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:

• 

  My catchy review - 2011 Buick Enclave
  By Ted Dennis - April 28 - 6:44 am

  It is very nice.

• 

  New Car - 2009 Buick Enclave
  By Happy - April 27 - 7:09 pm

  I sent in a review and wanted people to know the outcome. I am the gentleman that had a problem with the motor @1500 mile and hoped GM stood behind its product. They replaced the vehicle with a new one exactly the way we ordered the first. Hudson Buick GMC was exceptional thru the whole ordeal. Great vehicle you will love the ride. Did from day one!!!!!

• 

  Buick Enclave - 2008 Buick Enclave
  By debbie - April 27 - 12:00 pm

  I wanted a car with 3 rows of seats to hold 6 grandchildren but also wanted a nice interior for myself--enclave was perfect. I have always had a large SUV but my husband wanted me to get away from a vehicle that large--enclave great size. It looks great, drives great--still very happy a year later

• 

  Consider a Buick - 2009 Buick Enclave
  By Lovemybuick - April 27 - 11:33 am

  I found the consumer reviews very helpful so I decided I should give my experience. I looked at Toyota Highlander(no 60/40 split 3rd row)and Acura MDX (2nd row of seats do not move adjust for back passagers). I kept coming back to the Buick. This crossover is so quiet, it is riding in your living room. We have already driven it on a long road trip and had no complaints. The dealership was wonderful to work with and gave us a great price.

• 

  My first US car in 18 years - 2005 Buick LaCrosse
  By MartyD - April 23 - 10:16 am

  Nice looking design inside and out. Looks more expensive than it is. Handling on par with my 2000 Nissan Maxima which is pretty good. Bigger trunk than Acura TL.

• 

  Best large crossover (by far) - 2009 Buick Enclave
  By luv my enclave - April 20 - 6:46 pm

  First let me say that I drove all the competition (MDX, Pilot, RX350, Highlander, CX-9, etc) and none can compare to the Enclaves combination of MPG, horse power, interior space, and fit/finish. We just couldnt be happier with our new Enclave. It simply blows away the competition. Hopefully it is not too late for GM, but they finally got it right with this Buick. If status appeal of the nameplate is not your top priority when buying a large crossover SUV, the Buick Enclave will be the natural choice.

• 

  Great Experience - 2009 Buick Enclave
  By Denid - April 19 - 9:32 am

  I just purchased the Buick Enclave CXL A.W.D. with the Driver Confidence package,the Luxury package,entertainment package #1 with an after market drop down D.V.D. player,all for $42,500.00. I had researched for two months and test driven the Acura,Mercedes,Ford Flex and a Chevy Lumina.I feel that I have a really great value in the Enclave. It is truly a beautiful vehicle thats so much fun to drive.

• 

  Its called the Road Master for a Reason - 1996 Buick Roadmaster
  By alisha4545 - April 18 - 11:27 pm

  This car has been the best ever! It is great for the trips all around Texas and its moved me several times....even though its got alot of miles it doesnt seem anything could stand in its way!

• 

  Not the sharpest, but good to my wallet! - 1996 Buick LeSabre
  By JC - April 18 - 12:45 am

  I bought this car a few months back from a friend. It has 189,000 miles on it. I bought it with the intentions of putting a new motor in since this was neglected. 20,000+ on oil, 30,000+ on filter and 3 quarts over full!! I decided to drain the oil, give it an oil change and filter change, drive about 50 miles and redo it again. This car is great. 29 MPH on interstate and no check engine lights so far. I have to tell you, with that much neglect and the thing still gets great gas mileage and never fails to start...there is nothing that I can do to that engine that will harm it!

• 

  the best SUV i have ever had - 2002 Buick Rendezvous
  By bigfootpressure - April 17 - 2:00 am

  its a very reliable SUV