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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  I am impressed - 2004 Buick LeSabre
  By lewis - August 10 - 9:55 pm

  I am a small car dealership owner and needed a car to go on vacation with so I grabbed an 04 Le Sabre I just bought with 54000 miles. Wow . The gas mileage was 28 to 33 mpg. I couldnt believe it so I checked it 3 times. I was right. the ride was fantastic. Im sold on these

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  Buick Wagon Going Strong - 1994 Buick Roadmaster
  By Charles - August 8 - 3:26 pm

  Purchased new and still own this large eight passenger vehicle. Used primarily for road trips between homes and occasional tow of boat or trailer. Practically no repairs in 14 years, changed fluids two years ago, have some difficulty keeping side rubber securely attached is only problem. Wish I could buy a new one today. Car is very comfortable and has quick modified Corvette engine and still gets about 22 on road with regular fuel. Quite a package.

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  Favorite Car Ever! - 2008 Buick Enclave
  By Donna - August 7 - 2:22 pm

  I love my Buick Enclave. It looks great. People have said it reminds them of the much more expensive Audi. It is super comfortable inside. Its a wide car, so sometimes parking and tight turns can be challenging. I had a GMC Envoy before this, and I would estimate the mileage on the Enclave to be about 30% better. I do a lot of city driving, so I cant say what I am averaging per gallon, but it is pretty good for a SUV of this size. Only problem I ever have is sometimes overshifting into low instead of drive, but maybe thats just me. These are great cars, and Im seeing more and more of them on the street.

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  A beautiful car - 2008 Buick Lucerne
  By Happy owner - August 6 - 4:17 pm

  A couple of years ago I bought a used 2006 Lucerne and was so pleased with it, I bought a new 2008, I am a big, long legged man, so the first thing I look for in a car is driver leg room and comfort. The Lucerne abounds in them. Its ubiquitous 3.8 litre engine provides all the power one could want unless they are a "drag racer" and the car handles beautifully. I have always gotten 27.5 MPG on the road which amazes me in that big a car. I am 72 years old and have owned many cars, foreign and domestic, and the Lucerne is the most satisfactory one I have ever owned.

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  Indestructible tank - 2004 Buick Century
  By Mike - August 6 - 8:48 am

  I needed a cheap car a few years ago and put a lot of miles on vehicles. Love my Lexus but not going to put 30 or 40 k a year on it. So bought a 2004 with 40k and dry rotted tires, put new tires on the beast and drove it for 6 yrs, a couple of minor repairs and regular tires and maintenance for another 220,000 miles. It still runs strong and looks ok. Damned tank! Love it.

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  220,000 Miles and Still Going - 1996 Buick Riviera
  By Jayhawkerkid - August 3 - 2:22 pm

  I love my Riviera and if it was still made would buy another. Very few problems, original transmission, and still drives like a dream. Ive never owned such a maintenance free car.

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  Great Car - 2006 Buick Rendezvous
  By Sam Keifer - August 3 - 7:01 am

  I test drove a number of vehicles and liked the way the Rendevous felt on the road. I have been happy with the fuel economy. 21.5 average and 25.5 on the highway at 70 MPH. Overall, it is a great car. The editors and other people dont rate it like the owners...but drive it youll like it and youll like the price of insurance and the price of the vehicle.

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  Lucerne Super - 2008 Buick Lucerne
  By Larry - August 2 - 9:54 am

  Have driven Cadillacs for over 27 yrs, my last being a 2001 DHS. First Buick ever. My Buick Super is giving me excellent performance. No wind noise. Fuel economy is what is to be expected with a 292 HP Northstar engine, (20mpg city driving) and absolutely fun to drive. A great many options comes with this vehicle. Ive also saved several thousand by buying the Buick over the Cadillac with just about all the same options. Completely satisified

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  Buick has a winner with the Enclave - 2008 Buick Enclave
  By David Mellard - August 1 - 7:06 pm

  You will not be disappointed with this CUV. We love it! Buick has hit a home run with the Enclave. We traded in a 01 Expedition with the same 1st and 2nd row captain chairs as the Enclave. Im 46 and I never thought Id own a Buick but I dont regret it at all. For the money, the seating configuration, capacity, features, performance, this is an absolute bargan. We were closely looking at the GMC Acadia (which is great as well) but the luxury, quiet ride, looks won us over. We looked at many other brands in this segment but there were very few that could seat 7 with the dual captain chairs. The V6 has plenty of power and transmission seems to shift smoothly for us. Great job Buick! We are very satisfied. GM should use this as an example to improve their bottom line.

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  Little Car That Could - 1991 Buick Skylark
  By JROCK - August 1 - 3:06 pm

  I have owned my Skylark for 7 years and it has never disappointed me. I have over 186000 miles on it and it runs great and doest use oil. It starts in the winter when it is 20 below and it gets about 28.5 mpg. While the body is showing its age it is still mechanically very sound and reliable. A perfect work car.