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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  Have owned 3 years with very few problems - 2002 Buick Rendezvous
  By adelphi - January 24 - 7:03 pm

  I bought my Rendezvous used in 5/2004 for $17K and have had only one problem. The left front bearing went and was repaired under warranty. It has been a very reliable car, and is superb in the snow. I currently have 66,000 miles on it and no problems. I recommend buying a used one with an extended warranty. The gas mileage is very good for a truck this size. I get about 19/20 mpg average. None of the truck chasis SUVs can come close to the comfort and handling of this SUV. Its not perfect, but its a steal if bought used. Go ahead and compare it to the Pilot, even MDX, its that good.

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  The car that lasts forever - 1998 Buick Regal
  By Robert Standen - January 22 - 4:55 pm

  This car has served my family well. For 9 years it has been extremely reliable which I wouldnt expect from a Buick. We have rarely put money into the car. The electronic displays for the heat/ac died a few yrs ago and it was over $600 to fix (we didnt) and the back inside door panels are coming off with very little backseat use. Those are my only complaints. It really is a great car.

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  Nice Ride! - 1990 Buick Electra
  By andy - January 22 - 2:55 pm

  This car is a great car for the money. The 3800(3.8L) is a great motor and has been known to go over 200k miles. Good power, and mpg. It gets 28mpg hwy. In a big car, thats sweet!

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  A Nice Buggy - 1991 Buick Roadmaster
  By shelley - January 20 - 2:42 pm

  I have had this car for 5 years and have enjoyed driving it. Lots of room for kids and vacation luggage. Its on its second engine with 200,000 miles on it and running good.

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  Wouldnt You rather drive a buick! - 2004 Buick Rainier
  By Joseph - January 12 - 12:16 pm

  I purchased my Rainier 12/06. Have driven it about 600 miles so far. Love it! I wish I had gotten it alot sooner. I have driven, and was willing to buy the new 06 Explorer, but after driving it and deciding it wasnt all what they said, I decided to try a Pathfinder. Too expensive. So I decided to try a TrailBlazer, Envoy and such. Drove the Buick and was sold! I love the power, quietness, options and such. Explorer comes with one power-point, where Buick has three. Also if you go to U-haul they wont rent you a trailer if you have a Explorer. Enough said about the tranny.

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  Buick Rendezvous 2002 model - 2002 Buick Rendezvous
  By Jacqueline Johnson - January 10 - 11:40 am

  Needs better gas mileage. When they make the tailgate door automatic, I will purchase another Rendezvous. Still waiting for that to happen. They havent changed anything about this SUV since its inception.

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  A New SUV Owner - 2005 Buick Rainier
  By Ed Chandler - January 5 - 3:24 am

  Easy to drive and maneuver in parking lots. Plenty of power in the 6 cylinder engine. Doesnt cruise on open roads as well as the LaSabre I owned previously but is much better on mountain roads. I like the inside comfort and controls. Plenty of storage space in the rear. Very smooth and quiet ride.

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  1998 Buick Riviera - 1998 Buick Riviera
  By Sherry - January 4 - 12:08 pm

  My 1st Riviera was a 91, loved the ride and body style. Looked for the 98 online. Found this it has been an excellent car in all categories except the awful paint job. I dont understand why GMC did not stand behind this when so many had the same problem. Everyone that you take it to all said the same thing that it was the factory paint, even the Buick dealer, but they wouldnt stand behind it. I have been in 2 minor accidents and am thoroughly impressed as to how well this vehicle did. I bought it with 40,000 miles on it, had to replace rack and pinion steering, other than that just regular maintenance.

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  Great Value - 2004 Buick Rainier
  By Will - January 3 - 7:53 pm

  Smooth and quiet ride. Great truck on a long trip. Love all the options. Great value. Too bad Buick does not know how to market this vehicle as I do not fit the over 50 age group who would "rather be driving a Buick". I bought the truck by a chance viewing on the car lot.

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  Not a quiet cabin ride - 2007 Buick Rainier
  By alex dunn - January 3 - 2:26 pm

  The 2004 Rainier that I had rode a lot quietier. This 2007 has a wind noise starting at 35 mph and gets louder. I have had it back to 2 different dealers for this problem as suggested by GM motors. They can doing nothing at this time because of no recalls or service bulletins. It seems to me that it is the door seals on the back. Sounds like the back window is open a little on both sides