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 loved this car! - 2003 Buick Regal
  By Betty - April 22 - 10:43 am

  I have had a 03 Regal for 6 years. I got it used with 13,000 miles. It now has 95,000 miles. The only reason I am getting rid of it is to get a SUV that will hold 3 car seats.

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  Waitin for the White one. LaCrosse CXS - 2010 Buick LaCrosse
  By He Be GB - April 22 - 12:07 am

  White Daimond Tri-Coat, 3.6 VVT V-6 with a 6 speed Tranny. It has: "Heads- Up" Display (also avail. on Corvette and Cadillac STS). Listen to Harmon Kardens 5.1 Martix Dolby Sound thru 11 speakers with USB, I-Pod, and power outlets. The Navigation system is coupled to BlueTooth, a Rear-View Camera with Audio Warning & Layout Grid. Blind-Spot indicating rear-view mirrors, that light up the driveway, blink & tilt and can be folded in. No key, just a Buick transponder. 19 inch wheels bring a customized H-Arm suspension upgrade on the CXS and a custom rear-spoiler is available. The Blue Ambient Lighting in the interior is world class. Road noise is "unheard- of" Best Car for 40K? Yep! GB

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  Poor - 2004 Buick Century
  By Alex - April 21 - 11:04 am

  I cant wait to get rid of it. I was driving at night and the lights stopped working. They didnt work with the switch on "auto" or "on". The ride is comfortable but you have to floor it to pass and it takes about 2 seconds to accelerate when going 60 just to start moving = slow!

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  Quiet and comfortable - 2010 Buick Enclave
  By Ken - April 20 - 10:32 pm

  As comfortable and quiet as our Lexus RX with more room. Love the seating and the Navigation/Audio system. Bluetooth hands free phone very convenient. Fuel economy near low end of city/hwy range and it doesnt have the pickup of the Lexus. Of course, its also 10k less than Lexus. Never had OnStar before and its a definite plus with downloadable directions to Nav system. Love the black exterior but only when its clean.

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  1998 Buick LeSabre Custom Review - 1998 Buick LeSabre
  By cccp726 - April 20 - 9:49 pm

  Bought car new in June, 1998. The first major problem was the intake manifold at 96K. $1700 later, I was back on the road. Great highway ride and very stingy with gas avg 24-25 mpg. Trans gave way at 212K had it replaced for $1400. Then I decided to have the rusted out d/s rocker replaced for $300. P/S rocker has only a little rust. Had several other issues obviously, but nothing over $700. Thankfully, I have an honest mechanic who performs service only when needed. Engine still running great at 226K with mostly highway miles. Security light came on..not worth it to fix. Left turn signal indicator needs to be manually turned off. Minor problem. Change own oil at 3-4K. Drive it easy.

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  BuickIsBack! - 2010 Buick LaCrosse
  By Mike - April 18 - 2:15 pm

  Went to our local Lexus dealer to look at the new models and left unimpressed. Way overpriced and nothing really that special - the interior in the ES looked worse than a Camrys. We thought wed take a look at this new Buick given all the recent hype and we were just floored. The interior makes you feel pampered and the exterior beautiful. Best of all it is priced just right. Coming from someone who has driven nothing but imports and saying this beats a Lexus is a huge testament to how quickly American cars are improving.

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  Wonderful All Purpose Vehicle - 2005 Buick Rendezvous
  By SW Connecticut - April 17 - 9:44 pm

  The may be the most comfortable compact SUV on the road. The leather seats are the most comfortable I have ever sat in. Handling is terrific for a SUV and highway driving is a real pleasure. Acceleration is more than adequate for a family vehicle. Cargo space is ample for the size of the vehicle. Climate control system is easy to use and works well in all types of weather. Unfortunately Buick no longer makes this vehicle, but based on the great experience with this car, we have also purchased a Buick Enclave, which we feel is one of the best vehicles available today. Reliability has been exceptional, with only normal maintenance expenses.

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  Back to Buick! - 2001 Buick LeSabre
  By Tommy Gee - April 16 - 6:35 pm

  I had a Lincoln Continental which was a nightmare! I found this one at a dealer and dumped my piece of crap Lincoln and 3K for this car. It had 81K on it. This was a one owner car that was well taken care of. The Carfax was spotless and the car was dealer serviced. I have had great performance from the Buicks I have owned and this one is a peach! I am an outside salesman so reliability and comfort are a big deal. So far, So Good! Has all the options I love for long trips, and after adding satellite radio Im very happy. The ride is a little stiff at times but a minor issue. And the cup holders are in the wrong place on the arm rest. Again, minor. Overall a beautiful car! My goal is 250K!

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  I adore this car! - 2010 Buick LaCrosse
  By BuickEnthusiast - April 16 - 3:07 pm

  I was initially nervous about buying a car after having trucks and SUVs for the last 12 years, but this car impresses me more and more as I drive it. Lots of fun, and its amazing to corner, with the adaptive suspension. The 3.6 liter V6 is sporty, and yes, I have won some stop light drags! I have had zero issues with it, and have really enjoyed the Bluetooth, hard drive and sunroof. I get tons of compliments on it, lots of people are surprised its a Buick.

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  Another GM Mistake - 1998 Buick LeSabre
  By Fred - April 14 - 9:06 pm

  Has 2 piece plastic intake manifold, which cracked at 138,000 ( I later learned they all do after 125,000 miles) leaked coolant into engine spinning main bearing. No trunk lamp, know who wants a vehicle without a trunk? DUH Tensioner pulley disintegrated at 80,000 miles, more plastic crap. Seats are made of cheap soft foam you sink into the seat. Drivers window regulator failed at 78,000 miles cheap electronics. Battery failed at 60,000 miles 7 years old. Cheap center cup holder. Brake lines burst at 125,000 miles from corrosion, they were not properly coated with protection material and placement at left front of engine compartment exposed them to elements