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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  Wonderful value - 1999 Buick Century
  By Todd - February 15 - 4:54 pm

  This car was bought new by my mother in law who no longer drives, with only 30k miles since new. The car is comfortable up front with average performance and fuel economy. It is good for long trips as the overdrive is a good cruising gear for 60-70 mph. It could have scored higher marks but I am 61" and when I am in the back seats there is not sufficent head room. It seems that most cars just do not take into account that there are people in the world who are larger than 58" and 150 lbs. Other than that it is a great car with no major weaknesses. Like most Buicks it does the job it is supposed to do, well but with little fanfare.

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  Better Buick - 2005 Buick LaCrosse
  By CXL - February 10 - 4:22 pm

  The 2005 LaCrosse is a much better car than my previous 1997 Buick Regal. Handles and rides much better and doesnt have that old Buick float. It feels more like a sport sedan. Fit and finish is also improved and it is quite quiet. I think the old 3.8 V6 has been improved. Smoother and quiter. The gas mileage is still a downer. It gets 30 on the highway, but only 17-18 around town. Overall, its a much improved car.

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  Lots of room - 2003 Buick Rendezvous
  By PA Commuter - February 8 - 10:57 pm

  We bought a Certified Rendezvous and a Certified Pacifica within a month of each other. I took the Pacifica originally because it looks and feels sportier than the Redndezvous. Unfortunately after communing in the Pacifica for a few weeks I found the ride to be quite uncomfortable for someone my height (64"). I eventually traded it to my wife for her Rendezvous. I like the sporty look and feel of the Pacifica, but I appreciate the unbelievably comfortable seats (wide, high, heated) and soft ride of the Buick.

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  Love My Car - 2000 Buick LeSabre
  By Anna M - February 8 - 6:17 pm

  I love my Buick. It has so many features that it is a pleasure to drive. I have had only a couple minor problems but they were fixed under the warranty. Id buy it again in a minute.

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  Dont Believe EPA - 2005 Buick Rendezvous
  By Jim Johnston - February 8 - 4:39 pm

  We purchased 2005 Buick Rendezvous new. The principal reason for choosing it over the alternatives under consideration was the 26 MPG EPA on the sticker. The best we can get at normal interstate highway speeds is between 20 and 22 MPG. We like the vehicle, but are very disappointed in the mileage.

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  Century 1999 - 1999 Buick Century
  By emanuel - February 6 - 3:52 am

  Great car, good fuel economy, lots of power. The cosmetic - poor job. The plastic around the windshield is falling apart and the power window is terible. By 120,000 I already replaced 5 power window motors assembly which cost over $320 parts only.(have to buy the whole assembly) The car is fun to drive but the little things drives me crazy. Great engine and very comfortable. It could be a great car if GM motors pays more attention to detail. Power windows is a major problem for the Century.

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  Nagging Problems - 1998 Buick Regal
  By William Rarick - January 29 - 7:31 pm

  Lots of power and decent gas mileage. However many nagging problems. Both rear window regulators went out, $700 to fix, rear brake calipers replaced $500, Ball joints need relaced $700 more. Japanese cars I feel are much more reliable.

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  Best $300 car ever - 1992 Buick Century
  By Chad - January 27 - 1:05 am

  I bought this car with 77,000 miles on it for $300 and Im pretty impressed. The outside of mine is kind of trashed and the tires are bad, but the car starts every time and is pretty confortable. Cupholders and seatbelts are annoying as usual, but its been a good car so far. I never would have bought a Buick, but I needed a temporary car and this one came along. Its no Cadillac, but it gets the job done. Whats with the awful turning radius though?

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  Best bang for the buck - 1999 Buick LeSabre
  By Randy - January 26 - 7:34 pm

  This is my 3rd LeSabre, 1st was a custom w/ Grand touring, others were limiteds w/ grand touring. (I have also bought for my in-laws) the fisrt 2 went well over the 200k mark, and I expect this one will too. No, its not the most prestigeus car on the road, but is definitely a best buy! Lots of amenities, great ride, good handling for a large sedan (w/ GT), zero problems on all three except routine maintenance. Cant say enough about the value. buy one 3-4 years used, low miles, pay 1/4 the value of new ( about $7K) change the fluids and drive. Also an excellent buy for the college student or aging parent (make their day, buy them a Buick!) Definitely reccomended.

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  My First Buick Van - 2005 Buick Terraza
  By Tom - January 26 - 7:00 pm

  I had owned two vans prior to this, both Oldsmobiles, a 2000 and a 2004. I enjoyed both very much. The Terraza I bought is very nice but doesnt seem to have some of the extras that came standard with the Oldsmobiles. For instance the roof racks had crossover bars, in the Terraza you have to buy them extra. I had 3 keyed entrances before (both front doors and the rear hatch), now I only have one, the drivers side door. The Oldsmobiles had little compartments for coins, pencils, etc. plus small storage bins with lids in the back, there are none in the Terraza, except for the comparment on the rails sys. The Terraza has been in the repair shop 3 times since 1-17-05 and had to be towed once.