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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  New/Old owner - 2002 Buick Regal
  By Isiah1 - June 21 - 8:57 pm

  Just purchased a 2002 LS with 76K. From the initial drive I automatically fell in love with the car. All the positive comments has made me feel even better about my purchase today.......

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  2006 BUICK - 2006 Buick Terraza
  By MARY - June 21 - 3:02 pm

  2006 Buick Terraza must be one of Buicks worse vehicles, the back seats are not comfortable, only one arm rest per seat, what do you do with your other arm!!?? The Black dashboard makes the vehicle hotter, sometimes I think the air is not working.Makes load noise when turning corners . Head lights and interior lights sometimes dim. I would not buy another Buick.

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  Enduring Love - 1996 Buick Riviera
  By LuvMyRivie - June 20 - 12:47 pm

  My Riv is like the most perfect mate who you just know is going to break your heart someday. Our rocky romance was immediate. She was in and out of the shop constantly for the first two years...thank God for GM-Certified warranties! Fast forward 12 years and Im still as much in love with her as back then. Even more so because for the past 10 years all she has required of me is feeding and the usual changing. Ive grown to listen and know her like none beforehand. She might not be the most nimble and quickest of athletes on the asphalt but, she pampers me with an uncompromised ride, comfort, economy, and timeless styling. With 220K+, our days together are numbered and there goes my heart.

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  First Buick - 2009 Buick LaCrosse
  By Hank - June 19 - 10:05 pm

  This is the first Buick I have ever bought, I traded in an Audi A4 for the Lacrosse CXL. I really enjoy the bench seat in the front and gearshift on the column - it reminds me of the Olds Ninety-Eight my Dad took the family in on road trips. The comfort is great and I have no problem with passing. The chassis could be a little stiffer around corners, but I have learned to love this comfortable, quiet American car. I am planning a long road trip this autumn along the east coast with my two dogs - they love the big back seat.

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  brake fluid fire - 2003 Buick Rendezvous
  By Julie - June 19 - 8:35 am

  YESTERDAY our daughter was driving back home from an appt when the brakes failed--she eased it home, was in the house telling us about the problem for about 15-20 minutes while car was sitting turned off in the driveway. My husband went out to look under the hood and found it ON FIRE. Brake fluid was dripping on the hot manifold Luckily he was able to extinguish it. I believe the design of the engine with the brake line so close situated just above the hot manifold is ultimate cause. The heat MUST be causing the lines to crack/leak unlike in any other vehicle I have owned. We have seen reports online of similar problems since this happened to us.

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  Some dissapointment - 2003 Buick LeSabre
  By Bob - June 17 - 8:41 pm

  Bought it used. Great gas mileage as an average for its weight. Nice ride. Loaded with options. Great red color and chrome wheels. This will be the second time I have to replace the motor mounts. I now have 96000 miles on it. My 97 buick had the motor mounts replaced three times. I had to replaced the frozen rear gas shocks. Recently had both wheel axle seals replace was leaking grease. Just recently had both front axles replaced. Its again in the shop for motor mounts. Oh yes the seat heater does not work. Blower motor is going out. Just ordered another one. Other than that I do like the car but may not buy a buick again. GM toughen up the motor mounts i can handle less smoothness.

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  Who you fooling? - 1994 Buick LeSabre
  By Fred Salmon - June 16 - 9:36 pm

  Just to let you know that my 1994 Buick limited 3.8 Liter has always got around 30-34 MPG since I owed her. She has over 190,000 miles on her now and going strong. Somebody is blowing smoke telling you that you only get 20 MPG.

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  2010 Buick LaCrosse CXS - 2010 Buick LaCrosse
  By Felipe - June 16 - 1:21 pm

  After buying a RAV4 for the wife a few years ago, I chose to get the all-new, redesigned LaCrosse. The exterior is very stylish, while the interior is clean and contemporary. The drive is quiet and incredibly smooth, slightly better than both the TSX & ES350 I test drove. Steering is responsive (especially in Sport mode) and acceleration is decent. IMO this is one of the best cars GM has ever produced, as the fit & finish of this vehicle is outstanding. Overall, I think the LaCrosse offers excellent value even fully-loaded, its still reasonably priced compared to other vehicles in its class. So if youre in the market for a luxury sedan, you definitely should consider the Buick LaCrosse.

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  18 months on - 2008 Buick Lucerne
  By amvee - June 15 - 9:46 pm

  My 2008 Buick lucerne v8 csx continues to give me the same driving pleasure as it did on day one. Whisper quiet, silky smooth - like sitting in a lazy boy. A couple of weeks back I did a 190 mile round trip and got 25.9 mpg - using "Cruise" between 65/70 mph. Problems - during an oil change I was told that both front bearing were shot. Immediately replaced under warranty with no quibbles ($400 each). I bought the car with 28k on the clock I now have just under 41k. Same suggestions for improvement. Six speed auto and a smaller turning circle. What a superb product line up Buick now has with the enclave, regal and as for the La Crosse . Drop dead gorgeous. Go Buick!

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  Not a good choice - 2006 Buick Terraza
  By Calgary Alberta - June 14 - 9:17 pm

  Bought a used 3.9L V6 and Im very disappointed with this vehicle. I had alarm bells going off all the time with no indication of what was wrong. I finally figured out it had something to do with one of the automatic sliding doors. I also have some sort of inconsistent transmission problem. It either clunks into second gear or it shakes into second gear. Dealer figured out the computer chip needed an update to fix the alarm bells but they cant find anything wrong with the transmission. Its also a very noisy van. Lots of rattling and road noise. Ive owned lots of different makes of vehicles and will never go back to GM.