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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  2005 Buick La Crosse CXS - 2005 Buick LaCrosse
  By John - April 21 - 11:10 pm

  Smooth, quiet ride, plenty of power, mileage good on highway, but could be better around town.

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  They just keep running... - 1997 Buick Skylark
  By Tara - April 17 - 9:18 am

  This is my second Skylark, my first was a 1991. These cars just never quit, my first was sent (running) to the junk yard with 179,000 miles and my 1997 is about to rollover 160,000. They both had their little mechanical quirks, but nothing too expensive and nothing out of the ordinary. They have never needed new transmissions or waterpumps. Even with the redesigned quad4, which was an initial worry... this car hasnt let me down. Buicks have made my life much easier:)

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  Buick Owner - 2002 Buick Regal
  By Donna Frankson - April 14 - 5:05 pm

  I have driven a 1998 Buick Regal LS for past 5 yrs. I just traded it in for the 2002 Buick Regal GS Sedan, with turbocharger. I am a hugh fan of muscle cars, meaning I like my cars to perform quickly and quietly. I have owned Chrys, Pont, and Olds. I have enjoyed driving all these cars. The 1998 was leaking oil (small amt.), but ran so good I did not want to get rid of it. I decided that updating to 2002 was a wise move. I tried a 2006 Chev. Impala, but liked the ride and performance of the Buick so much more. Having just purchased it 4-13-06 I have to drive it more and see if it compares as well as the l998, which was excellent. Only draw back is having to use 91 Octane.

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  Love My Rendezvous - 2002 Buick Rendezvous
  By Tucker - April 8 - 2:04 pm

  My requirements were an AWD vehicle for that would handle well in the severe ice and snow which we have combined with lots of cargo room and driver and passenger comfort. I did extensive comparison shopping among all manufacturers and chose the Rendezvous despite the fact that the model had just been introduced and had no product quality history. Immediately took it on a trip of over 1,000 miles and knew that I had bought the right car. Most autos dont have nearly enough height or leg room for me when driving, and the seat adjustments are inadequate - this was ideal. Expect my next car will be a new model of the Rendezvous.

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  Not a Bad Little Ride - 2002 Buick Rendezvous
  By m andrews - March 28 - 11:26 am

  Just got out of a Ford Expedition, which i do not miss. This is a great little ride. Gas mileage is great. Getting around 19-20 compared to 8! Car is fun to drive, comfortable. So far so good.

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  My First Buick - 2005 Buick LaCrosse
  By joe kuroski - March 22 - 5:19 pm

  I was waiting for Buick to come up with an all new car, to replace their dated 80s style line up. I was very pleased with the pleasent design, inside and out. I have the CXS model,v-6, It goes like the wind. I have experenced 2 recalls and the heater fan module breaking. But all and all the quality is impressive, and the quietness inside the cabin is wonderful.

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  Another Good Buick....but - 2005 Buick LaCrosse
  By James Lorenz - March 22 - 9:19 am

  I am pleased with my Lacrosse except for local gas mileage. On the highway (trips) it gets over 30+ mpg, but around home only about 12-14 mpg. My old Century did far better than that. Also, the headrests are not angled forward like the old Century. I feel they should be touching the neck and head without having to lean your head back. Ride and performance are as good as my Century. The Lacrosse has some creaks and groans that I will be telling the dealer about at my next checkup.

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  Great Buick - 2003 Buick Rendezvous
  By Don - March 22 - 8:01 am

  I drive a lot of freeway miles and have found this vehicle to be quite comfortable and fairly easy on gas. I bought the base model and recommend the upgrade to the safety equipment: side air bags, anti lock brakes, and traction control. I believe they are worth the money and the vehicle list at around $28,500 with the options. However, you can push this vehicle up to around $34,000 with a lot a gadgets that are worth as on most vehicle about 40% of what you pay for them. If you want a good value stay near the base with those options that you really want. My biggest concern with this and most all vehicles of its type is the lack a good way to secure luggage and other items in the rear area

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  Buick Roadmaster Ownership - 1995 Buick Roadmaster
  By E. Steele - March 16 - 4:11 pm

  I am still driving this vehicle after 10 years of almost problem free operation. The only chronic problem I have ever had is with the dealer installed alarm system. It is now disconnected!

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  Buick - 2006 Buick LaCrosse
  By Mr.Fizzix - March 11 - 7:16 pm

  Very happy with the car. Drives really smooth, very quiet, and comfortable. Steering is firm and precise. Some body roll exists, but the car handles well (for its size). Good throttle response. Controls are intuitive and simple, nicely laid out. Interior layout overall is great. Im up in Toronto, and had it out on a couple of cold days. Warms up real quick, and defogging works real quick too. Visibility isnt great though. There is a pretty big blind spot to the front left (due to the roof pillar/left mirror). Its actually quite annoying for making left turns, or on windy roads. The car is wonderful otherwise. Dont know fuel economy yet, only had it for a week.