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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  2008 Lucerne - 2008 Buick Lucerne
  By Glenn T. - January 2 - 9:15 pm

  Bought the Buick because of the "quiet interior" advertising and ratings. Interior has an annoying rattle under the dash (started at 1400 miles). Dealer did not get it fixed when brought in for repair. "I think we fixed it, but if it still rattles, bring it back". I expected more from Buick. Every day I hear the rattle and I am dissipointed. If not for that, I would be very satisfied. The vehicle rides nice and handles well, and the price is reasonable for what you get.

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  Underdog - 1991 Buick Century
  By joesdragons - December 31 - 10:54 pm

  I would recommend this car to anyone. Being that it is a wagon i wasnt willing to give it a chance at first but the car truly caught me by surprise and won me over. great power when you need and great gas mileage to match makes this car a diamond in the rough. its lacks in the looks department but nobody needs a beauty queen to go to drive-in.

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  Favorite Ride - 2002 Buick Rendezvous
  By Mark - December 17 - 1:51 pm

  Purchased this vehicle used with 15K on it. (now 72K) Three body computers, head gasket, both front wheel bearings and the radio all had to be replaced under the extended warranty. Still kept the car for our touring vehicle. Love the HUD and dual climate control. This is one of the most comfortable vehicles I have owned. Love the versa trac AWD. I am shooting for 200K. A little underpowered for cross country driving but has been a joy to own (while out of the shop)

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  Great used car value - 2007 Buick Rendezvous
  By NevadaJim - December 17 - 12:06 pm

  Given that 2007 is the last year for this model, good off-lease and used examples can be a bargain. We purchased ours for $10,000 under original list price. While not a Lexus by any means, it is still half the price for similar comfort and capacity. Great warranty coverage. Our only real complaint is that the 3.5 engine could have been the 3.6 with better power and mileage. Also, the radio stinks. An aftermarket radio is in our future.

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  Almost there - 2003 Buick Rendezvous
  By Willem - December 2 - 2:00 am

  With a better engine this car would be really fun to drive. The current engine is quiet and smooth, as if it isnt there; well thats almost the case. It should be possible to draw 40 more horse power from a 3.4 liter engine I believe. This is clearly a new generation of Buicks though. Good roadholding and stiffer suspension. Well done, but it needs an engine upgrade. When listening to classical music, the Stereo suffers too much low- mid frequency colouration.

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  Third and last Buick for me - 2000 Buick Regal
  By Regally disappointed - November 19 - 5:52 pm

  My 2000 GS Regal has cost me a lot of bucks. Most recently the drivers door window (power) went out and it cost me 550 dollars to have it fixed. The motor worked but the cable broke. On an earlier situation the front end drug with any dip and the result was a damaged oil pan. Little things like only partial LED digits on the radio and dashboard readout. According to the computer my mileage of 20.1 mpg in city driving is actually questionable as my computations never reached that high. I have a very light foot unless I find myself in a bind and need power to escape a challenge in traffic. No more Buicks for me. I have test drove many new models and they look good but experience rules.

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  Wont Buy Again - 2005 Buick LaCrosse
  By Wont buy again - November 18 - 10:48 pm

  This automobile has been rattletrap on city streets since I bought it (freeways no problem) Disappointing mileage, good handling. Comfortable to drive, good climate control, lousy floormats. Inability to fix rattles will cause me to buy a Mercury or Lincoln next time.

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  Buick Ranier-SUV - 2004 Buick Rainier
  By jconeputt - November 15 - 7:53 pm

  Purchased 2004 Buick Ranier used with 22,000 miles and has been a great vehicle. This SUV has a 5.3 Liter, great power and better fuel economy than the V6 model. Great for towing. Great for extended road trips. Vehicle now has 55K miles with now service related problems.

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  1996 Roadmaster - 1996 Buick Roadmaster
  By dan - November 12 - 10:54 pm

  Very great drive train. Poor interior and exterior trim. Way below average. 1993 was much better. Like car but wouldnt buy another 1996 because of lousy trim and interior quality

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  A peach - 1998 Buick Regal
  By sassa418 - November 12 - 3:11 am

  This automobile has provided me with reliable and dependable service for nine years already and I will continue driving it until I am forced (for whatever reason) to trade it in! It is a handsome machine and very comfortable and easy to drive. It has also been a very economical car in that repairs have been few and far between and very minor.