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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  Classy style, Great value - 2007 Buick Lucerne
  By Elizabeth R. - April 1 - 5:02 pm

  This car is a head-turner. It has as much or more style as a much more expensive luxury car. The optional packages are loaded with great features and are a terrific value. The interior is roomy and comfortable. The controls are within easy reach, attractive, and laid out nicely. It has a quality fit, look and feel. The standard sound system is exceptional and OnStar is a lifesaver - it has an integrated phone and navigation service. The cars exterior does not look cheap. I would prefer if it didnt have the side vents, but Ive gotten used to them. It is a solidly made car. I wish the car had a little more power, and a 5 or 6 speed transmission.

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  Chucks Lucerne - 2007 Buick Lucerne
  By Chuck - March 31 - 10:11 am

  Many features are very difficult to master. Even the seat controls are difficult to master. The width of the drivers floorboard is not wide enough for comfort and seem to crunch large feet. I do like many of the features such as backup warnings and overall appearance. If I had the purchase to do over I would select a different vehicle.

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  A Buick, what? - 2007 Buick Rainier
  By Dave Busch - March 29 - 3:28 am

  OK, like most of us in my age group (40- 50) the name Buick is not a vehicle we are familiar with unless itÂ’s a Buick Grand National, an 80Â’s muscle car! At least thatÂ’s the case for me. OK, my parents have owned them but I thought it was an old persons carÂ…lol but I guess all things change and after having a family myself I have become less about speed and performance and more at whatÂ’s practical and comfortable. DonÂ’t get me wrong for a V-6 putting out an impressive 291 hp and 277 lb-ft of torque its no slouch. after looking at the Envoys I was sold on the Rainier. The Buick Rainier out classes the Envoy and rides like an upper class town car. Its the best bang for your buck!

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  Love that old boat - 1994 Buick LeSabre
  By Carrie Anne - March 26 - 5:39 pm

  I purchased this car has a "driver training car for my teenager, but she thinks its an "old people" car and does not like it ! I love it. Drives like a big boat, quiet. Gas mileage is better than I expected. I have never had so many buttons to ajdust one seat. Love the traction control, great in our Michigan winters. All around great 2nd car.

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  2006 CXL 3.6 VVT - 2006 Buick Rendezvous
  By barb9 - March 22 - 12:57 pm

  This is the Rendezvous Buick should of had when staring the RDV line. I purposely sought out to buy the Rendezvous with the 3.5 engine when I heard about it. I previously owned a 2002 CX 3.4 that was slightly underpowered at times when you needed power, but got good gas mileage. This 3.5 engine gives me better mileage and lots of power. Unfortunately to buy this model requires buying all the bells and whistles. A small trade off for a wonderful engine. Have owned it for almost a year and nothing wrong with it (unlike my 2002). Up to 2006, the Rendezvous had the biggest cargo room of any midsize SUV/CUV and tied for top spot in fuel efficiency. Too bad they are ending the Rendezvous, I would buy another (3rd) one!

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  Poor A/C Performance - 2006 Buick Terraza
  By dbrown - March 19 - 5:02 pm

  The overall experience has been pretty good. However the A/C has gone out several times. It will eventually correct itself but does no good on long trips. Even the dealers couldnt figure out what to do. I would not suggest this vehicle to anyone until Buick gets the A/C figured out. Very disappointed in this vehicle.

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  Le Sabre review - 1990 Buick LeSabre
  By Chris S. - March 17 - 12:34 pm

  Great car to own, drive and work on. Being a mechanic I find this car overall a great car. Most tasks are relatively easy and for its age the car still looks and drives like a three year old car. I and previous owners were easy on the car, which helps a lot. My car has a great pick- up smooth ride, and is good looking. What else can you hope for?

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  It Feels Like a Vette - 1998 Buick Regal
  By rey - March 15 - 7:38 am

  Great car. I bought this because of the power I hoped it would have and it has proved me right. The gas mileage is OK but the fun of driving the car makes it all worth it.

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  A must have item - 1990 Buick Electra
  By Ester Van Hooke - March 15 - 12:16 am

  I bought this car new from the dealer in hopes of driving a beast. It accelerates like a raging bull on steroids. You get to the 60 miles per hour mark in a neck snapping 14.6 seconds. The sumptuous angles spark emotions like fire in the night. The suspension rides like a a magic carpet on a silk laden cloud with wheels of cream. I know this because I took a speed bump at a blistering 75 mph and I felt nothing but a jibber. Stepping on the accelerator pedal is like playing a game of pinball. Fun, but there are many strange noises. I hit the engine revolution limiter yesterday and it sounded like a grackel crowing at the edge of a willow forest at daybreak. This car is sleek yet powerful.

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  Almost perfect - 2002 Buick Rendezvous
  By Vernl - March 14 - 6:23 pm

  Bought the first year. Loved the interior room. Big storage in console and wifes pocketbook fit underneath. All cars should have the heads-up display. Never would have ordered it but it came with the car and we loved it once we had it. Unfortunately, instrument cluster failed twice and had to be replaced. Third time vehicle caught fire and was totally destroyed. Bad Buick design or incompetent dealers mechanics? Who knows? Replaced it with the Acura MDX which isnt nearly as good. Wish wed bought another Rendezvous!