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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  Let me tell you a little secret... - 1997 Buick Regal
  By Eric - May 12 - 9:22 pm

  After exhausting research for a third round vehicle (~100K, well maintained, clean), I decided to go with the Buick GS. For $4300, I stole this car. (Which, by the way was the private party value). Fully loaded and fast as heck, I couldnt be happier. Read these reviews, they are true. For a 1997 that has the same styling as a 2004, I have what others think is a newer car, 36mpg at 55mph, 240HP on tap, incredibly comfortable seating, and a record of superior reliability and safety. I turned down Camrys, Accords, Volvos, and countless others. I pay $298/year for 250/500 insurance in NY (no collision), and found this to be the most cost effective, fun to drive foreign or domestic vehicle

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  Better then my 2000 Maxima - 1995 Buick LeSabre
  By bobbym - May 11 - 12:48 am

  I purchased my 95 LeSabre custom with 67,000 miles almost 2 yrs ago, now have 78000 miles on it. A great car. Runs great like a new car,and its got quite a kick to it. It moves smooth, fast and easy. Even though my last car 2000 Maxima was a very good car, I honestly have to say...this LeSabre is an all around better car. I love it.

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  A little disappointed honestly - 2008 Buick Enclave
  By smiths - May 9 - 4:00 pm

  I was really looking forward to better fuel economy than my Toyota Sequoia - but Ive been very disappointed (avg 13 mpg - Sequoia avg was 16!). The dealer service department said they get tons of calls with dissatisfied customers regarding mileage of the Enclave. The transmission is also a bit screwy, you really have to push on the gas to convince it to downshift on a hill - and mine supposedly has had that transmission "fix" from the earlier versions. Even on level roads it seems to jump between gears unnecessarily. Its nice overall, maybe I just had my hopes set too high?

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  Wheel bearings - 2002 Buick Rendezvous
  By liteice - May 9 - 10:00 am

  I have owned this vehicle since 10/01 and while I am happy for the most part, I am starting to have issues with it. The tires wore very quickly compared to the other models I have owned. I am in the process of replacing both front wheel bearings and hubs with only 43000 miles. This car has not been off road and only sees highway travel. This level of quality is unacceptable. A poor showing for GM in my opinion.

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  Tough Car - 1996 Buick Skylark
  By LostRealist - May 8 - 9:29 pm

  This is a really tough car. In the 3 months Ive had it, its held up to a lot of abuse. I push this car everyday, and while I get pretty bad gas mileage from driving in a very "spirited" way, I get really good performance and the entire car is extremely tough (engine, chassis, trans, suspension, etc). Ive heard some really good things about this car, and so far its lived up to the expectations. Theres only few minor electrical problems with the car, but all of them have been previously recalled. The previous owner did not fix them. Basic maintainence is all that has been needed for this car. Overall, this car is a tremedously good buy.

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  A great all round car - 1995 Buick LeSabre
  By Cameraman - May 7 - 5:02 pm

  My wife and I bought our `95 Buick Last yeat and we think that this is a great car, It does everything right, great ride good handling (for a full size car), and I would recomend this car to anyone.

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  Very good, reliable vehicle - 1992 Buick Century
  By cpcrawford03 - May 7 - 1:50 pm

  I purchased this vehicle from an old lady, she just wanted to get rid of it because she was moving, and I got a great deal. When I purchased it I saw very little rust, but what I did see, became more prominent the longer I drove it. My family lives in Central Illinois, so the salt and other road grime eventually caused the rusting to worsen. Thats really my only flaw. I could never find any aftermarket parts designed specifically for the car, but I still loved driving it. Tell you what, that thing drove like a Cadillac, for 1/3 the price. Whenver performing routine maintenance on it, the servicer always said how much the 4cyl. engine could run forever. I loved that car.

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  Great Car!! - 2006 Buick LaCrosse
  By tridentnyc - April 30 - 11:39 am

  I love this car! Buick really has done an excellent job with the LaCrosse. This car shows that the long held misconception that foreign imports are always better than American made cars is just plain wrong. Congratulations to GM and Buick for making one beautiful car...inside and out! P.S. I could only give the reliability rating a "5" or average, because Ive only had the car for two months...Im sure it will be much higher.

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  Takes a beating - 1996 Buick Skylark
  By luvinit - April 28 - 12:47 am

  I despised this vehicle when I first began to drive it because it is a "grandma" sedan. Over a year of driving it, i have learned to love it. I have had some pricy repairs but given the age, the mileage and some of the notorious parts that come with it standard, i had expected it. The parts I believe may be due to the dealerships, and the previous owners fault they were in moderate condition when purchased but went far downhill over the course of five years. My vehicle has had basicly everything worked on except for the lower portion of the engine. The repair costs that i have suffered are most likely not common given that the main notorious object in the vehicle, has just failed(tranny)

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  Not recommended - 2002 Buick Rendezvous
  By Truong - April 26 - 9:48 pm

  I was happy with it after the first year. After that, things started to go wrong, compressor for AC leaked, front wheel bearing went. Dealer only replaced the failed bearing only not the other. I have to pay for two new tires. GM paid for the other two tires. Coolant leaked and after the 3 year warranty period. Fortunately, I bought extended warranty. This problem is well known with GM but they have done nothing about it. I will never buy another GM vehicle again. No wonder GM is losing money & market share to its japanese competitions. GM management deserves it.