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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  I love my Buick - 2011 Buick LaCrosse
  By mountainhiker - March 3 - 9:29 pm

  Got tired of such bland products coming from Lexus (and scared Toyotas major slip in quality ive heard from several owners) I have put on near 20,000 miles already! No problems to report, just a great driving car. interior is very well crafted and looks great, i love the ambient lighting! Exterior styling always draws compliments. The AWD has been a blessing this winter. I`m very happy with this car!

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  Wow - 2011 Buick Regal
  By rush_64 - February 28 - 1:25 am

  I bout the CXL Turbo TO7 a few week ago. Love this car. The car gets up and goes with in reason. As soon as the gas prices jumped, i switched to E85. Getting descent gas milaege sor far. I will run e85 as much as possible. No power loss. I am in my mid fortys looking for a sporty car. I drove the Camaro and was not satified with the interier design. Went over to buick and found the care for me. Sproty and excellent interier design.

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  She Truly is a Roadmaster - 1993 Buick Roadmaster
  By els622 - February 24 - 2:18 pm

  My 1993 Buick Roadmaster has over 470,000 original miles on the engine and transmission. I bought it in 1994, with 17,000 miles on it. I traded in a 1982 Buick Riviera with over 300,000 miles on it (I replaced the transmission on that one). My car still gets a little over 22 mpg on the highway. I admit, she doesnt look the best these days. The age is showing, but she is still super reliable. People are always making fun of me for driving that old car, but I cant bear the thought of parting with this car until it is no longer reliable. Does anyone know of another Buick Roadmaster with over 470,000 miles on it? I didnt want to buy the car, at first, but Im glad I did.

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  I really like this car - 2011 Buick Regal
  By quattro5 - February 9 - 7:54 pm

  This is the 1st American sedan I have owned. I have had 3 Accords and 2 Camrys since college between me and my wife. Most recent was 08 Accord. Lease just up so i returned it and got the Regal. Really liked the looks and the incentives being offered were hard to turn down, considering it is my tax dollars at work! Car drives and handles very well. Finish and build quality is excellent. Features far, far exceed my 08 LX-P Accord and I am paying $50 less per month. Handling beats that car also. Far quieter and smoother as well. Yes the car is slightly underpowered but no more so than the 4 cylinder Accords. Reviewers are making way more out of that. Great car so far.

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  GM finally has a winner - 2011 Buick LaCrosse
  By scuff - February 7 - 1:55 pm

  I have driven LEXUS 460 since 1989. I chose this car because the new LEXUS was Ho Hum without the technology of this great car. Sure, it isnt a LEXUS, but for $35K to $40K less it is a fantastic value. I have close to 2,000 miles and havent found a flaw. Sure, it isnt perfect but it comes close. This car turns heads and gets positive comments from everyone.

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  Returning to American made - 2011 Buick Enclave
  By tomcat7 - February 3 - 7:17 pm

  We walked out of an Odyssey and havent look back. After evaluating about everything we finally settled on the new Enclave. What a pleasant reward at every drive. Right out of the "box" on mixed roads, we got 23.8 mpg. The ride and comfort and goodies compare and for us beat the MB ML, and Lexus GX. The standard warranty is better that the Arcadia and Traverse with a better list of "standard equipment". So far so good, and we could not be happier.

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  My Best GM Product Yet - 2011 Buick LaCrosse
  By dave1140 - February 1 - 12:47 pm

  I have owned GM products for over 60 years. Our 2011 LaCrosse CXS is the best one yet. I have read all of the negative comments and so be it. The car has just over 600 miles and it just hums. The acceleration is great from a standing start or pulling on to an Interstate. The power is firm and reassuring. I receive absolutely no lean or sway while going around clover leafs at 50+mph. I do wish that there was an interior trunk release that leads me to a larger trunk. Overall I love the car.

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  GM has them beat - 2011 Buick Regal
  By carman14 - February 1 - 9:32 am

  Just picked up a Buick Regal CXL base, after turning in a solid GM defunct Saturn Aura. Looking for a mid priced car <30k this car beats them all. Interior is fabulous with standard features like heat seats, dual climate, leather, heated mirrors, temp,compass,XM, power seats,lumbar. Exterior standard 18" alloy wheels, fog lights. Car has solid acceleration for commute, quiet interior, no road noise, rides on rails feel, spoiler. Interior sold me in cashmere very luxurious, exterior style doesnt blow me away but elegant. Fit and finish top notch, solid feel with bank vault doors. TG GM still around not many japanese or korean compare to this.

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  some designing poor - 2011 Buick LaCrosse
  By sissie3 - January 29 - 11:08 pm

  Poor visibility front @ back. Poor cup holder placements in front.Cruise contol placement not good,to easy to accidently turn on or off. All bang heads getting in and out and we are short...and gas mileage not over 23mpg in any driving conditions. All very disappointing except it is a beautiful car inside and out, but wish I was back in a Toyota!

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  Great deals to be had on this car. - 2004 Buick Century
  By masonjar - January 29 - 12:37 pm

  Just recently purchased a 2004 Century with 79,000Kms in absolutely mint condition. Nice Metallic Augusta Green paint job with not one blemish. Wasnt on my radar at all until I read in Consumer reports that it had fantastic reliability and could be had for cheaper than comparable Japanese models. I dont see it as an "Old Man" car...the styling is sharp and I mistook an older Lexus for one the other day. Very Very happy with the car..lots of power..nice smooth ride over rough road surfaces. Thinking a nice set of Rims and a better set of tires would really kick it up a notch and I will have a car that will turn heads and last me for years.