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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  Lacrosse V6 is a Good Buy - 2011 Buick LaCrosse
  By vazoom - July 28 - 7:27 am

  Now on my 1st month of ownership of the Lacrosse CX V-6. Pros: recently took a 1K mile trip to S. Virginia--mileage (22-23 mpg) as predicted on the open road with cruise control very comfortable ride great handling in country road turns along with unexpected braking for slow-moving traffic/animals crossing path. Very responsive acceleration with the V-6. Driving controls and info displays are very readable "blue" lighting is a definite plus in night driving. Excellent craftmanship in interior construction. Cons: greatly reduced trunk space compared to older Buick Century rear visibility (for parking) is just adequate even with beeping sensor. Overall: excellent buy vs Lexus

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  Better than expected - 2011 Buick Regal
  By newregal - July 23 - 8:45 pm

  I now have nearly 700 miles on my new Regal and love everything about it. Im especially glad that it was made in Germany. They know how to do it. The ride is excellent and the features are outstanding. I traded in a CTS and consider that trade a step up. The blue dash lighting has a soothing effect. It has adequate power and is just plain out fun to drive. I cant think of anything that they could improve on. The exterior styling is cutting edge and the interior is surely REGAL. Thanks Buick for getting it right. Would definitely recommend this automobile.

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  2011 Regal Turbo (6M) - 2011 Buick Regal
  By edd_hanson - July 20 - 5:55 pm

  I brought home my 2011 Regal Turbo (6M) three weeks ago. After driving a BMW 3 series for 11 years, I did the unthinkable…..I bought a Buick. My grandparents would be proud (they only drove Buicks), but this is not my Grandparents Buick…..not by a long shot. Despite all the negative comments about the “base” Regal being slow, my Regal with its turbo engine and manual transmission is not. I can only compare it to my BMW, but the Buick feels faster…markedly so. I do not consider myself an “enthusiast", but I want a car with a manual tyranny that could get up and go when the situation required it. My new Regal fits the bill very very nicely……………and it’s rated at 32mpg

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  This is Dads Buick - 2012 Buick LaCrosse
  By rodmunch1 - July 20 - 4:29 pm

  purchased a 2012 lacrosse touring edition a couple of weeks ago. i just passed 1500 miles and Im getting 20.8 miles/gal.(not from the info menu but, for you guys who went to public schools, it was 1500 miles divided by 72.11 gallons of gasoline) ill take that. car is quiet and handles pretty good cornering. braking is good also. harman cardon stereo good along with the navigation system. HID front and LED rear lighting superb. tour. ed. comes w/ navigation, rear camera, blind side alert, heads up display, 19" wheels and much much more. New this year is a 300 HP V-6 with twin chrome exhaust tips. i traded 2008 lax.Super(my review SU--PER 3/08)and this is a totally different car.

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  Great family car - 2005 Buick Rendezvous
  By soccermomtx53 - July 18 - 12:54 pm

  We bought our Buick used in 2010 from a big dealer (not Buick). Have to admit we used to joke about getting a Buick after we passed 50 and we did. This car replaced a much-love, much driven 2000 minivan that I pretty much drove til the wheels fell off. The Rendezvous was on the back of the dealers lot and was the internet special that weekend - I had never even heard of one, but now that I own one I see a lot of them on the highways around here. This car is a pleasure to drive - I bought the extended warranty because it had 99,000 miles on it at the time of the sale but we had no reason to utilize it. This car is solid, better handling than anything Ive had in the past.

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  Excellent Car - 2011 Buick Regal
  By ark2612 - July 18 - 11:49 am

  2 Days into the 2011 Buick Regal CXL with sunroof and I absolutely love the car. Picked up the black on black model and its been a head turner. Ive already had 2 strangers compliment the car and were shocked to find out it was a Buick. Its not the quickest car ever made (by far), but for an around the town type of car mixed in with a few road trips its very solid. Its more than made up though with the solid feel of the car. I guess American companies just have to have their cars designed and built in Germany to put out a winner.

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  Great car for travel! - 2005 Buick Terraza
  By fred154 - July 6 - 8:29 pm

  This car is sensational for comfortable long distance travel whether just for the two of us or when we take other adults up to six on a trip. It even beats our Lincoln Town Car for a comfortable long distance trip. Besides being handy to haul bulky items too large for an autos trunk, it has an elegant interior. In 90,000 miles, we have had to replace one front wheel bearing and one rear hub. Otherwise, only normal maintenance has been required. I dont want to give this car up since there is no suitable replacement on the market now.

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  Changed my opinion of American cars - 2011 Buick LaCrosse
  By ar15 - June 24 - 6:05 pm

  I am in love with my 2011 Buick LaCrosse CX. The car exudes the kind of quality i have expected from more expensive cars and the models made in Japan.

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  Best in Its Class - 2011 Buick Enclave
  By rvanparys - June 19 - 8:44 am

  We wanted to move from our minivan to something more compatible with our long NW winters. After many weeks of in depth research we finally decided on a GMC Acadia. The dealership also featured Buicks. After test driving both my wife and I came to the conclusion that the Buick outshown the Acadia in fit and finish and overall quietness and ride. I found the car responsive and while it will never be the first one away from the starting line, it does have the requisite power on demand to pass safely. The ride is exceptional as is the quietness. Both of these were prime concerns for my wife. The interior is well laid out and materials above average. I would highly recommend this car

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  Will not quit - 1992 Buick Roadmaster
  By rdmoore - June 18 - 7:12 am

  Bought my Roadmaster with 38K in 1997. Now has 315K and STILL runs and drives better than the other cars we have owned. It is the go-to car for towing our travel trailer, and everything else you can think of. Absolutely no rust and the paint still sparkles. The largest repair bill so far has been for a new radiator. When the engine and transmission finally quit I am happily going to put new ones in and keep going. This car owes us NOTHING.