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 have ever owned - 2008 Buick Lucerne
  By Ted Strickland - September 4 - 6:07 pm

  this Sep 4 2010 this car has been back to dealer for oil changes only. Its a little big for my taste for then the others were too small

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  1 Month Owner - 2011 Buick LaCrosse
  By GM/Toyota Fan - September 4 - 3:22 pm

  Great looking car that caught our attention. We have been Avalon owners for a while but the latest new model is not much different. Most of the comments online here are spot on about the LaCrosse (especially the negative items). Gas mileage a lot less than Toyota, interior and trunk is more limited than the Avalon. Exterior visablity is on the poor side (lots of blind spots). We target vehicles with a quite ride and this car provides it. Dont know about liability, but it is like my suburban it should be ok. We are very happy with the vehicle and cant really complain about the negatives because we knew about them going buy the car. Thanks to Edmunds and those that posted reviews.

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  Best car ever - 2001 Buick Century
  By KTS - September 4 - 5:46 am

  Bouught the Buick used,and havent regretted it ever. Car has over 250,000 miles on it. I dont baby my cars, quite the opposite. We did replace the engine, but my son never changed the oil the year he had it, so our fault. The engine did have over 150,000 miles on it before it died. Im driving her til she dies and dont think that will be soon. I drive this car everywhere across the state, on vacation. VERY DEPENDABLE!!!

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  Great car for travel! - 2005 Buick Terraza
  By Fred - September 3 - 4:09 pm

  Bought new in January,2005, our car now has 83,000 miles and has performed flawlessly. We have made several trips of more than 900 miles in one day with trade-off of drivers, and the comfort of its seats make that no problem. Mileage on trips is usually about 23 MPG, more at lower speeds. No repairs required except rear hubs became warped and noisy at 50,000 miles. Tires had to be replaced at 60,000 miles- good but not the 81,000 miles our 98 Oldsmobile van got. The interior design is very classy and car has many quality features. We wish GM would make more vans and not push everyone towards SUVs which are not nearly as economical and versatile.

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  Not your fathers Buick (2010 Lacrosse) - 2010 Buick LaCrosse
  By crankee - September 3 - 2:37 pm

  OUTSTANDING! The new Lacrosse is a reflection of the German platform design team and the Chinese interior & onboard intelligent systems team inputs. The engine & 6-speed transmission, with available manual shifting provides 29 mpg at 75 mph. The fit & finish, leather seats and lighting are all spectacular. 18" wheel option and H-arm rear provides great road manners and handling with triple seal doors resulting in QUIET RIDE. Stellar sales results are the consumers endorsement of the product. Great choice at a very competitive price point.

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  Wow, what a SUV! - 2010 Buick Enclave
  By Happy Enclave owner - August 31 - 10:50 pm

  After owning Chrysler built minivans for 24 years, we purchased the 2010 CXL 2 Enclave August 4 and have 1900 miles on it. It has been flawless to date. Got 24.2 mpg at 55-58 mph during 500 mile break in period on trip. Since then, 22-24 mpg at 65 mph on trip. The Enclave is so easy to drive, is whisper quiet inside, totally rattle free, and has a very classy exterior appearance as well with the new gray-green paint, chrome wheels, and Michelin Latitude tires.

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  Great Purchase - 2011 Buick Regal
  By Leroy Tyson - August 31 - 6:07 pm

  I have had my car for 3 weeks now and love it. I used to drive a Honda Accord and driving this car is no comparison. It is quiet, and has plenty of power. I hit 80 without even knowing it. I love the Infotainment system..still learining all the features and the ONSTAR is the way to go. GREAT CAR, this is not your GRANDPOPS BUICK!

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  Awesome ride by Buick. - 1996 Buick Riviera
  By Rodd - August 31 - 6:06 pm

  I bought a nice 96 Riviera that is Supercharged for $400! It has been sitting for three years due to drivers sudden death. It was a very sad story. I bought a $144 battery and put under the seat. It started right up and ran great! No knocks but it had a great big brake line leak. I drove it the 20 miles home with no brakes! It was a comfortable ride and man the power was awesome! The buttery leather seats and carpet and still like new! It is like riding the the space shuttle cockpit! Tires and brakes were just replaced! Engine and tranny are superb! I have it at the shop now to replace the brake lines and I am looking for a hood and fender as it hit a deer just before it was parked

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  Good News for Buick - 2010 Buick LaCrosse
  By Larry - August 31 - 2:58 pm

  I picked this model to get the more powerful engine. It drives and handles like a sports car. The car is very comfortable and roomy. I traded in A Cadillac DTS and leased the Buick. The Buick is better equipped and handles better. It gets better gas milage and performs better than a number of competitive cars I tested.

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  Big mistake! - 2005 Buick Terraza
  By Dan - August 31 - 8:41 am

  I bought the van used in 2008 (58,000 mi.) Traded in Jeep Commander which just didnt have enough room for my family. Big Mistake! Nothing but problems. Drivers side power door had been "fixed" six times now. Yeah, right. Number seven is right around the corner. Tranny slipping horribly. Radio turns off by it self at random. Headlights flicker. Heated seats do not work anymore. Pass. power seat broken. Carpet stains very easy. Door handles break often. The only thing that works right is the DVD system. I have owned over 20 vehicles. This is the worst ever! And having major dealership problems now too.