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:

• 

  2005 LeSabre Celebration Limited Edition - 2005 Buick LeSabre
  By Buick Owner - October 20 - 1:04 am

  I have drove Buick LeSabres for years. I own 2 LeSabres at the present time. They have all been very good cars. I bought the 2005 LeSabre Celebration Edition because it was the last year of the LeSabre. It is without a doubt the most comfortable, smoothest riding, most luxurious interior, and quietest LeSabre ever build and I go back a few years. It is so good that I keep it tucked away in my garage and only use it on highway trips and special outings. I use my 02 LeSabre for everyday driving in order to keep miles and wear off the 05 as I plan on keeping it for a long, long time. As you may have noticed, I have owned this car for a long time before writing this review. Great car!

• 

  The Enclave Saved My Life! - 2008 Buick Enclave
  By jbjomo - October 17 - 9:04 am

  Had a terrible accident but I was able to walk away from it thanks to the Enclave! It took the brunt of the damage and it was totaled. My insurance agent was amazed that I survived due to the condition of the outside of the vehicle. Im going to purchase an 09 for a replacement.

• 

  2004 Buick Rendezvous - 2004 Buick Rendezvous
  By jayfinn3 - October 16 - 7:08 pm

  After few weeks owning this Buick I am totally in love with this vehicle. Gets 19.8 miles on average and I dont drive highways. All wheel drive is great. OnStar works great and lots of head room for 64 person. It is fun to drive and has soft ride. This is not off road AWD

• 

  Excellent Vehicle - 2008 Buick Lucerne
  By F. J. WULFF - October 15 - 8:33 pm

  The 2008 CXL is an excellent sedan, with high mechanical reliability. It has adequate power, very comfortable, the design is most attractive and is a pleasure to drive. If you want a special long distance traveling vehicle, consider the Lucerne, it is comfortable and reliable.

• 

  2006 Lucerne is great! - 2006 Buick Lucerne
  By mehtahim - October 14 - 1:06 pm

  Like the sleek styling and comfort. Its roomy with room for 6 passengers if needed. Clean practical IP.

• 

  600K+ miles still going strong - 1997 Buick Century
  By Buickbuildquality - October 13 - 4:05 pm

  Ive owned this vehicle its whole life, and I can only say that when my Lexus wouldnt start, when my Porsche wasnt big enough, and when my Escalade just wasnt efficient enough my little Buick pulled through with flying colours. This car has gone everywhere and never let me down. I can afford any car under the sun but I refuse to give this one up do to the remarkable reliability and appreciation I have for it. You heard it here folks 600K+ miles and going very strong: just replaced original the AC Delco batt. last year, get 31mpg going 85, has decent pep, lovely ride, sure its not the most handsome car or most expensive but it has never-ever given me a days worth of trouble, I love it!

• 

  Comfortable and Quiet - 2008 Buick Lucerne
  By Michael - October 9 - 12:19 am

  This car is very quiet and comfortable. I previously owned an Olds 88 LSS and this is by far a better car. The heated seats are great in the winter. The sound system is good. The build quality is excellent. I have not found one flaw in the car yet after putting 6000 miles on it. No squeaks or squawks. This is a well designed car, built to last. The 3.8L V6 engine in the CXL has a cast iron oil pan. Thats how rugged the engine is built. All previous 3.8L GM engines that I am familiar with have a formed sheet metal oil pan. This one is cast iron with cross members bolted to it. Built reliable like an aircraft engine.

• 

  Happy Owner - 2003 Buick Rendezvous
  By M Van Tiem - October 7 - 2:00 am

  I researched several different SUVs and decided on a Trailblazer until I laid eyes on the RDV. This SUV has plenty of room for 2 adults and 2 kids, very comfortable seating, lots of storage areas, and the extras are very well thought out. The gas milage is a little less then the sticker says, however, mush beter then other SUVs in its class. All the controls are well placed for convienance and ease of use.

• 

  New GM owner - 2006 Buick Lucerne
  By Teecee - October 6 - 8:56 am

  I am really enjoying our new Buick Lucerne. The walnut interior is nice. The inside is roomy. The idea of having side airbags makes me feel safer. My family loves it. Well be putting it on the road this summer.

• 

  Best car Ive owned and so classy - 1997 Buick Riviera
  By DiAnna - October 5 - 11:46 am

  This indeed a really sleek beautiful, supercharged car. Very nicely built and holds up to about anything. I drive it in excess of 100 miles daily, never a problem