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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  Rattle trap - 2003 Buick Regal
  By jedibert - January 26 - 6:51 pm

  The most symphonic vehicle Ive ever owned. The nonstop creaks and squeaks are ridiculous. GM uses THE cheapest materials for their interiors. I should have waited for "quiet tuning".

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  What they missed - 2004 Buick Rendezvous
  By levedr - January 25 - 2:00 am

  The R.is the "big brother" to the lesser appreciated Aztec. Buick couldve paid more attention to some of the features of its "lil bro". I own both cars, having bought the Rendezvous as a family car after being impressed by my Aztec which I had owned for two years. I was dissapointed, however, in some things overlooked by the engineers of Buick.Sound system-hey, what would it cost to put in those nice Pioneer speakers?Rear seat "fold down" the little lever in the "Az" is much easier to use..and do the "Az" seats really fold easier, or is it my imagination, both cars would benefit from the "spring loaded" nature used on other GM SUVs

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  If it was only a little better looking! - 2001 Buick Park Avenue
  By Alan - January 24 - 3:10 pm

  Overall Ive been happy with this car. I put on a lot of miles and averaged about 21mpg which is impressive for a car this size. The supercharged engine really boogies, and it has every option you can ask for. But it is not attractive. As my kids say: its a "grampa car". I did have problems with the rear struts and rotors, but that might have been caused by Brooklyn roads.

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  Century 99 - 1999 Buick Century
  By ggn_67 - January 21 - 6:30 pm

  Great value for the buck. No major problems in 6 years, plan to keep it other 3 years at least. The 6th seat is a great alternative we havent found in new cars.

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  Having a great time driving this SUV - 2005 Buick Rendezvous
  By w - January 18 - 2:06 pm

  My Rendezvous has a very smooth, quiet ride. We have been on several trips and it rides great. The Rendezvous is not the best on gas and I must say that the third row of seats is only for small children and with it you have no luggage space

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  Proud Owner - 2005 Buick Rendezvous
  By Stan Berg - January 17 - 4:19 pm

  This is my first SUV and I am very pleased with it. Gas mileage was better than I thought it would be. The exterior appearance is great. I have received many compliments on the appearance. I have had zero problems with it. The vehicle handles great and drivers perspective is one of a feeling of good control. The interior is a little on the plain side but then I also purchased the no frills version.

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  Perre´s largest wagon ever - 1993 Buick Roadmaster
  By Perre S. - January 16 - 7:43 pm

  Got this wagon from a friend at our head office. It´s sited in Skellefteå, up north in Sweden. Me and my girlfriend drove it from Skellefteå to Piteå about 100 km north of Skellefteå. It was a nice ride on a Swedish, late summer day. Four days later we started off to Stockholm, a trip for about 1000 km. The only problem was a small leak from the heater an some shake from the front brakes. The fuel consumption was 11.6 liters per 100 kilometers, very reasonable for this fullsize wagon. At home in city traffic it wants more like 12,5 to 16.0 liters per 100 km. Some tuning and a light gas foot will help to lower that.

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  Full-size Values - 1993 Buick Roadmaster
  By j.roper - January 16 - 1:48 pm

  Purchased my Roadmaster from my grandmother at 10 years old with 48k miles. Practically new and in great condition. 26k later, it has given practically trouble-free service, except for the fan clutch, power antenna, and spark plugs/wires. Coldest a/c I have ever owned (& never serviced in 12+ years). Gas mileage is great - I get about 20-21 mpg in mixed driving. Other than the size and the dowdy styling (which my wife literally hates), its a great car.

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  Terrazza is worth a look. - 2005 Buick Terraza
  By jwh5700 - January 14 - 10:21 pm

  The Buick Terraza is definitely worth a look. It may not be as powerful as the Honda Odyssey, but the ride is much better, the fuel economy is also better and has more standard features than its sister the Chevy Uplander. Standard leather seats with cloth inserts and standard electronic load leveling and dynamic styling along with a great price led us to purchase ours in April of 2005. We traveled fully loaded to the max from Cincinnati to Myrtle beach through the mountains and all and had averaged 25 mpg. To date we have not experienced any problems other than a loose panel by the sliding door track and the Buick dealership treats you as if you bought a Mercedes.

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  Best Car Ive owned so far - 2002 Buick Century
  By Yvonne Nicol - January 12 - 8:28 pm

  This is by far the best automobile Ive owned so far. Had low mileage when I purchased it and I still think I got a deal! Gets great gas mileage for its size. Roomy trunk, lots of bells and whistles. Low tire light saved me from getting stuck on side of the road a couple of months ago. Always lets me know when to anticipate a problem, although there hasnt been anything major. We are very happy with it!