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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  The best for the money - 1998 Buick LeSabre
  By NYDogBoy - August 24 - 7:46 pm

  This is a problem-free car. In the past 8 years all Ive done is replace two tires, and the typical brake and oil change stuff. I get 26-28 mpg hwy, overall about 23.5. Plus, this is a gutsy car. We cruise about 70mph and have plenty left for passing. The 3.8 engine is one of the best engines ever designed. The features on the Ltd. are outstanding auto-dimming mirrors, suto headlight, outside temp, keyless entry, and many other features. I cant imagine a time when I will get rid of this ten year old car.

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  Titanic of American Roads - 1996 Buick Roadmaster
  By llanell - August 24 - 7:01 pm

  This is the Titanic of American roads. The best car I ever owned. I had to search for a car with such low miles for more than 2 years and was willing to pay any price to get it. Finally got one. Totally satisfied. Seats 8 people comfortably with lots of space.

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  Extremely reliable car - 2003 Buick Century
  By Marvins Buick - August 24 - 6:43 pm

  Im a young college student who got my 2003 Buick Century as a graduation gift. I fell in love with the cars simplicity and the effortless way it drives. The butter knife smooth transmission and quiet engine make for one incredible ride. I now have over 100,000 miles on my Century and aside from having to replace a fuel injector,it has given me no problems whatsoever. I am very disappointed that general motors stopped making this car in 2005. I now have my eyes set on purchasing a Buick Lacrosse which I hope proves to be as good of a car as the Buick Century. Overall the Century offers premium luxury at an affordable price. I would buy a Buick over a Lexus or Mercedes any day.

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  Buick park Ave. - 1999 Buick Park Avenue
  By Quentin Alexander - August 24 - 10:00 am

  Excellant service, comfortable for five passengers, excellamt gas mileage.

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  Best sedan we have ever owned - 2005 Buick LeSabre
  By Verne R - August 23 - 1:32 pm

  This car appears to be well made with excellent fit and finish. The ride is smooth and quiet. It handles well and is enjoyable to drive. The 3.8L V6 is a nice balance between power and fuel economy. So far we have attained 33.4mpg at highway speeds which is amazing for a car this size. The interior is well appointed and feels plush. The car provides a nice array of creature features. The exterior has clean lines and looks sharp. Trunk space is generous and has pass through the seat capability. This is our first Buick and we have been impressed by the quality, spaceousness, and fuel economy that this car offers. It has met and exceeded our expectations.

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  Not a Roadmaster "but" - 2007 Buick Lucerne
  By Harold - August 18 - 7:55 pm

  This is not my 95 Roadmaster but I didnt expect it to be. Mileage is a little disappointing with the 6 cylinder, 17-19 city 28.5 - 30.6 Highway excellent fit and finish, like the driver info center. plenty of leg room. head room when entering could be better.

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  Quiet and Comfortable - 2008 Buick Enclave
  By John - August 17 - 1:39 pm

  I didnt want to rate this until I had some experience with the vehicle. Now I can still say Im glad I bought it. I am a very tall person, so my choices of vehicles is limited, but this had plenty of head room even with the sun and separate moon roof. I hate highway noise, and this crossover makes driving pleasant, especially when taking long trips and listening to books on my MP3 through the cars system. Most of my driving is city, but after a long trip to NYC, the five adults all enjoyed the trip. Note to GM: keep working on that fuel cell.

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  i love my Enclave! - 2008 Buick Enclave
  By holly - August 17 - 6:19 am

  I have owned Landrover and Toyota in the past and I traded in my Highlander hybrid for this beautiful Enclave. It sounds crazy to trade in a hybrid but the Enclave caught my eye and I fell in love. This is the most comfortable, spacious, and most beautiful interior suv I have ever owned! I just rode with a friend in her honda on a long road trip and I was so uncomfortable because the Enclave has spoiled me with its comfortable seats and space. I usually trade in a car every 2 yrs but I know I will not part with this vehicle unless its to get a newer model. I paid well into the 40k range for my prior vehicles and didnt have the features I have with the Enclave.

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  When Better Cars are Built Buick Will Bu - 2003 Buick Park Avenue
  By E. G. Chandler - August 15 - 10:00 am

  My Buick has never failed to perform in top form. I live in the Desert Southwest where tempratures as high as 115 degrees are common and it has never failed to perform. The Royal dealership in Tucson is without question the best I have ever delt with in always caring for each problem I might have.

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  What a ride! - 2008 Buick Enclave
  By Deb - August 12 - 9:28 am

  I love my Enclave! Already made one trip from Ontario to Florida with two golden retrievers and a roof rack full of stuff! No problems. Took 6 people out and about down there on day trips, all comfortable. I too can only find the tailgate button on the keyfob while inside, is there a button? Other than on the tailgate? Which also had to be fixed...it would power up then drop closed! Easy fix. Have 23,000 ks on it as we speak and I can go 740 ks on one tank. Did I mention I love my Enclave?