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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  Its a head turner! - 2008 Buick Enclave
  By randy changco - July 24 - 10:16 pm

  My last vehicles where Toyotas and a Chevy Suburban. My Toyota is still going strong but my Suburban is falling apart. I told my wife Ill never buy American but when she told me about the Enclave I went myself and test drove the car. Amazing look and comfort so I purchased one that same day and surprised my wife. Everywhere we go we get stopped and they ask what kind a car this is.

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  car still moving at 200,274300 - 1994 Buick LeSabre
  By Ball - July 24 - 9:49 pm

  I have 200,0000 mile on this car.IT is still moving/driveable.

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  My baby - 1996 Buick Regal
  By Proud owner - July 20 - 4:36 pm

  This car has been a blessing to my family. I purchased the car in 1998 with the intention of having a dependable car available for my daughter to drive her senior year in high school and to accompany her to college. This car has performed superbly. It accompanied her to New York for an internship assignment her freshman year. To make a long story short after my daughters graduation from college she turned the car back over to me because she was blessed to secure a position with a company and part of her employment package was the use of new car. I joyfully accepted the car and now proudly use it as my transportation to frequent golf outings. God is good! I have 189,000 miles on it>

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  Okay for my first SUV. But I love Buick. - 2004 Buick Rainier
  By Neeka - July 20 - 1:36 pm

  I brought my Buick Rainier last June. I needed to get an up to date buick I had a 93 lesabre, the air went last summer. Thats when I knew it was time to get a new car, or a new used one. Thats when I did my research, I wanted a car buick but when I seen the rainier I said thats what I want. Guess what I hav I got it too.The only problem I had was with the CD Player. I hav to get a new radio in there any way. My CDs got stuck in them. I am just going to get one put in there myself. Otherwise the vechicle is okay. I had a recnt problem with the AWD, but the dealership where I went to go buy it from fixed, it was still under warranty. That was a plus.

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  Great trip - 2008 Buick Enclave
  By Randy - July 18 - 2:00 pm

  Just completed a 2700 mile trip with four adults and lots of luggage. Averaged 21 MPG for entire trip and 24 MPG interstate at 73 MPH average. Drove 1000 straight miles only stopping for breaks and gas. Never felt tired or stiff. Seating and ease of handling are exceptional. Lives up to and exceeds quiteness claims. Did not find that shifting was a problem as other owners have eluded to, it was very smooth even with numerous terrain changes. This vehicle will get 27 MPG+ at 60 MPH on a level road. This is a great car for the money. Exterior and interior styling and workmanship are outstanding. Presently have 8500 miles on vehicle.

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  great car - 2001 Buick Century
  By r bell - July 16 - 10:27 am

  The car is very dependable. Ive had no problems with it. The odometer is at 165,000. Handles well in winter weather--starts easily during those sub-zero mornings.

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  Wow - nice vehicle! - 2008 Buick Enclave
  By M and T - July 16 - 7:20 am

  Now driven for about 1000 miles and am absolutely impressed. For the size of the vehicle (7 passenger) the Enclave is super quiet, handles well, gets decent gas mileage, is great to look at, and seems well built. Superior to my wifes Cadillac SRX in every way but handling and came in at a better price!

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  WOW! - 2006 Buick Lucerne
  By DJ - July 15 - 10:08 pm

  I have had a Lincoln and 3 Cadillacs, but this Lucerne is the finest automobile I have ever owned. It has luxury and performance and is GM, which I think makes the best American cars on the market. This car is so comfortable and is a real beauty! I love the features, especially the heated seats. We have long, cold, snowy winters here, but I use the heated seats during long trips even during the summer because of the comfort it gives my back. Great sound system, smooth ride, and the most comfortable seats ever make this car my all time favorite.

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  a fine automobile - 2007 Buick LaCrosse
  By james - July 13 - 12:22 pm

  Swapped a 98 Regal w/ 163000 miles for this honey. No one has mentioned the greatly improved drivers seat - this one needs no extra firming to make it tolerable on a long drive! Room is adequate for us and I am impressed by Buicks overall long-term reliability. This 3rd Buick in 20 years. My only negative is that the rearview mirrors create some strange blind spots that have to be considered at all times.

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  Automotive comfort food....perfect ! - 1998 Buick Regal
  By Jeff in Ohio - July 12 - 9:10 pm

  I simply cannot say enough in favour of this great car. I had a Cutlass Ciera before this and the Regal way outclasses that as you might expect. I wanted a cruising-type ride as I have a long freeway commute every day, and something that would handle IT tech calls to businesses with comfort and classy style. Back then "Government Motors" could sure build em. 96K miles and routine maintenance only. This is a tank-- solid and safe and substantial in every way. Not sportscar handling, but thats what Pontiacs (were) for. This will float you down the interstate in a plush cocoon, and deliver you calm and relaxed. Its automotive comfort food, nearly perfect. Ps. Look for Canadian-built.