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 bought two of them - 2016 Buick Encore
  By Robert Elmer - June 29 - 10:07 pm

  About two months ago I went to our Buick dealer to look and drive the 2016 Encore Sport Touring. I ended up buying one from a great salesman, Buzz Edwards. I brought it home and my wife took it away from me. So I go back and bought one for her. Both of us really like the Encore. The quality is great, it is very quiet and smooth (which is very unusual for a small SUV) and with the larger engine it has plenty of get up and go. Everett Buick in Bentonville and Buzz Edwards are great.

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  GM is making a Quality Buick SUV - 2009 Buick Enclave
  By Happy - June 29 - 3:51 pm

  We had a Ford Edge and we loved it , This vehicle is more expensive but the ride and interior are superior.The 0% financing is great.

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  Great Car - 2001 Buick Regal
  By Happy Owner - June 29 - 11:59 am

  This is a great car no new ones on the market compare. I get 33 miles per gal on a trip and 26 in the city. Quiet to drive, comfort, leather interior exceptional refuse to sell it, you take care of this car and it takes care of you.

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  Great Car - 1999 Buick Park Avenue
  By RayT - June 27 - 2:00 am

  Just bought my first Park Ave. in September 2002. Had three LeSabres prior to this. It has 57K miles but is in great condition with all the bells & whistles. This car has a good ride and corners great. It feels very solid on the road. Plenty of luxury features that help keep your eyes on the road such as the heads up display and the climate & radio controls on the wheels. Love the sunroof, chrome wheels & heated seats. Great car for the money and these Buicks are dependable & last.

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  2002 Rendezvous CX - 2002 Buick Rendezvous
  By James E. Smith - June 27 - 2:00 am

  I was pleasantly surprised once I test drove this vehicle. One selling point for me,was watching a Mercedes owner trading in his 2000 Model for a new Rendezvous. I only returned to my dealer for oil changes & tire rotation.Have not found a single problem. Quality seems very high and I highly recommend the Rendezvous. Gas mileage avgs around 22 in city, and have acheived 24 highway. The third seat option, and ease of use, has come in very handy for us. I can seat 6 adults with comfort.When I dont need the 3rd seat I keep it folded down, and use the space in the rear for cargo area. I highly recommend the new Rendezvous.

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  Best of the Best - 2009 Buick Enclave
  By CollegeProf - June 26 - 3:12 pm

  This car replaced a Lexus RX-300 and a Lexus sedan. Our cars were over 10 years old and we really loved our Lexus. I cant believe how great this car is. It drives around town like a dream. I dont think you will need the running board step assist. We have kids and my 5 3" wife doesnt have any problems getting in and out. This is really well built. The Lexus had some cool - gee whiz features that the Lexus doesnt, but overall I think this Buick better. Good job GM!!

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  A solid and reliable car - 2009 Buick Enclave
  By phil - June 23 - 6:01 am

  After 7 years without any problems in a Highlander, I switched to the Enclave AWD. Features, past experience (I had two Buicks I drove as Federal law enforcement officer averaging 70K per year without any problems)price and 0% financing, it was a no brainer. I also did some checking on the dealer and found another Enclave owner near where I live and he had very good experience with the dealer. I have had the car now two months and still think I made the right choice. The only thing I could think of to improve would be the mileage, although it comes close to the EPA standard. As of today (June 23rd) I have a little over 2000 miles without any problems.

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  Love my SUV! - 2002 Buick Rendezvous
  By The Quinns - June 21 - 2:00 am

  My wife and I absolutely adore our Rendezvous. Its ride is incredible and it is the most comfortable vehicle we have ever owned. We were pleased with the gas mileage (about the same as the Mazda MPV we previously owned) and we have used the ABS and AWD several times already in the typical Ottawa winter. The fold down rear seats are also great, especially when the in-laws show up for the weekend. We still fight over whos turn it is to drive!

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  Great car - 2006 Buick Lucerne
  By Ray - June 20 - 2:36 pm

  The Lucerne is a great car. It is comfortable, has a roomy interior, enough power to satisfy me and not make me feel I cant get on the interstate without a problem. However, several small things have been a problem. The cup holder in the console is a dud. Cant see the heated seat lights in the daytime. The seats squeak and the remote trunk opener should not be in the glove box. Would I buy this car again? In a minute. I can overlook the small stuff because it is fun to drive, confortable and with only 2200 miles, problem free. The 3.8 engine is old technology, but if past history is any indication, it will run for ever withoiut a problem, and get decent gas mileage for a car this size.

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  Rainier - Top Marks - 2004 Buick Rainier
  By ellenob - June 20 - 10:18 am

  This cars performance has been strong and repair history has been light, equal to my previous Hondas. Im very satisfied and will keep it.