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:
Showing 891 through 900 of 4,855.00-
Ralphs view of Park Avenue - 2004 Buick Park Avenue
By Ralph Marteri - August 14 - 10:00 amHaving first decided to buy a US made car that is roomy and gets good gas mileage, the list came down very quickly. I have had six cars with the Buick V-6 engine, and it seems to be a decent compromise. Reliability has been generally good, and I am comparing that to three S-Class Benz models I have owned.
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Excellent SUV - 2005 Buick Rainier
By Jay - August 14 - 2:15 amWe have owned the vehicle since June 05 after owning a 1990 Toyota 4 Runner. The Rainier is such a wonderful ride and very quiet. It is easy to get in and out of and with all of the standard options included, it was a no brainer. On the highway, set your cruise or before you know it, you will be over 80 mph. Mileage is 20 highway and 15 city. Leg room is plenty, both front and back seats. The Bose audio system is outstanding. The front drink holders need to be redesigned as to location, but overall, we love this vehicle.
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The American Standard! - 2006 Buick LaCrosse
By Stephen D Rau - August 11 - 7:24 amThe car features firm power seats for the passenger as well as the driver. Theyre trimmed in leather and have six-way power controls plus there is a lumbar seat adjustment. The insulation makes the car darned quiet! The CXL is the luxury version with the standard 17" aluminum wheels. It looks sleek and stylish, but iits engine is the one thats become the best running model GM makes.
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Boring - 2001 Buick Century
By MZ - August 11 - 12:58 amI have driven this car very softly and I guess it paid off for not having any problems with the car. It is now 91,000 miles on that thing. But I tell you what. it is such a boring drive, so I wanna trade it in ever single time I finish driving it. I feel the vechile is hung a little too high. but its a good car just for seating for adults.
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Buick Rainier - rock solid! - 2004 Buick Rainier
By nrund - August 8 - 2:00 amAfter researching all the luxury midsized SUVs I narrowed the list to; Lexus RX330, Toyota Highlander and 4Runner Limiteds, Infiniti FX35 and Buick Rainier. I test drove all five again. The FX35 felt like a fancy station wagon. The 4Runner was a disappointment as it rattled and lacked the quality Toyota is known for. The Highlander reminded me of the RX300 I was replacing, the dull exterior and price didnÂ’t warrant serious consideration. Only the RX330 and Rainier remained. Both are comfortable, luxuriously appointed and well constructed. RainerÂ’s rock solid construction, luxury amenities and GMÂ’s financing make the Rainier a true value.
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Getting acquainted - 2004 Buick Rainier
By palex - August 8 - 2:00 amPreviously had a van so there is an adjustment going on. The ride is excellent as well is the handling. Had running boards installed but they still do not give much of a platform to enter or exit vehicle on. The rear door is very restrictive for getting in or out. Wind noise is more then I expecdted at highway speeds. Fuel economy is only about 13.8 in town. Have not been on the road yet. Rear seart belts are difficult to connect because of a very short anchor strap. Rear seat heater is o.k. at low speeds but makes too much noise if it is turn up. Brakes feel somewhat spondgy right now..will have to have the dealer chect them.
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Very Good Car - 1998 Buick Century
By lyrical - August 4 - 1:14 pmHave not had one problem with this car. If you are long legged, this car is not for you, otherwise perfect car for ride and looks.
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CXL fun to drive - 2006 Buick LaCrosse
By Paul Colella - August 1 - 5:23 pmI have had my CXL nearly a month and already have 1800 miles on it. I love it. This is a big improvement over the Regal (I had 3 previous Regals). The ride is much smoother and quieter. I was disappointed in the performance of the 03 Regal and found it rather noisy. After reading about the new design and engineering of the LaCrosse I just had to try it. After 1 long test drive I fell in love with it. Although I passed on the heated seats option, it is a nice feature. My only regret is that I didnt get the CXS model.
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Rainier - 2006 Buick Rainier
By John T Valentine - August 1 - 12:27 amA gook looking SUV with all the options. Nice drive with power. Very quiet and a smooth ride. The fuel economy is poor, city 16 highway at 20. Headroom for a big guy like myself is not as much as I would like, but would be fine for anyone under 6 foot 1. Nice engine.
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Typical Buick - 2005 Buick LaCrosse
By C .Sheppard - July 28 - 12:50 pmVery comfortable and quiet.Interior roomy,nice leather.Exterior style boring, especially the rear! CXS should handle bettera sports sedan its not!A handling disappointment over the Olds Intrigue I traded.
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