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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  A TRUE AMERICAN VEHICLE - 2003 Buick Rendezvous
  By American - September 9 - 10:00 am

  I chose the Buick because it is an American made automobile and I want to contribute to my fellow Americans, help our economy and keep the money on our soil. As an extra bonus, I also bought a better automobile. It has a bigger engine than the others, better looking, was less expensive, much roomier, has a better ride, is safer, is more luxurious and has better gas milage than most other vehicles in its class. I have had it for several days, only paid 20K plus, have already received many complements, am really enjoying the vehicle and am very happy with my decision to buy another GM product.

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  Best Reason To Drive American-Made - 2008 Buick Enclave
  By Mark - September 8 - 7:32 pm

  I have 25000 miles on my enclave and havent had any major issues with my vehicle. On the highway at 50-55 mph I have easily gotten 30 mpg or better with the cruise on. At 60-65 mph with the cruise on I get about 29 mph. The on-star service eliminates my need for a navigation unit. I fill my tank every 9 days. The sunroof problem was easily fixed in one visit and I have had no more leaks. It turned heads the same day I purchased it and folk continue to drive up beside me and ask about it along with expressing how much they want one. Stick with the routine maintenance and chances are your buick will be on the road for a long time.

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  Great American Car - 2008 Buick Lucerne
  By Anthony Vrsalovich - September 8 - 3:33 pm

  I have had three Mercs two Audis all mid to upper level. I brought a 2008 Lucerne CSX V8 and I am absolutely delighted with it - and would put it up against any car in its class. With what I have on my car - I would have to have paid a fortune in extras on the foreign models. Ultra quiet, fantastic build quality built to incredible tolerances. The Northstar engine is silky smooth. Very respectable mph for a V8 Exquisite lines no matter what angle you look at it. I would recommend anyone looking at a mid or full size saloon to "a least" take a test drive at your local Buick dealership.

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  Love my 2005 Platinum Edition Terraza - 2005 Buick Terraza
  By Richard - September 8 - 12:06 am

  I said I would never own a minivan, and was in the market for midsize SUV when I saw and test drove my new 2005 Platinum Edition Terraza 4 yrs ago. I fell in love at first sight. Mine is fully decked with every possible option including 17 inch chrome wheels. Ive owned many vehicles in the past, but none of them have been as multi-functional as this big shiny Buick. Whether its used for Home Depot, greenhouses, people hauling thru Rocky Mountains, or driving to the theatre, this van does it with ease and finesse. It has enough power when fully loaded while making my way home from vacations. It does not have the roar of my Mercedes, but I did not buy it for that reason.

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  2nd Rendezvous - 2006 Buick Rendezvous
  By Robin Koykka - September 7 - 2:57 pm

  We really enjoyed our 2002 Rendezvous, owned an HHR and Escape since, and we find ourselves in a Rendezvous again. We love the versatility, the quiet, and the third row. We test drove the new Enclave, but found it hard to justify the price when this CXL has everything including heads up display (HUD). We have done a six week (16,000 km) road trip with the Rendezvous, and it was great. It handled all the terrain with ease. We did the complete Route 66, then West coast, Vancouver, the Rockies, Montana, Yellow Stone, the Black Hills, and headed back East to Midland Ontario all without a hitch. I recommend the Rendezvous CXL to anyone looking for a comfortable, and versatile people hauler.

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  Nice - 1992 Buick Roadmaster
  By Dan - September 5 - 9:41 pm

  Loved the car and sold it with 220,000 miles on it. Hauled everything we could throw at it or in it. Rust was a problem. Had new trans, fuel pump, radiator, exhaust, a/c compressor, shocks. Had all the usual changes as brakes, tires, ran Mobil 1 in it. MPG: 19 to 20 on a trip, 17 to 18 around town, 10 to 13 pulling 2 horses. 14 to 16 around town in winter.

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  I lUV MY VEHICLE - 2010 Buick Enclave
  By sweet1976 - September 4 - 7:29 pm

  I absolutely love my new Enclave. The rear backup camera on the rear view mirror is an absolute delight. It is so much easier to look in the mirror than down at a navigation screen. There are so many things that makes this a great vehicle to have. Granted, Ive only had it a few days now, but I cant say anything negative about it. Its very classy and I see peoples head turn when I drive by. The only negative thing I can say is about how expensive it was to purchase...but nevertheless, Im pleased!

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  Great vehicle all around - 2010 Buick Enclave
  By Jim Ernst - September 1 - 5:24 pm

  Have just purchased 2 weeks ago but have found the vehicle to be very comfortable and fun to drive. Ride is very smooth and it handles with ease. Has all the conveniences needed as well as safety built in which is a plus as my wife in the normal driver.

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  A Fine Ride - 2003 Buick Century
  By zontar - August 30 - 6:41 pm

  I always enjoyed driving my mother-in-laws Buick, so when the opportunity to purchase one came up I grabbed it. It has a very smooth and powerful ride. This was made very evident when renting other cars. The Buicks ride and comfort puts most other cars to shame.

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  Solid, Smooth, Quiet - 2009 Buick LaCrosse
  By Greg B. - August 29 - 7:41 pm

  This is a vastly underrated car. It is very well-built, with excellent fit and finish, no rattles, and an incredibly quiet ride. It is a fabulous highway car. The 3800 V-6 works well and the ride and handling, while not a sportscar, is perfect for those who like their cars smooth and quiet. The leather seats with power lumbar adjustment are exceptionally comfortable. It has a huge trunk and 4 people can travel in comfort. I like the exterior styling, especially the side view thanks to the design of the greenhouse. People who criticize Buicks for being old persons cars really are missing the point. This is an excellent example of a traditional American car, smooth, quiet and comfortable.