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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  Im buying another one - 2008 Buick Enclave
  By anre1969 - July 15 - 1:22 am

  My Enclave saved my life! I was recently in a car accident where another vehicle hit my Enclave and totaled it. However, I was able to walk away from the accident. The Enclave absorbed most of the impact. Everyone at the body shop said this had to be one safe car for me to not have been more seriously injured. As a father of two little toddlers, Im so glad for this vehicle and cant wait to buy another one. Not to mention that it is a beautiful car and a very smooth, comfortable ride.

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  Better than expected - 2005 Buick LaCrosse
  By Rodger B - July 13 - 4:15 pm

  This is our first Buick. We had a 2001 Aurora before this. We have driven this car about 38000 miles now. Car is very quiet and handles great. Ride is very smooth. City gas mileage is 19-20 mpg, highway is 30-32 mpg. Like everyone else these days, I would like more mpg but this is better than most cars of this size. Have not needed any repairs except a battery replacement which is normal in southern Arizona. Im disapointed that there is no tire pressure monitor system on this car, Buick sure missed the boat there. This was corrected in 2006. I do wish this car had a memory system for the seat and mirror settings. Over all, my wife and I both love this car.

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  The regal Buick - 2001 Buick Regal
  By arymae oula - July 12 - 10:38 am

  I have taken this car out to west coast, at least 3 times as well as driving locally. Gas mileage is good on distant driving, not as good in city. Is a quiet ride and absorbs bumps well, I would not hesitate to buy a new one just like it. Has excellent safety features such as doors locked when in gear. Lights remain on after shutting off engine for 5 minutes. Exceptional close turning radius. Has very adequate pick up. GM did a good job on this one.

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  Buick Park Ave - Great Car - 2004 Buick Park Avenue
  By Tim Minnis - July 12 - 10:00 am

  Great ride and handling! Very good quality.

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  Buick is a beauty too. - 2006 Buick LaCrosse
  By lacrosse buick 2006 - July 9 - 3:40 pm

  My parents had a yellow 1958 Buick Super. A lot of chrome a beautiful car. The car is just as good today as it was in 1958 in the LaCrosse. Not many LaCrosses on the road. Maybe, more now, when they read this. Good mileage, comfort, I dont smoke, no ashtrays keeps people from smoking in the car. Great Idea.

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  A nice ride - 2006 Buick Lucerne
  By Tom - July 9 - 1:20 pm

  This a a great car for a lont trip, the interior really roomy, especially on the passebger side. The acceleration is very smooth and no jerking when accerlerating.

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  Better than the rest by a wide margin - 2008 Buick Enclave
  By budi - July 9 - 3:13 am

  This vehicle does so many things well. I looked at a lot of vehicles before choosing the Enclave. Other 3 row CUVs do not match up to the Enclaves value, refinement, reliability, usability (storage capacity/passenger room and comfort) Car has good acceleration for a vehicle its size and role as a luxury family hauler. The vehicle cools down quickly. You can access the third row from both sides of the car unlike the MDX and you dont have to be a contortionist. It has plenty of room behind the 3rd row for a stroller and cooler. I could go on and on.

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  The Best Vehicle Ive Ever Owned - 2008 Buick Enclave
  By Sheila - July 7 - 11:28 pm

  I love this vehicle. It drives very smoothly. I bought the navigation system and used it and OnStar for a recent trip to CA. The best road trip Ive ever taken with the turn-by-turn directions. The seats are extremely comfortable and I have it on good authority from my family that you can actually seat 3 people in the third row without being too uncomfortable. The way the second row moves forward makes it easy for people to sit in the third row and gives ample leg room for both the second and third row. I am thrilled with my purchase. The only negative is that Im only averaging 14.3 mpg in town, but do believe I hit the 24 mpg on the highway trip to CA. I love the diagnostic reports.

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  My Lucerene - 2006 Buick Lucerne
  By rod - July 6 - 10:39 am

  This Buick Lucerne is the best Buick I have ever owned. The gas mileage is everything GM said it would be, (even better, 21 city and 34+ highway.) Quality, oh yeah! Performance is really good, seating could use a little more support. I have had no trouble with options. I just cant say enough about ride quality, handling, and performance. It is more comfortable than any Benz, Ford, Mercury,or Chrysler that I have looked at in this price range. Thanks GM, you have a real winner in the Lucerne.

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  Fabulous Car - 2001 Buick LeSabre
  By Smurf87 - July 5 - 6:50 pm

  I bought my LeSabre in January 2008 with 95,000 miles on it. I was skeptical about buying a car with such high mileage but I just fell in love with its design inside and out and the performance was not what I was expecting. Its the Custom model so it doesnt have OnStar, leather or some of the other features I would have liked. Regardless it has more luxury than I need. Handles very well in the snow and is a lot of fun to drive, especially on the highway. The engine is powerful, accelerates quick, and is very reliable, yet fuel efficient. Very comfortable seats and enough features to keep one comfortable and safe (antilock brakes & 4 air bags) regardless of the length of the trip.