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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  The "Baby Limo" - 1992 Buick Roadmaster
  By Joe Gray - March 6 - 11:56 pm

  I wanted a bigger safer car in 1997 then became 2nd owner at 68K miles. New tranny at 122K. New heater core at 130K. Two alternators, 3 or 4 mufflers. Rubber door trim wont stay on, I re- glue it, but looks OK if I dont wanna bother at the time. I rely on rear side view mirrors when changing lanes on the freeway - has a blindspot. Primary around town driving is in Drive, not OD. Ive bought tires once, highway, not all season. This car is not for sale and I drive it everyday.

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  4 star - 2006 Buick Lucerne
  By M Frost - March 6 - 4:24 pm

  Great car. Ive owned 2. Need to more highway driving

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  2006 Rendezvous - 2006 Buick Rendezvous
  By Brian - March 1 - 1:54 pm

  Very nice vehicle! I traded in a Chevy Trailblazer for the Buick to improve fuel economy and have been pleasantly suprised on how much cargo space this vehicle has! The vehicle has great power around town and the high seating position offers great visability for driving. The fit and finish on the vehicle is very good but I am very disappointed about the lack of space for tall drivers. I am 64 and although there is sufficient headroom, the legroom is much less than the Trailblazer and the drivers side door sticks to far in and hits my left leg. I also hit the parking brake with my leg as I enter and exit the vehicle. What I would give for a split bench seat!

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  Wonderful Commute - 2001 Buick Century
  By Tek - February 23 - 8:23 am

  I commute 1 hour each way to work 22 days a month and the ride is a pleasure! I have long legs and there is plenty of room for them and the seating is perfect for my back. I bought this car used for the price, ride and space especially for the commute and I was pleasantly surprised to get 30 MPG to boot! I have a family of 4 with 2 young kids and the the comfort is amazing. The only issue I have is the extended life coolant system which I flushed after 60000. I have never owned a Buick but this car has me looking for another one.

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  Good Auto - 2004 Buick Rendezvous
  By Gee Wizz - February 15 - 10:00 am

  I also own a Aztek, in fact bought the Buick because of my good experience with it. I like the Buick looks, ride and quietness. I primarily use it for longer highway driving trips. AWD is a comfort feel when I go to unfamilar places. I get many comliments about the looks of the vehicle. I have no problems or repairs to report in the 21,000 miles Ive driven. I like its smaller size & car-like handling. A little underpowered,but thats not an issue with me.

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  A good Buick LaSabre - 2001 Buick LeSabre
  By Warren Rowe - February 11 - 4:19 pm

  My 2001 Buick LaSabre has been a trouble free car and very reliable. It has given me a pleasant comfortable ride. My next car will certainly be a Buick.

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  comfortable car - 2005 Buick Rendezvous
  By Joe01545 - February 8 - 10:00 am

  pretty much as advertised. plenty of up front room. good performance with biger engine. poor gas,14.1 cty 18.4 hywy.

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  Im keeping it - 1994 Buick Regal
  By litl white thang - February 5 - 6:40 pm

  I purchased my Regal in 1996 and it now has over 130,000 miles. I have been in the market for a new car, each time I went to a dealership and they learned what I was driving, they say "thats a good little car", after hearing that the 3rd time i quit looking at new ones. Today a colleague spoke of selling her 97 Grand Cherokee so I went to Edmunds to check it out. She has offered me a pretty good deal but after reading the ratings on my Regal compared to the Cherokee I will decline her offer. I have had problems with the door handles and have had it painted after the paint flew off the hood and roof but that was just a year ago. This car has been very dependable and enjoyable.

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  Love my Rendezvous - 2007 Buick Rendezvous
  By Young Buick Driver - February 1 - 12:57 am

  Just bought an 07 Rendezvous about 6 months ago and I love it! Great for hauling the family. A little slow, but extremely comfortable and functional. Great vehicle GM!

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  Cant See Instruments - 2007 Buick Lucerne
  By Martin Brower - February 1 - 12:28 am

  When driving during the day without lights, the three dials on the instrument panel are dark. I just came back from the dealer, and he tells me thats the way it is. My wifes Toyota Camry instrument panel lights up during the day. The bottom half of the center dial lights, but the top half with the speedometer numbers is dark. The guage on the right with fuel level etc is completely dark. So is the RPM guage, but I dont need that. I cant believe that the 2007 Lucerne has been designed this way. Had I noticed this during the driving test, I wouldnt have bought it.