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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  Disappointed and disgusted - 2006 Buick Lucerne
  By Linda Whitley - June 16 - 2:53 pm

  I have had my car for 2 years now. The car only had 7000 miles on it when the first oil leak was discovered. I have had it in the shop 3 times for the oil leaks, 5 times for fuel sensor, 1 time for traction sensor, once for the rack and pinion. It is in the shop now for the same noise it was make when they replaced the rack & pinion but they said it is not the same problem, but cant find what it wrong.

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  Not a car for New England - 1991 Buick Regal
  By frobuzmumber - June 9 - 10:45 pm

  This car was wonderful, for a while. I liked a lot of the features, however this car is not designed to be used in New England. The frame and mounts under the car rotted out, thus causing the engine to fall out ( while I was driving) it took out the tierod on the right side, and bent the axle, and ripped the steering pin out.. (no steering) I ended up hitting a telephone pole which totaled the car.

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  My 2nd Buick - 2006 Buick LaCrosse
  By Bev - June 8 - 4:35 pm

  I had a 01 Buick LeSabre before and wanted a new car and I liked my Buick so I bought another. The gas mileage is great. Everyone that rides in my car really likes it. Just wish the console was not so far back.

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  Power Window Failures! - 2000 Buick Century
  By sjenn - June 2 - 10:54 am

  Have had to replace power window motors three times at an average cost of almost $400 a shot. I could go without the motor except that the windows do not stay up. I have almost 280,000 miles, but this is not a mileage issue. I feel that the other problems with the car have been typical for the mileage, although I had to get a transmission replacement kit at 92,000 miles. Interestingly, the replacement kit has worked twice as long as the original transmission. If not for the window problem, I have had a pretty good exoerience with the car.

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  Great American ride - 2005 Buick LeSabre
  By pjm1000 - May 30 - 10:01 am

  I just purchased a Buick Lasbre Limited with the 3.8 engine. I see everyone get the small cars for fuel economy, but when I saw the fuel economy in this Buick (hit 32mpg on the highway yesterday) there is no way I would cram myself into a little import to get 26-30 mpg when you can get the same or better in a full size auto that rides like a dream with all the gadgets for comfort. Truly an excellent car. I am 37, not the stigma of an old guys car, who cares!

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  Buick is impressing us - 2008 Buick Lucerne
  By Al - May 27 - 9:10 pm

  This has been a great vehicle so far. After looking for several months for a replacement to our Chrysler 300 we settled on the Lucerne. We have not been disappointed. A great smooth ride and quieter than any other car in its class. I am 64" and room was important. This car gives it. The power of the Northstar is impressive without giving up too much gas mileage. It is not as responsive thru the transmission or the steering wheel as the Chrysler 300 but the ride far out weighs that loss.

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  Joy of Ownership - 1991 Buick Regal
  By pds - May 24 - 2:46 pm

  I bought this 91 Limited as a local get-to-work car. But as it turns out this car is so much enjoyable to drive I make it my main transportation to wherever I want to go. THe 3.8 is a pleasure and the car is so quiet and smooth its like driving a much bigger and more expensive car.

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  Disapointed with vibration - 2003 Buick Park Avenue
  By Ken Hundley - May 21 - 10:00 am

  Overall the car looks good and is comfortable. But on the highway I have had a bad experience with vibration. The dealer has re-balanced the tires over and over. I have had the tires balance myself two times. Changed tires to different brand. Still this vibration at highway speeds. (Above 65 to 80) Still working on the problem. Could be a design problem. Not what you would expect from a car that cost over $30,000. Could be a lemon?????

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  1993 Skylark- custom- 2.3l engine -auto - 1993 Buick Skylark
  By THE COMMUTER - May 19 - 9:47 am

  I had this car two months. I paid $500. I put about $400 into it, basic things tires, tune up etc. I drive to Boston daily from rhode island 110 miles round trip, this cars runs great. Handles well roomier than I expected not a bad ride and has decent pickup for a 4 cylinder. I have not had one problem. Getting 32 mpg. And I get stuck in traffic jams daily.

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  Love My Riviera - 1995 Buick Riviera
  By Jerry Boswell - May 14 - 5:53 pm

  Basically I love to drive my Riviera with superb handling in year around Southern California weather. The interior is outstanding with all the needed controls on the steering wheel. On the down side, this is the only vehicle I have owned that can need repairs by just sitting in the garage. The mechanic bills have been frightning since I purchased it five years ago with apx 64,000 on it. I now have apx 95,000 on it and have put some $12,000 in it for repairs. Still love it!