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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  Be Afraid... - 2006 Buick Terraza
  By tampa-fl - January 18 - 1:27 pm

  This was an emergency purchase (with Buick Rendevous trade-in...another GM horror story) for 2008 family summer trips. DVD system a plus with four kids averaged 26 MPG highway driving...very comfortable seats. Lack of seating flexibility (no fold-down 3rd row seats, and 2nd row seats dont slide forward) a major minus. Removing 2nd/3rd row seats is hernia territory. Repairs in 18 months ownership: (1) replaced front stabilizer links ($270) (2) reprogram PCM to address extended crank time, Bulletin #05-06-04-076B ($90). Still fighting Dealer on the flickering headlamps & interior lights, Bulletin #05-06-03-003C, that may require either replacement voltage regulator or alternator (ouch)

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  Buick Junk - 2006 Buick LaCrosse
  By j wells - October 30 - 10:04 am

  My Buick Lacrosse has been a mechanical nightmare. I have had defective parts replaced consistently since I purchased it Thank heavens it was still under warranty. However, now all the seals in the rack and pinion steering need replaced at a cost to me of $900.00 This car is 3 years old!!!! I drove a ford Taurus for 175,000 miles with major repairs coming after 100,000 miles. I am fed up with this car, plan to replace it anything but a Buick. Oh, I also have water sloshing from one side to the other in my engine. I have a repeat complaint about this, to no avail. I am really a dissatisfied customer.

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  buick lacrosse not what it once was. - 2009 Buick LaCrosse
  By Teresa Mund - October 23 - 9:42 am

  front drivers seat makes aloud metal to metal noise when cars goes over bump or seat moves.i was told by hennessy that they had two other 2009 lacrosse with same problem, they replaced seat and new one did same thing.so i would have to live with it.my 2009 lacrosse makes a lot of moise. be carefull about,what buick calls the 6 passenger which cost a extra $250.you couldnot sat asmall dog there.

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  It needs work - 2003 Buick Century
  By Abigail Miller - October 7 - 7:46 pm

  The head gaskets are blown, there are few burns in the seats and the floor mats have been taken out. There was once a "system" but no longer there.

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  Boring old persons car - 1996 Buick LeSabre
  By kretara - September 18 - 4:05 pm

  I drive this car 7,500 miles/year and Im glad I dont have to spend any more time in it. The leather seats are uncomfortable after more than 1 hour. At 60k the transmission started to hesitate on 1-2 shits. Trans. still working at 86k, but wondering how much life is left. Have been plagued by constant A/C issues. Some stupid little plastic part that controls where the "air" comes from is now on its 3rd replacement. Nothing like having the drivers side getting A/C and the passengers side getting heat. I have now replaced all 4 power window regulators...twice. Gas mileage is not great. 14 city/21 highway. My Crown Victoria was a much better car.

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  And they want you to buy American - 2007 Buick LaCrosse
  By I hate this car !!!! - August 27 - 1:21 pm

  I was driving a Maxima for some time and wanted a change. I was convinced to buy American when I really didnt want too. If I knew then what I know now I would never have gotten this Buick LaCrosse. This Buick has been to the dealership 5 times for ONE problem something with the steering column. I was given an extended warranty by Buick but that did not work. Its still not working right. The car is going back for round six and the SAME ISSUE. I am never going with American cars again. Thanks Buick for making such great American products. HA

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  Not a keeper - 1994 Buick LeSabre
  By Ethan - August 16 - 5:21 pm

  I bought this car recently with only 78000 miles expecting a reliable car. It could just be a lemon, but there have been a ton of electrical issues. Performance-wise, the car is very disappointing. Many people would find the ride comfortable over bumps, but in reality, it has very poorly tuned suspension. There is hardly any damping so the car bounces far too much after hitting a bump. This coupled with very soft springs is a bad combination. When turning quickly, the body roll is very substantial. So much so that it could be a safety concern. In a situation where you had to swerve, the body develops so much inertia that loosing control could easily happen. Acceleration is surprising

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  I got ripped off, now I am stuck! - 2003 Buick Rendezvous
  By animalmotel - August 4 - 6:44 am

  I have had nothing but problems with this car. It eats breaks and tires. The doors do not open right, it locks the keys inside. Wipers stop working. And the thing always runs hot. I have already complained to Buick but they did nothing for me. Never buy any Buick ever again. I am now stuck with a car worth nothing and is falling apart.

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  Member of the $1,000 Club! - 1998 Buick LeSabre
  By Iamnotabuicklover! - July 21 - 12:57 am

  The WORST car I have ever owned, even beating my first vehicle, the 1980 Chevy Silverado Big 10! Bought 2004 Repear costs $1,000.00 average break down every 6 months other than normal maintenance repairs! Replaced:Senors- Fuel Cap/Engine,Alternator,Serpentine Belts(4),Brake Light bulbs(5),Water Pump and Belt Pulleys/Assembly,plenumn failed, now at 114k cruise contrl will not work, AC/Blower is not blowing out the vents, paint and plastic on steering wheel is flaking off(chrome as well)I have not mentioned normal ownership costs and maintenance, and lastly the worst A V6 GETTING 19 MPG both hwy and in city! My V6 thinks it is a V8! I have had my last BUICK!!!!!!!

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  What is not broken? - 2005 Buick Terraza
  By HORRIBLE VECHICLE - June 28 - 5:10 pm

  1)Oil leak between transmission and engine. 2)Electrical problems:Alternator and battery replaced because headlights and interior lights were dimming and going bright.3) Radio replaced due to background noise. DVD player had background noise still after noise suppressor added to +12Volt line.4) Stability control module replaced. 5) Electronic brake module replaced. 6) Power window control module replaced due to retaining clips broken. 7) Wind noise present: replaced sliding door molding. Still had it. 8) Ground effects coming off. 9) Something rolling around loose in steering wheel. Most failures occurred by 16,000 miles. The rest occurred before 30,000 miles. Do not trust this van!!