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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  The good,the bad & the ugly - 2006 Buick LaCrosse
  By Jack - September 27 - 8:11 am

  The Lacrosse CXS is fun to drive. Very comfortable seats. Lots of power from the new 3.6 variable-valve-timing V-6. Love the XM satellite radio. Good fit and finish, both inside and out. Good handling car. Much better driving and more comfortable seats than previously owned 2006 Lucerne CXL V-6. Poor gas mileage on the 3.6 V-6. Some kind of reflection appears in both sideview mirrors (suspect from bright moulding at bottom of front side windows?) Dont like GM forcing customer to buy their OnStar system. I could live without it. Rear seat leg room barely adequate. The rear view is rather ugly, especially with the 2 big tin can mufflers.

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  Great Little Sporty Car - 1995 Buick Skylark
  By Paraglider - September 23 - 3:15 pm

  I have been driving my 1995 Buick Skylark GS for about three years now. I purchased it the last time gas was three dollars a gallon as an inexpensive commuter car to use instead of driving my diesel pickup all the time. I could not be more pleased with this car! The Skylark is the second Buick I have owned. I find them well built, economical, and a good alternative to the imports. I get as good of gas mileage as many imports, with a much more powerful, nicer car to boot. It is a pretty red with dark gray exterior trim and black and gray leather/fabric interior. The exterior of the car looks sporty (for a Buick!) but dulls

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  Rendezvous- got it together - 2003 Buick Rendezvous
  By lfkpt - September 20 - 10:00 am

  We have owned our 2003 Buick Rendezvous for only the brief period of two weeks finding it a great meld between a mini- van and a SUV. Toys abound inside and out from the all-wheel-drive to a heads up display and memory seating. Engine power is fair. Removing the second row seats is moderately difficult with the third rows removal which includes taking off four bolts a royal pain in the knuckles.Gas mileage has been in the 19-21 range. XM radio has too many dead zones.

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  A Kicked-up Uplander - 2007 Buick Terraza
  By mbenge - September 15 - 10:39 pm

  We used this van for six days while visiting the San Diego and Palm Spring areas in California. We actually had rented a Toyota Sienna that we loved, but at 20,0000 miles it began having brake trouble on the second day. The rental company didnt have anymore Siennas so we went for the Terraza. The controls and display are very well appointed. The DVD player was a huge plus. The van handled well for it is. However, the back passenger seats were uncomfoartable and quite narrow. The road noise was incredidble. Where as in the Sienna four of us could easily carry on a conversation in the Terraza it was a struggle unless we were traveling at 30mph. The dash was already vibrating at 1500 miles!

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  Love my Buick - 2005 Buick LaCrosse
  By BearSgt - September 14 - 10:30 pm

  Had my LaCrosse now for a bit over one year. The only problems associated with this vehicle are the rotors and wheel bearings. Only have 14,000 miles on it and had to have 3 rotors and wheel bearings replaced. It needs to get better gas mileage and a handle to assist in opening the trunk. Otherwise, I love the car. Its very quiet and has a smooth ride.

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  Good Value - 2006 Buick Lucerne
  By jollyviking30 - September 8 - 6:41 pm

  The setting of, and operation of the controls is very confusing. Damn car wants to take over ( ie windshield wipers, lights etc)Brakes are very weak, and I know the pads are going to have to be changed yearly. Mileage is not very good, and no gas station attendant has figured out how to open the gas cap .I love the color and shape of this car. Overall I liked my 1997 Bonnevile better.

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  Buick Lucerne - 2006 Buick Lucerne
  By not old - September 7 - 9:03 am

  On a recent 2200 mi trip I really enjoyed my drive. I drove the entire trip by myself. I did find that the seats were comfortable and the heated seat helped with fatigue even in July. Avg about 29 mpg at 75 - 80 mph. There was a problem with the AC dripping condensation on my left foot.

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  Unexpected maintenance cost - 2003 Buick Rendezvous
  By 03Rendezvous - September 3 - 5:09 am

  Overall drive is fun. It feels like a car, but gives you room. Third seat option a must. Only used it a minimum amount of times but it was worth it each time we needed it. It was the highest maintenance cost vehicle we have had in about 15 years. As much as I liked the feel and ride, will not buy another one because of the maintenance cost.

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  2006 Buick Rendezvous - 2006 Buick Rendezvous
  By DMD - August 31 - 10:40 pm

  I have owned my 2006 Rendezvous that I purchased used for almost 5 months. In short, I love this car. It is very quiet, smooth, has reasonable power, and has reasonable gas mileage. It is flawless with its fit and finish, and its quality of components is also very good.

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  Cruising Machine - 1997 Buick Park Avenue
  By avcad - August 28 - 10:00 am

  Large, comfortable, powerful automobile. Very good servicability except for belts. Excellent reliability through 143,000 miles.