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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  Transmission problems - 2008 Buick Enclave
  By rowand - June 14 - 11:51 am

  The transmission went on my enclave It only has 97k on it. Have been waiting over 4 wks for repair. Parts still not in! Unacceptable!

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  Buick Enclave CXL2 FWD - 2010 Buick Enclave
  By Mike - June 13 - 6:23 pm

  Purchased vehicle 4 months ago. Since then, exhaust system had to be replaced due to a harmonic vibration that could be heard while accelerating. Vehicle delivered with imperfections in paint (Tri-Coat Color). Two bubbles are visible and GM is still deciding as to whether the entire left side of vehicle will be repainted or take a chance that there is no air beneath bubble. Engine has a rough idle and is loud compared to foreign vehicles Ive owned. Vehicle oversteers somewhat.

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  Underrated beauty - 2009 Buick Lucerne
  By unklray - June 12 - 5:37 pm

  We bought this car from the dealer with 5000 miles on it, it was used as a customer service vehicle. It has every option I can think of since it is the special edition. plenty of power, comfort. Gas mileage consistantly exceeds rating. My wife averages 23.5 in town and we get 28 on trips to Arizona or Chicago. Quiet and smooth is the keyword here

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  Tire replacement - 2008 Buick Enclave
  By bob - June 11 - 8:26 pm

  My tires wore prematurely 3/32 at 26k miles dealer offered to buy two and I pay for two 618.00 for two tires so much for G M price matching 208.00 at Belle tire. My question is when I drove it in the dealership my vehicle drove beautifully when I drove out on a test drive it vibrated terribly it has been back six times and still not right. Last visit I was told to drive it 500 miles and come back. Can anybody help I dont have the time and they have driven it 300 miles testing it what is wrong? Thanks help

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  Much Better than I expected! - 2011 Buick Regal
  By Thomas - June 11 - 5:46 pm

  Beautiful inside & out. Excellent Ride & Crisp Handling. Sound system like being at a Live Concert. Better than a BMW at a fraction of the cost. Drive one first or you will end up paying a lot more.

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  Well rounded family vehicle - 2010 Buick Enclave
  By brucemaz1 - June 11 - 11:09 am

  As a family of 5, we had a base Nissan Armada which we liked, but decided we needed more features and better gas mileage. Looked at CX9 among others. The look of the Enclave beats all- comers in our opinion. The technology is extensive and the warranty is solid. Only had it a short while, but very happy so far. Only issue is idle is set so low, it can roll back a bit on inclines when taking off if you delay hitting the gas - simple awareness addresses the issue and it likely lends to the decent fuel economy. Super quiet. During delivery we did not know it was running while sitting in it. Drives smoothly.

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  AllWeatherLuxury - 2010 Buick Lucerne
  By SilverSerenity - June 10 - 3:12 pm

  My vehicle gets essentially same mileage as a v6 Honda Accord, priced near, and is comparable to the Lexus. Great leather and faux wood interior, sunroof, audio, and onstar. Plus real room for four adults. And golf bags in the trunk.

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  Vintage GM - 1996 Buick Roadmaster
  By JRD - June 10 - 12:31 pm

  This is the kind of car GM builds better than anyone else. I bought this to replace my older GM boats (1972 Electra and Riviera). I remember not liking these when they were new but now they seem to have a presence when compared to the other cars on the road. The LT-1 is fantastic as is the transmission. Very good power and roadability. I have to agree with other reviewers that the interior is somewhat poorly designed especially the door panels. The plastic front and rear bumpers dont seem that strong and chrome trim on them tends to come off (its chrome tape.) I still give this car high marks for all around comfort and reliability.

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  LaCrosse is the car - 2010 Buick LaCrosse
  By dave1020 - June 9 - 11:21 am

  Recent purchase after leasing a loaded Saturn Aura for 3 years. Wanted Mercedes, but too rich for us. Test drove Ford Taurus, Mercury Milan, Mazda 6, Honda Accord, Lincoln Z, and 2008 Mercedes (used, low mileage). Then stopped by Buick and saw Red Jewel Tintcoat with exceptional lines and a cocoa/light cashmere sleek interior. Has comfort package #2 and Entertainment Package with Nav, Backup camera, Blind spot and oversized sunroof. Test drove with my wife. Got out and shut the door - sounded like door closing on a tight seal refrig. Extremely quiet riding and has all the power we need. Fantastic so far and got a good price too.

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  Most expensive car Ive owned - 2000 Buick LeSabre
  By Phylis - June 7 - 4:23 pm

  My 2000 Le Sabre has cost us more to repair than all our other vehicles combined over their lifetime. We bought it as a program car with 13,000 miles in 2003. Both front axles and a motor mount were replaced 3 years ago. Last year, it was a leaky fuel line, which only comes in the complete line that extends to the center of the vehicle. With 107,000 miles on the car, two tie rod ends, two struts and mounts, the motor mount and the transmission mount had to be replaced. It is back in the shop, today, for the 3rd motor mount replacement because the most recent one broke again. One back door lock does not work, and the motor in the front passenger side window has been replaced.