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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  Underpowered - 2008 Buick Lucerne
  By david - April 24 - 2:50 pm

  The car has a great ride. It really is underpowered for its size. Tried to merge onto a highway and get out of the way of a truck almost got ran over. The standard radio is not very good either. Replaced the air filter with a k&n got 27 mpg on the highway. I liked the rain sensing wipers. They went faster or slower depending on how hard it was raining.

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  Great comfort - hard on the pocketbook - 2002 Buick Rendezvous
  By LDL - April 24 - 1:56 pm

  Where do I begin - purchased this vehicle 7 months ago - in that time have replaced a head gasket, only to put a new engine in and ABS sensor board and brake line rusted (just replaced). Over $4000 on this vehicle already - practically new - wonderful to drive, comfort level way up there just to bad that it has cost me so much to keep running in such a short time.

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  Solid cruiser - 2006 Buick Lucerne
  By georgegest - April 20 - 7:03 pm

  Bought this car for my wife. I almost only drive it on long trips. It drives and handles well, rides smoothly, is quiet. Mileage isnt bad but I usually hit between 80 and 85 pretty consistently on the long trip across Texas...dull as watching paint dry. Seats are a bit snug but I have back problems and dont experience the problem of comfort some suggest. The Northstar is a good engine but this car needs another gear and it would really fly. In 18000 or so miles we have only added gas and oil changes.

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  Car to last - 1997 Buick Skylark
  By Janet - April 20 - 6:48 pm

  I got my 97 as a program car from a dealership, in 98. I had problems with the radiator and once the water pump. After these were taken care of the car has been reliable and trustworthy. No it is not a stylish car but it still has time to get to 100,000 and some paint is chipping and the windows are in tough shape(bad electrical windows!) I would buy another Buick in a heartbeat but with roll-down windows! Forgot to say...air conditioner just went on it and the knobs for the dash are hard to find when you replace them.

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  Elegant and Reliable - 2007 Buick Lucerne
  By TomL - April 11 - 1:37 pm

  Just turned 25,000 miles today. The computer says I should need my third oil change at around 30,000 miles. So far two oil changes have been 100% of all repairs and maint. Has not been to the dealer since the day I picked it up. How many Lexus owners can say that? While almost no one knows what it is (the styling is a little too bland) all agree it looks inside and out like a modern luxury sedan. Love the sound of the Northstar with dual exhaust. Even with my less than gental driving I average over 19 mpg. With $3.25 gas I guess I would probably buy the v-6 if I had to do it again however.

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  Great Car - 2000 Buick Century
  By TorchOfGod - April 10 - 3:39 am

  We have owned two Buick Centuries back to back. First, we owned a regular 2000 Century, then after 140,000 or so miles on it, we sold it. Then we purchased my mother in laws 2000 Century Limited with only 30,000 miles on it. I am on a 300 mile trip currently with 31 mpg. The standard Century got better mileage, about 34-36 mpg, with a tornado type vortex added. And I liked it best too, not as many frills.

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  Great Ride - 2003 Buick Rendezvous
  By cjohan - April 8 - 2:00 am

  My rdvous is awsome. the car rides super smooth and perfect for my uses - daily driver to work and carting the family around on the weekends occassionally. Great stereo system i have the 6 disc upgrade system and if I thoght it would help top drop $$ on a better stereo, but it does not need it. My biggest problem with the car is the wheels are a bit small for it...it could use 17/265. The soft suspension is great for driving around, but is a bit squishy in the corners. It is a great looking car and very comfortable inside.

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  Different side of Buick - 2008 Buick LaCrosse
  By wa - April 6 - 5:41 pm

  I have had this car for about a week now and Im really surprised. The styling is excellent. I like the front end more than i do the rear. I alwasy thought that Buick was styled for the elderly, but they sure proved me wrong with thier new line of cars. The interior could be desinged nicer, but overall it is very comfortable. The power is excellent too! There really isnt any turbo lag, so its fun to just floor it.

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  Poor fuel economy - 2007 Buick Lucerne
  By jbeagle - April 4 - 3:25 pm

  Bought this as a left over and got a good deal. We replaced our 98 Regal GS with this car and have not been thrilled with the mpg. The dealer tells us everything is working fine and there is nothing to fix, the estimates are based on an outdated criteria that is not realistic. We are averaging less than 20 mpg combined highway/city. Even on long trips we do not see an appreciable gain. Otherwise the car is well made, quiet and very comfortable (bench seat in front), and at 64" that is saying something. For the first 1000 miles there was an annoying vibration int he front during breaking, but as the dealer predicted this has gone away

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  Not your daddys Buick - 2008 Buick Lucerne
  By Chasarms - April 3 - 3:43 pm

  I have been an SUV guy for a while and really shopped hard for a larger car before deciding on the Lucerne. I drove several comparably priced imports and found nothing that offered the luxury of the Lucerne as well as the roominess. I also drove a Caddy STS. A nicer car, but much more money. I found the CXS Lucerne holds its own pretty well against the Caddy. The styling is elegant inside and out without being boring or too "mature" looking. The car handles well and has plenty of power. The Northstar engine has all the pickup I could ever want. By far, a must have on this car. The ride is quiet and comfortable. I have not given anyone a ride in this car who hasnt commented positively.