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:

• 

  The Perfect SUV on a car chassis - 2006 Buick Rendezvous
  By Carol - May 9 - 7:51 pm

  This is the finest vehicle Ive ever owned and Ive even owned other Buicks. Its comfortable like a sedan but holds a mountain of stuff. Steering and handling are perfect. Its a shame its been discontinued. Kinda helps me understand why GM is in the mess its in though.

• 

  5 1/2 years since last review - 2002 Buick Century
  By pbm - May 9 - 2:27 pm

  I reviewed my Century in Oct.03 and very little has changed. The car now has 107K and has been the most reliable car Ive owned. Its great in the snow with Tractional Control and FWD. The AC is still ice cold and has never needed to be recharged. I replaced the original battery before last winter even though it still started the car fine (I changed it at 7yrs/100K because I didnt want it to fail on a cold day). Except for routine maintenence the only work Ive done was a replacement intake manifold gasket and bolts. I did this as a precaution (not because I was losing coolant) because the 3.1 is known for eventually leaking. I still get great mpg. This car will do another 100-150K easily.

• 

  Rivieras-Gotta Love Em - 1998 Buick Riviera
  By 3xalady - May 9 - 12:39 pm

  I have driven Rivieras since 1990 (2). At one time, I traded cars every 2-3 years, after buying my first Riviera, I just wanted to keep them. I have never had a Riviera to "stop" on me. My car has over 150,000 miles on it and the motor sounds like it did 10 years ago. Cant wait for the 2009/2010!

• 

  Love This Van! Even After Nearly 4 Years - 2005 Buick Terraza
  By Butteview - May 6 - 5:48 pm

  I replaced a GMC Suburban with this van. I needed lots of cargo space and this has just 1.5 cubic feet less than my Suburban with the middle seats out and the rear seats folded flat. The storage in the rear, appearance and features sold me on this car. According to the computer, I get just a little better mileage than on the sticker. 18+/24+. I get especially good mileage on the highway. Accelerating really seems to burn gas. I got this van to take to dog shows and it is perfect. Mine has everything but heated leather seats. I would ordered that. I did not get good service from this particular Dealer.

• 

  ONE OF THE BEST - 1992 Buick Riviera
  By BobsBestCar - May 6 - 2:41 pm

  My 92 Riviera is one of the best I have ever owned. The ride and drive are one of a kind. The 21 city/29 HWY that I get out of her is awesome. Buick does need to bring this car back. They broke the mold when they built this car. I would say, "buy this type of car" to anyone who ask.

• 

  A Truly Awesome Vehicle - 2009 Buick Enclave
  By LakeErieDriver - May 4 - 8:33 am

  I absolutely love this car. It is the ultimate family vehicle and still offers style and comfort like in an upscale SUV. Pricing is high though, ours stickered just over $50k. We went from a 2007 Chrysler Aspen (full- size) and dont miss any space. Fuel Economy is great, we average about 18 city, 24 highway, sometimes even better! Very Luxurious, after all its a Buick!

• 

  Oh!!!!!!!!!! what a smooth ride. - 2009 Buick Enclave
  By Jim Evans - May 2 - 12:15 pm

  We have always owned Yukons but the ride of this Enclave,is so GREAT. Quiet !!!!! I can hear people in third row seat with no problem. So much fun.

• 

  Awesome Ride for Wassems - 2009 Buick Enclave
  By Rob Wassem - April 30 - 3:32 pm

  Ive not owned a GM since my 69 Camero when I was a senior in high school...what a change! Ive owned several large SUVs over the past 10 years including a MB GL450 recently. The Enclave is far superior to he MB 350, 450, or 550 and half he price! The ride is brilliant, the pick up is perfect, and the finish is right ON! My family and I love the car/suv..not sure what to call it - crossover:) If you are in the market for a new crossover buy the Enclave as I did the research for months and nothing compares if you require seating for 7 - 0% financing was icing on the cake!

• 

  What a Keeper - 1991 Buick Regal
  By pablo - April 29 - 10:30 am

  My Regal Limited is now 18 years old and with only 97,000 miles on it still runs and drives like new. I think that the 3.8 engine has to be one of the best that GM has ever produced. Just thought it was kind of odd that this car is the Limited but has manual crank windows, but I have learned to live with them. Excellent car that I would recommend to anyone. And the gas mileage is tops.

• 

  great car - 2002 Buick Rendezvous
  By D Argo - April 29 - 10:00 am

  This is a great mid size suv that is much easier to drive and park than bigger ones. It carries 7 people when we need it to or 5 people and luggage. It also averages 20mpg in town and still has adequate power.