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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  It is a " SHOW STOPPER " - 2010 Buick LaCrosse
  By Joe - May 25 - 9:59 pm

  I just love everything about it. The outside look. The beautiful interior. I can live with the visibility issue, due to low sleek look. It is so much fun to drive, you listen to the Harmon Kardon stereo, the hard drive music box and you can drive forever. I have been stopped six or seven times by people who want to know, what brand car it is. They love it! I looked long and hard, and there is no other car that delivers so much at a reasonable price. This is my first AMERICAN car in 18 years, and it is as good or better than anything I have had before. I got mine in the tricoat diamond white with chrome wheels and it is a " SHOW STOPPER."

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  An absolute joy to drive - 2011 Buick Regal
  By jackiern13 - May 24 - 10:02 am

  Purchased car 10 days ago and absolutely in love! Its beautiful inside and out - nothing in its class can compare. The ride is smooth and classic Buick, but the steering and peppy engine is all sport! The interior is classic with supple leather and well designed dash. Very quiet to outside road noise. Mine came with the RL5 package - I think there is a RL6 package that would add navigation, but otherwise the car is loaded. Plenty of room in the backseat for passengers and the trunk has plenty of storage with fold down rear seats for extra room if needed. You have to drive this car before deciding to purchase an Acura or Lexus - I dont think they can compare.

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  Its almost over! - 2007 Buick Terraza
  By Ron - May 24 - 8:54 am

  Getting ready to celebrate as are turning this thing in tomorrow off lease. We have disliked this vehicle from the start. It has been in multiple times for power sliding door, air conditioning problems. The heat or air have never seemed to work quite right and the interior just feels cheap. The back seat is a bear to take out and put back in. Also the tires are very worn @ 43k miles. Mechanically the vehicle is fine, its the problems above that have been annoying. We have owned several Buicks in the past and have been happy with the Buick line until this vehicle.

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  Worst car I ever owned - 2008 Buick Enclave
  By Carol - May 23 - 9:32 pm

  Bought this 2008 Enclave as a Certified Preowned vehicle. Had 51,000 miles at purchase. So far the air conditioner sensor, transmission & Tire sensor have had to be replaced and there was some sort of electrical short that had to be fixed. Gas mileage is about 10 in the city and about 18 on the road. Much less than advertised. They loaned me another 2008 Enclave to drive on vacation because mine was in the shop and the water pump went out in it. Transmission doesnt shift well in low speeds. RPM runs too high. Worst car I ever bought.

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  Highway king - 2004 Buick LeSabre
  By uglybluedog - May 23 - 1:41 pm

  Bought car in DEC. of 08 with 49,000 and have completed 5 family vacations. Usually 1500 mile trip. This car has had nothing go wrong with it. Normal wear and tear and thats it! Im proud to own this American made car. My Buick is the highway King. These cars are going to be seen on the road for the next twenty years because the 3.8 liter engine just keeps cruising!

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  CHEAPLY made car, story of GMs life - 2004 Buick Rendezvous
  By ihateGM - May 21 - 11:43 am

  I have owned this vehicle for going on 4 years now. A/c problems, both front wheel hubs broke, both front power window components broke. Now the back 2 Windows are starting to make the same noises so Im sure they are about to break also. Same problems my 89 Buick had plus 2 other people I know. Back passenger door hinge is messed up and door barely shuts. Starting to shift funny so I see transmission problems very soon. Very poor horsepower. Awful resale value (I see why). Loud road noise. Gets blown all over the road in wind. Dont buy a gm! Many people I know have similar problems with their GMs not just Buick. Cheap parts. No Wonder they are bankrupt. You reap what you sow!

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  225k miles and runs like day 1 - 1999 Buick LeSabre
  By RJR - May 20 - 8:37 am

  Ive had this vehicle from inception and only given it the routine maintenance. Regular oil changes, tire rotations and a fresh tune up every 100k miles. I had the belts and hoses checked at 215k miles and all looked fine (all original). The interior has begun to show some age, but with the vehicle running so well and averaging ~27 MPG mix between highway and city, I continue to be pleased with the vehicle. I have aspirations of running this car beyond 300k miles.

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  solid auto - 2003 Buick Regal
  By farm boy - May 17 - 9:25 pm

  This car is bulletproof. I was a loyal acura/honda owner. I bought this car to resell. I bought if from a private owner. All I can say is wow, I cant believe an american car is this good. Needless to say I wont be selling this car for a loooonnnngggg time.

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  2010 Lacrosse CXS - 2010 Buick LaCrosse
  By Robert - May 17 - 7:40 am

  Wife liked the car via the ads and it was her turn to pick, I orginally did not like the car because of the engine, My rental had the 3.0 that seemed underpowered for the weight it was pushing so I quickly dismissed it till it was time to purchase a new car. After a little research I found that I could get a lot of the what the CTS had for less money with extra space for my rear passengers. Satisfied with the car to date with the exception of the small trunk, No power outlet up front, Closest one is in the center console.

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  Who Designed the Interior? - 2010 Buick LaCrosse
  By mobo - May 16 - 8:10 am

  There is no "inner beauty" to this car. Exterior is an eye catcher but the design inside is really poor. The arm rests are too narrow middle console has no space for arm rest for driver and if you put a bottle in the console you must rest your arm ON the bottle! the location and design to close the door is goofy. Here is the clincher - both my husband and I constantly hit our knee getting in and out of this car - it was crazy and really annoying. We are not big people - he is 510" and 160 and I am 57" at 130. Taller and heavier people should be forwarned - expect to have knee surgery after getting in and out of this car.