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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  Nice car - 2006 Buick LaCrosse
  By Jim - November 20 - 2:11 pm

  After 3 months of shopping for a car for my charming wife, I decided on the Buick LaCrosse. Nice fit and finish, very comfortable ride, and lots of safety features. This car has great manners! GM put a lot of attention into the details on this one. Quality materials with an expensive feel on the inside, fit and finish to rival the best cars on the market, great ride and stereo. The exterior styling is pure class.

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  Good Solid Car - 1997 Buick LeSabre
  By michael - November 13 - 10:30 am

  This car is my 10th car and its a good solid car. In the past Ive had Camaros and Mustangs, however those dont compare because theyre sports cars, but this car is a good fit for the daily driver. It runs great, and it feels like youre floating with the dynaride system. The only problem Ive had with the car was installing a new tranny. I bought the car with 54,000 miles on it from an elderly woman who never peaked past 45mph and the first few expressway times I blew the tranny at 80mph. I installed with labor $1000. Im not a big fan of the exterior looks, a little outdated especially being young and good looking like myself so I may buy a convertible for the summer

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  Buick Ranier - 2007 Buick Rainier
  By Andy Anderson - November 12 - 7:26 pm

  A real truck with real towing capacity, yet as quiet and smooth as most luxury cars in town and on trips. Optional sound system is very good. The nav system in my 2004 was cumbersome, so we left it off the new 2007. Buick fixed the AWD system, and it engages smoothly in 2007. Competent handling for a luxury truck. Dont drive or evaluate it as a sports sedan. I used to make jokes about people who drive Buicks, but this vehicle grows on you.

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  Disappointed - 2006 Buick Lucerne
  By prepress - November 7 - 2:40 am

  Initially, serious pull to the right. Finally after 3 stabs the problem was corrected. Sight lines are terrible for backing out of a parking spot. Headrests are right in the middle of the side window. Do not like not having the trunk release available other than key or glove compartment. No trunk net, why not? Do not like system for bright lights, too easily clicked without intention. No cigarette lighter. Gas mileage less than expected on highway. No drop down seat in back. Small pass thru is not adequate.

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  The Best Vehicle For Long Trips - 2006 Buick Lucerne
  By lucern - November 4 - 9:25 pm

  A great ride. Quiet, smooth, and easy handling. Great if you like a roomy interior with soft seats that adjust at a touch of a button

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  Mostly excellent - 2002 Buick Rendezvous
  By rotharch - October 28 - 6:06 pm

  Owned my Rendezvous for 4+ years, has been the best vehicle I have ever owned, but its not quite perfect. Relatively quiet, very comfortable seating, much better than average creature comforts. Very easy entry/exit (important for us seniors!). Versatile storage/seating options. Lots of cubbies and storage spaces. Excellent gas mleage - 19/24. Maybe a bit less than perfect mechanically. New A/C compressor, engine water leaks, transmission, fuel system, a few other more minor problems. Also, a few body integrity problems with wind noise, door fit. Very poor resale value. It has depreciated much more than similar vehicles from other manufacturers.

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  Falls Short - 2006 Buick Rainier
  By Barb - October 23 - 2:25 pm

  Our Buick Ranier has plenty of interior room, and has so far been very reliable. However, the interior build quality leaves alot to be desired! Everything from the door handles, and door power panel mouldings, to side door mouldings has fallen off and the seatbelts stick. The rear end makes an "undetermined" noise and it does not handle great if you have to do any sudden "avoidance manuevers" while driving. I drive mostly highway and have never seen anywhere near the supposed 21mpg mark. I average 17.2mpg in a 2WD. It should not be in the luxury class, as it is just another mediocre GM SUV. Admittedly disappointed. Cant wait til my lease is up! Terrible resale value. GM will never listen to what buyers really want...Thats why Toyota & Honda have really taken off. They listen to concerns and work with them to build vehicles people want.

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  Just OK for me - 2008 Buick Enclave
  By Lynne D. - October 23 - 6:56 am

  My 2008 Enclave is one year old with 23,000 miles. I waited a year to write this review so it would be more accurate. Bad things: I get 16 mpg consistantly, much less than I expected. Transmission is a constant issue. Pulling on to a highway from an on ramp into traffic is tricky as this car just doesnt have the acceleration or power needed to pull this off effortlessly. When heat/AC is on with the fan it is very loud. Moulding of the front bumper comes to a point and is very low to the ground. Watch curbs when parking! Good things: Roomy inside and we love the "minivan" seating arrangement where you can walk through to the third row. It looks nice and turns many heads.

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  Decide for yourself - 2006 Buick Terraza
  By firstbuick - October 23 - 12:05 am

  I just bought a Buick Terazza CX. Why? Lets start with the design. Nice exterior, elegant interior. Then look at the build quality. It is great! GM has come a long way since the 1997 Pontiac Transport we had. Some hard plastic surfaces to be found, but so what? I dont see molding seams, everything fits well. The dash is solidly put together. Turn signal stalk is silky in operation. Knobs work with quality feel. Other vans may be benchmarks. Approach these with an open mind..

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  Old man - 1995 Buick LeSabre
  By nick - October 22 - 7:18 am

  Im still under 50, but my car gets me called "old man"! I bought the car 10 yrs old with 52k miles Im sure I can sell for teh same. Great value. Real interior comfort, favorite 3800 motor, all in a "snowplow"!