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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  Poorly built Transmissions - 2010 Buick LaCrosse
  By waytoolaidback - September 24 - 2:00 am

  Our 2010 is in the shop with tranny problem and weve only had it a few months. Its been in the shop for thee weeks now awaiting parts that seem to come each time with missing parts in the order claims the service manager. They are paying for my rental but that doesnt cut it for me. Today i called buick customer service and I expect to hear back from my district rep by monday. GM has to know about this problem, and they should issue a recall because something is terribly wrong. Our problem started with the car idling a little high and i let that go but a few days later it didnt want to shift into gear. Finally shifted into gear and heard a loud noise but it drove ok after that. The check eg

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  Worst Investment Ive ever made!!!!! - 2008 Buick LaCrosse
  By StickWithFORD - September 23 - 2:00 am

  This car has caused me nothing but problems. The day after driving it off the lot my "service tires" light came on. When I had it checked out at the dealersship I was told the pressure sensor was cracked. The dealership refused to pay for the repairs claiming it was my fault. The tires wear too easily due to the faulty rear struts. The car rattles horribly like its going to fall apart, the doors are 2 low, always hitting my head getting in. Now the car whines like a dying cat & I have gone from replacing fluid monthly to daily. The keyless entry hasnt worked since the 3rd month of me having the car. I see im not the only 1 with these issues. Entire car should be recalled. Back to Ford for me

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  Serious Reliability Issues - 2008 Buick Enclave
  By SunShine - September 21 - 2:00 am

  I wanted to love this car because it has the features that I needed, and it is my first American built car. Unfortunately, this car has had terrible reliability. The transmission had to be replaced, several rattle and motor sounds had to be fixed, the air conditioner had to be fixed twice already and it still doesnt work, and I just had to be towed, one week after my 50,000 maintenance, because of brake issues. I was on my way to taking my daughter to the hospital! I seriously regret purchasing this car.

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  New class of world class? Not - 2010 Buick LaCrosse
  By Tduke57 - September 20 - 2:00 am

  Update of an earlier review. Driving my 2010 CXS to work today w/just 3400+ miles and just shy of 4 mos ownership the car died at a traffic light. All electronics worked but the engine was totally dead and would not even attempt a re-start. Had to get towed by the dealer (Buick Roadside tried to send me to a dealer that was no longer a Buick dealer) and after a day of having it dont seem to have much of an answer. Despite months of research and reservations about picking a new model year car I seem to have made a mistake.

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  Luxurious Ride - 2009 Buick Enclave
  By Connie - September 19 - 2:00 am

  We love this car EXCEPT for the fuel economy. We went for something a little smaller than our Suburban to hopefully improve economy while still having enough seating for 6 passengers if needed (rarely). The car only gets about 12 mpg in town. On flat interstate it can get 22-24 mpg. Chrome on dash is attractive but a problem with glare while driving. Otherwise, we love the car - great ride on those Michelin tires.

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  lacrosse 2010 - 2010 Buick LaCrosse
  By formertoyotaowern - September 19 - 2:00 am

  This car is fun to drive. Sit in bumper to bumper traffic an hour a day, and am comfortable in here. Bluetooth and sirius help a lot. Seats good for me (52") and good back legroom for 3 adult. A little stutter on shifting, but overall runs very well. (had a 2003 avalon, decided not to buy another) gas mileage ok, 21 mpg. Middle console not well designed. you cant pull it out and have 2 cups in holders. No cup holders in back. the designers did not consider users needs. storage limited inside and trunk just ok. lots of compliments to date.. you need rear park assist. wish id purchased the blind side too. but price became too steep. oversized sunroof kind of chintzy with the fabric

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  Buick Enclave - 2008 Buick Enclave
  By donald longest - September 18 - 2:00 am

  This is a great vehicle. The only things to improve is the small rear window and needs more Hp

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  A solid runner - 1997 Buick Century
  By Lori - September 17 - 2:00 am

  Have had the car for over 13 years and it continues to drive smoothly and quietly at 113,000 miles. While Ive considered buying a new car, every time I drive my Century, I cant help but think why would I get rid of a good car like this? Ive been in the cars of some of my family and friends which are much newer than my Buick, but they cant hold a candle to it in terms of the ride, quiet engine, pick- up and solid feel. It still looks good and the paint job and leather interior have both held up exceptionally well. What can I say, I love this car and will continue to drive it until a major repair is needed.

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  Feels comfy and safe - 2004 Buick Regal
  By Mike - September 17 - 2:00 am

  I bought this used car because we have a 1999 LeSabre that just want die. It has 252,000 miles but feels like a boat riding the waves. I thought to myself, Id love this drive-train in a smaller car that handles better. Then, my favorite local dealer gets in this Regal. I loved it from the first drive. Got a great price and now Im lovin it. Who cares if my friends think Im an old man now. Theyre paying alot more to be cool than I am. HA.

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  Buick go it Right - 2010 Buick LaCrosse
  By Russ - September 17 - 2:00 am

  Its been about 20 years since Ive owned an American car. I looked at many cars such as Lexus, Mercedes, Acura, etc. but after several months of test drives and reviews I felt that the Buick LaCrosse had the best overall formula for being the winner & best value. I really like its styling and the new suspension with the 3.6 liter engine makes it a sporty car for its size. Its very quiet, steering is great, and it has a nice road feel versus the older Buicks mushy ride. The Sound system is great. Id rate it equal to the Bose system in my last car. The only thing I would recommend to change would be for more storage space for odds and ends such my phone,coins, et