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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  Enjoying - 2017 Buick Encore
  By Glen - September 26 - 1:38 pm

  Narrow front seats. Small width size for plus size men and women.

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  A keeper - 1991 Buick Reatta
  By Brian - September 25 - 4:22 pm

  I purchased this vehicle in the spring of 2000. At the time it had 110,000 miles on it. It ran and drove as great as it looked. However, being an avid automotive DYI nut, I replaced all shocks/struts, breaks, H2O hoses, water pump, and tune-up items. I have enjoyed over 5,000 trouble free miles since and expect many 10thÂ’s of thousand more. Interior space is very generous and the trunk will hold more then enough luggages for any trip planed. This car is truly a well kept secret. I time itÂ’s true spot in Buick history will be recognized. If you are fortunate enough to purchase one of these hand crafted Buicks, be prepared for a lot of attention from strangers young and old, male and female.

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  Long Rides Enjoyable - 2004 Buick Rainier
  By James Jenkins - September 22 - 2:26 am

  I travel a lot. I have found the Rainier a pleasure to drive for hours at a time. My partner also shares in the driving and I sleep quite comfortably in the reclining passenger seat, although I would prefer the seats to have a little more of a bucket-seat form to provide a more settled feel into the seat. Overall, this ride feels and handles more like my older Buick Park Avenue than an SUV. I luv it, just what I was looking for!

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  Nice Car but Typical GM Quality - 2000 Buick Regal
  By TechMom - September 20 - 6:44 pm

  This car has been solid so far in engine and tranny - its everything else thats the problem. However, to date it has needed over $4000 in extended warranty work. ABS, sunroof, fuel level sensor, climate display, front wheel bearing, tie rod, key assembly, window motors, etc. Were at 73K, and to be honest, Im frightened of the future. When this car starts costing me too much in repairs, Im buying a Honda, Weve always bought American (GM, specifically), but have come to the realization that they (GM)still dont know how to build true "quality" products. After all this time being trounced by Honda and Toyota, youd think they would have learned by now.

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  Rendezvous Well - 2002 Buick Rendezvous
  By KingKirkPA - September 15 - 10:00 am

  Rendezvous is a well designed SUV. It is comfortable to drive both on open road and in town. Forward Visibility is excellent although the backward view is somewhat restricted. It drives with a feeling of power and grace. Possibly slightly underpowered however.

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  Ordered New. Very good but not perfect - 2008 Buick Enclave
  By Glenn - September 12 - 2:23 am

  Ordered the Enclave in December and received in late February. Nice suv crossover. Heavy car that rides reasonable nice and very quite. Im looking forward to future editions already to improve on some of the deficiencies that many have already described. Overall Im very pleased with this first time purchase of a Buick. I previously owned several GM TrailBlazers and S10 Blazers. This vehicle is big inside and out. The cockpit feel is true and I flew a plane and can attest to the similar look and feel of the Cessna. Lots of forward glass with a clear unobstructed view. Back window view is very small, but not a big deal. I ordered without the overhead retractable window. Overall nice vehicle

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  This Buick could be better - 2005 Buick LaCrosse
  By Tom - September 8 - 3:41 pm

  I really like the interior and exterior styling and the fit and finish are very good. The ride is smooth and quiet. However, I drive for work and find the seat very uncomfortable after long rides day after day. It seems that along the sides of the seats there is not enough cushion to shield the driver from the metal structure beneath. It has made me think of trading in an otherwise great car earlier than planned.

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  My first car at age 65 - 2006 Buick Terraza
  By DON JOHNSTON - September 8 - 2:46 pm

  This is the best car I have ever had. My wife always pick the vehicle. I only have one problem and that is getting the little things fixed. We have a cottage in the north. I have run out of gas three times because of a faulty gas gauge. One long trips I tend to get a very severe ache in my right shoulder and we think this is from the A/C unit which has little control other than on /off.

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  LaCrosse CXS - 2005 Buick LaCrosse
  By sscott1 - September 7 - 11:33 pm

  I bought my LaCrosse three months ago and traded a 99 Regal GSE. I loved the Regal, but the premium fuel was getting expensive. I expected to get 23 MPG on the LaCrosse and am getting 19. I expected a performance hit over the Regal and I got it. I got 22 MPG with the Regal with EPA rating of 18/26. The LaCrosse is rated 19/27 on regular gas. The car is quiet and comfortable with nice features. I can live with the performance hit, but the mileage is tough to take at $3 per gallon. Anyone considering a CXS should be aware of what you will be getting on mileage. So far I have had no warranty issues. This one is my tenth GM car and will be my last. All in all I should have bought a Toyota!

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  Love It - 2003 Buick Rendezvous
  By Johnny - September 6 - 2:00 am

  Had a Jimmy then Blazer. I am a salesman on the road quite a bit. Fuem Milage is good at around 23 mpg. Ride is great compared to Blazer and the road noise is very low. Plenty of storage space.