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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  Beautiful Car - Wish I Could Drive It - 2010 Buick LaCrosse
  By dc - March 24 - 8:20 pm

  This is an absolutely gorgeous car. I also own a Lexus ES350 and I am still undecided which is better from a design perspective. From a quality and reliability perspective Lexus beats this car and GM hands down. I purchased the CXS just over a week ago and I have only been able to drive it three times. The rest of the time it has been at the dealership. After purchase, I was not on the road for 5 minutes when I started getting warning messages. The dealer now informs me that the computer is bad so I have not been able to drive the car. I wish they could fix this problem right away because as I said it is a dream to drive and the G6 I have as a loaner is very disappointing.

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  Love my "old mans car" - 2005 Buick LeSabre
  By palmettosunshine - March 24 - 8:00 pm

  Absolutely love my "old mans car". Needed another 4 door car after getting married, did my research and knew I wanted a LeSabre. I work for a Buick dealer and I waited until the right one was traded in. Got a 1 owner Custom with 67,000 miles and couldnt be happier. My friends teased me about it until they rode in it, then they got it. Amazing ride quality, great gas mileage, enormous trunk. My wife insists we take the LeSabre when we go on trips rather than her 2008 Scion XB. If you find a low mileage LeSabre, buy it! You wont be disappointed.

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  Great Used car - 1994 Buick Century
  By jada - March 24 - 9:15 am

  Bought this car to drive to work, and its excellent. Gas mileage is terrific, good mileage, comfortable, and very dependable. Looks could be better, but it is an older car. Body has no rust. Is a little small. But I am large. So that doesnt really count. Overall what a garret little car. Well worth purchasing.

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  Good car - 2001 Buick Regal
  By john - March 24 - 1:29 am

  Had to replace passenger window regulator. did it myself for 100 dollars,was easy to do. car has 50,000 miles and runs very good. The seats are very nice and the car rides very good. The four wheel disc brakes stop the car very well, and In the rain the traction control works well, and so did the brakes when i had to make a quick wet stop. Overall i am impressed with this car.

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  Great Car - 2010 Buick LaCrosse
  By doc15 - March 23 - 10:17 am

  If youre looking for quiet and comfort the Lacrosse has it. Outstanding ride. Shuts out outside noise and bumps. Have receive many compliments on its looks on the street. Not tiring after long drives. Back seats very comfortable for adults. I would recommend this car if style and comfort are your main objectives.

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  The best free car ever! - 1996 Buick Roadmaster
  By sideiwnder13us - March 22 - 7:58 pm

  I was driving a 1986 v6 5 speed camaro that I got for $100.00 for 2 yrs. It was on its last broken leg. I was told of this 96 ESTATE WAGON for free. the old man was sick & dieing his family said If you want it you can have it. Its got just under 300. miles on it and it needed a fuel pump & a battery that I got out of my camaro. I have had it for 2 yrs now & I love it.

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  Great Vehicle - 2008 Buick Enclave
  By Jon - March 20 - 5:02 pm

  Have nearly 40,000 miles on the vehicle. Absolutely no issues and a wonderful driving experience every day. Great use of space in this vehicle. Hard to believe it has this much space, good power and still gets over 20 mpg consistently on the highway. Drives like a car with much better versatility. Home run for GM.

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  re-calibrate your tranny. - 2009 Buick Enclave
  By charlie - March 18 - 10:21 pm

  This is short and sweet.I love my enclave.Love the looks, ride, comfort,and all the extras.Was not crazy about tranny shifting so much. Checked around and found out that your dealer can change something on the computer and your car wont shift as much. Didnt take long to do and it sure makes a difference. I think there is a bulletin put out by Buick if your dealer wants to know about it. All you guys with tranny stories, check it out.It does make a difference. It wont shift as much. I hope this helps.

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  Decent car but there are better options - 2010 Buick LaCrosse
  By Josephine - March 18 - 11:21 am

  Was a loyal Toyota fan. I needed to replace my Avalon for 2010. I bought this car through the suggestion of a friend that loved this new car. Overall, I cant say Im displeased, but I should have looked at more options. The drive is kind of uninspiring, in traffic. I dont feel that there is enough steering feel as well as engine power to drive safely in this crowded area of Los Angeles

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  One of the Good Ones - 2002 Buick Century
  By Robert Neglia - March 16 - 1:35 pm

  Very few problems until last year, it seemed everything was going wrong at one time. Had leak in intake manifold gasket, Tie-Rod end went to include drive belt tensioner arm, one engine and transmission mount broke and a few other items, repairs were over $3,000 extended warranty helped, but still had to pay allot. Center brake lights shorted out few times. Inside lower door panel starting to rust. Now, getting noise after heavy rain when making steering corrections. Mileage is 14.8 city mid 20s highway. It is a bad feeling when you lose thrust in your cars reliability and those making repairs to your vehicle.