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 I Will Have Ever Owned - 1991 Buick Regal
  By John - March 2 - 7:01 pm

  I bought the car without really knowing what I was getting. The features were attractive, especially exterior along with the radio controls on the steering wheel, express drivers side windows, comfortable cloth seats, lots of interior space and a large trunk, wire wheel covers, electric remote trunk release, electric retractable antenna, and more. But, what I really came to appreciate, and has been the heart of this car, has been a 3800 V6 Engine w/ TPI. After 265,000 miles I am still happy with the gas mileage, although a broken gasket on the central port just recently was replaced to hopefully return the mileage to 17/27. I laugh at drivers who dont enjoy driving in snow like I do.

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  Love my Riviera - 1996 Buick Riviera
  By cindy - March 2 - 9:53 am

  I purchased my supercharged Riviera off the show room floor. This is by far the best, most dependable car I have ever owned. I now have 202,232 miles on this vehicle and it still runs like a top. I still get 26 mpg on the highway, and have always changed the oil every 3000 miles. I wish Buick would could back out with this car. Hopefully, I will be able to drive this car for another 100,000 miles.

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  Beautiful car - 2009 Buick Enclave
  By safars - February 28 - 10:54 pm

  Have been looking at cross overs for over a year and chose the Enclave over BMW, Mercedes and Lexus. Traded in Yukon for smaller SUV and definitely love this vehicle. Exceptionally quit ride and great handling with luxurious interior. Expected much "smaller" feel but was extremely impressed. Very roomy and easy access to everything. Love the look. Very happy with my decision.

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  Buick Lucerne, beautiful, reliable - 2007 Buick Lucerne
  By William H Burke, J - February 26 - 5:42 pm

  I have owned this car for 2 years, and have had absolutely zero problems with it. It does 0 to 60 in 9 seconds, plenty fast enough for me, and has a magnificent ride. I have had several complements from total strangers on how beautiful it looks: I have the blacked out grill with ming blue. The aluminum wheels are nice. Anybody who compares this car with an Avalon or Azela(?) or Ford Taurus/Mercury Sable is completely out of their mind! My only complaint is the fuel mileage: I get 26 on the open road - not as good as the 29 I got with my 2000 LeSabre.

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  Knocks your socks off! - 2006 Buick Lucerne
  By TBP - February 26 - 4:10 pm

  I waited for months to buy this car. Ive always owned GM and been pleased, so I was really excited to see the Lucerne come along. I bought my loaded CXL V8 one week ago and am embarrased by the attention it generates. This car is tight, beautiful and very fast - really. During the first two days I found each feature was exactly what I would have wanted and smiled to myself knowing I had made a really satisfying purchase. It is important that you drive a V8 Lucerne and then perhaps a Lexus or Infinity. All of your senses will tell you that this is the one.

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  Very nice for its class - 2008 Buick Enclave
  By Enclave Fan - February 24 - 11:35 pm

  We bought our Enclave used with 11K miles and remaining factory warranty and have owned it for nearly 1 year. It has served us well with no problems. It is quieter and smoother riding than its relative (Acadia). Middle seats are comfortable, 3rd row comfort is exceptional. We average about 17 mpg/city, and 24/hwy, which is just as good as my 2005 Hyundai Sonata was getting prior to trade in So pretty good for its size in my opinion. Although we love this SUV, we are looking to trade it in for a van as it lacks the convenient power sliding side doors, and the cargo space of a van. Im in need of something more practical for 2 children.

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  Rendezvous - 2005 Buick Rendezvous
  By Hippie - February 22 - 10:00 am

  From the first moment that I rode in a friends Rendezvous, I knew that this was my next vehicle. It was very stable and handled like a dream. Unlike most SUVs, it rode like a car. All the compartments in it are very user friendly and well thought out. This was a car designed with busy people in mind, that have active lifestyles. Hats off to the design team! For once the car manufactures listened to the comsumers.

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  Love My Car - 2009 Buick Enclave
  By CAOwner - February 22 - 12:12 am

  Came from a minivan so I did lots of research. Was planning on an Acadia, but got a great deal on the Enclave fully loaded. I love all the extra features. It is comfortable, fun to drive - feels sturdy and safe, but hightly responsive. Great turning radius. Very versitile to transport kids and cargo, although slightly smaller that my van. Most of my driving is city, but just took it on a a long road trip to the snow with the family. I love it even more now. Handled beautifully and was very comfortable.

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  Yeah, I really would rather drive a Buick - 2004 Buick Rainier
  By Eugene Evans - February 19 - 5:01 pm

  I bought my Buick because I use a wheelchair to get around, and the car I had was unable to hold the lift, and the wheelchair at the proper level.It bottomed out constantly. The Buick has all the room and comfort you expect from a Buick, and at 62", I have plenty of leg room. As far as some people complained about fuel mileage, I am getting 18mpg around town, and get 28mpg on the highway and I dont drive like the proverbial Little Old Lady just because Im handicaped.

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  Built in America - 1997 Buick Century
  By M Scoville - February 18 - 5:33 pm

  Needed a car in a pinch and bought my Century not because a mechanic said it was OK but because it was a Buick. Times were bad and I bought it at one of those "We tote the Note" places. I havent had one bit of trouble. At times on the highway I can get 38mpg but typically I get 22 in the city and 30 hwy. My car has 148,000 miles and starts in the cold of Iowa. This has a 3.1 engine-I was scared because it wasnt the 3.8 I found no difference at all.I want a new car so bad but this car is as good when I bought it. I even thought about looking for another 1997. This car had the same rating as the 1997 Lexus 400 and the maintenence is less expensive. I simply now say my car is a 97 LexusBuick. If you want more bling move up the Buick ladder. Safe for your children too.