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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  Highway is great - 2008 Buick Enclave
  By Don Millsap - January 19 - 7:15 pm

  We purchase a new car about every 14 months, this is one of the best cars weve ever owned. Had no problems so far. Like the manual shifter in the mountains.

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  Rendezvous - the experts are crazy! - 2002 Buick Rendezvous
  By edavis - January 19 - 10:00 am

  I’ve had this car for 10 days, but I looked at other SUVs and vans. I will give an update after more use. Experts are wrong in panning this vehicle for handling and power. It is’t underpowered in any significant way. I easily passed two cars going 65 mph on a two lane road. Road testers realize almost few are interested in racing and slaloming down the highway. Look at the features real people use. I want to drive it everywhere, so I suppose our LeSabre is feeling sorry for itself. Interior room is good, not quite like our old van, but still very good. This is the compromise we were looking for. Why pay more for a foreign SUV which is inferior? This should be a real hit.

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  Finally got it - 2002 Buick Rendezvous
  By dispatcher2020 - January 19 - 10:00 am

  Ive loved this suv since it came out. My biggest problem was choosing the color. Decided on the pewter and it is so pretty. Its great to haul stuff and I got the 3rd row seats so its good to transport all my sons friends. Has a good ride and I love the full view. Had a Skylark before and was just impressed with Buicks. I love the look of this suv. I like it as well as the Lexus.

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  Go, Rendezvous - 2002 Buick Rendezvous
  By Jo-Ann - January 19 - 10:00 am

  This is a fun car to drive, easy to handle, plenty of storage, and a great sound system

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  A great Luxury SUV - 2004 Buick Rendezvous
  By rdor - January 15 - 2:00 am

  This is really a great sporty SUV. I love the quietness, the luxury and sporty look. Not a rattle and it runs great. More than enough power for me. Check out a black two tone one, and the vehicle takes on different sporty look with the dark rear side windows.GM has worked out any bugs and has made a great car. Got over $5000.00 in rebates and invoice price. Payment is less than my three year old Honda van and alot more quiet. Drive this car , you will buy it. GM is back

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  Best Car Ive Owned - 1995 Buick Roadmaster
  By morgankhat - January 14 - 4:50 pm

  The GM product is probably one of the most versatile cars I have ever owned. (Car, as in automobile, not pickup truck, not a truck based SUV, or even a half assed "crossover".) It will haul 7 adults (8 in a pinch) or 4 adults with 2 weeks worth of luggage, all inside the vehicle...no roof racks, trailers or hitch platforms. The cargo area will handle a couple dozen 4x8 sheets of plywood or a 5 drawer lateral file cabinet. It will tow 7000 pounds without a whimper, in cruise, up a 5% grade, at 55 mph. In normal use (no 7000 pound trailers) it gets 17-19 mpg in town and 24 on the highway.

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  Ive gotten my moneys worth! - 1992 Buick LeSabre
  By Janelle - January 14 - 3:25 pm

  I bought this land yacht in December 07 for $700 with 162,000 miles on it. Ive only had to replace the master cylinder, water pump and left turn signal socket. Nothing too major! Ive put about 13,000 miles on her and she still runs great. Ive certainly gotten my $700 out of this car. Im going to keep driving it till it doesnt go anymore.

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  Great Car - 2002 Buick Rendezvous
  By Fandoo - January 14 - 10:00 am

  Astounding!! Real worth of money!!!

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  Luxo-cruiser that can gallop - 2008 Buick Lucerne
  By skyhawk - January 12 - 5:18 pm

  Currently own 7 vehicles and decided it was time to update my people hauler a 97 Park Avenue. Picked the car up in Texas and followed my brother (a current Lexus and Volvo and prior Mercedes owner) and his quote "I love it, the most awesome car I have ever driven". A good friend who is a SCCA licensed instructor drove and quote Man this is a Vette with a back seat. My impression: The V8 fumbles just enough without being intrusive,interior is spacious and eye appealing and I have yet to find the body roll or the brake fade the "reviewer" mentions. Comparing to another friends Bimmer 5 series it is quicker, quiter, and handles as well. CXS a luxo-cruiser that can gallop.

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  RENDEZVOUS FUN - 2004 Buick Rendezvous
  By ALEASE - January 10 - 10:00 am

  WE HAVE HAD THE TRUCK FOR A MONTH AND ARE VERY HAPPY WITH IT. THE HANDLING IS GOOD AND THE VISIBILY IS GREAT SINCE I CAN SIT UP HIGH AND THE FRONT SLOPES DOWNWARD. THE ONLY NEGATIVE SIDE I SEE THUS FAR IS THE SIDE VIEW MIRRORS ARE LARGE AND THAT HINDERS THE DRIVERS SIDE, SIDE-FRONT VISIBILITY FOR MY HEIGHT(50)