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:

• 

  An SUV with the "Buick Ride and Comfort" - 2002 Buick Rendezvous
  By dws41 - October 18 - 2:00 am

  Minor production problems (ex. Air Bag Light "flickering" while driving, defective Fog Light Bulb on delivery, paint "blob" on roof, missing tire changing "jack extension", vibrating second row passenger "captain" seats) were address over the first few months of ownership. Smooth "car like" ride of this vehicle is outstanding. Note: Has optional passenger lumbar seat (in Japanese cars this is not available) which is greatly appreciated in long rides for front seat passenger.

• 

  06 LaCrosse problems - 2005 Buick LaCrosse
  By Mike - October 13 - 6:10 pm

  Lifter noise on cold A.M. starts. Starter remains engaged with remote start. The leather seats are too firm and extend too far forward, irritating wifes back of her legs. Theres a rubbing sound when backing up out of garage/wheels turned to left. Too many push buttons on dash in proximity to others. Cheap floor mats. Had wipers replaced twice, kept bending in half.

• 

  Vibration - 2006 Buick Lucerne
  By sedan - October 12 - 11:32 pm

  Vehicle has been in shop 7 times due to vibration in the accelerator, brake pedal, and steering wheel during acceleration. Buick claims that is the way the vehicle is manufactured and refuses to handle the problem. My fifth new Buick! Problem noted on way home from delivery of vehicle. Has 3800 miles currently. Drivers seat is plush, but narrower than my 03 LeSabre.

• 

  Buick Ranier - 2004 Buick Rainier
  By David Michaud - October 12 - 1:58 pm

  I currently have about 70,000 miles on the SUV. My major expense was for replacement of blower motor for the AC system at 65,000 miles. At about 55,000 miles it was discovered the dip stick for checking the transmission fluid was corroded and fell off in the reservoir. This should have been covered by a warranty regardless of the miles. The paint for various buttons on the radio started wearing off showing the white undercoating.

• 

  Think Twice - 2006 Buick Lucerne
  By Mark - October 6 - 12:30 pm

  Im not happy with this car. Right "A" pillar is too big, creates a really big blind spot. Not enought headroom with sunroof if you are over 6 2" tall. Car is quiet at low speeds but not so at 70 mph. Turning radius needs to be tighter, makes it hard to be into my side entry garage. I traded in a 98 Buick Regal GS, sorry I did. I loved that car! Passenger seat rattles at 40 mph, and I already had it into the shop because it pulled to the right just driving down the road.

• 

  My only quirk - 2007 Buick LaCrosse
  By charles kelsey - October 5 - 10:49 am

  My only problem with the 2007 is the non retracting side mirrors. i live in a metro city on small street and still dont understand why car manufacturers dont make this a S.O.P. Obiviously they dont have to pay to have their side mirrors replaced annualy. Not to mention the smokers package i wont start on that you non smokers should keep your hands out of my pocket.

• 

  Mostly satisfied - 2006 Buick Rainier
  By Chelle - October 4 - 10:51 am

  I just purchased this vehicle, but was not looking for it. Wanted an Envoy, and could not get one, so this was suggested. Overall, I am happy with the vehicle. I have always owned a minivan, so this is different. However, the sad part about this vehicle is the gas mileage, it stinks! I was not prepared for the little gas mileage that it gets, but I am keeping it and just have to get used to it. Hopefully it will not let me down.

• 

  Perfect proof - 2002 Buick Rendezvous
  By Curmudeon - September 30 - 7:02 pm

  Why you should not buy a car in its first model year. Design of the vehicle, especially the interior, is both innovative and functional. Comfort is good, and long trips are not tiring. But, the car has been a succession of one repair after another - most a function of mediocre engineering. Most annoying is what the dealership tells me is an inherent flaw in the intake gasket which requires too frequent replacing. Will I continue to drive this vehicle? Yes. Would I buy it again? No.

• 

  Pros and cons - 2006 Buick LaCrosse
  By Frank - September 30 - 8:10 am

  Pros: firm road feel, 400 miles to a 17 gallon tank (23.6 mpg), quiet and spacious interior, comfortable cloth seats, attractive exterior colors available. Effective and quiet A/C and heating. Cons: whats with the drab instrument display? Steering wheel could be set a bit further from dash. Inferior audio in base model. A/C vents with diffused air only.

• 

  Im Happy With Mine - 2002 Buick Rendezvous
  By RDW - September 28 - 10:06 pm

  The only problem I have had with my vehicle was the battery. The former owner took meticulous care of the car and had only one problem, a wheel bearing. Car has 62,000 plus miles.