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:

• 

  Pros outweigh cons - 2010 Buick LaCrosse
  By Rainman5542 - November 12 - 2:00 am

  I wanted an American car assembled in the US. The styling grabbed my attention and reviews in the auto press were very good. After 3,000 miles, I am still happy with my decision despite some negatives. My gas mileage with the 3.6L engine is a disappointment. The bluetooth implementation is incomplete in that my Blackberry contacts cant be downloaded to the NAV HDD. Dealer service is apathetic. I have an intermittant unresolved clanging or banging sound at startup. Overall I am impressed with the quiet and comfort.

• 

  Bullet-proof - 1997 Buick LeSabre
  By Robert - November 11 - 2:00 am

  Bought used from a friend with 227,000 miles and 11 years old. Now with 271,000 in Nov 10. All I do is change the oil ($10 at local dealer). Repaired a couple of minor things (rear springs and struts, front struts and both wheel bearings, rear defroster repair and auto A/C repair), but for as old as my car is, and with as many miles, it gives me excellent service every day. 14 years old, 271K miles, and I still get 26-27 mpg, YES! 27. No need to buy a new car to stretch your gas dollar if you can find one of these late-90s in good condition with low miles, snatch it up! (would make a good second car in case your new expensive one your making payments on leaves you stranded).

• 

  More Cons than Pros - 2009 Buick Enclave
  By sarah - November 11 - 2:00 am

  I bought my 2009 Enclave in Florida then moved to the mountains in Virginia 10mo later. First off the car is really loud when standing outside but quiet on the inside.These are the things going wrong. Plastic outside between the windows bubble/ripple, coating came off of air conditioner button, carpet worn completely down on passenger side, car rolls back while in drive on a hill as if it were in reverse, car rolls at least 6 inches after putting it in park on flat land, knocking noise when i turn my steering wheel either way and the carpet is made very very cheap.All these things are covered under warranty except the carpet.Still have problems with car rolling back while n drive on hill.

• 

  American At Last! - 2011 Buick Regal
  By JD from MA - November 11 - 2:00 am

  Like many other drivers in their late 30s looking for a new car, the search began on the other sides of the Atlantic and Pacific. Except for the newer Cadillac CTS and maybe the new Lincoln MKZ, nothing state-side remotely sparked an interest. I thought I had cornered the group of cars from which I would make my selection - - the usual suspects: Audi, Saab, Volvo, Acura and always in the mix, BMW. Price was certainly a consideration house, wife, two kids - you get the picture. It was then that I noticed an online ad for a new Buick Regal. Buick? - I had one in High School. I always thought to myself - why doesnt the U.S ever build cars like ...? Maybe they just did. Check it out.

• 

  My First Love - 1995 Buick Regal
  By reginarider86 - November 9 - 2:00 am

  I got her in the summer of 05 with 130K+ and she ran like a beauty. Out lasted a lot of my friends much younger cars. Had a lot of brake pad changes and rear left caliper siezed up on me but it was a good first car. When she died she had over 200K on her. I got my monies worth.

• 

  A Real Beauty! - 2006 Buick Terraza
  By Dolynn56X - November 9 - 2:00 am

  Fantastic van, we got a great deal on it, didnt have to fianance, price was so low. Features are great, drives great, all around great vehicle. I would definately buy one again.

• 

  Great car - 1999 Buick LeSabre
  By PYB1495 - November 9 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car with 140000 miles, the car car runs perfect and the fuel MPG is great. Smooth ride and strong engine. Before this i had a Buick Regal and sold it with 250000 miles and everything working well. i will buy Buick in the future.

• 

  Great Crossover - 2010 Buick Enclave
  By gip - November 8 - 2:00 am

  Quiet, responsive and top notch quality throughout.

• 

  Great Car - 2011 Buick Regal
  By metrosp - November 6 - 2:00 am

  Crossed shopped, VW (JETTA, CC, PASSAT) , Acura, Honda Accord, Chevy Malibu, Hynday Sonata but none could compare with the feature per price. Stopped into Buick to look at Lacrosse but after driving both, the Regal sporty ride won me over. The looks are very distinctive and interior is excellent and roomy for 5.Love the handling and took a 5 hour drive to New Hampshire without stopping once for gas and still had more than a quarter tank left. If I could have waited a few more months I would have tried to turbo, but the 2.4s performance is more than adequate and it is so quite that I am often cruising at 80 without knowing.

• 

  Buick Enclave - Style and Comfort! - 2011 Buick Enclave
  By John W - November 6 - 2:00 am

  We have loved the appearance of the Enclave since it was first introduced and found our smaller vehicles did not have the utility we require for hauling grandchildren and all the things we tend to want to take on long road trips and vacations. This vehicle has a quiet and smooth ride, with a very luxurious cabin and amenities. The seating we chose provides four bucket seats as well as a third-row bench.