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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  A few quirks - 2010 Buick LaCrosse
  By lovesred - July 6 - 11:29 am

  Ive had my LaCrosse for about two weeks now. Its beautiful and runs great, but I do think the car has a few design flaws. The pillars, side view mirrors and the small rear window make it VERY hard to see. When Im driving fast and changing lanes on the highway I feel like Im taking my life in my own hands. The armrests are poorly designed, and the door handles are awkward. I dont think the seats are very comfortable. There is very little interior storage-the door pockets are virtually useless. The electronic door lock buttons are on the center console, not on the doors, which is confusing for guests. Even when accelerating smoothly the car often hesitates as it changes gears.

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  Wonderful car - 2010 Buick LaCrosse
  By Crystal River John - July 6 - 10:51 am

  My wifes new LaCrosse is one of the best cars I have ever driven..it is so quiet, that you have to check the tach to see if it is running!! With only 6000 miles on odometer, gas mileage on Interstate driving is right at 27 mpg. Comfortable seating, and rear leg room galore! I will consider leaving Cadillac when my lease is up in May, to buy MYSELF a new LaCrosse!!

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  It should have been a cadilac - 2010 Buick LaCrosse
  By meekochu - July 5 - 10:40 am

  I just dropped off my STS after completing my lease. I test drove the CTS and it was rough. The salesman talked me into driving the Lacrosse. It was love.. This car should be a Cadillac. I got the loaded CXS for about 38,000. The loaded CTS was almost 52,000 and it rode like a covered wagon. I love this car, it turns heads daily, the ride is beyond compare. If you get one, you must have the backup cameras, they are awesome.

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  Enclave Driving for Almost 2 Years - 2008 Buick Enclave
  By personal - July 4 - 12:45 pm

  I read a blog before we purchased who advised to purchase the back-up camera system due to the blind spots. I took that advise & it was right on. Im about 55" and my complaint is the visor doesnt block the sun when it is on the Drivers side. Lethargic pick- up is my other complaint. There is a lag when slowing down and then gaining acceleration to pass another car. Also a little thing but important to a woman is the hook on the back of the drivers seat is useless.

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  My 2010 Buick Lucerne - 2010 Buick Lucerne
  By jderosa@frontier.com - July 3 - 9:13 pm

  Overall I like the Lucerne. This is my second one and prior to the Lucerne I drove the LeSabre. Prior to buying Buicks I had driven Pontiacs for 25 years. i feel that the Lucerne is a very good value for the money.

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  Bring Back the Century - 2004 Buick Century
  By Brenda in Augusta - July 3 - 2:07 pm

  This is my third Buick Century. I bought them because of the comfortable seats and good mileage. We got 34 mpg traveling between Maine and FL this year -- with the car packed full. I want another one, but alas they are no longer made.

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  Good Enough for Seconds - 2010 Buick Enclave
  By Bob - July 2 - 10:24 pm

  Just traded my 08 Enclave on a new 10 model. Looks exactly the same, handles the same, and is just as pleasurable as the 08. I put 50K miles on the first one, and enjoyed every one of them. Three round trips between Idaho and my winter home in Florida, and Im looking forward to the next one. Ive owned a lot of new cars - BMW, Porsche, Nissan, Chrysler, Ford and GM - and the Enclave is by far the best yet.

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  LaCrosse CXS- New Class of World Class? - 2010 Buick LaCrosse
  By Tom D. - July 2 - 4:13 pm

  This is a beautiful car the exterior design with 19" wheel touring package is striking. Inside is magnificently appointed and the 11 speaker Harmon- Kardon audio system is superb. GM is proud of their collaboration with the Chinese in its design and building a true Lexus competitor. Then you open the trunk which looks like they collaborated with the old Soviet block. Is that imitation rat fur? Whats up with those hinges? Steering wheel 5 degrees off-center and a couple bogus service messages for suspension system- new model gremlins no doubt. Clearly though, this car is a huge improvement over any GM car Ive ever owned.

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  Awesome First Car - 1992 Buick Century
  By s3b3r - July 1 - 2:29 pm

  I am still driving this car, and as a first car this car is amazing. Reliable, comfortable and good on gas.

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  Love My Buick - 2008 Buick Enclave
  By Bing - June 29 - 9:15 am

  My Buick Enclave is best riding vehicle that I have ever had. The Enclave rides so smooth on the Interstate. I like all of the safety features standard on the Enclave. People ask me if I like my Enclave, I tell them no I love my Enclave. Gas mileage in cit could be much better.