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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  A Pleasant Drive - 2009 Buick Enclave
  By Better Buy Buick - May 23 - 2:29 pm

  We ordered our Enclave as we did not want a lot of the options on cars the dealer had on his lot. We have been extremely well pleased for the most part. We travel with our dog and there is room for the crate plus luggage. Last fall we traveled from Michigan to Boston and got 31-33 mpg on the New York Thruway traveling at the 65 mph speed limit. Coming home on both the Thruway and side trips we averaged 28 mph. Dont know what we get around town. We liked the styling inside and out which is what attracted us to the car after doing much research. Two of our neighbors were so impressed with the car they bought one themselves. One of them traded in a newer Lincoln cross over.

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  Buick Lucerne - 2008 Buick Lucerne
  By Albert Strickland - May 21 - 1:11 pm

  This is without a doubt the best car I have ever owned. I have owned Cadillacs Olds, and Pontaics over the years and some of them were bad. It is a shame that it took GM this long to wake up and build a car of the caliber

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  NICE! - 2009 Buick Enclave
  By Wiggs - May 21 - 10:31 am

  First drove an Enclave in September, when I first started thinking of a new vehicle. I drove the Buick, the Acadia, Honda Pilot, Outlook, Highlander and Ford Escape. The Enclave was like steering butter. Oh so smooth. It is a very classy and comfortable vehicle with room to spare. It is unbelievably quiet and the drive is smooth. I bought 3 weeks ago. Got a beautiful vehicle at a very good price and enjoy getting behind the wheel every day!

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  My Baby - 2017 Buick Regal
  By Blake Byrd - May 21 - 9:34 am

  Like any vehicle it has features that you love and some you like. The Sport Touring is nice looking with no Turbo for better gas mileage. The GS model is fast but doesnt have any eye appeal. I purchased the Sport Touring with the premium II package that is the Sport Touring with a Turbo the best of both worlds.

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  Nice vehicle - 2007 Buick Rendezvous
  By Ann - May 20 - 5:44 pm

  Very nice ride. I bought the 07 CX with the luxury package with 27,000 miles for $13,900. Ive put on 1,000 miles since I bought it. I think I got a great deal. Very smooth ride, I have to be careful on the highway because I dont notice when Im speeding. My husband is 61" and has plenty of head room.

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  GM did it this time! - 2009 Buick LaCrosse
  By Diana Cote - May 19 - 10:05 pm

  We have always had an Olds or buick and the 2009 Buick LaCrosse is fabulous. It is luxurious and very roomy with an incredible trunk. Its fun to drive and extremely comfortable and we got 29 MPG on a highway trip. I agree that we need to "Buy American". We always have and hope to continue in the future!

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  LOVE MY BUICK - 2004 Buick Rainier
  By LOVE MY BUICK - May 16 - 1:05 pm

  Absolutely love my Rainier! I tow a 5,000 pound camper every summer with no effort and no problem. The only thing I dislike is the heat system. Cant figure it out! Love everything else about it. Will be disappointed when have to replace and cannot buy another. Mine is loaded with every imaginable extra. Have read the owners manual more than ever in any other vehicle! Would recommend this vehicle highly.

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  Comfortable and Quick - 2003 Buick Park Avenue
  By T. Green - May 13 - 10:00 am

  It has the seat comfort for long trips. Easy in and out. Mileage is about 17 to 18 in town which is great for a 380 supercharger. Air controls for passenger and back seat. Classic look. I get compliments on how good looking the car is.

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  Wonderful Car! - 1999 Buick Regal
  By sacha - May 12 - 6:59 pm

  I bought this car new in 1999 mainly because I liked the design. We ordered the LSE model instead of the GS because I did not want a sunroof. Wow, I loved this car so much that we still have it. I have had almost no problems with it. In fact, I know it is time to buy a new car, but my LSE is running so well I cant justify it. I had all the exterior scratches touched up last year so the body looks new! I hope Buick comes out with a new luxury car in 2010!

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  Great Veh. Lots room and comfort - 2003 Buick Rendezvous
  By TC - May 11 - 4:49 pm

  I bought my vehicle new, it has been a great vehicle. During the warranty period the only issue I had was w/ the fuel tank which has been replace at no cost to me. Currently 104,000 miles on it w/ very little repairs other than regular maintenance. Only area that was a concern and bothersome were the plastic window guides which I have had to replace on all 4 windows.