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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  Best- value car! - 2001 Buick Century
  By pembo - January 11 - 8:20 pm

  I bought this Century two years ago and have enjoyed it as the best-value car I have had in 20 years for what I paid for. CD, ABS, and many features are standard. It rides comfortably and can sit 6 people with a large trunk. I recommend it to my friend, and he bought another one and still enjoys it!

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  Great vehicle, but... - 2004 Buick Rendezvous
  By Lily - January 11 - 3:21 pm

  Ive loved my Rendezvous and have never noticed the power and acceleration issues Ive read about. It has been great for me. But, sadly, I need to part with it as it has huge blindspots which are a safety concern. The huge front door panel/mirror combo leads to blindspots in the front and there is a rear window panel that leads to blindspots on the sides/rear. If this did not exist I wouldnt get rid of this car!

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  Best used car I have ever bought. - 1996 Buick Century
  By Beatle412 - January 9 - 8:26 pm

  Works fine, had very low mileage when I purchased it and it has never left me stranded. I have had to replace a few routine things on the car, as with any car. I do notice a tendedncy for the 3.1 to have excessive noise. I was told that this is due to some of the rod lenth being off by thousandths of a second.

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  Reliable - 2002 Buick Rendezvous
  By Jim Walters - January 9 - 7:32 pm

  One of the most dependable and reliable ownership experiences I have had owning cars. The poor adhesion of paint on the interior is my only complaint I have, other than the sluggishness in power of the engine at highway speed unless you downshift, but I LOVE the consistent 20mpg that the car gives me with its performance. I waxed the interior painted surfaces after they were replaced under warranty and have had no further problems there. I love this cars transmission. A good reliable car.

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  Great Car! - 1994 Buick Century
  By MountainGal - January 7 - 5:32 pm

  I bought this car as a second vehicle to get me back and forth to college each day since I am going back to school. I love the car! I find it more fun to drive than my 2002 PT Cruiser and I find it very quick! It moves when I need it to move, thats for sure. Ive left quick a few trucks and Jeeps behind which refused to let me out onto the interstate or refused to let me go over into the other lane when I needed to. Granted, it is not a road rocket but it is very quick as well as impressive for its age. I like it! I may keep it and sell the Cruiser. :)

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  4 years later... - 1997 Buick Regal
  By Nick D - January 6 - 1:56 am

  Posted previous review on 5/15/03. Four years after purchasing w/56K mi Ive come to appreciate my GS more. Now has 130K mi and since 12/01 my GS has had no mechanical problems except for 2 pwr window motors going out. Only needed tires, belts, and fluids. Amazing, really. Brake noise still there looks not too appealing (like another reviewer said, looks like a Buick) interior just ok. But an extremely reliable car. Wife wants a BMW 525. I want another GS!

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  Consider this sleeper - 2002 Buick Rendezvous
  By PV - January 3 - 10:15 pm

  This is an attractive extremely reliable SUV. With AWD, I am averaging 19 MPG which is incredible. The engine is too small for the weight of this SUV so the pick-up and pep leaves a lot to be desired, However, once I got used to the amount of power I had available, I adjusted my driving habits. The vehicle has a lot of "bells and whistles. I love the "heads-up" display which gives me my MPH reading in the windshield. Because of the air suspension, the car allows me to inflate my tires directly from the system so no visit to a gas station is necessary. Its also handy if you get a flat tire. I am very happy with this SUV and would consider buying another one when the time comes.

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  Dont Believe EPA - 2005 Buick Rendezvous
  By Jim - January 3 - 6:25 pm

  We are generally happy with the automobile and we are happy with the dealership. However, we have been disappointed with the fuel efficiency of the car. The estimated mileage for highway was 26 mpb, one of the principal reasons we purchased the car. The best we can get at typical Interstate speeds is 20 mpg. Dealer says that there is nothing they can do. Very disappointing.

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  Kids Love It. Comfort, Options, Style - 2005 Buick Terraza
  By EL PASO TX. - December 27 - 6:42 pm

  Owning this vehicle has been a good experience so far. We have already taken a trip thru the mountains with 6 people in it and it drove great...no problems at all. Buick hit it right on the money with the look but Im pretty sure they could have used better quality interior pieces. The compartments do feel cheap and are sometimes hard to close. It would have been nice if the back windows can roll down, but over all its worth the money. We shopped around & compared prices. With all the standard options it comes with a Honda or Toyota would have been at least $37,000. With the red tag sales youll probably pay about $28,000 for a Buick Terraza. $10,000 less. Gas is reasonable for a van.

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  Love my new Terraza - 2005 Buick Terraza
  By Nebraska Owner - December 20 - 8:02 am

  Terraza is a dream to drive. Inside the cab is very quiet and the ride is comfortable. Dials are easy to read, 2 sliding doors are great. There are only a few minor design details that I would change if I were the designer ... the 3rd row seats are hard to lift once they have been lowered forward as there is no strap or handle to grip and lift..Im short & would love "move forward" pedals to keep me back from the airbag..hotter heat. Compared to Hondas Odessy, and for the money, I have all the bells & whistles for a lot less. I find it is a exciting vehicle to drive. Gas Mileage about 16-17 mpg/city