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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  1997 Buick Riviera 2 Dr STD Sprchgd Coup - 1997 Buick Riviera
  By Gr8engineer - August 8 - 7:44 am

  I bought this car, brand new, right off the show room floor. We added a Wood View, dash and council kit. This car, with all the options, and additions, equaled the same model Cadillac, for $7000 dollars less. Those years of Cadillac had nothing but problems, this car had almost none. Had to replace water pump.

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  Awesome! - 2010 Buick LaCrosse
  By kcrnmale - August 7 - 10:54 am

  I use Edmunds as one of my primary tools for buying a car. I therefore, take this review seriously. The car is gorgeous inside and out. Many people have complimented my car and I think many also like the fact that its an American vehicle too. When reviewing, take in consideration the model and also the wheels. The CXS has the bigger V6 and the Touring package comes with 19" tires which will give a more sportier AKA rougher ride. The 18 wheels are chrome and dont look small at all. I did NOT want the Touring package because I prefer the softer, quieter ride. All upcoming cars will have bad blind spots because the new Fed rollover laws will mandate thick roof pillars.

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  Nice feel but lots of repairs - 2006 Buick Rendezvous
  By PhillyGirl - August 5 - 11:39 pm

  We loved our Buick at first. Within 3 days of purchase our windshield wipers stopped working in a snow storm because the motor on wiper blew? We had to get a new transmission 3 years into the car and was asked to pay $6,000. The warranty had expired. I never ever had to pay for a new transmission in a 3+year car.

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  I used to be a GM Fan. - 2008 Buick Enclave
  By Doug G - August 5 - 4:44 pm

  Mine was preowned but practically new when I got it. Great looks and design concept, but disappointing quality. The gears stripped out in the power seat control and was replaced (Im not Fat) The entire steering column was replaced to eliminate a persistent knocking There is a constant rubber- on-rubber squeak when you turn the steering wheel, which the dealer tells me he has brand new Enclaves with the same problem and Buick has no fix a water pump went out last month in cold weather the front end cracks and pops and sounds like the FWD drive train and suspension is flying apart drips oil. Generally speaking, its looks good and is comfortable, but is a typical, poorly built U.S. car

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  Mini Cadillac - 2011 Buick Regal
  By Bill - August 5 - 12:14 pm

  I have had the car for almost a month now and I love it. Was driving a 2004 Pontiac GP. What an upgrade! The quality inside is as noticeable as the styling outside. It not a race car but the power is adequate thanks to the transmission. The six speed transmission always finds the right gear unlike the six speed in my Acadia. Highly recommend this car if your budget is <$30K. I owned a Cadillac STS before and this feels like a mini version of that car.

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  Power windows - 2000 Buick LeSabre
  By Debbie - August 4 - 7:51 pm

  Do not ever ever think of buying this car. Power windows were cheaply made and they will all stop working. Cost is $400-500 to repair each window and that does not guarantee it will not happen again. Only fix is to permanently lock windows so they can never be used but how safe or logical is that? Apparently Buick does not care - never issued a recall because there is/was no safety issue. DO NOT BUY THIS CAR!

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  Just as Good as My Excellent 2008 - 2010 Buick Enclave
  By E. Nicklas - August 3 - 8:54 pm

  Had a 2008 and this one is just as good. Like the handling, performance and quality. It seems to turn a lot of heads for a car that is not really a new model. Many people complain of fuel mileage. I get 18-19 overall and 22.6 at 75 MPH. I doubt that many cars this big that will haul 7 with comfort will do this good.

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  Great car, but for drivers seat - 2007 Buick Lucerne
  By tament - August 3 - 4:47 pm

  I owned this car for 3 years and absolutely loved it. The only, and I mean only, drawback was the drivers seat was a little uncomfortable. Im a big man and it just wasnt enough seat for me. The back seat was like a limo. Performance was top notch. I never had a single problem with this car. I bought it used and it had been owned by Avis rental and had 32k miles its first year. Then I bought it and put another 35k on it the next two years before opting for a new convertible. However, I did have second thoughts before trading this car because it was a gem. If you are in the market for an a+ sedan this is it.

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  What a Rush to drive a Buick Enclave - 2010 Buick Enclave
  By joe ciccone - August 3 - 1:16 pm

  Excellent vehicle, fun to drive, very comfortable. Drove from Montreal QC. to Hallandale FL. and back in 15 days. very powerful on highway. excellent acceleration smooth ride and very very low road noice. Averaged 21 MPG at 80 MPH. Enclave is a huge vehicle and you do not feel tired after driving 14 hours a day. Drove through 100 degree heat, AC. worked well. drove in heavy rain and in foggy mountain conditions and had no problems. 18 wheeler truckers do not intimidate. What a rush.

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  My new 2011 buick Regal - 2011 Buick Regal
  By valerie - August 2 - 2:33 pm

  I picked up my new car 2 days ago. I have to say it is more than I expected. There are no buttons to unlock the rear doors you will have to read the manual to figure this one out. I also wish GM would build cars with the fuel door on the drivers side. But that didnt stop me from my purchase. The interior is nicely appointed and the seats are very comfortable. I have the stone metallic finish which seems to change color depending on the available light. I think the finish and exterior trim are exceptional. Plenty of engine for the size car. Brakes well too. The transmission is adequate and shift a little rough at low gear. My Saturn shifted smoother.