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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  Awful Car!!! - 2006 Buick Rendezvous
  By Jeannie - April 27 - 10:32 pm

  I purchased my 06 Rendezvous in early 07. I have had nothing but problems. I was in the market to find an SUV/crossover with better gas mileage. All I got were repair bills! Everything from brakes, rotors, oxygen sensors, wheel bearings, anti-lock brakes & the AWD have needed repairs. The cost of this vehicle is amazingly high! I would NEVER recommend this vehicle to anyone!

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  Solid car - 2004 Buick Century
  By erc - April 25 - 11:46 am

  We have had this car since brand new. No major repairs beyond Brakes and rotors. Did it my self cause this car is easy to work on. Still getting 28 MPG on the hwy. My 00 LeSabre is a great car too but the Centurys mileage is so much better its our touring car. Yes, its an old man car but its comfortable and efficient. I really dont care what other people think about the car I drive. At least its not an "edge".

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  Very Nice Vehicle - 2006 Buick Rendezvous
  By DCSFORUM - April 24 - 7:31 pm

  Bought this vehicle through a private sale with 45,000 miles and still under warranty. Researched a lot of vehicles before deciding that we wanted a Rendezvous because it is a great combination of flexible utility and roominess, fuel economy, comfort and quality. This is the quietest vehicle Ive ever owned. Like the 3.5L engine a lot - smooth, quiet, and plenty of power. I have gotten over 30 mpg if I keep my foot out of it. Has a high-quality feel to it. Has a good amount of room inside for the fuel mileage. Larger utility vehicles like the Trailblazer get much worse mileage. I think they had the bugs worked out of these for 2006/2007 model years. Really a nice family vehicle.

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  I love my Regal - 1997 Buick Regal
  By GWilson - April 24 - 5:43 pm

  Got my Regal GS back in September. I have been very pleased with this $1900 in every aspect except the fuel usage (of 93 no less). I get an averaged combined of 16 mpg. Its up from the 14.5 I got before I changed the fuel filter, air filter, and added injector cleaner @1500 miles ago. But that is unacceptable considering its rated at 19mpg combined. Also the rear windows dont work. The seats are not particularly comfy and the ac blows heat sometimes. BUUUUUTTT its fast for a big ol granpa sedan. Also its very reliable.

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  Solid but not stellar - 2009 Buick Enclave
  By Freddy K - April 24 - 5:10 pm

  Car looks great and lots of compliments. Gas Mileage is not that great. Seats need more support. Very smooth and quiet. Car need more power and better transmission. GM Navigation is bad. We have an Acura MDX and Lexus GS with Nav systems that are light years better than the GM system.

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  Rear differential failures - 2003 Buick Rendezvous
  By Treize13 - April 24 - 7:15 am

  Ive had this Rendez-vous for 3 years. Bought it used with 75000kms on it. It has seen nothing but the mechanic. He should make my payments. 2 months before warranty up replaced differential with a used one, that one just fell out, Im not impressed. 4 tires worn out in 1 year ABS light always on fuel gauge doesnt work. all wheel drive ot traction light always on. still have two years to pay on it, time to trade in You think!

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  Dont like my 2010 LaCrosse - 2010 Buick LaCrosse
  By buickowner - April 23 - 11:27 pm

  After two months, I like my new LaCrosse less every day. Visibility is poor. Hard to judge front end when parking. Gas pedal to close to floor console causes you to hit your foot every time you hit the gas pedal. Cramped space for driver. Door armrests too narrow to comfortably rest your left arm. Awkward center arm rest is not located to allow comfort rest of your right arm. Switch for sunroof already not working. Trunk space is small and hard to fit a set of golf clubs. I had a Buick Lucerne and loved it...dont like the new LaCrosse...This car is being touted as a Lexus alternative. If I wanted a Lexus I would have bought one...I wanted a Buick.

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  Finally a world class GM car - 2010 Buick LaCrosse
  By done with BMWs - April 23 - 5:09 pm

  THis Buick Lacrosse is everything they said it was and exceeds Lexus and BMW

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  New owner - 2010 Buick LaCrosse
  By Sgm9 - April 22 - 7:42 pm

  Ive had the car for 5 months now and its fun to drive. I always have to answer questions about it from strangers who see it.

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  Love My LaCrosse - 2010 Buick LaCrosse
  By bt06 - April 22 - 1:30 pm

  This vehicle is all its advertised to be. Great styling, comfortable roomy interior, and good performance. The ride is super smooth almost as if your on a cloud. My gas mileage is still improving which is a major plus. When I bought I was at 17.1 mpg, now almost two months later Im at 18.4 (and still appear to be climbing). The biggest surprise to me was the room in the back. In previous vehicles I could not fit an adult or older child behind my seat. In the Lacrosse I have a ton of room back there.