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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  Riviera - last of the personal coupes? - 1997 Buick Riviera
  By Dave - June 7 - 9:12 am

  We have had many unique cars... great 91 Regal GS (450K), wonderful 93 Park Avenue (500K) never a drop of oil or any engine work with either now 97 Riviera same good quality. Wheel bearings on all 3 Buicks have been a bane. Riviera has developed unpredictable starting problem... no action on turning key - nothing. Happens once in a while, let sit for few minutes and then it will start. Cannot find problem. Not starter nor solenoid. Ignition or neutral safety lock? Various mechanics have looked into this to no avail. Does anybody else have this experience?

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  Great Car-Cosmetic Problems - 2006 Buick Lucerne
  By Ken - June 6 - 9:31 pm

  This has been a great car, comfort and style is very good. Gas mileage is really good, over 30 miles per gallon on last trip from Portland Or. to Idaho Falls Id. My problem has been cosmetic,all outside chrome strips on windows have been replaced twice due to rust spots. Since i have just over 50,000 miles now Im worried about the next time it happens. The finish is also rapidly coming off the wheels leaving black splotches. The dealer refuses to do anything about it except make note of the problem. They blame it on the current problems GM is having for not taking any positive action on it. As I stated Great Car, very dissapointed in the cosmetic problems.

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  Great Crosover - 2008 Buick Enclave
  By Mike - June 4 - 9:16 am

  It is a great crossover SUV loaded with a lot of options. Great ride, but should have a little more HP.

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  Love this car ! - 1996 Buick Riviera
  By Barbara - June 3 - 10:25 pm

  Im currently at 229,900 miles - I too wish Buick still made the Riviera. It is the most trouble-free car I have ever owned. It always starts, runs and rides like a dream. My dealership says they have seen one Riv with 250,000 miles on it - I see one post here with 283,000 miles. The tape player quit at 100,000 miles (remember tapes ?) and the clearcoat on the paint failed in one small place on the fender. Otherwise it looks like a new car !

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  Classic - 1999 Buick Riviera
  By Lillian - June 3 - 12:13 am

  I love the body style,acceleration,interior design. Pearl exterior,lghtgray interior.Beautiful! Very comfortable car, luxury but sporty.I especially like how low to road it is and its wide wheel base.This car will go! I would love to buy another, the closest ive found to this body style was a jaguar. Makes me wonder why it was discontinued. Car is on the larger side, but you only realize it trying to park in small areas. Does not make sharp u-turns. Other than that this is the best car ive ever purchased. I am looking to purchase a convertable and am shocked that the blue book value for the riveria is less than 4k. NO WAY! Maybe i dont need a different car after all. Happy with what I have

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  best car I ever owned - 2004 Buick LeSabre
  By Debbie - June 2 - 10:23 pm

  I bought my Buick LaSabre in Jan. 04. We had rented one the previous October to take on vacation, because the transmission had gone out on the automobile I owned. We loved it... so I told my husband I wanted to buy one when we traded again. I have loved it! Its a big roomy ride, yet gets great gas mileage. The first 3-4 years, it would get 31 mpg on the highway... and 27 around town. It is older now, and the mileage has dropped a little, but I still get 29 mpg on highway. It is has never had a mechanical problem. I have kept all routine maintenance up to date, and with 120,000.00, I still do not want to get rid of it. I hope it will continue giving me such enjoyment.

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  Second Buick Century and still counting - 2003 Buick Century
  By jausten - May 27 - 5:49 pm

  I bought a 1996 Buick 3 years ago with over 100,000 on it and had zero problems with it. A few people even came up to me and asked me how I liked the car because they knew it was reliable. That sold me and the car grew on me. My son is going to college and needs a car so I searched long and hard for the same Buick, but newer model for me. Just found it, 2003 $5900 for a 35,000 Limited and felt it was a steal. After having trouble prone Fords, Subarus, Chevrolets, Hundais I know this car is the one for me.

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  Outstanding car - 2006 Buick Lucerne
  By JDOLANMAN - May 26 - 3:10 am

  I have owned this Buick since January 2006 and it is excellent in all respects. It looks good, feels good and it is the most quiet automobile that I have ever owned. Rack up a winner for Buick and General Motors.

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  So many still on the rooad - 1996 Buick Century
  By Been Around - May 25 - 6:35 pm

  I bought this car in Florida, drove it around the country, through snow, rain, sleet, desert... It has always been reliable. Recntly I parked in a parking lot in our SMALL town and there were five Buick Centuries, from !980s through 2000 models. Little things like power window failures go, I replaced struts, but with regular maintenance, these cars seem to run forever, get good gas mileage, and my giant dog can spread out in the backseat!

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  Very happy - 2009 Buick Enclave
  By Impressed - May 25 - 12:17 pm

  I saw the Enclave about a year ago and started my research immediately. Compared to all the other sport looking crossovers, with a three pass third row seat, the Buick has the most standard features at a better or comparable price point. I had a Tahoe, and I loved it, except for the cargo behind the third row, I couldnt even fit a standard stroller back there, so this time I was looking for the passenger room and functionality, and I found it. My kids can easily access the third row. It has all the pretty things that I wanted, to include the dual sun roofs and power liftgate. It looks hot, drives like a dream, and made all my friends jealous! And, you cant beat the warranty! Thanks!