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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  Best car yet - 1996 Buick Roadmaster
  By Steve - April 16 - 12:13 pm

  I wanted one of these wagons back in 1996 but thought they were just too much money back then. I got this one from a friend with only 25K miles on it. It drives perfectly and made to CA. from CO. for a station wagon car show without trouble and averaged 24 mpg!

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  Very Good Car - 2006 Buick LaCrosse
  By Joe - April 12 - 3:20 pm

  Have had Buick Regals before with virtually no problems and expect the same with the LaCross. It rides very nicely, good mileage, the 3800 runs like a top as they all do, and its MADE IN AMERICA!

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  Japanese, eat your pocket books out! - 2006 Buick Lucerne
  By Southern Guy - April 12 - 2:30 am

  Expertly styled and built. Breathtaking interior. I wanted something different from all my coworkers and friends. Boy, does this car have class and style that I just dont find in the Azera or Avalon for that matter. Test drove the Avalon, and Es300 and it seemed more suited as a competitor for the Es. Still chose the Lucerne. It simply seemed to outclass the Lexus and I know the V6 to be tried and true.

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  Window Replacements - 2002 Buick LeSabre
  By Upset - April 11 - 12:42 pm

  In the 6 years we have owned the car we have replaced all 4 window motors. This is not a cheap thing to replace. No one has been able to give us an explanation as to why this occurs. The car is garaged and no children to slam doors. The fuel economy is excellent but the money we save go into replacing window motors.

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  BUICK RENDEVOUS - 2004 Buick Rendezvous
  By DEVONTE EDMONDS - April 10 - 2:00 am

  SMOOTH RIDE AND EXCELLENT HANDLING. GAS MILEAGE PROBABLY LESS THAN ADVERTISED. AN EXCELLENT BUY AT A MODERATE PRICE.

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  Buick Hit It Out Of The Park - 2009 Buick Enclave
  By Red Jewel Enclave - April 9 - 4:56 pm

  The Buick Enclave is a thoughtfully designed vehicle that is beautiful in every way. The exterior styling with the Red Jewel tintcoat is stunning against the chrome finishings. We chose the cashmere leather with cocoa accents, which sets off the luxurious tone of the interior. The Edmunds editor doesnt like the interior bling, but we love it. On a recent road trip, we averaged 22mpg. With city driving mixed in we are seeing an overall average of 19mpg, so we are very satisfied with the fuel economy. No other SUV comes close to this one in terms of comfort, quietness and luxury features. My other car is a Cadillac and all I want do now is drive the Enclave (but the wife wont let me).

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  2003 Buick LaSabre - 2003 Buick LeSabre
  By LCB - April 9 - 10:46 am

  I recently purchased the 2003 LeSabre with 74,000 miles on it. It is a great car with a lot of features, however, there is a problem with the air suspension that I thought the dealer had repaired, but after driving it while the suspension is still not right. Im going to see if I can change the suspension to a non-air to see if this will work. Other than that the ride is great and a love the way the engine sounds.

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  A Great Vehicle! - 2006 Buick Rendezvous
  By Paul Camern - April 8 - 10:01 pm

  Leased my Rendezvous brand new in 2006 and bought out lease in 2009 because I have never owned a more reliable and dependable vehicle than this. Buick hit it out of the park with the 2006 model yr. and wish they were still being built since the Enclave is too big and much more expensive than the Rendezvous. For an Suv it handles very well, its a Buick so it is very well appointed. Gas MPG is remarkable getting 20 mpg in town and 27 mpg on the hwy. Other than oil changes and the 30,000 mile maintenance, I have not spent one cent on my Rendezvous!

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  Fits anyone - 2007 Buick Rendezvous
  By Tom Worrell - April 3 - 12:17 pm

  Ive had this Buick for six months and just got done driving 1000 miles down the east coast with close to 30 miles per gal. of gas. Im 64" and I still have plenty of head room even with a hat on.The radio and cd are find as far as Im concerned.

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  I Love This Car! - 2006 Buick LaCrosse
  By SBurlJeff - April 2 - 7:14 am

  I have had this car for 3 months now. I wanted something affordable with a little bit of luxury thrown in too. What I got was a whole lot of luxury in a very smart package. From the leather seating and trim to the audio controls on the steering wheel to the smooth, almost inaudible engine this car is so much more than I expected. I fall in love with this car every time I get behind the wheel. My insurance dropped considerably too. I cant believe that not everyone drives a Buick.