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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  Could Be the Best SUV - 2011 Buick Enclave
  By paulie10 - June 15 - 8:26 pm

  Took delivery of my new 2011 Enclave. I looked at many SUV type vehicles and kept coming back to the Buick it has real seats for adults in the 2nd row, they also slide forward and back for more rear or leg room. Cargo space in the back is very adequate as well. Leather, fit and finish is as good as any. Ride and quietness of the cabin interior is far better than most. The V6 pulls like a V8 with power to spare. The looks are curvey,sporty and apealing. To save some grief while at the dealer have them activate for you On Star, and have them install the Navigation Disc. In case there is a problem. Fuel Mileage is as posted not bad not great. Around 20 MPG So far I am pleased with the Enclave

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  Turbo T07 - 2011 Buick Regal
  By wacmando - June 13 - 3:45 pm

  Great Car! Buick has it down.Build quality is wonderful and car is really fun to drive. The Nav system is good and easy to use. Reminds me of my Infiniti G35...just not as powerful but much better economy!

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  exceptional - 2011 Buick Enclave
  By pkirk618 - June 12 - 10:00 pm

  Purchased a fully loaded Enclave. Towing, chrome, 20" wheels, DVD rear....and those directional head lights, thats just so damn neat. Ive never owned a luxury SUV and well, its a pleasure to drive. I dont care about mileage as I feel it cant be avoided in something this big. It could be better I suppose, but I expected 20mpg average and thats what I get. Their paint and chrome, especially in the tri-coat diamond enclave is beautiful. The front end, especially with the blue ring in the headlights and waterfall grill compliment each other well. Its what sold my wife on this vehicle. ...and remote start standard? Heck yeah!

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  Not bad - 2002 Buick Century
  By analee101 - June 11 - 11:56 pm

  Ok Im 18 so I wasnt thrilled about the looks, but I have to say as far as performance and reliability goes, Im impressed! It has had to have several things fixed and I have had a few problems with the breaks in the past, but the car is reliable, great stopping ability and can get to high speeds fairly quickly, nothing like a souped up sports car, but its good over my work to school then back home commute. I would definitely recommend!!!

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  A cargo hauler with class - 2011 Buick Enclave
  By rvanparys - June 10 - 9:50 am

  When we started our automobile research we had a number of requirements. The car had to be 4WD because of our location and sometimes elongated winters. It had to be comfortable, quiet, handle well, get reasonable gas mileage, allow my small stature wife to sit comfortably while driving and have enough cargo room to tote our Old English Sheep Dog in spoiled comfort. This last requirement eliminated a number of fine candidates and pricing further shaved the list. We finally came down to a GMC Acadia or Buick Enclave. The Buick wasn’t originally on our list due to pricing but with manufacturer and other discounts it was brought into our budget. We could not be happier. The car is quiet,

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  2011 Buick LaCrosse Electrical Problem - 2011 Buick LaCrosse
  By gvan2 - June 5 - 8:31 pm

  I used to love this NEW car but it stopped while driving. The entire electrical system shut down. I was able to pull over but dont feel comfortable driving car now. Cant imagine turning in front of a vehicle and IT DECIDES to stop!

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  A Lemon - 2002 Buick LeSabre
  By exbuickdriver - June 4 - 1:55 am

  This car was a lemon almost immediately after we bought it with 40,000 miles on it. In the first 20,000 miles the following parts needed replacement: plenum gasket,right drive bearing, and left drive bearing. All were expensive fixes costing $250-$500. Sensors wore out frequently on the motor. The MAP sensor and fuel regulator sensors were the last to go. While it rode nice, this car was poorly built and I wont buy another Buick Lesabre. I suggest reading the Edmunds reliability section before considering buying this model or any with the Series II 3.8L V-6. The garage bills far outweigh the positives on this car!!

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  L-O-V-E MY NEW TURBO! - 2011 Buick Regal
  By dadsgmgirl - May 30 - 1:51 am

  Well, Im back to GM after 2 foreign cars had a VW Passat lastly (and extremely costly to maintain! NEVER again), prior to that had an Accord (boring!). Anyway, love the power, all the extras, got a T06. Didnt want nav since I will keep OnStar. Smooth quiet ride, extremely comfortable for my long 50-60 minute commute (one-way!), good head turning quotient too. Love everything about it, I will never stray again......

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  2011 Buick Enclave, Gold Mist - 2011 Buick Enclave
  By wayne107 - May 28 - 10:18 pm

  Purchased our Enclave in 2/11. It replaced a 1998 Toyota Avalon. Weve put more than 7,000 miles on it driving on trips down to San Diego, and up to Sacramento and Redding. It is a joy to drive and ride in. Passengers have commented on its ride and quietness. So far there has been nothing to require taking it in for service (other than its first oil change) or replacement under warranty. The Gold Mist color is proving to be a good choice for not showing dust/road grime. Best gas mileage has been 21.9 on mountainous highway driving at 75 mph.

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  Cadillac What? - 2011 Buick LaCrosse
  By zheigs - May 21 - 1:21 pm

  I have been in the automotive business for 17 years and I have an overall love for the automobile. Ive had many, from my 79 Ford Granada to my 2000 Chrysler 300 and Cadillac Deville to my 2008 Honda Accord. I have a special love for luxury cars. I fell in love with my Deville for its refinement, its quiet, smooth and comfortable cabin. Until my 2011 LaCrosse CXL-V6, I thought my Caddy was the gold standard. This car is everything Cadillacs are without the price tag and the interior actually looks so much better. It speaks high-tech luxury that is unmatched by Cadillac, Lexus or Infinity (for the price). If yourre looking for a nice family car with plenty of options, look no further.