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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  Great car - 2004 Buick Rendezvous
  By TLC - February 21 - 1:12 pm

  Ive had this car for 4 years, and its been a delight. Comfortable but with all the functionality of clunky SUVs. Only one recall, so it was well-built. Ive had no (knock wood!) major problems with it just typical maintenance issues. Id buy another in a minute if GM still made them. Was never crazy about the exterior design, but the interior is what I see most, and I love it. Got great mileage until recently (probably need to change fuel filter or something). Ill be passing this car onto my daughter when she turns 16 next year, and feel good that shell be in a safe, reliable car. Ive been spoiled, and Im not sure I can ever return to a sedan!

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  Affordable luxury - 2013 Buick Verano
  By Dan W. - February 18 - 7:08 pm

  Great car for the price. Affordable luxury for the average guy.

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  Great bang for your buck - 1993 Buick Century
  By Conny - February 10 - 8:50 am

  In 1997, I bought a 1993 Buick Century with 160,000. miles for 2500 dollars. In 2004, the car had 253,000 miles. The six cylinder engine enabled me to buy a cheap high mileage vehicle, drive it for 7 years and put 93,000 additional miles on it. Like the consumer reviews state, the car does have so-so brakes. I must always keep 3 car lengths behind the car in front of me to allow for adequate braking. However the so-so brakes slowed me down and may have contributed to the longevity of my 1993 Buick Century Custom. The trim inside and outside the car does have a tendency to fall off, but who cares about trim. My passenger-side windshield wipers and power windows failed at about 200,000 miles.

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  Happy with Park Ave - 2004 Buick Park Avenue
  By alley - February 8 - 2:00 am

  This is my second Buick Park Avenue, the first one I put more than 200,000 miles on & it was still a good car that we sold to someone who only drives around town. I still see my other one on the road. I have found the comfort and handling of the Park Avenue to be very very good as I am on the road quite a bit with my job.

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  Vibration to be corrected - 2007 Buick Lucerne
  By Ted Beernink - February 5 - 1:02 pm

  Prior to the purchase of the new 2007 Buick Allure CXL (Lucerne in the US) I noted a vibration in the steering and seat at 60 - 70 mph. I was informed by the dealer this would be taken care of. After a wheel balance and replacement of tires the vibration did not disappear. I am not satisfied after paying over $38,000.00 and expect GM to correct the problem. This is my 5th or 6th Buick purchase and I have never encountered this before. The console cup holder design inside storage storage at the back of the front seat storage has been greatly limited from previous models. The right hand windshield wiper does not clear road smudge very well. The ride is much quieter and smoother.

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  Enjoyable Car - 1998 Buick Park Avenue
  By Big Buddy - February 1 - 10:00 am

  Bought used after it sat for one year and had many problems that were fixed under warranty and those have not reoccured. Interior trim needs better attachments - snap ins do not hold, gave up on trim on side between front and back, exterior door handle broke, cassette player broke 2 weeks miles after warranty expired. Note on seatbelt - there was a recall.

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  Overly sensetive accelerator - 2008 Buick Lucerne
  By paul - January 29 - 11:24 am

  Since purchasing this vehicle and driving it 1500 miles the gas pedal drives me crazy. with the slighest touch the tack will jump 500 rpm and drop the same just from driving on a rough road. Cruise control on takes the problem away. dealer says buick has no fix and says it is caused by drive by wire system. I have two other cars with this system and they are OK. Rides rough on bumpy roads compared to Lexus ES330

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  Buying american - 2002 Buick Rendezvous
  By ocleite - January 14 - 2:00 am

  Great car, great ride, comfort, room, etc. at a great price after 10% discount and 3500 rebates. It downshifts frequently uphill. Addition of a supercharger to add low rpm torque to this underpowered engine. Alternatively, use a modern DOHC or SOHC engine to provide the some type of performance as the Acura MDX. With either engine, fuel consumption would improve moving the vehicle without much effort. 3rd seat part of the CXLplus Package, should be an individual option. Even the CXL package cars on the dealers lots were loaded with that option.

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  Rendezvous with the family - 2003 Buick Rendezvous
  By Jim - January 6 - 10:30 pm

  Great family car, that fits everyone comfortably. Not a sports car by any means, but fun to drive.

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  New Lucerne Owner - 2008 Buick Lucerne
  By Alan - January 5 - 12:01 pm

  I am a big man (60" waist 32" inseam) so finding a vehicle that I fit in is the first step. I am quite comfortable with plenty of leg room, its a little squeeze in and out but I took it for a 300 mile drive and thoroughly enjoyed it. I love the heated steering wheel and seats, and that was something that I really didnt want but to get the features I wanted they came on the car. The turning radius is not as tight as I would prefer. The blind side alert and lane alert work quite well. Those are two feature I wanted. The night driving is excellent, my old vehicle had too much reflection and glare. I hope to drive this for a long time, my first two tanks of gas are in the 20 mpg range.