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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  Never thought I would Drive a Buick - 2010 Buick LaCrosse
  By JTKC - July 31 - 5:16 pm

  I have purchased a Carbon Black with Tan perforated leather interior--I love the look. The car has sufficient pickup, though no sports car, it is perfect for my use driving significant highway miles. I have read some do not like some ergonomic aspects, however I have found the car to be very intuitive to use all functions from the cruise, menus, climate control, bluetooth--all very easy to use. I did upgrade to the perforated leather that is heated and cooled--GREAT feature. I also have the back window shade, again a great feature during these warm summer days. interior room for passengers is exceptional as there is ample legroom front and back with ease of entry and exit.

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  3 Month Owner - 2010 Buick LaCrosse
  By DC3KEN - July 29 - 8:00 pm

  In California and have had the CXL w/AWD for 3 months. What a good looking, comfortable car. Purchased with all the bells and whistles. Bought this over the Lexus because it was $15,000 less, but just as stylish and luxurious. Everyone who sees it thinks its hot and are impressed that GM is finally doing something right! I really enjoy driving it. It has enough muscle with the 3.0 (but not tons). Trunk space isnt overly large and I cant get more than 2 suitcases in there. The gas mileage is terrible, but friends with comparable Infinity and Lexus models say they get about the same. The colors are also bad, boring and limited. They need to get a better color palette!

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  I love my car - 1995 Buick Century
  By littlemissashley - July 29 - 12:16 pm

  I have had my car since 2005. I bought it from my aunt for 1500 and Ive been driving it since. I have only had routine maintenance issues but nothing serious happen. Agatha, as I have dubbed her, has been the best car Ive ever driven. It is dependable and sturdy, she gets around 24 mpg and runs great on the highway, which is where a lot of my miles come from. I cant imagine driving anything else. I would highly recommend this car to anyone looking.

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  For the long haul - 2010 Buick LaCrosse
  By Jom - July 29 - 4:09 am

  A traveling salesman, I traded in a 6 year old V6 Camry with 300,000 miles. I consume a car and never thought to drive something this nice. After 3 weeks and 3,000 miles, I cant wait for another day in this car. All cars have some issues, but this car is the best GM product I have ever driven. I bought the low end CXL, but it has everything I needed. Comfort and ride are exceptional, quietness is a joy. Reliability is still unknown, but highway miles are usually good for a car. I find the bluetooth actually works, the smaller stereo is just fine, and the interior lighting very relaxing. I can see where backup assistance could be valuable. It costs one more tank of gas a month than the Camry.

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  Unpretentious Luxury - 2011 Buick LaCrosse
  By Phieus - July 27 - 8:47 pm

  I wanted to buy another Avalon but not this time. So, I test drove the Lacrosse, fell in love and ordered one on the spot. I had to wait a while for it to be delivered but so far I am very happy with my CXS. Check that, I am in love with myn Lacrosse. The perforated leather is soft and supple, the seats are extremely comfortable, it handles well but the 19-inch tires are not as quiet as would I have liked. The fit and finish is excellent although not quite as refined as my Avalon. Overall, a great car and the only complaint I have so far is that I canot get the memory seat to work. I read on Edmunds that this is a design flaw and GM has not found a fix for it.

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  Stuck in the Middle - 2007 Buick LaCrosse
  By Bumpy - July 27 - 8:32 am

  I neither love or hate this car. Exterior looks great with chrome package, except rear end is too bland. Interior is typical with fake wood from Buick. More road noise than I expected. Handles well with a firm ride, not plush, you feel the road. This is not an old mans car. The 3800 series 3 is an outstanding motor despite its unrefined feel. Most of the reviews are, as usual, from newbies and problem cars. For those of you with steering/pulling issues please consider replacing the intermediate shaft. There some bad tires out there but tires are frequently a symptom of another problem. Note the difference in alignment with a loaded vehicle if there is a persistent alignment issue.

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  Column or console - 2010 Buick Lucerne
  By den - July 26 - 6:09 pm

  Ive been very satisfied with the Lucerne. I havent noticed any noise problems on mine but I have long legs and I buy cars with column shifts. I wonder if Ricks models have had console shifts.

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  Electrical Issues - 2010 Buick Enclave
  By Darlene - July 26 - 5:46 pm

  Purchased my 2010 Buick Enclave in August of 2010 with less than 100 miles. Enjoyed it until recently when the electronics started to fail. While driving the dash would fail and the a/c would stop cooling. Now it fails to crank off on on and the dealership states there is nothing wrong with it!

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  Not as roomy as Id expect - 2009 Buick LaCrosse
  By Michael - July 26 - 3:50 pm

  I have owned this Buick for a year now, and am overall quite pleased with it. My only complaint is that I hit my head getting in and out of the car and I am only 59". I have difficulty reaching the door to close it after i get in my head hits the door frame constantly.

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  Nice test drive - 2011 Buick Regal
  By SJ in Philly - July 26 - 11:17 am

  Considering Regal and took test drive over the weekend. Very good looking car inside and out. The interior quality was impressive to say the least. On par with the CC which friends of mine currently own. Backseat was larger than expected and on par with current car. Trunk was deep and well finished. Car was extremely quiet and handled well. Acceleration was adequate as one would expect for a non turbo four cylinder.