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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  WORST EXPERIENCE - 2011 Buick Regal
  By jlrankin248 - October 10 - 8:37 am

  It was a great deal and loved how it drove, however it has been in the shop for a total of 46 days since leaseing it. the car will just stop working and will not go into gear. six times i had it back in with no resolution. was rear ended because of it quitting and then the transmission would not shift or when it did the whole car would shudder. it cost me money and a client who was stranded with me. I drove it into the dealer today and handed them the keys with 12 months left to go. Buick gave me all the excuses in the world save for finally sending out an engineer on the seventh try. I risked my life and that of my familys but not anymore. signed a lease for a 2013 Honda Accord.

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  Decent ride, lots of repairs though - 2000 Buick Regal
  By faststrat02 - September 10 - 8:27 pm

  Where to begin. Pros first: -Car drives wonderfully on the highway, sometimes see 28-29 MPG. Not bad for a 3.8 -A/C is ice cold (when it decides to work) -3.8L V6 generally is a solid motor Cons: -Window regulator is out on passenger right side (common for this car). Unfortunately, Ive had to put quite a bit of money into this car. Where to start: -Struts all around/upper strut mount -Replaced both valve cover gaskets, tensioner assembly -Tie rod ends replaced @ 80k -Replace Hub bearings/front axle (both sides) -City gas mileage is horrendous. Ive yet to see over 20mpg. Average is 15-17. Good car for highway travel, but NOT ideal for commuting.

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  Leaking Sunroofs and Whinning Steering - 2008 Buick Enclave
  By kcosom - September 10 - 5:53 pm

  This vehicle is very attractive. "Certified" hah. I purchased it last summer, which it rarely rains in the summer. Unfortunately one rainy day my passenger notice rain coming in mainly from the sunroof and rear interior lights housing, I noticed it in the front, dripping from the visors housing. Apparently the design of this vehicle was not thought out regarding leaks. To top it off the warranty states that leaks are not covered, as if the maker knew it would leak. Not only the leaking the steering in now whinning each time I turn. This vehicle has been one dissapointment after another. My first Buick and possibly my last, sad to say. Mechanic states need inner/outer tie rods:(

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  Disappointment - 2012 Buick Verano
  By texas38 - September 4 - 4:30 am

  I bought this car with high hopes that its looks would reflect its performance. I was and am still very disappointed. Within the first 1000 miles I started to notice that it was not only relucant to accelerate but struggling by jerking like the transmission is about to drop out of the car. The spoiler has broken off twice now and when I drive over anything but a smooth road the car rebels by sounding like the 96 saturn that I drive to work. To say its a rough ride is an understatement. Also the interior scratches very easy. Everyday I see new marks and we dont have small children nor any pets that ride in the car. Lastly, the seats are already bubbling up in the center making it look old.

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  Beautiful car, but.... - 2012 Buick LaCrosse
  By cherio - May 3 - 3:29 pm

  I love the color, love the look, the interior is pretty. Looks, that is about all this car has. I also own a 2006 Lacrosse. This 2012 doesnt come close. It doesnt shift very smoothly. The ride is ok, but it is loud. It sounds like Im in a wind tunnel. It is comfortable, but the seats are narrow. A car seat or booster seat in the back doesnt fit well. It sits on top of the seatbelt button. I dont like the shift and the arm rest is akward with the gearshift so far back. The door locks, park break are in the center, no trunk button. Probably wont keep this one.

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  Broken suspension and transmission - 2005 Buick Rainier
  By madismommy2004 - April 30 - 10:33 pm

  For the past 2 years I have been dealing with my suspension,I bought the car at carmax,they fixed the comressor only to find out I need an air bag,and what they couldnt see that the holes in the air bag is what is causing it to sag. And of course I am now out of warranty so I have to pay out of pocket. Now my transmission is slipping and it doesnt want to move faster than 35mph.It wont shift into 3rd gear.What else can go wrong with this car....If I knew what i know now about it I would never have bought it! Oh and warranty parts at carmax SUCKS!6MO OR 6000 MILES WHICH COMES FIRST, HOW ABOUT A YEAR LIKE OTHER PLACES OR DEALERS!

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  under 700miles and major transmission problem - 2012 Buick Verano
  By unhappy2012 - April 13 - 11:55 pm

  To say I am unhappy is an understatement. Spent too much on this car buying it new, but feeling assured that I would not have "problems" with it. At 550 ck engine light came on and transmission shifting was a hard jump with lights flashing. Turned car off, drove a bit more, transmission problem gone but check engine light still on, took to dealership. Computer cks showed no problem, service dept drove car for several days, no prob. Same prob a 2nd time and car stuck in low gear, only go 35mi/hr gear did not shift,cruise cntrl not working,drove straight to dealer, Buick sent a part to hopefully fix car.My old car was reliable,now I have an unreliable expensive new car. Stuck with a LEMON

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  Unimpressed - 2012 Buick LaCrosse
  By ccc777 - March 5 - 8:03 am

  I bought this car twelve days ago thinking I would be pleased and I am getting more and more unimpressed with this car. (1) Poor visibility out the front window due to large window pillars. (2) Door locks only on center console. (3)No trunk open/unlock from inside the car. (4) Lumbar control is not working to get to a comfortable position. (5) Headrest points a little bit too far forward. (6) Center console buttons are too busy and dont really make too much sense. (7) Leather, really? Where and what kind? A bit on the cheap side if it is real. (8) No locking gas door or cap. (9) Feel ever bump. (10) And finally, feel like I overpaid....is it really worth the sticker of $40,300. I think not!

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  Poor design features to be aware of!! - 2010 Buick Enclave
  By tremblay1 - February 21 - 5:07 pm

  Things you should consider: Snow gets trapped in the front springs causing the vehicle to shake horribly until removed, the latch to the spare tire may not release with snow/mud, front cup holders are to close to the front accessory plug ins to be able to use your accessories and use the cup holders at the same time, the ignition cylinder is designed so poor that you cannot have other keys on your key chain with out causing the cylinder to break causing the vehicle to lock up, the passenger seat comes ONLY in a 4 way so long distance trips are uncomfortable for the passenger, cannot access 3rd seat with childrens car seat in the 2nd row, Roadside Service is NOT all that you may think it is

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  Way better than expected - 1999 Buick Century
  By paul2002 - February 7 - 4:23 pm

  Purchased this in 2007 when I had a vehicle emergency. Needed a car, and this was going for $3500 with only 89K miles. I figured Id drive it until I found the car I was looking for. Now 5 years and 100K miles later Im still driving it. Its going on 200K miles, and I still havent had to replace anything! The miles Ive put on it have been all highway, but it just wont die. Oil changes every 6000 miles, and one set of tires. Ive done nothing else. Reliable and cheap if you are picking one up used, but a word of caution...dont purchase this car if you are around 40 years old. You are almost guaranteeing early onset of a mid-life crisis, which might result in your purchasing a Corvette.