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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  My car - 2006 Buick Rainier
  By mcquiston - August 21 - 9:05 am

  Very limtied cup holders. Front seats need to go back another couple of inches for taller people. The settings should be key linked and not linked via remote

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  Amazing value, great style too. - 1999 Buick Regal
  By Jonnyman - August 14 - 4:27 pm

  I was shopping for mid-mileage cars and my price- range couldnt find anything I really liked, then I saw my Regal LS with 145,000 miles on it. Car drove like new and was clean inside and out, loaded with features, quiet engine with loads of power and uses regular gas. I dont need the GS (Im not racing). This car will transport 5 in style, great value better hwy mileage than Camry, better looking and bigger trunk too. The LS turned me into a Buick man, I put 6000 miles on it already and no problems so far, My family now travels in style even on a budget, if you can find a Regal LS get it!

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  V6 handles very well, very reliable - 1992 Buick Regal
  By Katie - August 14 - 12:08 pm

  I bought this about three and a half years ago with 80,000 mi. The body was in excellent condition for a car that was over 10 years old, no rust. It now has over 125,000 and still looks beautiful (despite the damage from a little run in with a deer). Ive had to do very little routine maintenence outside oil changes (serpentine belt replacement, o-ring replacement, fuel pump, and starter). Smooth ride on the highway, hasnt given me too many problems and surprisingly decent gas mileage.

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  GM known defects - 2002 Buick Rendezvous
  By Shar - August 10 - 7:46 pm

  Id say its been a pretty good SUV. 20 mi to gal in town, never failed to get me there and back, but when something goes wrong it will cost you an arm and leg. Why do I keep it? Because in 6 mo. its paid for!

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  Luv-it Lucerne - 2006 Buick Lucerne
  By Chas. Stauber - August 10 - 1:37 pm

  Having owned four LeSabres prior to buying this Lucerne, I can give an accurate evaluation, I think. It is so silent one thinks you should be in a Caddy or Town car.

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  Horrible Gas Mileage - 2006 Buick Rainier
  By shrimp525 - August 8 - 10:02 am

  I really love the way my new car drives, but the gas mileage is horrible. I have been averaging 10.1 miles per gallon. I have tried driving with the windows open but nothing helps. I do love the car but I would like to get more mileage from a tank of gas. I drove almost all highway and got 239 miles on a full tank.

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  abh - 2003 Buick Rendezvous
  By skipper - August 3 - 10:00 am

  love it. only 1 small problem in over a year.

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  Needs improvement - 2003 Buick Rendezvous
  By Joe Chianti - August 3 - 10:00 am

  The front and side appearance of the car is great. The rear appearance out of wack. Too much red and plastic for sure. Same engine as the Venture which was my previous lease. Averaged 22/23 mileage per gal overall and only getting 18 on this car. Dont not believe car is heavier including a smaller fuel tank. Other then the above really like the vehicle.

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  I like it - 2003 Buick Rendezvous
  By phne - August 3 - 10:00 am

  The vehicle is comfortable and economical. Im averaging over 23 mpg with about 50-50 city and hwy driving. The layout of the dash is impressive and functional.

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  My Opinion of Buick has Slipped - 2003 Buick Rendezvous
  By Jon Tao - August 1 - 9:04 pm

  We bought this car new, not knowing it was made in Mexico. Shame on me for not doing my research. At 60k, the intake manifold started leaking and at 84k, the transmission needed major work. I am disappointed. GM needs to do better. It seems that these two problems are very common for this engine and transmission.