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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  Very Happy with our Enclave! - 2008 Buick Enclave
  By BN - March 19 - 9:36 am

  We absolutely love our new Enclave. Frankly, we were hesitant about purchasing a Buick, but when comparing the Enclave to the other vehicles we were considering, the Enclave won out each time. The comfort, space, ride, look and feel of the vehicle reinforce our decision every day.

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  Built to Last - 1993 Buick Roadmaster
  By John - March 17 - 10:35 pm

  I got the car from my Dad in 2000 and have not had any problems with it. Its the most comfortable car ever. Its like driving from your living room couch. The v8 gives you the power you need for highway driving and on my last 1000 mile trip I was averaging close to 30mpg on the highway and 20 in the city. One of the best cars Buick has ever built. Too bad they cant get this mpg on their newer cars. Its big and comfy, but a problem to find parking.

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  286k and still going strong - 1996 Buick Riviera
  By Frank - March 14 - 11:40 am

  Great vehicle. Bought used in 1999 with 48k miles. No major problems just normal wear and tear. Just bought new tires with 286k miles. Plan on another 100,000 miles. Riviera is now a family fixture. Will replace with a 98 or 99 Riv when the time comes.

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  Fabulous and luxurious small SUV - 2018 Buick Encore
  By Paul@pchael13.com - March 13 - 3:07 pm

  I shopped a lot of them, and this one is wonderful and totally meets our needs.

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  Excellent Vehicle! - 2009 Buick Enclave
  By Brad - March 8 - 12:46 pm

  This is the best vehicle my wife and I have purchased. THe quality is outstanding. A relative of ours had the 2008 Enclave CX and we couldnt wait to get rid of our Trailblazer to get one. It drives smoothly, is VERY quiet, and we enjoy the XM radio. We test drove the Mazda CX-9, the Toyota Rav4 and the Toyota Highlander. The Enclave CX came with the most "bells- and whistles" standard than any vehicle we looked at.

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  Smooth, Quiet, Stylish - 2009 Buick Enclave
  By BS - March 7 - 8:47 pm

  We test drove the Cadillac SRX and Mercedes R350, but the Enclave beat them both, hands down. Much quieter and smoother ride and more cargo room.

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  the greatest car ever - 2009 Buick Enclave
  By dmb - March 7 - 12:34 pm

  The 2009 buick enclave is the best vehicle for the money. I love all the features and the price was more than reasonable.

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  They said it wouldnt last - 1995 Buick Roadmaster
  By Darryl - March 3 - 8:39 pm

  This is best car Ive ever drove that the experience grows on you.I hear people say they love it and I am feeling the same.I get a thrill just sitting in it,so looking forward to a trip soon will be like experiencing one of the seven wonders of the world.One person ranted about what a mistake it would be to buy this but man were they wrong.The experience of driving it grows on you continually,every ride is an experience in ecstacy funneling the thought till I can get on the road with it.I will only drive it on the highway and thats where it shines most.It did have a couple of very small dents,one on the wheel well edge,but the 1st and only body shop I went to,wanted 400 for ea dent.Not today

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  Got it used at a steal!!!! - 2003 Buick LeSabre
  By Mike - March 3 - 1:50 pm

  I bought this car after I totaled my Mazda Protege. This is the first full sized car that I have ever owned. Everything else has been a compact or sub-compact, so the difference is amazing. The ride is smooth and quiet. The interior features are laid out perfectly for ease of use. I can fit a car seat in the back and still have room for 4 people without having to scrunch. Once I got over the old man mystique of a Buick- I fell in love with it.

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  The LaCrosse is top-notch - 2005 Buick LaCrosse
  By Christopher Z. - March 3 - 5:30 am

  I used to drive a Cadillac and missed the "big car" ride when it got old and I had to trade it. I was looking for a less-expensive alternative to a Caddy, but I still wanted the ride and features of a luxury car. Buick has done it! This car has even more features than my Cadillac with that "floaty" big car ride. It gets better mileage and I didnt have to sacrifice much interior room. The insurance rates are much lower and the car is very modern-looking, strikingly beautiful in my opnion.