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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  As Advertised and More! - 2010 Buick LaCrosse
  By Ron - June 7 - 1:22 pm

  This car met and exceeded my expectations! There were features that I didnt expect (tilt mirrors, press to open trunk, full folding rear seat back, auto heat/cool seats w/remote start, etc.). This car has more bells and whistles that any other car around! Not only that, it is a VERY comfortable and quiet car. My wife loves how the seats wrap around more than on her Mercedes. First time with OnStar and very impressed! Im OK with the fuel cap on the right side! Ambient lighting really looks great at night. Everyone comments on it. Voice activation for nav system could be a little more intuitive! Sometimes need to try 3 or 4 times to get the right phrase. Most issues are minor, love the car!

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  Buick Hits a Home Run - 2010 Buick LaCrosse
  By Davis - June 6 - 9:17 pm

  This car is a pure joy to drive and ride in. It has very good acceleration and corners like it is on rails. I havent discovered much real use for the sport mode yet, but it is fun to drive in that mode. We couldnt find one thing wrong after several thorough inspections. Fit and finish are as good as possible. In the rear seat the car feels like a much larger car. We traded a 2005 LeSabre for this, and we dont feel one bit cramped in the back seat of the Lacrosse. A great creature comfort I havent read in any professional review is - when the key fob is close to the locked vehicle, it can be unlocked by opening the door handle. What is the use of Lexus now?

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  Lovin it! - 2010 Buick LaCrosse
  By commish - June 5 - 2:00 pm

  Have had my CXS for 10 weeks and I fall more in love everyday. I love driving this beast. It is responsive, cushy inside and I always get comments from strangers who like the way it looks. Just came back from a 2000 mile road trip and I have no complaints about the performance. I love driving it at night! The interior ambient lighting is calming and beautiful. The ride is awesome. My previous car was an Mercedes E class. I was never as excited about driving it as I get when I take out my LaCrosse.

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  Follow up since buying - 2008 Buick Lucerne
  By Anthony Vrsalovich - June 3 - 10:28 pm

  This is my follow up review since acquiring the car. Still delighted in all areas. My drive to work is 17 miles each way - I average 20 MPG. Went out last weekend between averaged 60 and 70 mph over a 186 round trip. Computer showed 25.9 MPG. Not bad for a V8. Problems - the tire pressure monitored showed an inaccurate reading. Took it in and they rebooted the computer - Problem fixed. Apparently the fact the car did not move for a couple of months when I was abroad was the problem. Everyone that gets in for the first time is very impressed with the drive comfort and lines of the car. I am one chuffed owner. I cannot praise the car enough. The new La Crosse and Regal WOW!

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  Not pleased - 2010 Buick LaCrosse
  By John - June 1 - 8:03 am

  After 2 months of ownership, I am not completely satisfied with this car. Steering wheel needed to be replaced due to bumps all over leather. Metal trim near rear-quarter fixed window began separating and needed to be replaced. Center stack and console are a constant source of loud rattles and cracking noises, enough to drive you mad. Dealership has been accommodating in trying to fix this. However these noises just wont seem to go away. Mechanically there have been no problems (knock on wood). But these issues have made it very difficult for me to enjoy this car.

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  Im in love! - 2011 Buick Regal
  By ety - May 30 - 10:22 am

  Just picked up my Regal yesterday and absolutely love it. Looks and feels like a $40,000 car. Was about to get a TSX, then the Regal came out. When I went to take a look, it was love at first sight. Looks even better in the flesh than in pics. Engine has a nice growl that makes the TSX sound somewhat wimpy. It also feels much more substantial.

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  I love this car! - 1997 Buick LeSabre
  By Happy Camper! - May 29 - 1:14 am

  I live in Alaska and this car is absolutely awesome. I have owned a few cars in the past 34 yrs. up here and NONE are as comfortable for me to drive on the snow and ice as this one. Driving in winter is not my favorite, but this car does so well, I dont mind anymore. Ive had it five years now. Its roomy and visibility is great in it and gas mileage is anywhere from 17 to 24 mpg for me. Oh, and its pretty! Heater works great too!

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  Air conditioning - 2004 Buick Rainier
  By tcharles - May 28 - 11:04 pm

  The air conditioning just went on me. It actually works but it will not blow out of the top vents. It blows out of the bottom and through the defrost areas. Was told by a dealer that itll cost me over $3000 to repair it because of where the vent is located. Has anyone else had this problem?

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  Now its 2010 - 2003 Buick LeSabre
  By jessie - May 28 - 10:06 pm

  Ive been relatively satisfied with my LeSabre which had 21,000 miles on it at purchase. Nothing rides like a LeSabre and its got get up and go. The rounded trunk makes backing up deceptive. Im 3 ft further away than I think consistently. Heater takes too long & Im at my destination before the car is comfortably warm... 15-20 minutes on a 28 degree day. The car has just turned 43,000 miles and the A/C went out. Mechanic called today and has to replace the condenser @ $426.00, due to a leak. Suburban driving gas mpg is lousy even for a big car 15-16 mpg. Great expressway mpg, 30-33 mpg. Tuned correctly, the LeSabre has a great radio and speakers are of Bose quality.

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  Great Car for the Value - Still Driving - 1999 Buick Century
  By Charles - May 28 - 9:14 pm

  Great Car for the Value - Still Driving with 170,000 miles. Great comfortable highway auto. Just oil changes, tires and brakes. New transmission at 75,000 miles, and going ever since. Low maintenance. Good Stereo. Seats are comfortable. More support would be better in back portion.Only problem was the cup holders that broke at 110,000 miles.