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 Rendezvous 2002 - 2002 Buick Rendezvous
  By leshammond - September 26 - 5:00 am

  Great exterior design. Best sound system ever. Love head up display. Some electronic and other repair issues.

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  my evaluation - 2002 Buick Rendezvous
  By jtiger - September 24 - 10:06 pm

  great riding,all amenities,needs more engine power,eye turner

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  Best Car Ive Ever Owned! - 1992 Buick Century
  By Chris - September 24 - 12:22 am

  Well, I bought her 5 years ago when she had 92,000 miles. I paid $700. for her. I hated the fake wood trim but I trusted that I would get my moneys worth. She only has 130,000 now but she will need to retire soon as the body is looking rough and repairs are finally starting. I am sure her engine and transmission would go to 200,000. Unlike the Mercury Sable I bought 2 years, this Buick has been a blessing in snow and in repairs. Other than routine maintenance, nothing has gone wrong.(The Sable looks nicer but is a piece of junk and at 130,000 miles, the engine is about to go!) I wish Buick was still making these little wagons. I love them!

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  Dawns 2002 Buick Review - 2002 Buick Rendezvous
  By DDoerr - September 20 - 10:00 am

  I have only had the vehicle for a month, but I thoroughly enjoy driving it. I went from a minivan to the SUV. It acts like a minivan (smooth, easy to manuever, 7 passenger seating) but it looks tougher (not a "soccer mom" vehicle). The Buick is very sleek and Ive received NUMEROUS compliments on it.

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  There are a few warts - 2007 Buick LaCrosse
  By Tim - September 19 - 9:08 pm

  Overall, very satisfied, but have a few warnings. MPG is hopelessly below what the EPA sticker says (barely get 20mpg in city). Although the trunk is voluminous, the opening is smaller than the Century and I find it difficult to get large objects inside. And whoever put that piece of chrome across the middle of the dash so all sunlight from 10am to 2pm shines directly in the drivers eyes needs to be flogged.

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  incomprehensible rear end - 2016 Buick Cascada
  By Dennis Gates - September 17 - 9:58 pm

  For some unknown reason, the car has double rear lights. Two sets. Beautiful outside lights. Then open the trunk, and there is a second set of rear lights with blinkers, and all. This takes up a large part of the trunk space (already naturally limited by the fold down top). I could not fit a set of golf clubs nor a suitcase because of these double lights. WHY???? No one knew. Then one salespersons said "well if you are stopped on a dark highway, with trunk open to change a tire, they are a safety" hmmmmm. How many times in my 40 year driving career have I stopped for that? None. Not valid. j I am looking to try and remove the inner rear lights. Just a tremendous waste of trunk space. And cost to build and what a cost to repair!!! Dennis Gates

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  Old folks car - 2007 Buick LaCrosse
  By ron - September 14 - 8:11 pm

  Driving compartment feels cramped, parking seems to require more effort on the steering wheel. Closing the trunk lid requires you to put your hands on the trunk to close the lid. Needs a handle.

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  Buick Climber - 2005 Buick Rendezvous
  By Saratoga-Flash - September 11 - 10:00 am

  A solid people mover just made for the highway with lots of great gimmicks GPS, XM Satellite, On-Star in an SUV that is getting a real 27 per gallon on cruise control interstate driving. Hope next year is as satisfying as the first. Still wish Buick had stood up to GM and put the 3.8 V6 in it instead of the sad little 3.4 from Pontiac. Had four 3.8s and they all ahve gone 250,000 for fun without even pushing oil. Ohn Well!

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  Nice, quiet, and fun to drive - 2007 Buick Lucerne
  By rlbumich - September 7 - 1:06 pm

  Owned this vehicle for a week now. Great ride! Quiet cabin interior. Has all the options that I was looking for in a luxury car. It is like I am riding on air. Engine is quiet and I barely notice it--only in high exceleration. Ride is smooth and car handles well in traffic. Recently, JDP has given this 2007 Buick Lucerne a favorable quality rating with Lexus. No problem operating the features of the car and handles well on the highway and so far good milege in the city. Some consumers have made quality complaints about their car and I have yet to experience them. Overall, so far, no lemon here! Again, for me this is a fine luxury car not at the high end price!

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  2002 Buick Rendezvous CXL AWD - 2002 Buick Rendezvous
  By Jan - September 6 - 8:21 am

  I loved my Rendezvous! However, it was a mechanical nightmare! The major parts of the air conditioning system had to be replaced...the transmission went at 50,000 miles...the chrome factory rims began to pit and lose air, destroying my brand new tires. The radio faded in and out. Power window on drivers side went. Lastly the plastic roof console hinge broke off and I had to rig it back up so that it didnt hang and obstruct my view. I had to replace the rims and tires. V