attractive, and I cant overstate this. Aside from how it looks inside and out, I love the way it drives. The handling is very impressive as it seems to hug the road tightly. The seats are phenomenally comfortable and well bolstered. I find the controls are in easy reach. The car is so quiet I cant hear it running. The acceleration is smooth and energetic. The sound system is great. The built-in wifi is a very nice. I honestly couldnt be happier with the car.

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  Hangers? - 2008 Buick Enclave
  By Beatys - October 22 - 10:40 pm

  Fit and finish all seem top notch. Overall, the car is better than anticipated. Havent had it long enough to know about reliability. Only complaint is how to hang clothes on the second row seating, as in picking up dry cleaning.

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  The most comfortable 4X4 in its class - 2003 Buick Rendezvous
  By MikeP - October 22 - 8:37 am

  I purchased this pre-owned car recently and Im completely satisfied with the ride, handling and comfort level. The heads-up display and backup sensors are great Buick features. Luckily, I also purchased the GM Major Guard protection plan. The dealer warranty was 60 days bumper to bumper. Within the first 60 days I had 3 wheel hubs (which includes sensors and bearings) replaced by the Buick dealership and a rear differential switch and fluid replaced. You have to be realistic when purchasing a used car (any car) that parts may need replacement and that the previous owner may have neglected problems due to trade-in etc. The 3.4 car can last at least 300,000 miles if maintained.

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  Luxury Car - 1999 Buick Riviera
  By Madstabber - October 20 - 9:42 pm

  Have had this Riv for a couple months and the only problems have been the serpentine belt which defies logic by going through an engine mount and a disconnect in the passenger door handle. Car has every comfort feature for its time and the hightest guzzling Supercharger is a blast to jump on. Glad its not a 4 door. Just perfect for this bald old fatman.

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  Oldie but goodie - 1996 Buick Roadmaster
  By Steve - October 14 - 3:57 pm

  I bought my Estate collectors wagon from a friend who bought the car new in 1996. I had looked a these wagonsin 96 but thought they were priced to high. I got this one for a good price and only 25Kmiles and still has the dealer plastic wrap on the folding back seats.! Ive driven it to CA. twice during the past two summers. I averaged 23 mpg and didnt feel tired after the drive. The powerful engine does well for this heavy of a car and the ride, although wavey, is not bad at all. I won first place in its class at this summers car show!

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  218,000 and going strong! - 1995 Buick Riviera
  By Kathy - October 13 - 8:52 pm

  We purchased our Riv with 50,000 miles on it. This car has been like a dream, ride is wonderful, no rust and it sits outside, no mayor problems. ABC went out a few years ago and decided to leave it. New gas line, manifold, plugs, exhaust,and starter.It does have an electrical problem, radio changes stations on its own! If anyone has ideas as to why,I would love to hear from you.Not bad for a 15 yr old with 218,000 on her!The outside is excellent but plastic parts inside are starting to break, vents etc.We love this car,they just dont make them like this anymore.

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  A Great SUV - 2009 Buick Enclave
  By Joe - October 13 - 11:09 am

  The Enclave is an excellent choice if you are looking for a premium suv. We compared to the Acura, Lexus and Lincoln models and chose the Enclave because it has more room than the competition along with superior comfort and performance. To date, the quality has been excellent and the comfort and ride dynamics have exceeded our expectations.

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  Bought it NEW in 1992 - 1992 Buick LeSabre
  By SBRCMT - October 11 - 7:14 pm

  Far and above the most comfortable automobile I have ever driven or been a passenger in. Great little engine, will take the Smokey Mountain grade and curves without faltering. Great gas mileage. Low maintenance, of course, I keep "her" garaged 100 percent. I have tried some of the current models for comfort and power, and they fail the test.