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 Enclave is Great! - 2011 Buick Enclave
  By trw - November 24 - 2:00 am

  I just traded in my Acura MDX for the 2011 Enclave. I was planning on another MDX but needed a little more interior room with 3 kids. The Enclave offers so many more features than the MDX for less money. It is my "minivan in disguise." The interior is much like a minivan, but with a really attractive exterior SUV / crossover appearance. It is spacious and comfortable, very quiet and smooth to drive. I would highly recommend this car.

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  03 REGAL LS ABBOUD - 2003 Buick Regal
  By joba244 - November 22 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car because we already had a 1996 gran sport that is a dream to drive especially for long trips, so i was kinda curious as to the new version. It is just right for power and comfort but there has been lots of added or improved features by the competition so it is feeling its age. Joseph Abboud spec has a sports set up I think, and it does not come close to the gran sport for ride comfort.Albeit a great family hauler.

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  2004 Rendezvous Ultra - 2004 Buick Rendezvous
  By dr_rick - November 22 - 2:00 am

  Bought the Ultra in 2007 with 80K on it put another 60K on it in three years. Has room similar to a minivan, but with better handling, and a 3rd row seat. The 3.6L engine is unusually advanced for a GM product behaves more like a Honda motor and pulls my 21ft bass boat with no trouble. No problems with the climate control system or AWD powertrain. Wheel bearings wore out relatively early and recently the pneumatic ride control system quit. Fuel economy is not that great, but the VVT mechanism is sensitive to oil quality, and I suspect the O2 sensors have exceeded their life expectancy. In retrospect, I would probably purchase it again if I had similar requirements.

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  Faulty window regulators - 2002 Buick LeSabre
  By Joe - November 22 - 2:00 am

  I got a deal on this car used, one owner, only 30,000 miles but the deal went sour after repalcing all four window units at about $600 a pop. Now my rear passenger side door will not lock or unlock (except manually) and the window will not operate. I was told it was a module that would cost around $400 to replace. I am not fixing it I am selling the car. This well maintained car with only 66,000 miles probably has a lot of good wear left, but it is costing me money parked in my driveway most of the time. I am not going to risk spending $1,000 per door. Anyone hears of a class action, I am in!!

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  Nice Car - 2011 Buick LaCrosse
  By ech227 - November 21 - 2:00 am

  Purcased the vehicle two weeks ago. Have 610 miles so far. Overall I like the car, but its not perfect. A lot of features for the money. Had been looking at this car for a year and finally bought it in Mocha Steel. Much more modern car than my parents 08 Lucerne. Im only 39 and people are shocked its a Buick.

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  Good Reliable Car - 1995 Buick LeSabre
  By The Seeker - November 20 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car and fell in love with it. It rides smooth and is good on gas. So far Ive replaced the water pump and the brake cylinder seems to be next. I has 117k so I expect good thing in the near future. Peace and love.

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  Unsatisfied GM customer - 2010 Buick Lucerne
  By Judy - November 19 - 2:00 am

  Had I know my new Lucerne was going to look like all of the other foreign cars on the road I would have bought a Ford. The gas mileage "stinks" 22.3 on a long trip, never changes. Im sure part of that is the ethenol in the gas, but my 2010 Park Avenue was getting 30+mpg with 125,000 miles on it. I really wish I hadnt bought the car. I dont look at a car a fun to drive, a car is a necessity. The ride is not smooth - my 2001 was smooth! Ill never buy another GM product unless they improve and stop making their cars look like the foreign cars on the road. I realize they are after the younger market. Im almost tempted to trade this in!

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  Big mistake - 2011 Buick LaCrosse
  By Dan - November 19 - 2:00 am

  I am a former Toyota owner so I expect exceptional quality and reliability. After 250 miles the check engine light went on and the car went in for servicing. At 500 miles it is going back because the home link does not work. We have noticed a significant blind spot where the bottom front roof pillar meets the top passenger mirror housing so it is impossible to see oncomming traffic from above the mirror. Views out the back window are also limited. We have already had a near accident because of poor visibility. The carpet is so thin it looks like the pile has been sprayed on and build quality is a far cry from a Toyota product. Buick proved beauty is only skin deep. Stay with Toyotas!

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  Feel Cheated - 2006 Buick Terraza
  By Jaime - November 18 - 2:00 am

  I have put so much money into this van. Every time I turn around something is broke. Now I have a sensor going off due to a sliding door. It doesnt start half the time. Lights will dim. I bought it used and the first year and a half I had it it was in the shop almost once a month. The blind spots are bad.

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  EURO IMPORTS BEWARE - 2011 Buick Regal
  By DAMJUMPER61 - November 18 - 2:00 am

  I have been the owner of a Volvo S40, a VW Passat, and a Toyota Camry. All I have to say is LOOK OUT. The new Regal that I now have rides, handles and is quieter than all of them. The engine is a little underpowered but cruises down the highway @ 75-80 mph with no problem. The transmittion shifts are smooth and quick. The seating is very supportive and comfortable. Controls for the radio and cruise control are easy to use. The most impressive feature of the vehicle is the ride and how quiet it is on the road. I believe these to be as good as any high line vehicle out there.