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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  electronic nightmare - 2009 Buick LaCrosse
  By Billee Scott Mick - September 25 - 9:24 am

  Spent 1300.00 to repair abs and traction control. I dont think anything was wrong. Sending unit is in wheel hub assembly and both had to be replaced. Two years later problem is happening again. It will be a cold day in hell before I spend more money on this piece of crap. Sad, Buick used to be a decent car! Why cant they get away from all the BS like ABS and traction control. God how I miss crank windows and keys that lock doors.

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  My new Buick - 1998 Buick LeSabre
  By Justyn Smith - September 24 - 1:47 pm

  Overall, this is a nice car. I bought it with 150,000 miles, and he 3800 engine is still going strong and giving enough power to accelerate to highway speeds comfortably. The only problem I have had so far (and its a big one) is the break lines rusting out entirely, which could have been more convenient if it had not rusted out right next to the ABS control. Overall though, it is a nice car.

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  My Buick Verano Rocks!!! - 2014 Buick Verano
  By Hilton Head Beach - September 19 - 7:47 am

  This car has awesome build quality. All the panel gaps are perfect the black paint is amazing! I constantly receive compliments. Ive owned BMW 7 series, Corvette, Lexus, Miata etc and nothing comes close to the combination of handling, quiet interior, combination of convenience, performance and economy. I love the styling and design. Ive taken 2 long trips and the combination of comfortable front seats, 2 zone temperature control, satellite radio, front crash and blind spot warning, a large trunk, getting 32 mpg at 80 mph, and powerful engine all make me very happy. On last my last trip I hauled a 600# trunk load of books, plus luggage 1450 miles up and over mountains, around sharp curves, and the car responded beautifully! One of the design choices I enjoy is how the transmission is setup ... when you touch the gas you get immediate acceleration noooo lag and touch the brake the transmission down shifts to help brake the car. It took playing with the electric drivers seat settings to keep my thighs from getting pinched and sore. It took awhile to get used to a blind spot caused by the passenger side windshield/roof pillar.

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  Quiet Luxury In A Small Package - 2014 Buick Verano
  By R.H.Beck - September 18 - 3:30 pm

  Im used to driving a larger sedan, and was really surprised by the quiet quality ride and handling of this little sedan. While the natural aspirated 2.4L engine isnt a power house, it has sufficient on-ramp acceleration for merging with freeway traffic without protest. I would probably opt for the 2.0 turbo engine if buying again but I was used to V-8 power prior to this purchase. I typically get 31-34 mpg running the 75 mph speed limits on the Oklahoma turnpike, and 33-35 on secondary highways at 65 mph. I live in an urban country setting with mixed driving, and average about 26.5 mpg locally. The Bluetooth, voice recognition, and other infotainment system functions work flawlessly. Im 511", and my wife is 51", and the car is very comfortable for both of us to drive. The interior materials are high quality with good fit and finish. Theres plenty of storage. The rear seats are very comfortable for adults, and rear leg room is adequate, but not spacious and exit and entry to the rear passenger compartment requires a little more effort. Overall, this car is a pleasure to drive.

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  WORST CAR IVE EVER OWNED - 2009 Buick Enclave
  By Lindsey - September 16 - 8:25 am

  I bought my car in Feb. 2014 with 28k miles on it... A month later the steering wheel started making a whining noise. I took it to the dealership and they said "that is common with those SUVs" and this was when the recall on the power steering came out. So I said ok, what if Im driving down the road and my power steering goes out? They said "then we will fix it." Thats safe! Fix the problem AFTER something bad happens... And shortly after this I had to replace the water pump (@ $385- which was the 2nd time it had been replaced and my car still had less than 40k miles!) Then, on my way to work one day a few months later my car made a terrible noise so I pulled over... The timing chains broke (thats great for the transmission)... So I had those replaced under special policy. A few months after that... my car was running TERRIBLY. The transmission was slipping. I took it to another dealership and they fixed the 3-5-R plate under special policy but then I needed my A/C fixed as well as a coil and spark plug replaced. I ended up paying over $475 this time. A month or so later... 2 more coils and spark plugs needed replaced as well as the front engine mount. I was quoted over $1100 and my car has 62k miles on it currently!! I got the car back after the repairs and the 2nd time I drove it it is saying "LOW OIL PRESSURE. STOP ENGINE!" So I give up. I am trading it. I dont feel comfortable selling it to someone individually! I am SICK that I have to trade because I was planning on driving this for a very long time! I have 2 children and they LOVE the DVD player. I love the back up camera and we couldnt ask for anything prettier or better on the inside! When you have a car that youre going to lose over $10k on it really makes you disgusted with the company! I have contacted GM and they say "I will note your issues" .... Its like oh thanks. Im glad youre taking the time to do that.. how about reimbursing me for all the money Ive spent in repairs, tows, missed time from work because my car wouldnt start, etc. etc.??? I will NEVER buy another GM car! Worst company ever.

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  Wonderful Car - 2012 Buick Verano
  By Nathan Shanks - September 15 - 1:51 pm

  We purchased this car brand new from GM. It had 3 miles when we purchased and now have 26k on it. We have had 2 oil changes 0 maintenance cost otherwise. We take it in when the oil change indicator goes off. The car is reliable, quiet, and has held up very well. The build quality is one of the best cars I have owned. My wife drives it every day and enjoys every aspect. I would recommended this car to anybody. This is the lowest cost of maintenance vehicle I have ever owned and one of the most well built for the price range possible.

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  My wife loves it but it has issues - 2015 Buick Enclave
  By Tony M - September 15 - 1:02 pm

  This is our second Enclave. As with the first, a strut needed to be replaced before 20k miles (both needed front right strut?), and as with the first one continuous transmission slippage between 2nd and 3rd gears. My second one also has motor-mounts that need to be replaced (31k miles on it)! It is currently in the shop where they are replacing the motor-mounts and have replicated and are trouble shooting the transmission slippage. They are most likely design/quality issues. I work with an exceptional dealership (Carl Black in Atl), and they have been the difference between me walking away from Buick vs. "Sticking it out" as they work out the kinks.

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  Buicks Best Ride - 2009 Buick Lucerne
  By Glinda Craig - September 15 - 9:54 am

  This is my second Buick. The first was a Century that was totalled my a red light runner and that car saved my life. I feel safe in my Lucerne. Its comfortable and smooth. My Century NEVER gave me a problem and my Lucerne is as reliable. Im sold on Buick. Looking for an SUV for vacations. And Im not using my Lucerne as a trade. Im going to have TWO Buicks.

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  I feel like the assembler - 2005 Buick Rendezvous
  By Bernice - September 13 - 9:24 pm

  I bought this car and immediately had to basically rebuild the whole car under the hood. The whole cooling system failed the computer went bad, had to replace many parts to the engine, the battery holder, the windows quit working and i had to rebuild the transmission. No go for me i would never get another👿

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  Reliable soldier!! AND guardian angel!! - 1999 Buick Century
  By Aji - September 13 - 8:38 pm

  This was my first car, bought at 101,000. I had it for 6 years before i traded it in, it ran like a champion the entire time I had it even when I traded it in. It was my guardian angel protecting me from all sorts of things. I was hit from the side by semi truck one time, and stepped out the car without a scratch on me. I was hit from behind on a highway, I still dont have a scratch. The car was attacked and vandalized while I was in it, I ran over an attacker, and sped away. It was also my reliable soldier, because no matter what happened to it I always knew it was going to start and get me to where I needed to go. No major repairs needed. Only basic maintenance, is needed. It was because of this car that the Buick is the only car brand I will buy hands down. Safe and reliable!! You wont be disappointed!!