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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  Growing up fast, maybe too fast - 2006 Buick LaCrosse
  By nymonkey - December 14 - 8:25 am

  I am 26 and recently purchased this vehicle after test driving a 2007 Aveo (too small and cramped for family of 4 ) 2005 Pontiac vVibe (didnt know if I could get used to all the red in the instrument panel) I loved the ride quality compared to the other two vehicles after the intial drive as well as the interior styling classy and understated. I always veiwed Buicks as what you drive when you retire but thought the updated exterior was new and aimed at a slightly younger generation. After driving the vehicle for 1k mi I find that I may have gone after this car 15 years too early as the quiet, mild mannered, and unresponsive vehicle seems far too boring. Vibe?

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  New Buick - 2007 Buick Lucerne
  By vt boy - December 7 - 4:54 am

  I replaced an E class Mercedes with a Buick Lucerne due to the poor reliability of the Mercedes. The Buick drives as well as the Mercedes with on road mileage almost as good. Only two features of the Buick bother me, the rather large turning circle, and the total lack of style of the rear of the car. Other than that, I am very satisfied with the car.

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  Wind noise! - 2007 Buick Lucerne
  By Tim House - December 5 - 6:35 pm

  My 2007 CX Buick has a lot of wind noise starting at 45 MPH. I have driven several, and all have some degree of noise, but mine is the worst. The fix is turn the radio on.

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  Interesting Van - 2005 Buick Terraza
  By Brian - November 28 - 8:38 am

  We had a few problems when we purchased the vehicle, but GM fixed them all and gave a replacement vehicle to drive. After all the issues were resolved, there still are a few annoying squeaks coming from the CD/radio panel. It needs a little more attention to the interior sound detail. A little disappointing to the Buick line. Overall, its been fun to drive. Though the cruise control does not work very well either. GM is still working on this issue. It carries the family well to get togethers and the DVD player works very good. It certainly is an upgrade from the Pontiac Montana we drove around.

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  Some Disappointments - 2005 Buick Rendezvous
  By James Charnock - November 27 - 11:13 pm

  Worst thing about the SUV are headrests: 6" back from ones head. For safety it should be 2" or less. I had to add neck pillows to compensate. Gas mileage closer to 15 than 19 for city. No vinyl protection available for top of back bumper so the bumpers are too subject to dings by others. Cross bars not very strong and no vinyl stripes on roof top to keep cargo bag from scratching surface. Like the wideness and shortness of the vehicle (for short garages)--4x8 sheets fit in without riding on the wheel wells--good handyman vehicle, especially with removable 2nd seats. Pulldown hatch strap has broken twice in one year. Poorly designed. Seat and height comfortable. Very hot days tax AC. Very cold tax heater

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  You Like? - 2004 Buick Rendezvous
  By rendez barber - November 25 - 4:23 pm

  I bought a pre-owned 2004 Rendezvous in October 2006 which was in impeccable condition. You would have thought it was brand new. This is a fully loaded CXL with almost every upgrade. I love everything about this vehicle except its inability to soak up "rougher" pavement. It is very stiff over just the slightest of bumps. I dont understand because when I read all the reviews, they claim otherwise. Such a sacrifice (stiffer ride) would imply a more sporty agility which just isnt the case. Thats my only complaint. If you can get past that, you will love this vehicle.

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  Nice but cheap parts interior - 1998 Buick Park Avenue
  By Foliclle - November 24 - 10:00 am

  Plastic parts inside break easily and often.

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  2 years - No Problems - 2001 Buick Park Avenue
  By Linda Batson - November 22 - 10:00 am

  I have owned this car for two years and have had no problems. It is driven about 25,000 miles per year. My husband and I both love the car and the ride.

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  A decent car - 1999 Buick Century
  By good car - November 21 - 9:32 pm

  I really did like this car for the quality of driving, but I had serious problems with the electric windows. I replaced 3 of them within a year and my brother is now having to replace all of them again since buying the car from me. A very comfortable car. I would reccomend it to anyone. Just dont use the windows

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  Snow Mobile - 2002 Buick Rendezvous
  By Shelby349 - November 21 - 6:15 pm

  It is a reliable, surefooted AWD in snow, slush and rain, but only when coupled with premium aftermarket tires. A comfortable ride. It seems from research as well as my own experience that common problems include A/C condenser failure, engine antifreeze gasket leaks, and some have experienced transmission problems.