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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  Awesome car to drive - 2010 Buick LaCrosse
  By Pam - July 16 - 9:59 am

  Just purchased this beauty on 7/10so far so good. I test drove the Maxima, Altima, and Taurus. I just kept coming back to the Lacrosse. It was hard to find the red, with the titanium interior and accessories that I was looking for but finally I did (had to travel to another state) I have had two people stop me so far to comment on the car. I believe it is due to the red exterior and chrome wheels. Runs very quietly and smoothly.

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  Update of last review - 2001 Buick LeSabre
  By Doug Fresh - July 14 - 10:08 am

  14 months later, and now with 250,000 miles on this beast, it has still performed without a flutter from the engine or tranny. I cant believe this car still consistently delivers such solid performance at about 22 - 24 MPG. In the last year, I had to replace the two front axles at about 230K, the lower control arms at about 240K, and the master electrical control, but what can you expect with this kind of mileage? She still turns over every day, looks great, and the interior, except for the cheap door skin pins, has held up well. Too bad they stopped making them, or I would now consider buying a 2010 when I give this one to my son in the fall for his high school commute.

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  Good but could be better - 2008 Buick LaCrosse
  By g. edmonds - July 13 - 10:36 pm

  This is my 5th Buick, but not my favorite. My 02 Buick Regal was more comfortable to drive. The front windshield is set at an odd angle. I lose my peripheral vision in certain instances (possibly due to sleek design - I checked the 2010 and it does not have this problem) and the self-darkening interior rear view mirror is not dark enough for cars that have high beams &/or maladjusted running lights. Otherwise it handles well and has good pick-up. Car has only 19,000 miles and so far, no major problems. Interior front passenger carpet keeps coming away from frame. Ive had it in for repairs 5 times.

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  I love my Buick - 2006 Buick LaCrosse
  By Paul - July 13 - 9:21 pm

  This is one of the best cars I have ever owned. The quality is really good compared with my previous conception of the "American" car. My car has a 3800 Pontiac Engine they tell me. It gets around 30 mpg on the road if I stay at 70 mph. If I go 80 on the turnpike it doesnt seem to hurt mileage that much. The car has more than enough power for passing. If I want to leave a pesty driver in my dust I can do so with ease.

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  Excellent Car - 2003 Buick LeSabre
  By lowhorn39 - July 12 - 10:26 am

  Bought this car used and fell in love. No mechanical problems whatsoever. Only problem I have with the car is the clear coat. It is starting to peel off all over the car and looks like hell. I will be keeping the car however and spending about $6,000 to put a custom paint job on the car. I plan on running the car well over 200,000 miles.

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  Great - 2010 Buick Enclave
  By Joel - July 9 - 12:37 pm

  This Enclave was delivered with no flaws. Excellent. Good power. 23 mpg on the road is very nice. Drives well in bad weather--snow, ice and wet. Great traction. The ride is both elegant and handling is responsive (surprising so)-- even on mountain curves. The comfort makes cross country trips easy. Love the tight turning radius. Its a keeper.

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  Not your Grandfathers or Fathers Buick - 2011 Buick Regal
  By Steve - July 8 - 12:25 pm

  Im pleasantly surprised with all aspects of this car. I was looking at Acura TSX and gently used RL, Volvo S60, Audi A4/VW CC and used BMW 3 series. Theres plenty of room for 4 and their stuff. The trunk seems bigger than all other cars I shopped. Feature for feature, it was by far the best value. Seats are supportive and very comfortable, took a 500 mile trip and averaged 31 mpg, including some stop and go traffic. An excellent consideration for those shopping entry level luxury cars in the under $40K class.

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  A solid car - 2003 Buick Century
  By V8 Man - July 7 - 12:53 pm

  We bought a slightly used 2003 Century for my wife. It now has 59K miles on it (in 2010) and has not been high maintenance at all. She really likes the car. Beyond routine maintenance, I do not think that it has required any other care. However, it is garage kept and locally driven mostly. The exterior has a timeless quality about it and still looks up-to-date (at least to me). The interior is a mix of cheap materials and upscale features, but overall functional and attractive. Several years ago, we did have a problem with it refusing to crank. Never did determine what the issue was, but it has never reoccurred. For the price, I recommend the car.

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  Mixed feelings - 2003 Buick Rendezvous
  By V8 Man - July 7 - 12:40 pm

  I bought a 2003 CXL Rendezvous with 40K miles in 2005. I got it for $16,500--I would not even have looked at it for the new sticker price ($30,000+). Overall, I have mixed feelings about this car, leaning toward favorable. On the positive side, it is a good-looking car, has a nice interior, and rides quiet. The 3.4 L V6 engine is strong enough for most trips. We got the third-row seat, but hardly needed it with just two kids (it folds nicely into the floor). On the negative side, I have replaced a number of parts--head gasket, driver-side hub assembly, electric window motor, electric lock, and rear differential fluid. Heater blows cold air on passenger side. Gas mileage is awful (15).

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  Great Car - 2001 Buick Regal
  By Brad Rich - July 6 - 1:08 pm

  My Regal LS has plenty of power combined with 30 mpg economy. The big trunk is endless with the fold-down back seats. I used it to haul lumber, but dont tell my wife.