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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  Buick has to do better - 2004 Buick Rainier
  By vjd2211 - August 29 - 2:00 am

  This is a new packaged Bravada - Buick had to differentiate here between the V6 based design (better fuel economy if possible get to 23mpg hwy) and the V8 based design (towing capacity and performance) - Rainier barely competitive with this SUV market segment even with rebates applied. Spend less for marketing and more for engineering

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  AWESOME RIV - 1996 Buick Riviera
  By swede88 - August 28 - 5:16 pm

  Great car! Ive owned Caddies,Mercedes,Volvos and Vettes & this rates at the top! 31.8 MPG, peppie but refined with beautiful lines! Interior comfort to match Mercedes,sporty luxury as good as the eldoradoes but much better engine. I Love this car!

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  GREAT vehicle - 2003 Buick Rendezvous
  By powwowron - August 28 - 5:10 pm

  I have over 176K miles on this vehicle and have only done routine maintenance on it until last month when it was rolling over 175K miles and it overheated and I had to have the head replaced, $4K. Other than that it has been a GREAT vehicle and if they still made them I would buy another.

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  Great Car! - 2002 Buick LeSabre
  By Doug - August 28 - 2:50 pm

  Bought it new in 2002-wifes car. Didnt put a lot of miles on it but took it on several 1000 plus mile vacations and trips. It was a smooth ride, quiet and comfortable. It could have used a little more power, but the 3800 was more than adequate for what we used the car for. Had a few warranty issue when new, nothing mechanical, and the dealer fixed them all quickly and no questions asked. It was never in the shop for a mechanical problem. Traded it about a week ago for a Lucerne.

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  Love at first drive - 2009 Buick Lucerne
  By mrpleased - August 26 - 7:30 pm

  This is my second Lucerne. I still have my first. I just couldnt bring myself to trade it in. I just love driving this car. It has been an absolute joy. It is so quite and smooth I sometimes forget that Im driving. Whenever I give anyone a ride they cannot believe how nice of a vehicle it is. Last year I drove my 06 on a 3000 mile trip and averaged 32 mpg at 75 mph. I was astounded. I think the 09 will do better based on what I have experienced so far. I shopped hard for a new car in 06 and as soon as I took a test drive of the 06 Lucerne I bought it on the spot. After two months with the 09, I am not sorry.

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  5 Month Review - 2002 Buick Rendezvous
  By Pazz - August 26 - 2:00 am

  Have had vehicle for 5 months and 6000 miles. Have not had even a hint of a problem. Vehicle has really exceeded my original expectations. Just returned from a 2000 mile trip and averaged 23 MPG. Like the oversized mirrors and large glass area. Great visability. Vehicle handels very well and has great brakes. I feel very safe in this SUV. Vehicle is good looking, has a great ride, is very comfortable and fun to drive. I like it more every day. Although engine HP is low performance is very satisfactory. This is a very practical SUV and a great value for the money.

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  What Kind of Car Is It? - 2009 Buick Enclave
  By Amazed!!! - August 25 - 10:48 pm

  I dont think I have ever owned a car people were so inquisitive about. We drove the Enclave on a whim (actually to kill time while we waited on the salesman to find a Yukon on the lot). Wow! What a suprize! Our past 3 vehicles have been a Yukon and 2 Tahoes. We actually had decided on another Yukon but we were not happy with the ride or the boxy look of the new body style. We drove the Lexus, Infiniti, Tahoe, Yukon and kept coming back to the Buick. I researched and read over 70 reviews. They basically said the same thing. Its a great car! We have 12K wonderful, enjoyable miles and it has been a pleasure every time I have opened the door. I still cant believe I am driving a Buick.

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  Impressed by the LaCrosse - 2005 Buick LaCrosse
  By jim vollmer - August 25 - 8:50 am

  I have previously owned a 2002 Buick Century and before that a 1999 Olds Cutlass. I have found the LaCrosse to be a decided upgrade. The 3.8 liter engine is superior to the 3.1 (although not the gas mileage), the ride is firm, ultra-quiet, and luxurious. The sound system is superior to either of the previous two cars, and the interior amenities far better. In addition, people have commented as to how stylish the car looks, which never happened with the Century ("stodgy" was the word). Within 1000 miles, I have already recorded 29 mpg twice on trips of over 100 miles. The doors fit "tight." I hope the vehicle doesnt depreciate like older Buicks are known to do.

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  Very quiet. Smooth riding. - 2016 Buick Enclave
  By Brian L - August 24 - 7:02 am

  This is the quietest vehicle that we have ever owned and it is a SUV. (We have owned many, many vehicles over the years and all bought new.) Quality SUV & materials for far less in cost than other luxury SUVs. Front wheel drive is rated at 17/24 mpg. So far best that we have gotten pure highway is 23.1. Hopefully will improve somewhat. 2500 miles on it so far. Acceleration is acceptable to pass and go up hills. Overall we are very happy with it. One option that we got was lane departure & front end collision warning. Leather edition comes with blind spot warning and rear side collision alert. Thus loaded with safety features. Also, a middle air bag. One issue that we are not happy with is the "hanger" hooks are in the 3rd row. Cant use exit handles in second row since they are on the back of the front seats and not on the roof. We like to hang clothes on clothes bar when we travel but this is a problem other than just 10-12inches of such if using third row. With cars we put clothes about 50% across and still had good vision out of the back window. Third row and second row both fold down flat for storage. Overall very happy with this "car."

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  Smooth quiet ride - 2008 Buick Enclave
  By Packer FAn - August 23 - 7:55 pm

  Took awhile to get used to the six speed transmission but I now love the car. We have taken two long trips (12000 miles)and fell in love with the car. Very quiet compared to the GMC and Saturn versions just great to drive on the freeway at high speeds...sticks to the road and very smooth..better than any Cadillac I ever owned